Box-Office Rivalry

Trying to compare Liu's directed output to Chang's, would be like trying to compare Liu's film appearances, to Chang's film appearances, directed films, and screenplays - combined. We know Chang made more films and we know Chang had more clout, but there are numerous things to be considered, before just calling Chang Cheh the #1 director of Kung-fu films and leaving it at that. Was Chang the better director? Again - looking at the number of films that he made (to most) the answer is clear. Whose films made the most money? Again - look at Chang's production rate + the number of Hits he had and you get your anwer - easily. It's like a person skilled in Photography, would probably make a better Cinematographer, than someone who knew nothing about photography.

While Liu was a director, Chang only entered the Top-10 once - (with a film that Liu choreographed for him - Disciples Of Shaolin).
Even then, Liu's film (Spiritual Boxer - #7) came in ahead of Chang's film (at #8). This was the beginning of Liu's filming style coming into play. It would take Chang (2) years, before he began to churn out more exceptional films like Chinatown Kid and 5 Deadly Venoms. By this time Liu had hit his stride and was considered a master filmmaker (along the lines of Chang), himself. While, many of Chang's films were "hit & miss" - Liu methodically, took his time, making each film better than the previous one and never looked back.

• [1973] - Blood Brothers - Chang knew here, how important Liu was, choreographing this film without Tang Chia **
• [1974] - 5 Shaolin Masters - Considered by many to be Chang's best Shaolin film +
• [1975] - Boxer Rebellion - Film Chang called his epic masterpiece +
• [1975] - Disciples From Shaolin - Considered Fu Sheng's best film by Chang Cheh +
• + = Films choreographed by Liu Chia-Liang/Liu Bros
• Chang Cheh - concentrated on Fong Sze-Yu **, Hung Sze-Kuan, and Pai Mei
• Liu Chia-Liang - concentrated on Wong Fei-Hung **, Hung Sze-Kuan, and Pai Mei
• Compare both director's - Hung Sze-Kuan and Pai Mei films ++

Liu never made less than $1-million on a film = no flops

Box-Office

Chang Cheh Boxer From Shantung + Brave Archer Part-3 5 Deadly Venoms Shaolin Rescuers Legend Of The Fox Duel Of Fists 5 Shaolin Masters Five Element Ninjas Brave Archer & His Mate The Water Margin New One-Armed Swordsman The Brave Archer The Chinatown Kid Brave Archer-2 Crippled Avengers Sword Stained With Royal Blood The Heroic Ones Invincible Shaolin The Duel Heroes 2 Disciples Of Shaolin Return Of The One-Armed Swordsman One-Armed Swordsman The Blood Brothers Shaolin Martial Arts Life Gamble Young People The Angry Guest Shaolin Temple The Anonymous Heroes Macro Polo Two Champions of Shaolin Boxer Rebellion Kid With The Golden Arms Magnificent Ruffians Flag Of Iron The 4 Riders Trilogy Of Swordsmanship Man Of Iron Have Sword, Will Travel

Top Box-Office $ 2,006,935.30 $ 1,889,396.00 $ 1,814,609.70 $ 1,797,578.50 $ 1,790,217.00 $ 1,727,738.10 $ 1,693,684.00 $ 1,628,717.00 $ 1,627,031.00 $ 1,602,156.50 $ 1,596,530.00 $ 1,540,867.00 $ 1,537,867.40 $ 1,491,457.90 $ 1,432,402.50 $ 1,421,617.00 $ 1,395,310.50 $ 1,389,084.00 $ 1,375,619.20 $ 1,363,601.70 $ 1,319,161.60 $ 1,295,394.20 *** $ 1,295,394.-- [same ??] $ 1,283,896.30 $ 1,283,178.00 $ 1,228,770.50 $ 1,223,950.00 $ 1,221,526.30 $ 1,220,594.10 $ 1,201,152.90 $ 1,198,860.20 $ 1,181,152.50 $ 1,172,518.70 $ 1,159,574.00 $ 1,123,196.50 $ 1,104,269.00 $ 1,095,137.30 $ 1,062,847.40 $ 1,059,092.50 $ 1,031,768.90

