# The Big Boss (1971) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/the-big-boss-1971/
Last reviewed: 2026-07-25

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 70% |
| Critic Score | 71% |
| Audience Score | 79% |
| 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 70% 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.

## Critics consensus

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

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is The Big Boss worth watching?**
The Big Boss holds a 70% 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?**
70% — the average of five public sources: critics 71%, audience 79%, Metascore 62/100, Letterboxd 3.4/5, and IMDb 7/10.

**Where can I watch The Big Boss?**
Streaming availability varies by region — see the The Big Boss page for current options.

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

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