In the 1950s, the concept of kung fu films promoted by the Hong Kong film industry began to take shape in people's minds. Then, the 70s martial arts superstar Bruce Lee brought kung fu films to the international stage with his personal influence and "Jingwumen". In the 1980s, "Shaolin Temple", which was participated by outstanding martial arts athletes and filmed on the basis of a martial arts resort, pushed kung fu films to a new height and became popular in the international film world.
《Jingwumen》
Kung Fu films also benefit heavily from Peking Opera. In the mid-20th century, as traditional forms of entertainment declined, many actors began to look for new jobs in Hong Kong's fledgling film industry. Yu Zhanyuan, a martial artist and a beijing opera master, founded the Chinese Drama Studies Academy, which produced actors and directors like Jackie Chan, Hong Jinbao, Yuan Biao and Yuan Heping, who created several box office blockbusters over the next 40 years.
Seven little blessings
Today, with the decline of the Hong Kong film industry, kung fu movies seem to be in a slump. Veteran kung fu superstars such as Hong Jinbao and Jackie Chan have gradually faded out of the film circle, and in the international arena, there are more kung fu stars like Tony Jia in Thailand and Iko Uas in Indonesia, with few Chinese faces. But there is no doubt that at least for now, Hong Kong kung fu films are still the kings of this type of film, after all, this is our invention. Today, Xiaobian has compiled 22 classic Hong Kong kung fu films, allowing us to relive the golden age of Hong Kong kung fu films.
Jingwumen (1972)
For many people, Bruce Lee is the best representative of Hong Kong kung fu films, and he is such a legend. Of the four kung fu movies he starred in in his lifetime, Jingwumen was probably the best one. The film's high quality is reflected not only in its fierce fight scenes, but also in its nationalism, and he responds most strongly to China's mockery of being the "sick man of Asia.".
Raptors Across the River (1972)
"Raptors Across the River"
Whether you think "Jingwumen" or "Dragon Fight" is better, they are very representative films. Bruce Lee wrote and directed the film, in which he played Tang Long traveled to Rome to protect restaurants from local criminal syndicates. The fight scene between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in the Ancient Roman Arena and Bruce Lee's technique of using a double knuckle stick at the beginning of the film are impressive.
The Thirty-Six Rooms of Shaolin (1978)
"Shaolin Thirty-Six Rooms"
"Thirty-Six Rooms of Shaolin" is a correct movie that was released at the right time, and it makes full use of people's desire for kung fu movies created by Bruce Lee's "Dragon Fight Tiger Fight". Lau Ka Fai is the protagonist of the film, and the wonderful fight scenes and martial arts training are one of the reasons why he was recruited by Quentin Tarantino to the crew of Kill Bill.
Drunken Fist (1978)
Drunken Fist
Although the sequel "Drunken Fist 2" was not released until 1994, it did not prevent people from loving "Drunken Fist". This Jackie Chan film is one of his many classic kung fu films, in which he plays Huang Feihong, a naïve, rebellious young man. Jackie Chan's image in "Drunken Fist" once became an idol of the youth at that time, and he himself said that the duel with Yan Tiexin (Huang Zhengli) was his favorite fight scene, which broke the box office record in Korean film history after its release in South Korea.
The Five Poisons (1978)
The Five Poisons
"Five Poisons" tells the story of the head of the Five Poisons Gate (Di Wei), who is disappointed that his five apprentices have harmed the jianghu before his death, so he trains his closed disciple Yang De (Jiang Sheng) to clean up the portal. This Shaw Brothers classic has all the hallmarks of a Shaw Brothers kung fu work – a straightforward plot, stark characters, gorgeous costumes, plenty of supporting characters, and intense fights.
Lin Shirong (1979)
"Lin Shirong"
Before Jackie Chan and his unique style took Hong Kong kung fu films in a new direction, "Lin Shirong" can be said to be one of the iconic films of Hong Kong kung fu films, and it can also be regarded as the pinnacle of Hong Jinbao kung fu films. It was a rare collaboration between Hong Jinbao and legendary martial arts instructor Yuan Heping, who once again introduced the world to kung fu films with his stunning martial arts-inspired action scene guidance from The Matrix.
Loser Boy (1981)
"Loser Boy"
Although he has appeared in blockbusters such as "Plan A", "Fast Food Truck" and "Oriental Condor", Yuan Biao is often overshadowed by Jackie Chan and Hong Jinbao. Loser Boy is one of the few films he has played in a major role. Yuan Biao plays Ryazan in the film, a rich second generation whose heart is higher than the sky, who thinks that he is invincible in the world of kung fu, but in fact, his father has been bribing opponents to make them lose the game. After a defeat and awakening, he practiced martial arts and used the length of what he had learned to avenge his master.
Plan A (1983)
Plan A
It can be said that one of Jackie Chan's best films, when "Plan A" was filmed, he was in the year of fighting with Hong Jinbao and Yuan Biao. The film tells the story of Hong Kong in the early 20th century, when three Hong Kong marine police officers suppressed the pirate Luo San cannon who repeatedly hijacked merchant ships. Jackie Chan's stunt performance at the bell tower to pay tribute to American actor Buster Keaton is still impressive.
Goro Bagua Stick (1984)
"Goro Bagua Stick"
Another classic of Liu Jiahui, when the Shaw Brothers was released, was already somewhat outdated, with period-inspired costumes and simple plots that have been overshadowed by Jackie Chan's gorgeous stunts and modern productions. However, there is a reason why it has become a classic, this is a full-fledged kung fu movie, which includes a ruined home country, a traitor who has betrayed the country, a loyal man full of blood, and a woman who does not let her eyebrows be shaved, which is a perfect interpretation of Hong Kong's costume kung fu films.
