The Casino

Chang Tseng Chai was an award-winning director in Taiwan before, and after, he joined the Shaw Brothers Studio to make a mere seven films. Each of these movies was respected for the same skill he brought to all his productions. This film was considered one of his best, a fascinating thriller of people gambling with their money, their love, and their lives. It all takes place in a possibly mythical “Lucky Casino” somewhere in North China after the Chinese Revolution. There, two lovers meet after being separated for years, and vow to rid the establishment of corrupt military leaders, cheaters, extortionists, and criminals. They finally succeed, but at a terrible price. Lily Ho, of Princess Iron Fan fame, and Yueh Hua, star of Raw Courage, are the star-crossed, tragic lovers, who bet on righteousness, and came up blood red.