Liu Chia-Liang Drunken Master-2 ** Tiger On The Beat ** Aces Go Places-5 ** Martial Arts Of Shaolin ** Legendary Weapons Of China Tiger On The Beat-2 ** Drunken Master-3** Lady Is The Boss Martial Club Cat Vs. Rat 8 Diagram Pole Fighter Return Of The 36th Chamber My Young Auntie 36th Chamber Of Shaolin Shaolin and Wu-Tang Executioners From Shaolin Heroes Of The East Mad Monkey Kung Fu Dirty Ho Clan Of The White Lotus + Shaolin Mantis Disciples Of The 36th Chamber Drunken Monkey Carry On Wise Guy ++ Spiritual Boxers Challenge Of The Masters Fist & Guts ++ Spiritual Boxer Part-2 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Top Box-Office $ 40,971,484.-- $ 27,865,158.-- $ 20,032.206.-- $ 18,106,589.00 $ 9,913,242.00 $ 8,682.000.-- $ 7,076,791.-- $ 5,077,592.00 $ 5,073,077.00 $ 4,472,000.00 $ 3,792,852.00 $ 3,632,892.00 $ 3,346,256.00 $ 2,965,013.20 $ 2,812,952.00 + $ 2,655,185.90 $ 2,467,722.00 $ 2,002,800.00 $ 1,822,332.00 $ 1,675,824.50 $ 1,620,656.00 $ 1,595 033.-- $ 1,535,600.-- $ 1,509,143.00 + $ 1,419,441.00 $ 1,417,740.60 $ 1,337,310.10 + $ 1,271,091.00 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

++ Chang never surpassed the $2-million mark again, during his whole career. Boxer From Shantung was his only film to do this and ironically, Liu (again) helped choreograph the action.

(He choreographed 18.5 of Chang's top money makers).

** These films were made post-Shaw Brothers. Even if they weren't included, Liu's Box-Office receipts would still top Chang's.

The Sad Truth

If we truly looked at their Box-Office receipts, we'd see that throughout Chang's career, he only made around $10-million in U.S. ($).
(U.S. = $1 per $7 HK dollars)

Disciples of Shaolin 1975 Hong-Kong 2 602 028 HK$ +++ Chang's biggest film - LCL

Where Chang's films have enormous amounts of bloodshed, Liu came out with a film, where no one got killed.

Liu Hui-Liang smells his toes in Disciples Of Shaolin and Fists Of The White Lotus

LCL even uses (2) of Chang's stars (Ti Lung, CKT) in his 1st film, in cameo roles

LCL outdid his work on Disciples Of Shaolin, with 36th Chambers Of Shaolin (both open with he same form/kata) - pun on name also - every one in Shaolin is considered a "Disciple" of Shaolin and the "36th Chamber" was established as the NEW/Highest you could go - Master Killer sounded even more harsh, as Chang was considered the Master or the best Kung-fu director around.

Shoe-Knife in - Rebel Intruders and Dirty Ho (both 1979)

Money In The Bank

Drunken Master-2 (1994), would be Liu's only #1 film at the Box-Office. He would earn his 1st Golden Horse Award.

Ironically, the year Chang Cheh died (2002), Liu came out with his 1st film in ? years - (Drunken Monkey), 10-years after Chang's last film,
A Ninja In Ancient China.

In (2007) Liu would earn his 2nd Golden Horse Award (for Choreography) for the film, 7 Swords.

Neither man ever won a Golden Horse for Directing.

Chang Cheh had a quota of (25) films to make in (5) years - to help pay off a debt to the studio.

Liu didn't have a quota of films to make.

"There is no friendship, which lasts forever and no perpetual enemy..." --  (Life Gamble)

It is not known, if Liu attended Chang's funeral.

# Chang received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 Hong Kong Film Awards.

+ Chang died June 22nd, 2002.

# Liu received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Hong Kong Film Awards.

+ Liu would die June 25, 2013, (11) years & 3-days after Chang.

# - Had they kept a regular burial schedule, Liu may have had his funeral and been cremated on July 7th - the same as Chang Cheh and the day that Alexander Fu-Sheng, died.

