# The Big Boss (1971) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/the-big-boss-1971/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-31

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 68% |
| Editorial Rating | 71/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 79% (excluded from composite) |
| Metascore | 62/100 |
| Letterboxd | 3.4/5 |
| IMDb | 7/10 |
| Director | Lo Wei |
| Genres | Action |
| Runtime | 99 min |

## Quick answer

The Big Boss (1971) earns a 68% Celluloid Score — Recommended. Lee’s first leading role, and the moment Hong Kong action stopped imitating anyone — raw, cheap, and electrifying whenev Metascore 62/100. Directed by Lo Wei.

## Celluloid verdict

Lee’s first leading role, and the moment Hong Kong action stopped imitating anyone — raw, cheap, and electrifying whenever he moves.

## Synopsis

Cheng is a young Chinese mainlander who moves in with his expatriate cousins to work at an ice factory in Thailand. He does this with a family promise never to get involved in any fights. However, when members of his family begin disappearing after meeting the management of the factory, the resulting mystery and pressures force him to break that vow and take on the villainy of the Big Boss.

## Cast

Bruce Lee, Maria Yi, James Tien Chun, Marilyn Bautista, Han Ying-Chieh, Tony Liu Tian-jue, Li Kun, Nora Miao

## Where to watch

the United States: not currently streaming
the United Kingdom: not currently streaming
South Korea: Wavve, TVING
Japan: Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is The Big Boss worth watching?**
The Big Boss holds a 68% Celluloid Score. Lee’s first leading role, and the moment Hong Kong action stopped imitating anyone — raw, cheap, and electrifying whenever he moves.

**What is The Big Boss about?**
Cheng is a young Chinese mainlander who moves in with his expatriate cousins to work at an ice factory in Thailand. He does this with a family promise never to get involved in any fights. However, when members of his family begin disappearing after meeting the management of the factory, the resulting mystery and pressures force him to break that vow and take on the villainy of the Big Boss.

**Who directed The Big Boss?**
The Big Boss (1971) was directed by Lo Wei.

**What is the Celluloid Score of The Big Boss?**
68% — calculated from available Celluloid editorial (71/100), Metascore (62/100), Letterboxd (3.4/5), and IMDb (7/10) inputs. Audience sentiment is excluded.

**Where can I watch The Big Boss?**
The Big Boss is on Wavve, TVING in South Korea; on Prime Video, Hulu, U-NEXT in Japan. Availability varies by region.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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