"Give him a gun and he's Superman. Give him two and he's God!" -- one character sarcastically describes Tequila (CYF), in Hard Boiled.
Most web A filmography in HK film owe a heavy debt to Joseph Fierro's
Hong Kong Cinema database. Mine
is no exception: since I have seen only 41 of CYF's 71 movies (a problem I am trying to remedy!), in constructing this list I relied heavily on the HKC filmography
for Chow Yun-Fat. A second source, the
Criterion Collection annotated
filmography (written for Criterion by Terence Chang, according to the ever-knowledgeable Joseph Fierro) was
used to determine the films' production companies. Finally, I found that the
CYF
page at Ryan's Movie World Hong Kong a very useful source of information, for box office figures, detailed crew and cast lists, opening and closing dates, and so on, while it was still online.
I also included some additional review sources, derived from Bey Logan's Hong Kong
Action Cinema, Stefan Hammond and Mike Wilkins' Sex and Zen and a Bullet in the
Head, Thomas Weisser's Asian Cult Cinema (the new, two-in-one volume which
includes the text of both Asian Trash Cinema: The Book and Asian Trash Cinema: The
Book (Part 2)), and Stephen Teo's Hong Kong Cinema; The Extra Dimensions. These books are reviewed
themselves on my Chow Yun-Fat: God of Actors page.
Lastly, I've recently (fall 1998) decided I would also include capsule reviews of the films that I haven't yet seen. If you're interested, check out the guidelines I've written ....
My Latest GeoPropaganda ... :
A Brief Introduction
Adding this in gets rid of the annoying pop-up ads... What can ya do?
The table below contains a complete, annotated filmography for Chow Yun-Fat, arranged chronologically by director.
In the mean time, here are the main headings of Chow Yun-Fat's filmography, along with corresponding dates:
The Seventies |
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Cheung SumA filmography for Mr. Cheung is given at the Hong Kong Cinema database. |
Cheung Sum directed and wrote Chow Yun-Fat's earliest films. I haven't seen any of these three movies, but the reviews at Hong Kong Cinema are generally negative; they seem to have been Category III B-movies of the horror genre. Mr. Cheung is rumoured to have worked with Woo at Cathay, but the Criterion Collection annotated filmography for CYF lists the three films reviewed here as having been made for the Hip Lee production company. Chow Yun-Fat's first film appearance was in Cheung Sam's The Reincarnation, which was released in March, 1976 (HKC page). According to the old MWHK database it starred Shut Ming and Giu Miu Shut. Massage Girls (HKC page) was CYF's first lead role, and was released in September 1976. Finally, Miss O (HKC page), was also directed and written by Cheung Sam. It was released in April, 1978. In his Asian Cult Cinema, Thomas Weisser reviews Miss O and gives it 2.5 stars out of 4. His review reads in part: "Sporting shoulder-length hair and psychedelic bell-bottoms, [CYF] meets Miss O (Sarina Sai) and marries her....All this leads to an unlikely ... kidnapping. Of course, Chow comes to the rescue" (1997: Boulevard Books, p. 131). |
Yeung KuenMr. Yeung's most recent release was the 1995 drama called Candlelight's Woman; his latest in a film career which began in 1963. A filmography for Mr. Yeung is given at the Hong Kong Cinema database. |
Yeung Kuen also directed several of Chow Yun-Fat's films in the 1970s, and these films seem to have been of a somewhat higher caliber than Mr. Cheung's (though still C3). The second of CYF's early bit roles was in Yeung Kuen's Learned Bride Thrice Fools Bridegroom, also known as Bride So and Her Groom, a comedy which appeared in April 1976 ( HKC page). According to the old Movie World Hong Kong database, LBTFB starred Wong Hang Sau and Lau Chi Wing. The Hunter, the Butterfly, and the Crocodile was a Category III social drama released in November 1976 (HKC page). Written and directed by Yeung Kuen, THTBATC co-starred CYF and Wong Hang Sau. Yuen Kuen's Hot Blood, a CIII police drama, was released in September 1977 (HKC page). CYF and Choi Chuk Guen co-starred. Finally, CYF appeared in Yuen Kuen's January 1978 release, Their Private Lives (HKC page). Apparently, TPL was a "based-on-a-true-story" CIII drama about two TV stars who have an affair, and was also known as Mad Love. CYF co-starred with Liu Wing Seung. |
The Early Eighties |
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One-Shot WondersA sort of confusion followed CYF's engagement with Cheung Sum and Yeung-Kuen. In 1980-1981 he produced a string of bombs with largely obscure directors. |
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Dennis Yu |
Mr. Yu made only one film with Chow Yun-Fat, a relatively obscure crime drama called See-Bar (HKC page). In See-Bar, released in January of 1980 from an improbably-named company called Bang Bang, CYF and his sifu apparently take on the triads. |
Kam Kam |
Kam Kam also seems to have been a dark horse director: he presided only over this June 1980 romantic comedy from Tak Lee, Joy to the World, also known as Beautify. CYF's costar was Cora Miao (Liu Hin-Yun). |
Wong FungAnother director who emerged only briefly from obscurity: Mr. Fung directed CYF in Police Sir, a police comedy released in September 1980.This is the only film I know of directed by Wong Fung; he has no HKC page. |
Police SirI don't have a pic for this movie ... anyone feel like scanning one in?September 1980, Golden Princess. Also known as Be This First and Hard Boiled Killers. A mind-bogglingly low-budget comedy about a rookie cop (CYF) who bumbles his way to success. Lowbrow silliness is the order of the day: Police Sir is a mildly entertaining 80 minutes of Bruce Lee imitations, pee jokes, and misc other slapstick. It was fun seeing CYF's endearing goofiness in its embryonic stage, and not all the jokes were completely moronic, but not even the most sympathetic fan could call this a great movie. More like daytime TV than a film, PS features poor production values and crappy acting... Likely to be interesting only to hardcore Chow fans. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 2/10. (Arthouse Rating: 0/5. Entertainment Value: 2/5). Police Sir was recently re-released by Arena Video under the hugely misleading title Hardboiled Killer. The box features the usual unrelated pix and blatantly false plot description ("the Hard Boiled Killer leaves behind the most dangerous clue at the scene of his latest hit: a living witness"), and (bizarrely) is a Mandarin dub. CYF doesn't do his own voice, which is irritating. *But the Arena version of PS is awesomely letterboxed -- nearly 2.35:1 -- and though this copy is obviously transferred from an old print the English subs are very clear throughout and there's hardly any white on white. Whoohoo! The plot? By-the-book rookie Chiu Wah (CYF) keeps blundering into police corruption and being promoted out of the way. Meanwhile, more or less by accident, he intrepidly breaks a prostitution ring, brings in a lunatic run amok, and crushes a gun-running operation. His mom (was this Olivia Cheng Man-Ar?) and two partners (no idea) provide supporting wisecracks. Why would I like this film? It passes the time. At many moments, the inspiring low-budget nature of the film may provoke laughter... the finale in particular is so cheesy it's funny. Also, though Police Story doesn't display any of CYF's authoritative cool, it does feature an early version of his naif charm. Why wouldn't I like this film? It's really awfully dumb. That's the only problem, but it's a big one. :P For more reviews and information, check out the HKC page on Police Sir. Back to the top!!! |
