GENRU
Kung Fu
Catch the high kicks and hard hits with some of the best and most classic kung fu titles. Influencing action filmmaking the world over, kung fu has become the jewel in the crown of Asian cinema. Witness the martial arts mastery and highflying stunt work from kung fu icons such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
The Big Boss
| Directors: | Lo Wei |
| Cast: | Bruce Lee, Maria Yi, James Tien, Han Ying Chieh |
| Production Year: | 1971 |
The film that established Bruce Lee as an international star, The Big Boss was the first in a string of classic films that would make Lee the kung fu legend and cultural icon he is today.
Out to start a new life, Cheng (Bruce Lee) moves to Thailand with his cousins, and with a sworn oath to his mother that his fighting days are long behind him. Things seem to be going well for Cheng as he and his cousins land a job at the local ice factory, run by The Big Boss, Hsiao Mi (Han Ying Chieh). However, after the unusual disappearance of his co-workers, including cousins Chiao Mei (Maria Yi) and Hsiu Chien (James Tien), Hsiao Mi’s true intentions with the ice factory are revealed, forcing Cheng to break his sworn oath and confront The Big Boss.
The Way of the Dragon
Award: 1973 Golden Horse Awards - Best Film Editing
| Directors: | Bruce Lee |
| Cast: | Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, Chuck Norris |
| Production Year: | 1972 |
Marking Bruce Lee’s only foray into writing and directing, The Way of the Dragon is considered one of kung fu cinema’s all time classics.
Bruce Lee plays the role of martial artist Tang Lung, who moves to Rome from Hong Kong to assist his cousins with their restaurant business. After being put under pressure by local mobsters to sell their property, Tang Lung must not only adapt to his new and unfamiliar environment, but he must also deal with the constant harassment from a slew of enemies sent after him by the villainous mob boss. With Tang Lung proving to be a worthy opponent, the action culminates in a classic showdown at Rome’s famed Colosseum, against the mob boss’ hired hand, Colt, played by esteemed American martial artist Chuck Norris.
First of Fury
Award: 1972 Golden Horse Awards - Best Film Editing
| Directors: | Lo Wei |
| Cast: | Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien |
| Production Year: | 1972 |
A classic story of honour and revenge, Bruce Lee’s charismatic performance in Fist of Fury helped to solidify his status as a kung fu icon across the world.
Set in early 20th century Shanghai, a young student of the Jing Wu School of Martial Arts, Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee), returns home to learn of the tragic murder of his beloved master, perpetrated by members of a treacherous rival Japanese marital arts school. In a fit of rage, Chen Zhen takes it upon himself to investigate his master’s murder, find out who the culprits are, and exact his brand of hard-hitting revenge.
Once Upon a Time in China
Award: 1991 Golden Horse Awards - Best Music Score
| Directors: | Tsui Hark |
| Cast: | Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Yuen Biao, Yen Shi Kwan |
| Production Year: | 1991 |
The first of Tsui Hark’s renowned epic series of films, Once Upon a Time in China is the film that defined Jet Li as an action superstar destined for the international stage, with his portrayal of the legendary Chinese folk hero Wong Fei Hung. Set in late 19th century China, the increasing Western presence in the area begins to escalate hostilities between Chinese and Western forces. Under the request of the Black Flag Army, martial artist Wong Fei Hung begins to recruit and train a militia of kung fu warriors to help protect the town. Meanwhile, Leung Fun (Yuen Biao) and his master Yim (Yen Shi Kwan), begin to collude with the infamous local gang Sha Ho to oppose Wong and his militia. In order to execute their plans, the Sha Ho and Yim assist Western forces in a dastardly plot of their own, forcing Wong and Leung Fu to confront the realities of a Western presence in Asia.
Once Upon a Time in China II
Award: 1992 Golden Horse Awards - Best Theme Song
| Directors: | Tsui Hark |
| Cast: | Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Donnie Yen, Zhang Tie Lin |
| Production Year: | 1992 |
Asian action hero Jet Li returns as kung fu master Wong Fei Hung in this sequel to the box office hit Once Upon a Time in China.
