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The Big Boss

The Big Boss is a 1971 film from Hong Kong and Thailand, directed by Lo Wei, running 110 minutes. reelscum files it under martial arts.

Poster for The Big Boss
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Year
1971 · 1970s films
Country
Hong Kong · Thailand
Runtime
110 min
Director
Lo Wei
Updated
29 Oct 2026
Obscurity
canon (6/100)
Also known as
Fists of Fury · The Big Boss

Defined in the glossary: Martial arts

Lee's first lead, and the star arrives fully formed.

Bruce Lee's first leading role, made in Thailand for Golden Harvest, and the film that made him a star across Asia overnight. He plays a young man who has sworn off fighting, working at an ice factory that fronts a drug operation, until the murder of his cousins finally unleashes him.

Lee is electric even in a rough production, and the long-delayed moment when he finally fights is one of the great star-making entrances.

Crude around Lee and transcendent whenever he moves.

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