Tung Li
(Tong Chien-Cho)
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Biography
He's like a lot of other actors, who, given enough to do, can look quite impressive. But, outside from films like The Cavalier and Secrets Of Snake & Crane starring Meng Fei and Tan Tao-Liang, he just doesn't seem to get the roles that make-or-break a career. He's skills never seem to rise above a "3rd-rate" kung-fu fighter, even though his acting seems to be quite good. His career started in the Swordplay genre, which seemed to suit his skill-level at that time.
Just when I thought he was gonna get his chance to shine in the plot-a-minute Moonlight Sword & Jade Lion with Angela Mao and Wang Tao, he just didn't seem to deliver the goods. He was pretty good in Legend Of The Living Corspe, going up against Carter Wong, but, like many who searched for success as a kung-fu star, he was only given the opportunity to prove himself in (2) leading roles that I can think of. The kung-fu/horror blend Devil Woman and the obscure, Duel Of The Dragons.
While, many were trying to fill Bruce Lee's shoes, he took the opportunity to star in the film that gave him some popularity at the time. In the film Devil Woman, he went by the name “Alex Tung-Lee” and got his chance to show what he was made of. He displayed decent skills in a “Lee-like” film (complete with white outfit from The Chinese Connection), but not enough to continue a career, as a leading man. As with others who failed to make a dent as a star in films, he still managed to carve out a successful career starring in character parts and bit roles throughout the 70’s and 80's. He is the brother of Shaw actor, Chuan Yuan.