While attending a medical convention, Wong Fei Hung befriends the like minded, Dr. Sun Yat Sen (Zhang Tie Lin), a Chinese revolutionary rebel fighting\ for China to become a Republic. Impeding the rebel cause is General Lan (Donnie Yen), an official of the Imperial government, which opposes Sun’s ideas of revolution. Making matters worse are the frequent attacks by the White Lotus Society, an extreme nationalist cult intent on removing Western influences in China by any means necessary.
When the government begins to collude with the White Lotus Society to threaten the rebel cause, Wong must once again rise as the champion of the people, and fight the imposing threat on Dr. Sun’s revolution.
Once Upon a Time in China III
Award: 1994 HK Film Awards - Best Film Editing
| Directors: | Tsui Hark |
| Cast: | Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Max Mok, Xiong Xin Xin |
| Production Year: | 1993 |
The story of martial arts folk hero Wong Fei Hung continues, as Jet Li reprises his role for the third film in the epic Once Upon a Time in China series.
Visiting his father in Beijing, just as the Empress calls for a national King Lion Competition, Wong Fei Hung finds a rival in Leung Fun (Max Mok) and his formidable fighter, Club Foot (Xiong Xin Xin ), who had previously attacked his father. Meanwhile, Wong also faces a possible romantic rival for Aunt Yee’s (Rosamund Kwan) affection in a Russian diplomat whom she knew back in school. However when a plot to assassinate the Governor at the lion dance competition is uncovered by Aunt Yee, Wong must now enter the competition and use his skill to save the Governor and defeat Leung Fun.
The Young Master
| Directors: | Jackie Chan |
| Cast: | Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Wei Pai, Whang In Sik |
| Production Year: | 1980 |
Directed by and starring action funny man Jackie Chan, The Young Master features an abundance of Chan’s trademark slapstick humor and high-energy stunt work.
When two rival schools are entered in a lion dance competition, Dragon (Chan) must take the place of his brother and star pupil, Tiger (Wei Pai), after suffering an injury. However, when the loss of the competition reveals Tiger’s defection to the rival school, a disgraced Tiger is banished, delving deeper into his new school’s shady dealings, and participating in a jailbreak that frees their leader Kam (Whang In Sik). Vowing to bring Tiger back to make amends with his master, Dragon sets out after him, but a case of mistaken identity leads to a run in with local authorities. To avoid the arrest of him and his brother, Dragon must now apprehend Kam, and clear both their names of the crimes they are being sought for.
Swordsman
Award: 1990 Golden Horse Awards - Best Supporting Actor, Best Theme Song
| Directors: | King Hu |
| Cast: | Sam Hui, Cecilia Yip, Jacky Cheung |
| Production Year: | 1990 |
The first part of an epic trilogy that helped revitalize the lagging martial arts genre, Swordsman brings to the screen all the magic and swashbuckling action that one has come to expect from Hong Kong kung fu films.
A young swordsman named Ling Wu Chung (Sam Hui) and his tomboy sidekick Kiddo (Cecilia Yip) are tasked with a quest to recover a sacred scroll stolen from the Imperial library. The scroll contains the secret to a powerful martial arts technique assuring martial arts supremacy for whoever possesses it. With domination up for grabs, many warring martial arts factions begin their search as well, and they are all more than willing to kill to get it. This leads to a power struggle marked by betrayal, double crosses and broken allegiances, culminating in a spectacular showdown for possession of the scroll.
Swordsman has been hailed as a masterpiece that has successfully captured the essence of supernatural martial arts. A gem that’s definitely not to be missed by fans of the genre.
