The Big Boss (1971)

The Big Boss (1971)

Dir. Wei Lo

TBB was Bruce's first major film. In it he plays Zheng Chao-an (alternatively spelled Cheng in some previous editions), a Chinese man fresh off the boat and working in a Thailand ice factory. All goes well enough for the new worker until he discovers that the ice factory is more than it initially seems.

It successfully established the template for much of what followed, while also highlighting his quiet, respectful persona that resorts to violence only when all other practical options have been exhausted. As such, it's not until well into the running time that we get to see the martial arts star in blazing action. But before too long there’s some WOOO-oooo-OOOO-WAHHH! and Bruce ends up angry, shirtless and bloody.