Chan ChuanIn March 1981 CYF appeared in Chan Chuan's silly, brutal pic The Executioner. As far as I know, that's the only film that he directed; I don't have any more info on him. However, Tim Tonooka was kind enough to romanise some cast and crew names for me, so I do know that the executive producers were Chu Siu-Hung and Chik Ngaih-Hung, and additional cast members (with CYF, Ng Man-Tat, and Danny Lee Sau-Yin) were Deannie Yip Tak-Han, Kwan Hoi-San, Lee Lai-Lai, Wan Ji-Keung, Chin Pei, Tin Fung, Poon Bing-Chang, and Wong Jung.Also known as Heroic Cops, TE is one of the infamous Arena Video re-releases: Arena released it under the title Killers Two, and blatantly lied on the box ("Chow Yun-Fat reteams with his 'Killer' co-star Danny Lee in a sequel made in the John Woo tradition"). The box itself (adding to the offence) has a pic from The Killer on the front and one from Hardboiled on the back. Needless to say, the Arena re-release also features lots of white-on-white subs, and is a "centre frame" scan (i.e., regardless of where the action is, the outside third of the screen is cut off. This results in a couple of hilarious scenes, in which we stare at an empty room, which characters off-screen chat.) But what the hell, how else are you going to get to see a CYF film from the early 1980s? And many thanks to Valerie Soe and Tim Tonooka who provided me with info about the flick when its re-release was yet unheralded. |
The ExecutionerI don't have a pic from this one... anyone feel like scanning one in?Golden Princess, March 1981. Also known as Heroic Cops and Killers Two. Considered as a CYF flick, this is a bit of a weird one -- one of the few in which CYF appears as a villain -- and is he Evil! Before renting or buying this film, ask yourself: do I want to see CYF as a bit-part, murderous, rapist creep? Do I want to see him knock out a cop (Danny Lee), handcuff him to the ground, beat him to a pulp, and then urinate on him? But this film I actually found interesting, as an early example of vigilantist ideology and heroic bloodshed. The fashion is also side-splittingly funny: mop-head haircuts, bell-bottoms, shirts unbuttoned to display gold chains -- whew! Also, TE has what passes for a plot, and though the acting and dialogue are quite dreadful, I wouldn't call it a total waste of time. Winnifred's W(R)ating: 2/10. (Arthouse Rating: 1/5. Entertainment Value: 1/5). The plot? Two cops (a nonentity and Danny Lee) struggle against a vicious crime boss, Tian Fong (no idea). An informer (Ng Man-Tat, unrecognizable in long curly hair) implicates him but is promptly wiped out by a hitman (CYF); meanwhile the cops' likable superintendent (Kwan Hoi-San, classy as always), tries to maintain his relationship with the triads without losing his integrity; like many others in the department, he's on the take. Why would I like this movie? Fascinating talent-spotting, with everyone about 10 years younger than we Westerners have seen them. Mildly interesting plot twists. Many unintentionally funny moments, especially with re fashion. But really, TE is not likely to be worth your time unless you're determined to see all of CYF's flicks. Why would I not like this movie? Pointless, stupid brutality. Hilariously low production values. Laughable dialogue. Incredibly bad acting all around (including from CYF, I'm sorry to say), with the main hero, whoever he is, particularly bad. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for The Executioner. Back to the top!
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The First Touch of Success |
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Ann Hui On-Wah |
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Under the direction of Ann Hui On-Wah, Chow Yun-Fat starred in the first critically-acclaimed film of his career, The Story of Woo Viet, released in 1981 and reviewed at left. Chow Yun-Fat received a Golden Horse (Best Actor) from Taiwan for this role, portraying an emotionally-scarred refugee from Vietnam, unable to escape from violence and
heartbreak.
Following The Story of Woo Viet, Chow Yun-Fat appeared in Ann Hui's August 1984 film Love in a Fallen City (HKC page), a film made in the dying days of Shaw Brothers. In this popular war-time drama CYF and Cora Miao star as lovers in 1940s Shanghai. Ms. Hui's latest film is critically and popularly acclaimed Eighteen Springs (September 1997), starring Leon Lai and Anita Mui. A filmography for Ann Hui is given at the Hong Kong Cinema) database. |
The Story of Woo Viet CYF as Woo Viet, in TSOWV. From the old
Made in Hong Kong
site.
April 1981, Pearl City. Also known as Wu Viet and God of Killers. An intense, disturbing social drama. CYF is a Vietnam-born Chinese refugee, fleeing the country after years of fighting the North Vietnamese. His character is gentle and quiet, on the surface, but the audience soon senses his internal agony and bitterness. As obstacle after obstacle prevents him from achieving security and peace, he lashes out with increasingly frenzied violence and despair. Fascinating depiction of the seamy political and business industries built up to exploit refugees at the time. Cherie Chung Cho-Hung and Cora Miao (Liu Hin-Yun) co-star. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 8/10. (Arthouse Rating: 4/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.) TSoWV was recently re-released by the infamous Arena Video people, under the deeply misleading title God of Killers. The front features two pix from Tragic Hero, but (surprisingly) the back features five pix actually from the movie, plus an accurate plot description. The video itself is a centre-frame cut, and the subtitles are below the screen for about half of the movie (and only partially visible for the remaining half). The plot? Vietnam-born Woo Viet (CYF) and Hong Kong native Lap Quan (Cherie Chung) were pen-pals as children. Their relationship is renewed when Woo Viet escapes to Hong Kong: the first stop on his flight towards the United States. Cora Miao is another refugee from Vietnam, making the same journey. Why would I like this movie? Wonderful social commentary. A heart-breaking film: intense and powerful. Why wouldn't I like this movie? TSoWV assumes a knowledge of Vietnamese politics of the late 1970s which, frankly, I didn't have. Lacking that background, it was difficult for me to become as emotionally engaged in the film as I expect HK audiences would be: I spent a substantial chunk of the first part of the film trying to get my bearings. Also, despite the calibre of Chow Yun-Fat's acting, to my mind he isn't always convincing as an ex-soldier in the scenes of violence. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on TSoWV. Back to the top!