Compare

Chang Cheh (Nickname: Daddy) Born Feb. 10 (1923) Hangzhou, Zhejiang Background Writer, Director Joined Shaw Bros (1962) Known For Heroic Bloodshed (where, virtually, everyone dies), the Male-bonding of knight-errants, and a fascination with Martyr-dom. His Professionalism and the ability to start new Trends in film. His films served to Entertain audiences, with acts of heroism, bloody fights, and tales of the Wandering Knight, who always risked his life to save family, friend, and/or country. What He Learned From Liu Shaolin's history & its' heroes The history of Hung Kuen Lessons on Choreography Realism of fighting The need for competent Choreographers That bloodshed/killing wasn't always needed Initial Kung-fu Film (Won (3) Asia-Pacific Film Awards) Vengeance Ironically, one of the few films that Liu Chia-Liang didn't work on (with Tang Chia), while being employed by Chang. It won (3) Asia-Pacific Film Awards and became an instant classic. It also started a new trend in filmmaking - "The Republic Era" films. Set in the 1920's, there was no need for pigtails, ancient weapons, or heavy make-up. Many performers preferred acting in these. Stars Chang's Helped He appeared in Angry Guest Prevented AFS from starring in SF/SITES gave Hui Ying-Hung her start used former LCL pupil Fu Sheng he had the Venoms + others he introduced Chin Hsiao-Hao in '79 Similiar Film Aspects Boxer Rebellion* (Invincible Armor) -'76 Shaolin Avengers (Pei Mei) -'76 Ninja In The Deadly Trap, with Yasuaki Kurata playing the ninja * "Iron Head" in KWTGA Yang Ching-Ching was used in 2 Champions Of Death Liu Hui-Liang smells his toes in Disciples Of Shaolin Liang Ting/Lu Feng/Robert Tai were given MAI credits/LCL was co-dir Groundbreaking Films Has 5-Wrist Rings per arm. Released in (1975) (Same Form) Vengeance 5 Shaolin Masters * Disciples Of Shaolin * Boxer Rebellion * Shaolin Temple Chinatown Kid The 5 Deadly Venoms Crippled Avengers Invincible Shaolin 5 Element Ninja Film Barbs Marco Polo/Spiritual Fists/BR New Shaolin Boxers (Choy Li-Fut) - student goes away to learn a higher form of martial-arts, under a master Shaolin Avengers (Pai Mei) Heaven & Hell (LCL co-dir) -'80 Shaolin Temple - uses dummy (EFS) 5 Deadly Venoms - about different styles Daredevils Of Kung Fu (acrobatics)- '79 The Destroyers - (guest can't leave) 2 Champions Of Shaolin 2COS = Shaolin & Wutang [both have fighting women] Avenging Shaolin Warriors (Pei Mei-2) 10 Tigers Of Kwangtung = 8 Diagram Pole Fighters Darkest Films 5 Deadly Venoms Masked Avengers Box-Office Receipts Basically, all of his films made money, but, the fact that he made so many (up to (5) a year), helped his films stay profitable. The fact was, he had a certain quota of films to fill, with his new contract. 