Chu Yuan is a Hong Kong director, screenwriter and actor, born in Guangzhou, Hong Kong. He is the son of veteran actor Zhang Huo You. Although inspired by his father, he studied chemistry at the Chung Shan University. Later on, his desire to make movies took over, and he began his film career as a scriptwriter in 1956.

He added directing to his resume in 1957. Upon being signed by the Shaw Brothers in 1971, his first project at Shaw's was "Duel for Gold". Then he immediately made a name for himself by directing the highly acclaimed "Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan", then by writing and directing the 1973 version of "The House of 72 Tenants". But it was with magnificent martial arts movies and superlative swordplay films that he garnered fame, especially in his collaborations with the wuxia genre's most renowned fiction writers.

After the unique style of martial arts movies created by the directors King Hu and Chang Cheh, Chu Yuan became famous for his own style of swordplay dramas, usually starring Ti Lung and a cast of beautiful actresses.

Since the temporary easing down of the production of the Shaw film units, Chu managed to gain new fame as an actor, making memorable appearances in films, including Jackie Chan's "Police Story" and Wong Kar Wai's "Those Were the Days".

(Source: HKCM, IVL) Edit Biography