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Success Proves Elusive |
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Ronnie Yu Yan-TaiThe banality of the two films CYF made with Ronnie Yu, Postman Strikes Back (1982) and The Occupant (1984), is belied by Mr. Yu's subsequent career, which included the highly-successful and critically-acclaimed movie The Bride with White Hair (1993). In 1997, North American audiences saw their first US release by Yu, a popular children's movie entitled Warriors of Virtue. Mindbogglingly, his latest project, which was filmed in Toronto, is Bride of Chucky. How are the mighty fallen ... A filmography for Ronnie Yu Yan-Tai is provided by the Hong Kong Cinema database. |
In June 1982 the Ronnie Yu-directed film Postman Strikes Back was
released as a Woo Ping/Golden Harvest production
(HKC page). PSB has also been known as Patrol Horse and as Protrail of
Courdes.Although Bey Logan's Hong Kong Action Cinema describes A Postman
Strikes Back as "an innovative kung fu flick" (The Overlook Press, 1996: p. 127),
PSB is usually characterised as unmemorable. Thomas Weisser, in his Asian Cult
Cinema gives PSB only 1.5 out of 4 stars. Weisser writes: "To call Postman
Strikes Back a lesser work would be an understatement. It's better described as a misfire
[italics in the original]" (Boulevard Books, 1997: p. 156).
The Occupant
Raymond Wong, Sally Yeh, and CYF in TO. Pic from Ryan's Hong Kong Movie Database.Cinema City, September 1984. A Canadian (whoohoo!) MA student, Angie (Sally Yeh (Yip Sin Man)) moves into an apartment haunted by the vengeful ghost of a fast-livin' nightclub singer, while fending off two would-be suitors (CYF and Raymond Wong). Sound appealing? Definitely, if you like HK horror/comedy, & especially if you like Raymond Wong. I'm not a huge fan of either, so I didn't feel I got the full benefit of this movie, which was a (medium-sized) box-office hit, on its release in 1984. There's lots of the usual sexist jokes and slapstick humour, with a smattering of blood (literally), and an unusual amount of hunk-type posing from CYF. Being a huge fan of Bride with White Hair, I was quite optimistic about this film, but aside from some clever camerawork and what were, at the time, impressive special effects, there really is little evidence that it's the same director. Winnifred's W(R)ating: 5/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 2/5). The plot? A young student becomes obsessed by the glamorous lifestyle of her apartment's former tenant and current poltergeist, nightclub singer "Lisa Law" (possibly played by Judi Li). "Valentino" (CYF), a young cop oozing sex appeal from every pore, and "Hansom Wong" (Raymond Wong), a used car salesman who oozes sweat and sleaze, team up with a wise guru (possibly Melvin Wong) to try to stave off the ghost's malevolence. Why would I like this movie? Many who would otherwise give the movie a miss might be entertained by the sight of CYF in this flick (think early 80s tight white t-shirts & hilarious pin-up type poses). But seriously, I think this is a relatively decent HK romantic/ghost/comedy flick, & likely to appeal to those who like the genre. Why would I not like this movie? Many, many cheesy lines & dated special effects. Raymond Wong. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for TO. Back to the top!
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Chiu Chun-KeungA filmography for Chiu Chun-Keung (also known as Chiu Chan Geung) is given by the Hong Kong Cinema database. |
In January 1983 Chow Yun-Fat's successful TV soap opera, Shanghai Beach, was released on film as two movies directed by Chui Chun-Keung, The Bund (HKC page), and The Bund Part II (HKC page) -- also known as Shanghai Beach and Shanghai Beach 2). These flicks, made under the aegis of HK-TVB, are not said to be particularly worthwhile. |
Lau Shing HonBefore it vanished, the MWHK filmography for Lau Shing Hon credited him with the 1980 flick House of the Lute. |
In March 1983 two movies starring Chow Yun-Fat were released, both by
relatively obscure directors. In the crime drama The Head Hunter (also re-released as The Long Goodbye)
(HKC page), directed by Lau Shing Hon at New World, CYF costarred with
Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam, and Phillip Chan Yun-Kin. Weisser's Asian Cult Cinema gives
Head Hunter 2.5 stars out of 4.
A capsule review of this flick was courteously provided by Cassie:
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Wong Shu-TongAs far as I know, the March 1983 release Blood Money is the only film from director Wong Shu-Tong. |
Blood MoneyI've no pic for this movie ... anyone feel like scanning one in?March 1983, Pearl City. Also known as Hong Kong Specialist. A turgid melodrama in which a family of stunt men -- caring patriarch Chan Wai Lung (no idea) and his three sons, "Bullet" (CYF), Chin (no idea), and Nam (no idea) -- are victimized by evil triads, exploitative producers, and a generally uncaring society. CYF, though the nominal star, spends a good third of the film off-screen in Taiwan. I was gravely hampered in my appreciation for this film by the fact that the copy I saw had no English subtitles (see below): there may have been nuances I missed, but it sure *looked like a really cheesy drama (though with a decently evolved plot, & what looked like some good moments of acting). About the only interesting aspect of the film, as it was, were the scenes of HK movie-making circa 1983 -- whew, does that equipment look primitive. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 3/10. (Arthouse Rating: 2/5. Entertainment Value: 1/5.) This film is one of the infamous Arena Video releases: they put it out under the title Hong Kong Specialist, with a pic from The Killer on the front, and three pix of a young CYF (none from the film) on the back. The plot description is, needless to say, wholly misleading ("Chow must show who is boss of bosses in this gripping action flick"), and the centre-frame cut is as annoying as ever. But HKS is even more irritating than other Arena Video releases: the English subs are below the screen for the whole movie. It's probably not worth your while unless you speak Cantonese... even the Chinese subs are cropped in every scene. The plot? A family of hard-workin', free-livin' stunt folk get into trouble when one son's debts lead to a messy conflict with the triads. After a silly fight scene, CYF and his gf have to flee to Taiwan; for the rest of the movie, Chan Wai Lung and his other two boys struggle with poverty and the lure of crime. Why would I like this film? It's barely possible that if you speak Cantonese you'll enjoy the drama ... but I doubt it. A mildly interesting view of 80s HK movie equipment & pre-ABT CYF is about all it has to offer, IMHO. Why wouldn't I like this film? The cheesiness ... the predictability ... But it's not so much that there's anything wrong with this film, IMHO: it's that there's nothing really good about it. For other info and reviews check out the HKC page on Blood Money. Back to the top!!! |
Tony Au Ting-PingIn December 1983 CYF appeared Tony Au's The Last Affair, reviewed to the right. The Last Affair is best known as the debut of since-successful Carol "DoDo" Cheng.Chow Yun-Fat returned to work with Tony Au in the April 1986 film Dream Lovers, also reviewed here. Mr. Au's latest film is The Christ of Nanjing (1995). A filmography for Tony Au Ting-Ping is given at the HKC database. The Last Affair CYF and Carol Cheng in TLA. Pic
appeared in Next Magazine; Gordon Chan courteously drew it to my attention.
