Remembering Hwang Jang Lee

Today we’re tipping our hats to the iconic Hwang Jang Lee who has sadly passed away. I saw him and heard his amazing stories when Eastern Heroes brought him to the UK in 2014, but never had a chance to meet. He is cultural icon of kung fu cinema, and true force of nature from a bygone cinematic era.

It’s hard to encapsulate how this martial arts veteran became a notorious screen villain, synonymous with some of Hong Kong cinema’s best loved movies. And, in the grand tradition of action cinema, he was a formidable rival to some of the most popular stars.

A martial arts student from the age of 14, he later became a teacher and was employed as an instructor for the South Korean and South Vietnamese armies in the Vietnam War, during which time he reportedly killed someone in self-defence, a story only adding to his mythic status!

He would find work as an actor in South Korea, before producer Ng See-yuen ushered him into the Hong Kong industry, casting him in 1976’s The Secret Rivals. Undoubtedly though, it was his roles in Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master, appearing opposite Jackie Chan - a new breed of action-comedy star on the ascent - that placed Hwang Jang Lee on the map as force to be reckoned with. Ideal timing, yes, but the Korean kicker had the tools to deliver exactly what they needed. His longtime training and accolades in Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do, forging his famous dexterity, earned him the nicknames “Thunderleg” and “King of the Leg Fighters”. Even early in his career, he often stole the show, commanding the screen with his physical skill and showcasing natural charisma.

Some of his other best-loved work would include The Invincible Armour, Ninja in the Dragon’s Den, Hell’s Wind Staff, Game of Death II and Millionaire’s Express. I also love the gloriously titled Hard Bastard (!). He even made his directorial debut with Hitman in the Hand of Buddha. Many of his films would go on to become cultural touchpoints of the genre, paid tribute in films, documentaries, books and sampled in hip hop music. RIP Thunderleg (1944-2026).