Life Gamble (1978): Cast & Plot
Life Gamble is a 1978 action drama directed by Chang Cheh, starring Alexander Fu Sheng as Yun Xiang, Lo Meng and Ku Feng. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Director
- Chang Cheh
- Original language
-
Chinese - Studio
- Shaw Brothers
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Life Gamble About?
The premise of Life Gamble without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Renowned director Chang Cheh pairs his latest star Alexander Fu Sheng with future Venom actors Lo Meng and Kuo Chue, supported by a strong cast of seasoned performers and striking starlets. The story follows a kung‑fu‑trained blacksmith who battles four infamous robbers, while a villainous gambling boss plots their downfall, delivering an entertaining, action‑filled adventure.
Life Gamble Themes & Keywords
· 20 tags- maiming
- pickpocket
- jade
- martial arts master
- knife throwing
- metal arm
- cheating
- secret weapon
- gambling
- knife thrower
- martial artist
- secret technique
+8 more Show fewer
- blacksmith
- jade figurine
- kung fu
- backstabbing
- stolen goods
- treachery
- martial arts
- kung fu master
Life Gamble Cast & Characters
Alexander Fu Sheng leads the cast as Yun Xiang, with Lo Meng as Mo Jun-Feng and Ku Feng as Chief Constable Xiao. Directed by Chang Cheh; 28 actors are credited in all.
- Director Chang Cheh
- Alexander Fu Sheng as Yun Xiang
- Lo Meng as Mo Jun-Feng
- Ku Feng as Chief Constable Xiao
- Chiang Sheng as Xiao Tang
Also Starring in Life Gamble
· 24 more- Lin Chen-Chi Xiao Qiang
- Lu Feng Yan Zi-Fei
- Yu Tai-Ping Master Nan's Man (uncredited)
- Li Yi-Min Master Nan
- Shirley Yu Sha-Li Peng Shuang-Shuang
- Kara Wai Ying-Hung Xiao Hong
- Lam Fai-Wong Cui
- Johnny Wang Lung-Wei Mao Kai-Yuan
- Dick Wei Jin Ba
- Phillip Kwok Qiu Zi-Yu
- Jamie Luk Kim-Ming
- Cheung Hei
- Bruce Tong Yim-Chaan Wu Hao
- Lau Wai-Ling Zhen Liu-Xiang
- Chow Kin-Ping Mao Kai-Yuan's Man (uncredited)
- Ha Kwok-Wing
Show all 28 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Siu Yuk-Lung Master Nan's Man (uncredited)
- Chan Hung
- Tony Tam Chun-To
- Lau Fong-Sai
- Suen Shu-Pei Cheng Zhang-Po
- Lai Yau-Hing
- Leung Cheuk-Kwan
- Suen San-Cheung
More from Chang Cheh
More films directed by Chang Cheh: Journey to the West, Shanghai 13, The Nine Demons and Death Ring.
Life Gamble Plot Summary
What happens in Life Gamble from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 6-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
An aging blacksmith Qiu Zi Yu is drawn back into a dangerous world when knife-throwing expert and hired killer Mo Jun-Feng [Lo Meng] shows up with a blueprint for a new set of blades. Despite having retired from weapon making, Qiu Zi Yu finds himself tempted to take on the project, only to be confronted with hostility and threats aimed at his workshop and employees. The tension rises when Xiao Tang [Chiang Sheng] arrives with a simple request to fix his horse-carriage, and his partner, the alluring but lethal Xiao Qiang [Lin Chen-Chi], enters the scene with a warning about Qiu’s past.
Full summary
The whole story of Life Gamble, scene by scene
Life Gamble Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Life Gamble.
How Well Do You Know Life Gamble?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the aging blacksmith who is pulled back into the world of weapon making?
Life Gamble Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “Sheng si dou” and “Sang sei dau”.
- Also known as
-
- Sheng si dou
- Sang sei dau
- Life Combat
- 生死门
- Игра на жизнь
- O Dragão Vermelho
- มีดสั้นสะท้านฟ้า
Seen Life Gamble?
Movies Like Life Gamble
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Mighty Gambler, My Life’s on the Line and The Casino.
Life Gamble FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of Life Gamble, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Life Gamble?
Life Gamble runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was Life Gamble released?
Life Gamble was released on April 26, 1978.
Who directed Life Gamble?
Life Gamble was directed by Chang Cheh.
More films by Chang Cheh Who is in the cast of Life Gamble?
Life Gamble stars Alexander Fu Sheng as Yun Xiang, Lo Meng as Mo Jun-Feng and Ku Feng as Chief Constable Xiao, among 28 credited actors.
Does Life Gamble have a post-credit scene?
No. Life Gamble has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Life Gamble in?
The original language of Life Gamble is Chinese.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