December 1983, Pearl City. The most salient feature of this movie, for me, is that it features one of the least satisfying endings I have ever seen. TLA starts off as a predictable but effective romance, and ends, IMHO, as a hackneyed, ridiculous B-movie. Carol Cheng Yu-Ling and Pat Ha Man-Chik deliver acceptable performances as best friends, each in unsatisfying relationships, and Chow Yun-Fat is fine as the dashing violinist love interest. I was really enjoying the opening scenes of the movie, depicting the development of CYF's romance with Carol Cheng, when it all started to deteriorate. Must all women with sexual feelings be treacherous or psychopathic? Apparently yes. I admit, however, that I cheered wildly seeing CYF reading Tintin et le Lac aux Requins. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 4/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 1/5.) The plot? A young woman (Carol Cheng), unsatisfied with her relationship with her rich fiance, arrives in Paris to think things over. Also in Paris is a childhood friend of hers, Bing (Patricia Ha), who (strangely) also is committed to an unsatisfying relationship. A dashing violinist, Kwong-Ping (CYF) whom our heroine sees busking one day soon sweeps her off her feet. But can happiness ever be achieved, given the tragic flaws in human nature? (Certainly not by watching The Last Affair.) Why would I like this movie? Well... for its historical value, as a CYF movie, or Carol Cheng's debut? For the two touching scenes? The acting is perfectly adequate, as I said: but no talent could redeem this laughable script. Perhaps this movie would yield most satisfaction if it was watched as a short, with the VCR stopped after the first sex scene. However, TLA also features a derivative but interesting nightclub scene, and a beautiful scene at the opera. Why Like This Movie: Take Two Having such strong opinions, I was all the more struck by Stephen Teo's comments, in his book Hong Kong Cinema; The Extra Dimensions, on The Last Affair. He writes: "[A] fine melodrama-cum-psychological thriller containing a brilliant tragic performance by comedienne Carol Cheng .... Cheng's performance invests the film with a restless, languid tone .... The cinematography (by Bill Wong) is outstanding, and the sense of style ... impeccable" (1997: pp. 158-9). In matters of taste, there is no argument.... Why wouldn't I like this movie? Ridiculous sexual roles. Outrageously cheesy and implausible end sequence. Sad, sad script. A quintessentially early-1980s movie, to me -- I'm reminded of similar Western failures. For more information about The Last Affair, check out the
HKC page.
Dream Lovers
CYF in DL. Picture courtesy of Eric Fong's cool CYF posters page (now sadly offline), and reposted with his permission. Thanks to Gordon Chan for alerting me to this beautiful pic, and to Kathy Allard for assisting in the quest. Team work!April 1986, Pearl City and D&B films. When I sat down and watched the beautiful cinematography of the opening scenes, I was already smiling in anticipation. But my jaw dropped anyways when the movie progressed to the dream sequences that introduce the passion and romance at the heart of Au's film: Dream Lovers is a wonderful, gripping movie. Aficionados of CYF's action movies will not recognise the gender roles of this HK cinema. Erotic (in the best sense), and eeriely evocative, Dream Lovers portrays a two thousand year old romance, and its tragic reinaction in the 20th century. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 10/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? 2200 years ago the Qin emperor had an army of terracotta warriors sculpted for his tomb. When the work was completed, the artisans were killed in order to protect the secret of the tomb, which was not re-discovered until the 1950s (this part is real). The movie depicts, through the dreams and hallucinations of CYF and Lin as adults in the 1980s, their romance and its tragic ending in the Qin era when CYF (an artisan) was killed, and his wife (Lin) followed him into suicide. When CYF's terracotta statue is unearthed in the 1950s, the two are reincarnated, as a conductor and an artist, respectively. As adults, and despite CYF's girlfriend of 8 years (Cher Yeung), they are drawn to each other to re-enact their inexorable tragedy. Why would I like this movie? Great acting, great script, powerful cinematography. Why wouldn't I like this movie? If dream-like, fantastical romances are not your style, you will be irritated by this movie. For me, the problems included the performance of Cher Yeung, particularly after the discovery of CYF's character's other romance: I found her petulant where she was supposed to be grief-stricken. Also, I suffered from occasional collapses in the suspension of my disbelief. The scenes where Chow and Lin's characters, with the aid of a perceptive grandmother "witch," try to explain to his girlfriend and her father that they are reincarnated Qin dynasty lovers, and the two actually believed them, made me giggle uncontrollably. Put it down to cultural differences. Also, I was disturbed by CYF's improbable conducting style: I've noticed that a recurring theme in my perception of HK film is that no attempt is made to mimic performance of Western music credibly. For other reviews and information on Dream Lovers, check out the HKC page. Back to the top!
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The Second Touch of Success |
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Leung Po-ChiIn November 1984 Leung Po-Chi's film Hong Kong 1941 was released by D&B films. For his performance in this acclaimed drama, CYF won his second touch of critical success (see review).Leung Po-Chi's last film to date was the 1991 gangster movie Shanghai 1920. One HKC report had it that Mr. Leung was murdered himself by the triads shortly thereafter; however, rumours that Leung Po-Chi would direct CYF's post-TRK film The Battle of Ono seemed to indicate that those of his death have been greatly exaggerated (and meanwhile, TBoO is on hold indefinitely). A filmography for Leung Po-Chi is available from the HKC database. Hong Kong 1941
I forget where I got this .gif of the HK1941 LD cover ... but if anyone has a better pic, please contact me!
