From Bruce Lee’s duel against Chuck Norris at the Colosseum, to Donnie Yen’s thundering punches in the Ip Man series, iconic fight scenes in martial arts cinema have long enthralled audiences. Amidst this dynamic genre, one actress emerged as a true trailblazer — the legendary Cheng Pei-pei, fondly dubbed the “Queen of Swords.”

After an illustrious career spanning nearly 60 years, Cheng passed away last week at 78. The news quickly spread across the globe, where her legacy as one of the most influential female figures in martial arts movies has transcended borders and generations.

Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng relocated to Hong Kong in the early 1960s. There she joined the prestigious Shaw Brothers Studio. The studio sent her to their performing arts training school, which would serve as a catapult for her illustrious career as an actress. She would go on to star in 20 of the Shaw Brothers’ wuxia films (武俠, martial arts stories highlighting heroes and fight scenes), at a time when Hong Kong was considered the “Hollywood of the East.” She played the lead in classic films of the era including The Lotus Lamp (1965) and Come Drink With Me (1966).

Directed by the eminent King Hu, Come Drink With Me was the first major martial arts movie to feature a leading female action star. In her breakout role as a skilled swordswoman called Golden Swallow, Cheng blended her dancing background with fierce fighting prowess as she impressively performed her own stunts. Challenging traditional depictions of women and notions of femininity in martial arts movies, this role paved the way for new generations of aspiring actresses, including future icons such as Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, as well as influencing the portrayal of female assassins seeking revenge in films such as Kill Bill (2003).

After a lull in acting and having divorced her Taiwanese husband Yuan Wentung in 1987, Cheng became bankrupt and returned to Hong Kong during the 1990s to relaunch her career — demonstrating her sheer strength and determination to succeed. Later, through her supporting role as the fierce assassin Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s award-winning hit Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Cheng reached even wider international fame. Her commanding performance earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2001, further cementing her legacy as a leading figure in martial arts movies.

Even today, the legendary actress’s iconic performances continue to inspire filmmakers and actresses alike. Her indelible mark on the industry has challenged stereotypes and redefined what is possible for women in martial arts cinema. As the “Queen of Swords,” Cheng’s trailblazing path has left an enduring legacy that resonates with audiences around the world.

Banner image via Film at Lincoln Center.