Awards :
1990 Golden Horse Awards - Best Supporting Actor: Jacky Cheung
1990 Golden Horse Awards - Best Theme Song
1991 HK Film Awards - Best Action Choreography
1991 HK Film Awards - Best Theme Song
Iron Monkey
| Cast: | Donnie Yen, Yu Rong Guang, Yen Shi Kwan Directed by: Yuen Woo Ping |
| Production Year: | 1993 |
Set during the late Qing Dynasty when the government is marred with corruption, Dr. Yang (Yu Rong Guang), the owner of a herbal medicine clinic, leads a secret life as masked martial arts hero Iron Monkey, stealing from his village's wealthy government officials and giving money to the impoverished townsfolk
With all attempts by authorities to capture Iron Monkey proving unsuccessful, a traveling physician Wong Kei Ying (Donnie Yen) is forced by the Governor to find the masked thief, after the arrest of his son Wong Fei Hung.
However after seeing the extent of the government's corruption first hand, Kei Ying decides to align himself with Iron Monkey to fight the powerful government official and Shaolin monk, Hiu Hing (Yen Shi Kwan).
The Magnificent Butcher
| Directors: | Woo-Ping Yuen |
| Cast: | Sammo Hung, Lee Hoi San, Fan Mei Sheng |
| Production Year: | 1980 |
'Butcher', Lam Sai Wing (Sammo Hung) is the most talented, yet the most troublesome pupil of legendary kung fu master Wong Fei Hung (Kwan Tak Hing). As his master leaves town for a business trip, Butcher soon gets up to his mischievous ways. While attempting to stop a robbery, he runs afoul of homegrown scoundrels Master Ko (Lee Hoi San) and his son Tai Hoi (Fung Hark On).
Meanwhile, Butcher’s long lost brother Lam Sai Kwong (Kam Chiang) comes to town with his beautiful bride Yuet Mei (Jing Tong). However trouble arises when the gullible Sai Kwong is conned by Tai Hoi into thinking Butcher owes him a lot of money, taking Yuet Mei as payment.
Riddled with guilt and ready to take his life, Butcher is saved by Beggar So (Fan Mei Sheng), an old friend of Wong Fei Hung, and a fellow kung fu master. As the two unite to save Yuet Mei from Master Ko, a whole new set of problems arise that will challenge Butcher to be the best kung fu master he can be.
Mr. Vampire
Award: 1986 HK Film Awards - Best Music Score
| Directors: | Ricky Lau |
| Cast: | Lam Ching Ying, Ricky Hui, Moon Lee, Chin Siu Ho |
| Production Year: | 1985 |
Produced by Sammo Hung, Mr. Vampire continues Hung’s long line of ‘Jiang Shi’ martial arts vampire movies, helping to revolutionise, the Asian horror genre. Taoist priest Kou (Lam Ching Ying) faces the daunting task of re-burying a rich man’s father in the hope that the new tomb will bring further prosperity. The frightening twist comes when the corpse comes back to life, along with a foul and vengeful netherworld gang. Desperately trying to right his wrongs, Priest Kou finds himself sinking in deep trouble as apprentice Man Choi (Ricky Hui) turns into a vampire himself and Chou (Chin Siu Ho) is reduced to a weak soul possessed by a fierce female ghost.
Zu: Warriors from the Majic Mountain
| Directors: | Tsui Hark |
| Cast: | Yuen Biao, Adam Cheng, Damian Lau |
| Production Year: | 1983 |
With a stellar cast and breathtaking visual effects, Tsui Hark’s offbeat sci-fi fantasy film, Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain completely breaks away from the style of traditional wuxia films before it.
Set in a time when the forces of evil have unleashed themselves to kill and conquer, and the forces of righteous immortals are woefully splintered and vulnerable, swordsman Ti Ming Chi (Yuen Biao) flees to Heaven Realm to search for two celestial swords which can give out immense power when they are combined, ultimately stopping the impending arrival of an all consuming evil. Allied with his reluctant Master Ting-Yin (Adam Cheng), and aided by a band of heroes, a deadly battle among humans, immortals and evil spirits soon erupts.
