ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

Also celebrating a milestone this year is The Big Boss, a Hong Kong film released fifty years ago in 1971. This was Bruce Lee’s first leading role, playing Cheng Chao-an, a worker in an ice factory. The original director didn’t have Lee starring in the film; when he was replaced, the young martial arts expert got his opportunity. The Big Boss went on to earn 500 times more than its budget at the box office, propelling Lee to international stardom.

Notable quote:

Hsiu Chen: Why Cheng, you’re a pretty good fighter.

Cheng Chao-an: A few tricks from back home.