Tag Archives: Jeong Chang-hwa

Five Fingers of Death (1972)

Five Fingers of Death | Hong Kong │ Martial Arts • Action

Director: Chang‑hwa Jeong

Kung fu fighter prepares to strike in Five Fingers of Death (1972)
Fight Stance from Five Fingers of Death (1972)

What You’ll See

Follow young martial artist Li Xing as he trains under master Meng Tung‑Shan to master the legendary iron‑palm technique and compete in China’s premier kung fu tournament. But when Li’s path crosses that of a ruthless crime syndicate led by rival Huang Sheng, the quest for glory turns into a fight for survival. The riveting story in Five Fingers of Death includes intense training montages, bone‑crushing sparring sessions, and a breathtaking final tournament battle that helped introduce American audiences to authentic kung fu cinema.

Watch Five Fingers Of Death Free On Pave TV

Five Fingers of Death Cast

The Untold Backstory

Originally released in Hong Kong as King Boxer on April 28, 1972, the film was retitled Five Fingers of Death for its U.S. debut in March 1973—becoming the first Shaw Brothers kung fu movie to secure wide American theatrical distribution. Producer Run Run Shaw and director Jeong Chang‑hwa enlisted choreographer Lau Kar‑wing to craft authentic combat sequences, which contributed significantly to Five Fingers of Death’s groundbreaking success. Meanwhile, screenwriter Yang Chiang and the editing team navigated Hong Kong’s censor board by trimming gore for the domestic cut and then restoring it for overseas markets. Warner Bros.’ savvy marketing—pitching Lo Lieh as the next martial‑arts sensation in the wake of the TV series Kung Fu—ignited the 1970s “chop‑socky” craze and paved the way for the blockbuster success of Enter the Dragon later that year.

Explore More Martial Arts Gems

▶️ Watch Pave TV Free on Roku

Read More