1975 #8 - Disciples Of Shaolin ** - ($1,319,161.60) 1976 #15 - Shaolin Temple - ($1,220,594.10) 1977 #20 - The Brave Archer - ($1,540,867.00) 1978 #13 - The Five Venoms - ($1,814,609.70) + #19 - Brave Archer Part 2 - ($1,491,457.90) #21 - Crippled Avengers - ($1,432,402.50) 1979 #21 - Shaolin Rescuers - ($1,797,578.50) #39 - Life Gamble - ($1,228,770.50) #42 - Kid With The Golden Arms - ($1,159,574.00) 1980 #29 - Legend of the Fox - ($1,790,217.00) #51 - 2 Champions of Shaolin - ($1,181,152.50) 1981 #47 - Brave Archer Part 3 - ($1,889,396.00) + #57 - Sword Stained With Royal Blood - ($1,421,617.00) 1982 #75 - 5 Element Ninjas - ($1,628,717.00) #76 - Brave Archer & His Mate - ($1,627,031.00) 1983 #106 - The Weird Man - ($466,847.00) Selected Film Classics The Bottom Line Chang won (1) AFA award for Director (1970) Made more films for Shaw Bros Two of his movies won Golden Horses Last Top 10 film, was in (1975) Chang has had (?) number 1 films Never won a Golden Horse Award Total Box-Office Receipts For Shaw Brothers 1975 #08 - Disciples Of Shaolin - ($1,319,161.60) #11 - Marco Polo - ($1,198,860.20) #25 - All Men Are Brothers - ($817,246.30) #64 - The Bloody Escape - ($335,359.50) #77 - Fantastic Magic Baby - ($263,488.10) 1976 #15 - Shaolin Temple - ($1,220,594.10) #17 - Boxer Rebellion - ($1,172,518.70) #28 - New Shaolin Boxers - ($909,239.60) #32 - Shaolin Avengers - ($857,982.60) #37 - 7 Man Army - ($789,573.90) 1977 #20 - The Brave Archer - ($1,540,867.00) #21 - Chinatown Kid - ($1,537,867.40) #40 - Mag. Wanderers - ($813,185.60) #46 - Naval Commandos - ($694,325.70) 1978 #13 - 5 Deadly Venoms - ($1,814,609.70) #19 - Brave Archer-2 - ($1,491,457.90) #21 - Crippled Avengers - ($1,432,402.50) #22 - Invincible Shaolin - ($1,389,084.00) 1979 #21 - Shaolin Rescuers - ($1,797,578.50) #39 - Life Gamble - ($1,228,770.50) #42 - Kid With The Golden Arm - ($1,159,574.00) #44 - Magnificent Ruffians - ($1,123,196.50) #60 - The Daredevils - ($849,538.00) 1980 #52 - Legend of the Fox - ($1,790,217.00) #96 - 2 Champ of Shaolin - ($1,181,152.50) #105 - Flag of Iron - ($1,104,269.00) #130 - Rebel Intruders - ($972,314.50) #199 - Heaven & Hell - ($556,912.00) # ? - 10 Tigers Of Kwangtung - ($?) 1981 #47 - Brave Archer-3 - ($1,889,396.00) #57 - Sword Stained With Royal Blood - ($1,421,617.00) #85 - Masked Avengers - ($951,371.00) 1982 #75 - 5 Element Ninjas - ($1,628,717.00) #76 - Brave Archer-4 - ($1,627,031.00) #97 - Ode to Gallantry - ($1,013,819.00) #103 - House of Traps - ($704,570.00) 1983 #106 - The Weird Man - ($466,847.00) _________________________________________ Film Totals = $41,471,731.10 Selected Film Classics

