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The Web of Death

Name: The Web of Death
Director: Chor Yuen
Released: 1976
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

1976

Director

Chor Yuen

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film serves as a classic example of 1970s wuxia, prioritizing genre-specific clichés over social disruption. While it offers female characters significant power through leadership roles, these characters are often portrayed through a sexualized lens. The narrative is culturally homogeneous, reflecting the specific East Asian cinematic identity of the Shaw Brothers studio. It lacks LGBTQ+ representation, focusing instead on traditional romantic conflicts. Ultimately, the film's depth comes from its atmospheric world-building and martial arts politics rather than an intentional effort to challenge systemic social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Web of Death have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on heterosexual romantic relationships, particularly the affair between Lo Lieh and Angela Yu Chien. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.

How does The Web of Death portray gender?

Fair

Female characters like Angela Yu Chien hold significant power as sect leaders. However, their portrayal often emphasizes their sexuality, suggesting a reliance on the male gaze.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Web of Death?

Good

This Shaw Brothers production maintains a consistent East Asian ethnic focus. It avoids Western-centric casting clichés common in other eras of cinema.

How does The Web of Death represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot follows traditional martial arts morality and sect rivalries. It adheres to established genre conventions regarding honor and vengeance.

Does The Web of Death include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Female characters occupy high-ranking leadership positions with significant influence.
The film provides a strong sense of East Asian cinematic identity.
Avoids Western-centric casting clichés through its culturally consistent focus.

Limited or Absent

Reliance on the male gaze when portraying powerful female characters.
Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or queer subtext within the narrative.
Adherence to traditional, heterosexual romantic clichés.

Official Synopsis

Lo Lieh is the ringleader of the Snake Sect, intent on reviving a deadly faction known as the "Five Poison Web." In order to do so, he has an affair with the sexy ringleader of the Scorpion Sect, Angela Yu Chien. However, there is also the Centipede Sect to contend with, as well as other assorted martial artists, among them played by Shaw Brothers talents Yueh Hua, Ching Li, and Lily Li.

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