Na Cha the Great A.K.A. Na Zha • 哪吒 (1974)

Na Cha the Great (1974), also released as Na Zha, Nezha Conquers the Dragon King, and Na Cha and the Seven Devils, was originally released as Na Zha (哪吒), also romanized in Cantonese as Na Cha. Directed by legendary filmmaker Chang Cheh for Shaw Brothers Studio, the film stars Alexander Fu Sheng, Lo Dik, Chiang Tao, Fung Hak-On, Yuan Man-Tzu, Lee Wan-Chung, Lin Ching, and Jamie Luk Kim-Ming. Adapted from the classic Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods, this unusual fantasy martial arts adventure combines Chinese mythology, supernatural weapons, mythical creatures, and spectacular Shaw Brothers action.

STORY OVERVIEW

Born from a miraculous lotus flower, the extraordinary Na Cha is destined to become one of China's greatest legendary heroes. Under the guidance of the immortal Taiyi Zhenren, he masters powerful weapons and incredible martial arts abilities. After a deadly encounter with the Dragon King's son sparks a supernatural conflict, Na Cha is drawn into an epic struggle involving gods, warriors, and the Dragon Palace without revealing the film's unforgettable finale.

MARTIAL ARTS & FANTASY HIGHLIGHTS

Na Cha the Great blends traditional Shaw Brothers martial arts with Chinese mythology, creating a colorful fantasy adventure unlike most kung fu films of its era. Magical weapons, immortal warriors, dragons, supernatural battles, and inventive action choreography give the film a distinctive style while showcasing Chang Cheh's ambitious approach to mythological storytelling.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Na Cha the Great remains one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most distinctive fantasy productions. Collectors appreciate Alexander Fu Sheng's energetic early starring performance, Chang Cheh's imaginative direction, and the film's adaptation of one of China's most enduring mythological legends. It makes an unusual and entertaining companion to the studio's traditional wuxia classics.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1974 during the golden era of Shaw Brothers martial arts filmmaking, Na Cha the Great brought one of China's best-known mythological heroes to the screen. The film also provides an early showcase for Alexander Fu Sheng before he became one of Hong Kong cinema's most popular martial arts stars.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Na Cha the Great – International English title
  • Na Zha – Alternate English title
  • Nezha Conquers the Dragon King – Alternate English title
  • Na Cha and the Seven Devils – Home video title
  • Na Zha – Official Mandarin pinyin
  • Na Cha – Cantonese romanization
  • Kwong Cha – Alternate romanized title
  • 哪吒 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 哪吒 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Na-Jan il piccolo titano – Italian title
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Based on: Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi)
• Starring: Alexander Fu Sheng, Lo Dik, Chiang Tao, Fung Hak-On, Yuan Man-Tzu, Lee Wan-Chung, Lin Ching, Jamie Luk Kim-Ming, Li Chen-Piao, Sze-Ma Wah-Lung, Eric Tsang
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Fantasy, Wuxia, Martial Arts, Adventure
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Fantasy Combat
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 90 Minutes
• Release Year: 1974

Prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.