Fearless Hyena
| Directors: | Jackie Chan |
| Cast: | Jackie Chan, James Tien, Yen Shi Kwan, Li Kuen |
| Production Year: | 1979 |
In his directorial debut, Jackie Chan plays Lung, a talented fighter training under the expert guidance of his grandfather (James Tien). Though receiving strict orders from his grandfather never to fight in public, the defiant Lung begins to fight to make some extra money. Unbeknownst to Lung, his grandfather is one of the few remaining practitioners of an ancient martial arts style, and the evil Yen (Yen Shi Kwan) wishes to obliterate all the survivors of this nearly extinct clan. When Lung’s disobedience results in his grandfather's identity being revealed to the enemy, and is killed, he begins to train under a new Master (Li Kuen), for his ultimate showdown with Yen.
Spooky Encounters
| Directors: | Sammo Hung |
| Cast: | Sammo Hung, Chan Lung, Chung Fat, Wong Ha |
| Production Year: | 1980 |
Produced by Sammo Hung, Spooky Encounters seamlessly infuses kung fu with horror and humor, effectively defining the ‘Jiang Shi’ martial arts vampire movies for years to come.
Courageous Cheung (Sammo Hung) has the reputation of being the bravest man around. Carrying such a reputation often leads him to accept various challenges to test his courage. His wife’s secret lover is a wealthy and powerful man who wishes Cheung out of his way before he discovers his wife’s infidelity. Hiring a taoist priest to get rid of him, Cheung is challenged to spend the night in an old abandoned temple were the priest will use his dark magic to attempt to bring an end to Cheung’s life.
Dragon Lord
| Directors: | Jackie Chan |
| Cast: | Jackie Chan, Sidney Yim, Mars, Michael Chan |
| Production Year: | 1982 |
Best friends Dragon (Jackie Chan) and Cowboy (Mars) frequently find themselves in trouble. However, nothing compared to anything they will experience after they meet Tiger (Michael Chan), a desperate man in hiding from Chinese Imperial Guardsmen conspiring to steal priceless artifacts from the Forbidden City. Blissfully unaware of the situation, Dragon and Cowboy give Tiger a place to seek shelter, only to face the wrath of the Captain of the Guardsmen and his men when their hiding place is discovered.
The Prodigal Son
Award: 1983 HK Film Awards - Best Action Choreography
| Directors: | Sammo Hung |
| Cast: | Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung, Lam Ching Ying, Frankie Chan |
| Production Year: | 1982 |
Sammo Hung’s crowning achievement, The Prodigal Son introduces the new fluid concept of the Wing Chun style at its most captivating.
Leong Tsan (Yuen Biao) is a spoilt youngster who thinks he is a remarkable kung fu exponent, ignorant that under his father’s orders, all of his opponents are paid to lose to him - until he meets up with an unrelenting opera performer and Wing Chun master Yee Tai (Lam Ching Ying). Angry at his father’s deception after being beaten by Yee Tai, Tsan is humbled, deciding to improve his kung fu skills and asking Yee Tai to take him as a disciple. Though initially refusing, Yee changes his mind after a Manchu prince, Lord Ngai Fa (Frankie Chan), and his men kill everyone in the opera troupe but the two of them. But when Yee himself is killed by the Manchu prince, it is up to Tsan to avenge his fellow troupe members.
Knockabout
| Directors: | Sammo Hung |
| Cast: | Yuen Biao, Leung Ka Yan, Sammo Hung |
| Production Year: | 1979 |
Knockabout is Sammo Hung’s brilliant cinematic gem for kung fu movie lovers, blending comedy with flawless kung fu action. His meticulous interplay of the two ingredients is vividly demonstrated in this film.
Yipao (Yuen Biao) and brother Taipao (Leung Ka Yan) make a living out of swindling their unsuspecting victims. Before long, their tricks turn sour and they find themselves stripped of cash with nowhere to turn to. Desperate for protection, they scurry under the wing of kung fu master Chia, only to pay a heavy price when they discover their master is a conman with a violent past. Salvation comes in the unlikely shape of Fatty the Beggar (Sammo Hung), who shows them what real kung fu is all about.
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