November 1984, D&B Films. Also known as Waiting for Dawn. In this moving, brutal drama, set in the months following the occupation of Hong Kong in 1941, director Leung Po-Chi presents a totally engrossing story in beautiful golden and sepia colours. CYF, Alex Man Chi-Leung, Cecilia Yip Tung shine in the lead roles, and a host of secondary characters also deliver. There's an uncannily disturbing cameo from Wu Ma, and police sergeant Wing (who is this actor?) is also chilling. CYF won his second Golden Horse from Taiwan for Best Actor, for this film, as well as another Best Actor award from the Asian Pacific Film Fest. This is the earliest movie of his that I've seen where it all seems to come together ... top-notch acting, smouldering intensity: a simply fabulous movie. Winnifred's W(R)ating: 10/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? Social drama in HK society on the eve of, and after the occupation. While refugee Yip Fay (CYF) tries unsuccessfully to get out of the city, Nam (Cecilia Yip) struggles against the repressive family roles which divide her from her sweetheart, the bluff labourer Wong Huk Keung (Alex Man). Nam's father's profiteering in the rice market means ruin for the family when the British evacuate: new rules govern the new order .... Why would I like this movie? The acting, the visuals, the story ... in short, the film. It's a classic. Why wouldn't I like this movie? There are graphically disturbing scenes of violence, presented with wrenching emotional intensity. In general, this film is very far from relaxing escapism; if you're in the mood for light-hearted entertainment, HK1941 is not the right choice. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for HK1941. |
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Interlude: 1985 |
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Stanley Kwan Kamp-PangStanley Kwan's most recent work is his successful 1996 documentary Yang - Yin: Gender in Chinese Cinema. A filmography for Stanley Kwan Kam-Pang is provided by the HKC database. |
In June 1985 Chow Yun-Fat appeared in Stanley Kwan's film Women
(HKC page), a product of Pearl City and Shaw Brothers cooperation. This romantic drama features familiar CYF costars Cora Miao and Cherie Chung as CYF's wife and mistress, respectively.
Kwan's Women was outshadowed by Love Unto Waste (HKC page), which he released the following year (August 1986) at Pearl City. In this movie, described as an acclaimed drama about alienation among Hong Kong youth, CYF appears as a terminally-ill police detective. Love Unto Waste also features costars Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Irene Wan Pik-Ha, Elaine Kam Yin-Ling, and Choi Kam. In "Songs of Crushed Love: The Cinema of Stanley Kwan" by Michael Atkinson (Film Comment, May-June 1996), Love Unto Waste is described as "a strange, elliptical film in which overtraditional plot elements recede behind a frustrated aura of ruefulness....It's well-titled -- all of the characters wander through the film stunned and uncomprehending of their wasted youths and empty futures....whereas another filmmaker might caricature or romanticize the subject's ennui and heartlessness, Kwan sees it as a miniature, workaday tragedy." |
Kent Cheng Juk-SiIn October 1985 Chow Yun-Fat appeared in Kent Cheng's Why Me?, reviewed below. Mr. Cheng is better known as an actor than a director, and has starred in dozens of other movies. He is the recipient of two Hong Kong Film Association Best Actor awards, one, in 1986, for Why Me? itself; the second, this year in 1997, for his role in Derek Chiu Sung-Kei's movie The Log. Mr. Cheng also costarred with Chow Yun-Fat in Diary of a Big Man, from director Chor Yuen.A filmography for Kent Cheng Juk-Si is given by the HKC database. |
Why Me?I'm still looking for a pic for Why Me? -- if anyone has one, please contactme!October 1985, Cinema City. CYF plays a supporting role in this movie: he's the burnt-out boyfriend and boss of an eager, novice social worker (Olivia Cheng Man-Ar) who tries to help out a mentally-retarded man "Fat Cat". Fat Cat is played superbly by Kent Cheng Juk-Si, who won the 1986 HKFA Best Actor for this movie (followed in 1987 by CYF for ABT). The movie's strength is its focus on the failure of the social system, and of society, to deal fairly with the mentally ill: Fat Cat's mother is ignorant, though well-meaning, the welfare system is overburdened, and the other villagers misinformed and malicious. The tragic ending to this movie would wring tears from a stone. On the other hand, the romance comes across as an afterthought (as does the grotesque ending-after-the-ending that was obviously tacked on to the script to lighten things up), and the movie is further burdened by strained subplots involving the dysfunctional family life of the protagonist (see Paul Chu Kong as a drunken ex-dad, among other stereotyped characters). An uneven but worthwhile movie. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 7/10. (Arthouse Rating: 4/5. Entertainment Value: 3/5.) The plot? A novice social worker tries to help out a mentally-retarded man whom she accidentally befriends. Why would I like this movie? Meaningful social commentary, and wonderful acting from the two leads (Olivia and Kent Cheng). Why wouldn't I like this movie? The over-extended plot, with its digressions in all directions. Also, CYF's character is kind of unpleasant, as the burnt-out and cynical boss, and his acting occasionally betrays a lack of polish. For other reviews and information, check out the
HKC site for this movie.
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1986: Can't Nobody Stop Me NowIn 1986 Chow Yun-Fat appeared in an astounding 12 movies. At the time, this prolific film-making was a record pace, for Hong Kong actors. But you sure can't tell the speed at which he was cranking them out from the caliber of his acting: 1986 marked the turning point of CYF's career. After this year's triumph, Chow Yun-Fat never looked back.Two of 1986's films have already been described (Dream Lovers (reviewed) and Love Unto Waste (summarised)). About a third, Blacklist, I know nothing except its title and year of release. In the following section, I describe eight of the remaining films from 1986. The twelfth film, A Better Tomorrow, is left for the subsequent section, devoted to John Woo. |
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Ching Siu-Ting |
In February 1986 Chow Yun-Fat appeared in director Ching Siu-Ting's
movie, A Witch from Nepal
(HKC page),
also known as The Nepal Affair. In this movie from Golden Harvest, said to be a spectacular but silly action flick, CYF battles
the forces of evil with the aid of Sheila (Emily Chu Bo-Yee), the titular witch from Nepal. Weisser's Asian Cult Cinema gives the
movie three out of four stars.
