Big Brother Cheng (1975)
Shaw Brothers' number one action hit of 1975, and deservedly so. The character of one-man kung-fu dynamo Big Brother Cheng and kung-fu superstar Chen Kuan-tai were made for each other. A Robin Hood-like restaurant manager who socks it to the thugs in order to make the mean streets of Hong Kong a little less mean, Big Brother Cheng made his first appearance in the extremely popular The Tea House, the success of which spawned this even more successful sequel.
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Reviews
Don't Believe the Hype
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
"Big Brother Cheng" is the sequel to the 1974 cult hit "The Teahouse," also starring the legendary kung fu idol Chen Kuan Tai. Chen plays brother Cheng Wang, the owner of the teahouse that was almost destroyed in the first film, by thugs who he stood up against. This film finds brother Cheng returning to the restaurant that he was driven from, when his family of workers need his help once again, to fight the crime in their area. This one is not as gritty as it's predecessor, and more episodic. But Chen Kuan Tai is always great to see on screen, and the character 'darkie Wen' returns from the first film. Now out of prison, with a newly shaved head, he has reformed, and has developed a sense of honor, as well as a strong dedication to brother Cheng. This one plays out like a Chinese "Death Wish," with Cheng going to ever greater extremes to punish the local gangs for their crimes. He pushes them too far however, and they eventually go after his beautiful wife, and later, his friend Darkie Wen. These vicious killings begin a war in the middle of the city, with Cheng as the avenging angel. Nothing really new here, but still this is a good film, and an opportunity to see Chen Kuan Tai in one of his first features. Like it's predecessor, "The Teahouse," there is no kung fu, and this will disappoint many fans. Still a worthy film with some great scenes, and unforgettable moments, like when the Teahouse workers kidnap three neighborhood rapists and force them to walk in circles naked, with weights tied around their genitals! Slow to start, but "Big Brother Cheng" picks up momentum in it's third act, and finishes on a strong note. Recommended, but see "The Teahouse" first.