Rage of the Master A.K.A. The Hero • 威震四方 (1972)

Rage of the Master (1972), also released as The Hero, Wang Yu, the Destroyer, The Destroyer, Rage of the Tiger, Rage of the Masters, and Wei Zhen Si Fang (威震四方), is a Taiwanese martial arts classic directed by Wong Hung-Chang. Starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Lisa Chiao Chiao, Li Yi-Min, Lung Fei, Shan Mao, and Han Chiang, the film combines revenge, traditional kung fu, and hard-hitting action in a classic early-1970s Taiwanese production.

STORY OVERVIEW

Before his father dies, Tiger Wong promises to leave violence behind. When a ruthless casino boss and his gang massacre a kung fu school and terrorize a nearby village, Tiger is forced to break his vow. He takes on the gang in a series of brutal confrontations that lead toward a final showdown.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Rage of the Master delivers the hard-hitting fighting style that made Jimmy Wang Yu one of the biggest stars of early martial arts cinema. Fast hand-to-hand combat, multiple-opponent fights, and gritty action give the film its old-school Taiwanese kung fu character.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Rage of the Master is a strong choice for collectors seeking rare Taiwanese kung fu outside the major Hong Kong studios. Jimmy Wang Yu leads a memorable cast through a straightforward revenge story filled with traditional martial arts and tough villains.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1972, Rage of the Master reflects the independent Taiwanese martial arts productions that flourished during the early-1970s kung fu boom. With a screenplay by Ni Kuang, it remains an interesting entry from Jimmy Wang Yu's peak period.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Rage of the Master – International English title
  • The Hero – Original English release title
  • Wei Zhen Si Fang – Romanized original title
  • 威震四方 – Original Chinese title
  • The Destroyer – Alternate English title
  • Wang Yu, the Destroyer – U.S. home video title
  • Rage of the Tiger – Alternate international title
  • Rage of the Masters – Alternate export title
• Director: Wong Hung-Chang
• Producer: C.Y. Yang
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Cinematography: Liao Chiang-Wen
• Action Director: Kuan Hung
• Production Company: Hai Hua Cinema Company
• Distributor: Hai Hua Film Company
• Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lisa Chiao Chiao, Li Yi-Min, Lung Fei, Shan Mao, Han Chiang, Cheng Fu-Hung, Yeh Tien, Chang Ping-Yu, Tsao Chien
• Country: Taiwan
• Genre: Martial Arts, Kung Fu, Action, Drama
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Hand-to-Hand Combat
• Format: DVD
• Language: English Dubbed
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 89 Minutes
• Release Year: 1972

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