Ching Siu-Ting is well-known as the action director of dozens of great action movies, including the 1989 CYF movie The Killer. In addition, Mr. Ching directed the popular Chinese Ghost Story trilogy. A filmography for Ching Siu-Ting is given by the HKC database. |
Yeung FanIn February 1986 CYF also appeared in the film The Story of Rose, directed by Yeung Fan, and produced by Teresa Woo San (reviewed at right).The HKC doesn't have a filmography for Yeung Fan, though there used to be one at the now-defunct MWHK. |
The Story of Rose CYF as Maggie Cheung's geeky brother, in TSOR. From the Hong Kong Picture Library site on Chow Yun-Fat. If anyone has a better picture, please contact me! February 1986, Moelsworth. Also known as Rose. Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk stars in this "Life of ..." story following a young, annoying beauty queen through her development to a young, annoyingly broken-hearted student, and then to a young, sophisticated woman doomed to a life of tragedy. The actress is beautiful and compelling throughout this romantic drama, and despite my dislike for the character, I was engrossed in the film, and emotionally wrought up by the ending. Chow Yun-Fat is an older, annoying brother for the first two thirds of the film, and a likeable, much better dressed boyfriend for the denouement. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 6/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 3/5.) The plot? A carefree young woman grows up, struggling unsuccessfully to attain love (make that Love) through a series of tragic relationships. Why would I like this movie? Maggie Cheung fans and those with a high tolerance for kitsch will be best pleased by this film. There's an amusing view of Roy Cheung Yiu-Yeung as a beach stud for a few scenes at the beginning of the movie. Why wouldn't I like this movie? I was recurringly annoyed by the way in which Rose was unable to take control of her life, particularly in the early stages of the movie (a little of that bimbo routine goes a long way). I find it hard to accept the idea of a tragic destiny (put that down to cultural differences) and I kept hoping that Rose would get it together. But no: one tragic sequence after another.... For other reviews and information, check out the
HKC site for this film.
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Teresa Woo San |
In May 1986, CYF appeared in Teresa Woo's The Missed Date
(HKC page), also released by Moelsworth.
This romantic drama, costarring Olivia Cheng Man-Ar, Melvin Wong Kam-Sum, and Pauline Wong Siu-Fung, is described as an
intelligent exploration of modern values.
Ms. Woo is also known as the co-director of fighting-female flicks Angel (another 1986 film) and Angel 2 (1988). A filmography for Teresa Woo San is provided by the HKC database. |
Kenny Bee (Chung Chun-To) |
In June 1986 Chow Yun-Fat appeared in Kenny Bee's popular but
misogynist film 100 Ways to Murder Your Wife
(HKC page), a joint venture from Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers. CYF
and Kenny Bee apparently appear as the murderous, hen-pecked husbands of Joey Wong Cho-Yin
and Anita Mui Yim-Fong, respectively.
A capsule review of this flick was courteously provided by Cassie: "100 Ways appears to be a Tai Seng version, with the usual Tai Seng intro bumper. It's silly silly silly with the usual broad hamming found in CYF's minor comedies. Since I COULDNT READ THE SUBTITLES GRRRRRRRRRR I had to piece together what was going on, but heck slapstick IS a universal language, eh? CYF plays a football star with a flirty wife who makes him so crazy that he develops a fascinating neurosis: he freaks at the sight of vegetation!!! Swearta God. He and KBee hatch a Throw Momma From the Train scheme and the hilarity takes off. .... CYF is mighty cute in that soccer uniform and the closing credits have something you rarely see: adorable outtakes!! I predict you'll give this flick pretty low scores though." Kenny Bee has few directorial credits, but is well known for his acting. Recently, he appeared in the movie What a Wonderful World (1996). A filmography for Kenny Bee (Chung Chun-To) are provided by the HKC database. |
Derek Yee Tung-Sing |
In June of 1986 CYF also appeared in Derek Yee's social drama
from D&B films, The
Lunatics
(HKC page), also known under the title The Story of the Maniacs. CYF is one of the
afore-mentioned lunatics (with a host of well-known costars) in this sensationalist exploration of
the treatment of the insane. Weisser's Asian Cult Cinema accords The Lunatics
only two out of four stars.
Derek Yee's career, both behind and in front of the camera, has been successful as well as fast-paced. He is best known for the classic C'est La Vie, Mon Chârie, which cleaned up at the HK movie awards for 1993. A filmography for Derek Yee Tung-Sing is provided at the HKC database. |
Nam Lai-ChoiOctober 1986 marked the release of Nam Lai-Choi's horror pic The Seventh Curse, reviewed below.Nam Lai-Choi is best known for his Category III B-movies, such as The Story of Ricky (1991). A filmography for Mr. Nam is given by the HKC database. |
The Seventh Curse CYF with pipe, in a poster for T7C. And many thanks to John Charles for the scan!
October 1986, Golden Harvest. Also known as Dr. Yuen and Wisely. Chin Siu-Ho stars in this hilarious B-movie, replete with scantily-clad women, exploding bodies, slime-dripping ghosts, mysterious sorcery, and yet another SWAT team assaulting terrorists in a hospital. Mindless, sexist, ridiculous -- a cult favorite. Among other things, this movie demonstrates the absurd lengths to which the HK movie industry went to get CYF in a movie. It looks like Mr. Chow was contracted for about 10 minutes of screen time, but rather than giving him a normal cameo they give him the role of Wisely (the hero of a well-known series of horror novels by Ni Kuang, made into several films). He then hilariously appears several times in his advisory sifu role (complete with sagacious pipe-smoking), says to the hero "do this, I'll join you tomorrow" and then vanishes again until the next minute on-screen. Great fun. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 5/10. (Arthouse Rating: 0/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? Noble explorer Chin Siu-Ho battles the nasty sorcery of the Worm tribe in order to (among other things) save a beautiful woman. Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk appears as a reporter whose intrepid curiousity leads her into danger (if only she'd listen to the men, who know better what the dangers are...[vomit]). Why would I like this movie? Umm... Some of the special effects still hold up (others are hilariously cheesy). Other than that -- well -- if you like B-movies, this one's a blast. Why wouldn't I like this movie? As mentioned above: the mindlessness, the sexism, the ludicrous plot, the gore, the voyeurism, the blatant exploitation of Chow Yun-Fat's reputation. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for The Seventh Curse.
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Norman Law Man |
In October, Chow Yun-Fat also appeared in Norman Law's action movie
A Hearty Response
(HKC page), co-starring Joey Wong Cho-Yin. The flick is also known as A Heavy Response, and was co-financed by Golden Harvest and Tai Wing. Weisser's Asian
Cult Cinema gives A Hearty Response an average rating of 2.5 out of 4 stars.