Police Story (1985)
Police Story
"Police Story" is one of the boldest and most gripping films ever made in Hong Kong, marking the pinnacle of Jackie Chan's career. Whether it's Jackie Chan clinging to a speeding turning bus or a climactic fight in Yong'an Square, the movie is enough to make people stunned. And because of too many injuries during the shooting process, many insurance companies in the future are reluctant to insure Jackie Chan.
The Wyvern (1988)
The Wyvern
"Flying Dragon Fierce" is the last work of Hong Jinbao, Jackie Chan and Yuan Biao, which is one of their best works. In the movie, the three people all show their very unique talents, and the film designs an action scene in which the three people start a scuffle due to misunderstanding, you have me, I have you, beaten up, very classic.
Royal Sister 3: The Hermaphrodite (1988)
Royal Sister 3: The Male and Female Thieves
This is the most brilliant moment of the heroine Yang Lijing. Yang Liqing, the sister of the Hong Kong royal master played by Yang Lijing, began a game with a pair of extremely dangerous male and female thieves. It's a fast-paced, powerful film in which Yang Liqing decides to temporarily take off her police uniform to work with Detective Okada (Hiroshi Fujioka) in a situation where she encounters obstacles in many places, so that she can more easily bring the murderer to justice, which sets the tone for the story of the whole film.
Wong Fei Hung's Top Gun (1991)
"Huang Feihong's Ambition"
Written and directed by Xu Ke, this is another film in the Wong Fei Hung series. This time, played by the then young Jet Li, Huang Feihong, the vivid character image and extraordinary martial arts action made the film one of the best in its kind. In a barn full of ladders, with the help of a large number of steel wires, the final fight scene is visually stunning.
Police Story 3 Super Cop (1992)
Police Story 3 Super Cop
In 1985, jackie Chan lost his breath while filming "Police Story" and had to undergo emergency treatment when he completed the stunt of climbing over the balcony and smashing glass. "Police Story 3 Super Cop" has the assistance of kung fu actress Yang Ziqiong, which is very helpful to him. When Yang Jianhua (Yang Ziqiong) tries to park her motorcycle on a moving train, to the point where she clings to a helicopter flying over Kuala Lumpur, the thrilling degree makes fans freak out.
Fang Shiyu (1993)
Fang Shiyu
This is another film in which Jet Li entered Hollywood. In this film, he played another legendary hero like Huang Feihong, Fang Shiyu. Similar to Jackie Chan's role in "Drunken Fist" who will only cause trouble, Huang Feihong, Jet Li's teenager Fang Shiyu is also a bastard. The film tells the story of Fang Shiyu bravely breaking into the execution ground to save his father after setbacks, and staged the most wonderful fight scene in the past decade, and the sequel that follows is also very exciting.
The Iron Horse of Young Wong Fei Hung (1993)
"The Iron Horse of Young Wong Fei Hung"
As one of the best kung fu films of the 90s, this film is a film similar to The Wong Fei Hung prequel by a dream team of Zhen Zidan, Yuan Heping and Xu Ke. The film tells the story of the snitch "Iron Monkey" (Yu Rongguang), a snitch who robbed the rich and helped the poor, who was wanted by the Qing government, who held Huang Feihong hostage and forced Huang Qiying (Zhen Zidan) to help capture the snitch.
Heroes of Jingwu (1994)
"Heroes of Jingwu"
This is another kung fu movie from the 90s and another successful work by Jet Li. The film tells the story of Chen Zhen (Jet Li) returning to Shanghai to track down the cause of death of master Huo Yuanjia and eventually avenge his master, apparently a remake of Bruce Lee's "Jingwumen". But Jet Li is proud of this more detailed film than the original, because the film has wonderful fight scenes carefully designed by Yuan Heping.
Kung Fu (2004)
Kung Fu
Sure, Kung Fu is both an action kung fu film and a comedy, but it's still a classic of this type of film. For a film directed by Hong Jinbao and Yuan Heping, this seems like a normal thing. If those ingenious martial arts styles and grand battle scenes can't attract you, then Zhou-style nonsense funny will attract you.
Kill the Wolf (2005)
Kill the Wolf
As one of the most classic action movies since the new century, even in 2005, "Kill the Wolf" attracted the exclamation: "They never make such a movie again." "Donnie Yen is both a lead actor and an action director, and the film allowed him to restart his career as an actor after some disappointing journeys in Hollywood early in the century. When you witness the explosive action in the movie, it is not difficult to understand why Zhen Zidan is back in everyone's sight.
Fuse (2007)
"Fuse"
"Fuse" confirms that Donnie Yen's comeback is real and helps cement Donnie Yen's position as the premier action actor in the 21st century Hong Kong film industry. This is one of many collaborations between Zhen Zidan and director Ip Wai Shin, and the two reached new heights in the subsequent Ip Man trilogy. In this film, Zhen Zidan's flexible use of mixed martial arts is impressive, a kung fu martial art that has never appeared in chinese local movies.
Ip Man (2008)
Ip Man
This is the first film in the Ip Man series, and with the endless stream of movies about Bruce Lee, many people were surprised that it took so long for someone to turn their attention to Bruce Lee's master. In this modern classic kung fu film, Donnie Yen and Ip Wai Shin join forces again to tell the story of Ip Man's japanese occupation of Hong Kong, which won the Best Picture Award at the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards.
The Ring (2010)
"Fight in the Ring"
Featuring a group of former kung fu stars, this low-budget retro kung fu action film pays homage to the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. At the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards Ceremony, four awards, including Best Film and Best Original Film Music, were won, demonstrating the immortal spirit of Hong Kong's local films.
"If you don't fight, you won't lose, and if you want to fight, you must win." This classic line resonates in the hearts of many filmmakers, especially hong Kongers today, and reminds them to persevere in any dark period.