Big Boss, The (UK)

7 / 10
4 votes cast
Rate this item
Inline Image

KARATE KUNG-FU! The new screen excitement that gives you the biggest kick of your life!
Certificate: 18
Running Time: 96 mins
Retail Price: £19.99
Release Date:

Synopsis:
On arrival in Bangkok, a young man finds work in an ice factory. But he makes discoveries which leave him fighting for his life.

Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Feature Length Audio Commentary
Animated Biography Showcase
Original Theatrical Trailer (containing rare deleted footage)
Hong Kong Promotional Trailer
UK Promotional Trailer
Interview Gallery with key cast members

Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1

Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 Cantonese
Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 English

Subtitle Tracks:
English
Dutch

Directed By:
Wei Lo

Written By:


Starring:
Bruce Lee

Soundtrack By:
Fu-ling Wang

Director of Photography:
Chen Ching Chu

Editor:
Fan Chia Kun

Production Designer:
Liu Chu

Producer:
Liang Hua
Raymond Chow
Lei Cheng

Distributor:
Hong Kong Legends

Your Opinions and Comments

8 / 10
The Big Boss is Bruce Lee`s first feature film in which he has the starring role. You must see this film if you like Martial Arts. Lee is a legend, who`s work is preserved forever on this Special Edition DVD.

Lee plays Chen Chao-An, in a story which is basically not worth going into because, like most Chinese Martial Arts movies it is just a basis for a lot of action and fight scenes.

When I first sat back to watch this DVD release, I was amazed by the quality of the picture. This film is nearly 30 years old, yet it is clear and very sharp throughout - obviously someone at HKL loves it enough to spend a lot of time restoring it.

Sound is, as usual, not exactly brilliant, but hey, we can`t have everything. You do get the original Cantonese language as well as the English track. Also included is a fascinating audio commentary by Bey Logan, who seems to know everything about Chinese cinema - fans must listen to this.

There are plenty of other extras to have a look at - a well designed Bruce Lee filmography and biography, the usual HKL music promos, the original trailer (featuring rare deleted footage), and a selection of promotional photographs.

I should also mention that this is the first time The Big Boss has been released fully uncut in Britain - 8 scenes have been reinstated, making this the difinitive collector`s edition.

Buy it now.
posted by Chris Legg on 25/12/2000 21:14
7 / 10
Bruce Lee`s first major role shows why he was such a special talent. The Big Boss sees Bruce travel to Thailand to work with his family who soon have problems with their bosses who use ice as a front for their drug dealings. They stumble accross the little scam and walk right into trouble.

The picture is excellent the sound kinda lets the package done with a bog standard mono soundtrack. The extras aren`t bad either the directors commentary the stand out.

Overall this movie has some cool fight scenes and is a great way to while away an hour and a half.
posted by James Clews on 10/11/2001 21:35
6 / 10
Bruce Lee`s stardom began with this film. I can understand why this film made such an impact at the time. However, over time the film has dated badly and doesn`t really stand up as a decent martial arts movie. The only reason it was successful and the only reason to still watch it is because of Bruce Lee.
One realises what a major star this man could have been (his legendary status is based on a handful of films!). Unbelievable fighting technique, raw strength and lightning speed combined with acting talent and charisma, you realise why Bruce Lee is a legend.
The DVD is as expected from HKL, professional, good quality and some interesting but light extras.
As I said before, the film is average at best. Nonetheless, watch it to discover Bruce Lee.
posted by morpheus177 on 18/2/2003 18:10