A capsule review of AHR was courteously provided by Cassie: "This a film suffering from a split personality: it wants to be An Autumns Tale AND I Spit on Your Grave! I thoroughly enjoyed nine-tenths of AHR, which is a lovely romantic comedy about Joey Wang struggling as an illegal alien from the mainland. This performance really widens my appreciation for her talent because she has some sweet and comedic scenes with CYF and the actress playing his mom (who also played blind date Teresa's mom in City War?) .... There is unfortunately a tenth of this movie that is disturbingly illogical (plot-wise), improbable and downright physically impossible. I shall say no moooore......" Norman Law's most recent film is the 1997 Stephen Chow vehicle, All's Well Ends Well 97. A filmography for Mr. Law is provided at the HKC database. |
Jamie Luk Kim-Ming |
The last film of Chow Yun-Fat's tumultuous 1986, featured co-star Carol
Cheng in Jamie Luk's November film from Moelsworth,
You Will I Will (HKC page), also and somewhat confusingly known as My Will, I Will. This movie is
described as a popular comedy, pitting Cheng and CYF against each other as feuding lovers. Weisser's Asian Cult Cinema describes the movie as "harmless, but cleverly written, fluff" (Boulevard Books, 1997: p. 139) and
awards it 2.5 out of 4 stars.
Jamie Luk has had a prolific career both a director and as an actor. His most recent directorial effort was Crossline, released May 1996. A filmography for Mr. Luk is available at the HKC database. |
John Woo (Ng Yu-Sam)Have you played the John Woo/CYF Trivia Game? Chow Yun-Fat's career in Hong Kong action films exploded with John Woo's August 1986 megahit A Better Tomorrow, and his film career in the West may be said to have started with Woo's 1989 film The Killer. In partnership, the two created the genre of heroic bloodshed which dominated HK films in the late 1980s, and which has so markedly influenced American action movies of the 1990s. Savvy action fans label the Woo-Chow collaborations as among the best action movies in the world. Mr. Woo is best known for his direction of heroic bloodshed movies, but he has also appeared in cameo roles as an actor many times, and was earlier known for his kung-fu comedies. In the following section I review each of the Woo-CYF films. In addition, you may be interested in:
Mr. Woo's films from Hollywood include Hard Target (1995, with Jean Claude Van Damme), Broken Arrow (1996, with John Travolta and Christian Slater), and Face Off, which was released in June 1998 to critical and box-office triumph. In 1999, CYF and Woo are scheduled to be reunited in the caper comedy King's Ransom. A Better Tomorrow 
Left: CYF as Mark Gor in ABT. Right: Ratings for ABT from people who played the CYF/John Woo Trivia Game when I was running it in November '98. August 1986, Film Workshop/Cinema City. Also known as True Colours of a Hero. A Better Tomorrow is one of Woo's best films; with it he founded the genre of heroic bloodshed, and won CYF his first Best Actor from Hong Kong. A much more balanced movie than most of Woo's: it can be said to have a plot, as well as the beautifully-themed gunfights, and stories on loyalty and betrayal Woo does so well. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 10/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? Successful gangster Ho (Ti Lung) and his best friend, charismatic Mark Gor (CYF) run a counterfeiting ring for the local triad. When Ho is jailed in a deal gone wrong, his idealistic younger brother, rookie cop Kit (Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing) is horrified and angry to discover his revered brother is a thug. Three years later, Ho gets out of jail, and attempts to escape from the violence of triad life. The tension slowly builds, as Ho struggles with his obligations to his brother, to Mark, and to his former life.... Why would I like this movie? Wonderful acting from all concerned, particularly Ti Lung. The sheer mesmerizing force of the movie: adrenaline-fueled and gut-wrenching. Cameos by Woo and Tsui Hark (who produced the film). CYF's grace in action revealed for one of the first times, in the guns-in-the-flower-pots scene. The best of the brotherhood movies: soul-satisfying melodrama. Why wouldn't I like this movie? If you don't like melodrama, you will be annoyed in many scenes. Also, the only female character, Kit's girlfriend (Emily Chu Bo-Yee) is one of the most annoying, pastel-wearing, helplessly-fluttering, giggling-and-screaming sad-excuses-for-a-heroine characters I have ever seen. (I wouldn't let this stop me from seeing it, but be warned.) For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for A Better Tomorrow. Also, download a .wav file of ABT theme song (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! A Better Tomorrow II
CYF in the amazing stairs scene in ABT2. Huge thanks to Thomas Chan for courteously scanning in the pix, and thanks too to MC4 for pointing out that my earlier pic was actually from a different scene in The Killer. Heh heh.
December 1987, Film Workshop/Cinema City. The sequel to ABT, in which Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing return with CYF, who plays Mark Gor's long-lost twin brother Ken. A Better Tomorrow II is an extremely uneven (but entertaining) film, with a ludicrous plot. The film features a relatively slow and intro, a long middle interlude about the nature of madness (and loyalty), set before an amazingly violent and satisfying finale. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 7/10. (Arthouse Rating: 2/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? Ho (Ti Lung), jailed at the end of ABT, is let out of jail to work undercover with his brother, Kit (Leslie Chung) at a shipyard controlled by a triad. But the good triad boss (Dean Shek Tin) is under pressure from the bad triad boss (Ng Man-Tat) as he tries to go straight. Chow Yun-Fat is Mark's long-lost twin brother Ken, an ex-gangster now turned honest restaurant-owner, who appears half an hour into the movie and starts pumping up the volume. Why would I like this movie? The rice scene: a wild defence of Chinese values against stereotyped Western thugs. The twenty-minute adrenaline-fest that is the ending. The now-endlessly-copied gun trade during the final scenes. The melodramatic madness & loyalty interlude (if you like melodrama, as I do). Why wouldn't I like this movie? The ludicrous plot devices. The melodramatic madless & loyalty interlude (if you don't like melodrama). The rice scene: some people can't get past CYF's subservient smile and broken-English to see the defiance underneath, so they are uncomfortable with him in this role. Also, definitely not a movie for people who don't like blood. But no action fan will regret having seen this movie: the bloody finale will compensate for the melodrama. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for A Better Tomorrow 2. Back to the top! The Killer 
