The Assassin A.K.A. The Great Assassin • 大刺客 (1967)

The Assassin (1967), also released as The Great Assassin, and originally titled Da Ci Ke (大刺客), is a landmark Shaw Brothers wuxia film directed by Chang Cheh. Starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Chiao Chiao, Li Hsiang-Chun, and Tien Feng, the film combines historical drama, swordplay, honor, sacrifice, and tragic heroism in one of Chang Cheh's most important early productions.

STORY OVERVIEW

During China's Warring States period, warrior Nie Zheng is asked to assassinate a ruthless Han Chancellor whose rule has brought fear to the kingdom. Knowing the mission could cost him everything, Nie accepts and prepares for a deadly confrontation.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Assassin features elegant swordplay, large-scale battles, and emotionally charged duels. Jimmy Wang Yu delivers a commanding performance as the tragic hero, while Han Ying-Chieh's action choreography combines traditional wuxia techniques with hard-hitting combat.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Assassin is an essential early Chang Cheh film and an important piece of Shaw Brothers history. Collectors appreciate Jimmy Wang Yu's powerful performance, the historical setting, dramatic swordplay, and themes of loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1967, The Assassin helped establish Chang Cheh's signature themes of heroic sacrifice and masculine honor. Its success further cemented Jimmy Wang Yu as one of Hong Kong cinema's leading martial arts stars and helped shape the future of wuxia filmmaking.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Assassin – International English title
  • The Great Assassin – Alternate English title
  • Da Ci Ke – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Daai Chi Haak – Cantonese romanization
  • 大刺客 – Original Chinese title
  • 대자객 – Korean release title
  • El asesino – Spanish release title
  • O Assassino – Portuguese release title
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh
• Action Director: Han Ying-Chieh
• Music: Wang Fu-Ling
• Cinematography: Tadashi Nishimoto
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu, Chiao Chiao, Li Hsiang-Chun, Tien Feng, Huang Chung-Hsin, Chao Hsin-Yen, Chang Pei-Shan, Lei Cheng, Ku Feng, Wong Chung-Shun
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Historical, Swordplay, Drama
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Chinese Swordsmanship
• Based On: The historical legend of Nie Zheng from the Records of the Grand Historian
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Uncut)
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 121 Minutes
• Release Year: 1967

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