Liu Chia-Liang (Nickname: Pops) Born Sept. 3, 1937 Canton, Guangdong Background Martial-artist, Stuntman, Choreographer, Director Joined Shaw Bros (1966) ? Known For Historical Events (where, sometimes, NO one dies), the bonding of Teacher/student, and a fascination with Shaolin Heroes. Being a Perfectionist, as each film set a presidence, that became hard to beat. His films served to Educate audiences, with profound tales of heroic men, who abided by Shaolin's Code & Creed to find a way other than killing, to see problems solved or justice served. What He Learned From Chang How to setup shots Directing Techniques (slow motion) What looked good on film Taking chances with Trends (Comedy) Dealing with studio heads The need for a solid crew of professionals Initial Kung-fu Film (Made more money at the Box-Office) Spiritual Boxer With his debut film, he began to establish himself, as a serious director. The film made a hefty profit at the Box-Office and he began to educate viewers on the finer points of the martial-arts (Hung Kuen). He became one of the first Martial-arts Choreographers, to become a director. It is believed that his experience as a M.A.I., made the difference, in his films. Stars Liu's Helped He appeared in COTM/Mad Monkey/LITB/MK-3/MYA/LWOC/8DPF Gave Wong Yu the role & made him a star Made Hui Ying-Hung a star Worked with All Chang's former stars Had Gordon Liu + others he introduced Hsiao Ho in '79 Similiar Film Aspects Spiritual Boxer (Invincible Armor parody) -'75 Executioners From Shaolin - (Pai Mei) - '76 Heroes Of The East, with Yasuaki Kurata playing the ninja. "Iron Head Kung-fu" in LWOC Yang Ching-Ching was used in Fists Of The White Lotus Liu Hui-Liang smells his toes in Fists Of The White Lotus Liu's MAI credit for the film is replaced, yet appears in The Shaw Book Groundbreaking Films Has 7-Wrist Rings per arm. Completed in (1977) (Same Form) Spiritual Boxer * [iron armor] Challenge Of The Masters Executioners From Shaolin Heroes Of The East 36th Chamber Of Shaolin Martial Arts Of Shaolin 8 Diagram Pole Fighters Mad Monkey Kung Fu Shaolin Mantis-'78\ barb - Lo Mang Legendary Weapons Of China Film Barbs Spiritual Boxer - beat out Spiritual Fists Challenge Of The Masters (Hung Fist) Executioners From Shaolin (Pai Mei) My Young Auntie (modern)/first film -'80 36th Chamber Of Shaolin - various training Heroes Of The East - about different styles Mad Monkey Kung Fu (acrobatics) - '79 Shaolin Mantis (guest can't leave) Return To The 36th Chamber (remake) LCL did Shaolin & Wu-Tang Fists Of The White Lotus - (Pei Mei-2) Li Au-Pao/Hung Wei-Ting - "avenging shaolin Warriors" Hsiao Ho wears Chiang Sheng's F.O.I. costume - CAT VS RAT Shaolin Vs Wu-Tang ** Martial Arts Of Shaolin ++ Darkest Films Shaolin Mantis 8 Diagram Pole Fighters Box-Office Receipts Since he started directing, every film that he made, out-grossed those of Chang Cheh. While, Chang made films at a Production-line pace, Liu paid extreme attention to details. 1975 #7 - Spiritual Boxers - ($1,419,441) 1976 #10 - Challenge Of The Masters - ($1,417,740.60) 1977 #4 - Executioners From Shaolin - ($2,655,185.90) 1978 #5 - 36th Chamber Of Shaolin - ($2,965,013.20) #10 - Heroes Of The East - ($2,467,722.00) #17 - Shaolin Mantis - ($1,620,656.00) 1979 #18 - Mad Monkey Kung Fu - ($2,002,800.00) #20 - Dirty Ho - ($1,822,332.00) #36 - Spiritual Boxer Part 2 - ($1,271,091.00) 1980 #7 - Return To The 36th Chamber - ($3,632,892.00) *** #34 - Clan Of The White Lotus @ - ($1,675,824.50) 1981 #10 - Martial Club - ($5,073,077) #27 - My Young Auntie - ($3,346,256) 1982 #9 - Legendary Weapons - ($9,913,242.00) #27 - Cat Vs. Rat - ($4,472,000.00) 1983 #22 - Lady Is The Boss - ($5,077,592.00) Selected Film Classics The Bottom Line LCL never won an award as a Director Made more money, with less films for SB Liu won Golden Horse for Choreography (only) Last Top 10 film, was in (1994) Liu had (1) number 1 film - it grossed more than almost all of Chang's films combined! Has won (2) Golden Horse Awards Total Box-Office Receipts For Shaw Brothers 1975 #07 - The Spiritual Boxer - ($1,419,441.00) - - - - 1976 #10 - Challenge Of The Masters - ($1,417,740.60) - - - - 1977 #04 - Executioners From Shaolin - ($2,655,185.90) - - - 1978 #05 - 36th Chamber Of Shaolin - ($2,965,013.20) #10 - Heroes Of The East - ($2,467,722.00) #17 - Shaolin Mantis - ($1,620,656.00) - 1979 #18 - Mad Monkey Kung Fu - ($2,002,800.00) #20 - Dirty Ho - ($1,822,332.00) #36 - Spiritual Boxer-2 - ($1,271,091.00) - - 1980 #07 - Return To The 36th Chamber - ($3,632,892.00) #57 - Clan Of The White Lotus - ($1,675,824.50) ++ - - - - 1981 #10 - Martial Club - ($5,073,077.00) #25 - My Young Auntie - ($3,346,256.00) - 1982 #09 - Legendary Weapons - ($9,913,242.00) #27 - Cat VS Rat - ($4,472,000.00) - - 1983 #22 - Lady Is The Boss - ($5,077,592.00) _________________________________________ Film Totals = $50,832,865.20 Selected Film Classics

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