The Warlord (1972)
A groundbreaking Shaw Brothers comedy that launched Michael Hui Koon-Man to stardom and transformed Hong Kong cinema forever.
The Warlord - Movie Information
- Original Title: 大軍閥
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Li Han-Hsiang
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, War
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 17, 1972 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: Da jun fa (HK)
- Production Companies: Shaw Brothers
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Warlord - Plot
No list of the screen's comic geniuses would be complete without Michael Hui Kwun-man. He created a hilarious and lovable comic persona that was both uniquely Asian but also universally beloved. This, his first film, not only showcased his incomparable sense of humor but revolutionized Hong Kong comedy. Evoking Chaplin, he plays a warlord in early 20th Century China, but makes the role his own with both laughs and some of the sexiest ladies on the Shaw Brothers lot.
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The Warlord - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Li Han-Hsiang
Main Cast
- Michael Hui Koon-Man
- Chiang Nan
- Chu Mu
- Wang Hsieh
- Lily Ho
- Tina Ti Na
- Ling Ling
- Hu Chin
- Lam Wai-Tiu
- Wong Ching-Ho
Writers
- Li Han-Hsiang
Producers
- Runme Shaw
The Warlord - FAQs
Where can you stream The Warlord (1972)?
The Warlord (1972) is available to stream for free with ads on Tubi TV. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming platforms and viewing options available in your region, you can check JustWatch, which tracks current availability across multiple services.
Was The Warlord Michael Hui's film debut?
Yes, The Warlord (1972) marked Michael Hui Koon-Man's first major film role. His performance as the bumbling Marshal Pang Ta Fu introduced audiences to his distinctive comedic persona and is widely credited with helping to reshape and revitalize the Hong Kong comedy genre.
Who directed The Warlord (1972)?
The Warlord was directed by Li Han-Hsiang, one of Hong Kong cinema's most celebrated and versatile filmmakers. Li also wrote the screenplay and is known for his work across multiple genres at Shaw Brothers Studio, from epic historical dramas to bawdy comedies.
What is The Warlord (1972) about?
The Warlord follows a comedic warlord in early 20th-century China, played by Michael Hui Koon-Man. Blending slapstick humor with sharp social satire, the film draws comparisons to Chaplin-era comedy while remaining distinctly rooted in Chinese culture, featuring a colorful cast of mistresses, rivals, and scheming advisors.
How did The Warlord influence Hong Kong comedy?
The Warlord is considered a watershed moment in Hong Kong cinema. Michael Hui's performance established a new comedic template — blending physical comedy, cultural satire, and relatable everyman charm — that influenced generations of Hong Kong comedians and filmmakers throughout the 1970s and beyond.
Who are the main actors in The Warlord?
The film stars Michael Hui Koon-Man in the lead role, supported by Chiang Nan, Chu Mu, Wang Hsieh, Lily Ho, Tina Ti Na, Ling Ling, Hu Chin, Lam Wai-Tiu, and Wong Ching-Ho, all drawn from the Shaw Brothers Studio's accomplished roster of talent.
When was The Warlord released?
The Warlord was released on August 17, 1972, in Hong Kong. Produced by Shaw Brothers Studio, it arrived during a particularly vibrant era for Hong Kong cinema and quickly became a commercial and cultural success, cementing Michael Hui's status as a major comedic talent.
How long is The Warlord (1972)?
The Warlord has a runtime of 91 minutes (1 hour and 31 minutes). The film's brisk pace keeps the comedy energetic throughout, balancing farcical set pieces with character-driven humor across its tight, well-constructed narrative set in early Republican-era China.
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