Left: CYF as John Chow in TK. I got this cool image from Mousse Lee's Chow Yun-Fat page. Right: Ratings for THE KILLER from people who played the CYF/John Woo Trivia Game when I was running it in November '98. July 1989, Film Workshop/Golden Princess. Yet another visual bonanza from Woo, this one inspired by Melville's film Le Samourai. Disproportionately influential in the west since it was one of the first HK movies to be widely released here, and it attracted a good deal of critical attention. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 9/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.). The plot: A killer with a conscience (CYF) is stalked by a cynical cop (Danny Lee Sau-Yin). The plot is much less important than the "feel" of the movie, which focusses on Woo's traditional themes of brotherhood and betrayal. Why would I like this movie? As is usual from Woo, great violence and a moving storyline about loyalty and friendship. Hair-raising scenes between John (the killer, CYF) and his best friend, Sidney (Paul Chu Kong), and between John and officer Lee (the police inspector played by Danny Lee) give a whole new impact to the word stand-off. Why wouldn't I like this movie? An extremely invasive sound track. Annoyingly heavy-handed symbolism (the patented closeups of doves fluttering around in the middle of the final shoot-out -- which occurs in a church). An irritating, fluttering, helpless heroine (Sally Yeh/Yip Sin-Man). Note on the Taiwanese Version: Some fans will have heard about the Taiwanese version of TK, which runs a startling 25" longer than the director's cut. Thanks to the brilliance of Montreal's Fantasia organisers (Go Martin Go!) I was able to check this copy out this year. There's no one scene which is dramatically included in the Taiwanese cut; several casual fans I know were unable to tell the difference. (That itself is a compliment to Woo, in a way, because normally a 2.5 hr movie would lose people's attention.) It's a Mandarin dub, of course, but CYF does his own voice (a huge relief). Woo is rumoured to dislike the pacing of the longer version (which was released before he'd edited to his satisfaction), but I enjoyed it. There are a few minutes of extra dialogue in the scenes between John and Jennie when they first 'meet', after the punks have attacked her; between John and Sidney when they're talking by the road overlooking HK; and between John and Lee after the gunpowder surgery. In addition, the bodycount at the church is a little higher, and there's an extra sequence of CYF being injured. Overall I would say the emotional impact and intensity are the same, and I enjoyed the extra moments between John and Sidney and John and Lee. Check it out, if you see it in your neighbourhood! For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page, or check out the interesting review of The Killer at the Hong Kong Film Connection site (only you have to scroll down the web page to get to it). Also, download a .wav file of theme song from The Killer (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! Once a Thief 
Left: Leslie Chung and CYF as James and Joe in OAT. This poster of the post-Fox re-release of Once a Thief is from the Blax's now-defunct John Woo page, and made available here with his kind permission. Right: Ratings for OAT from people who played the CYF/John Woo Trivia Game when I was running it in November '98. February 1991, Milestone/Golden Princess. A frenetically-paced, silly action comedy best known in the West for its recent Fox TV remake, followed by the TV series starring North American actors. I laughed uncontrollably while watching particular scenes in the original movie, but was fundamentally irritated by its silliness. Once a Thief is a very uneven film, best watched while in the throes of hysteria-inducing sleep deprivation. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 6/10. (Arthouse Rating: 1/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? CYF plays a devil-may-care jewel thief in a love triangle with fellow thieves Cherie (Cherie Chung Cho-Hung) and James (Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing). As usual, the planned "last job before retirement" goes wrong, and it's off to the castle to retrieve the booty. Why would I like this movie? Well, it IS a wild adrenaline-ride of action and humour. There is a wonderful scene in which glasses of wine are used to defeat lasers. Moreover, Chow Yun-Fat looks extremely cool in a wheelchair. Why wouldn't I like this movie? If you like complex characterisation or plot this is not the movie for you. Also, there are many scenes in which CYF's character appears disconcertingly like a sexist jerk. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for Once a Thief. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from Once a Thief (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! Hard Boiled 
Left: CYF as Tequila Yuen in HB. Right: Ratings for HB from people who played the CYF/John Woo Trivia Game when I was running it in November '98. April 1992, Milestone/Golden Princess. The last CYF-Woo collaboration (so far) is a wonderful, fast-paced, visually-explosive cop story about a hard-boiled police officer (CYF) who makes himself a magnet for trouble. Well worth seeing, but unfortunately widely available in hacked-up, censored dubbed version. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 9/10. (Arthouse Rating: 4/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.). The plot: Hard-boiled cop Tequila (CYF) wreaks havoc on evil-minded criminals...but sometimes it's hard to tell the cops from the robbers... Why would I like this movie? A hell of a lot of bullets and explosions. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, who does some great acting as a mob hit man...or is he? There's a neat cameo by Woo (as a bar-tender), where he and CYF bond on-screen. The final scene is worth seeing just to say you did: forty-five minutes of mayhem. Also, there is a good moral to the story (I feel) about loyalty and the evils of crime. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Well, the usual sexism and mindless violence ... also CYF playing the clarinet in a big fake way seemed really uncool to me. Some of the fashion & stunts seem a bit dated & grate on one's nerves. But if you like the genre (little plot, lotsa violence), you won't regret seeing Hard Boiled. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on HardBoiled. Also,
download a .wav file of theme song from Hard Boiled (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation
of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page!
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Ringo Lam Ling-TungChow Yun-Fat's first movie in 1987, City on Fire, started his cinematographic association with Ringo Lam, whom he had known in real life from his TVB training-school days. In fact, the story told by Mark Gor in A Better Tomorrow, in which two friends confront a drunken gang, is said to have really occurred to Lam and CYF when they were on a trip to Thailand together.Lam is known for his graphically realistic portrayals of violence and for his focus on the structural underpinnings of violence and crime. (A little-known fact about RL, courtesy of the Hong Kong Cinema database: not only did he obtain Canadian citizenship, in the 80s, he actually studied film at York.) In the following section, I will review the CYF-Lam collaborations. However, Lam also has a career outside CYF, as seen in films such as the 1997 masterpiece Full Alert, starring Lau Ching Wan and Francis Ng. A filmography for Mr. Lam is provided at the HKC database. In addition, you may be interested in the Hong Kong Film Magazine Ringo Lam special feature; that's is the only serious effort I've found to analyze his work. Non-HK browsers may be most familiar with Ringo Lam from his recent Hollywood film, Maximum Risk (1996, with Jean Claude Van Damme), which achieved a certain limited success. He has since returned to Hong Kong, where his 1997 film Full Alert was received with well-deserved popular and critical acclaim. City On Fire
CYF as Ko Chow in COF. From the 1996 Fant-Asia
site.
February 1987, Cinema City. The dramatic side of CYF. Plenty of "gun-fu", but the essence of City On Fire is its focus on honour and integrity: an undercover agent's loyalties are threatened when he (CYF) becomes friends with the leader (Danny Lee Sau-Yin) of the gang of criminals he must betray. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 8/10. (Arthouse Rating: 4/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.) The final 20 minutes of City on Fire and some of the cinematographic quirks (guns-pointing-at-heads stand-offs, etc.) were adopted by Quentin Tarantino for his film Reservoir Dogs. There's some controversy about this, but I certainly lost a lot of my respect for QT when I realized that my conception of him as an innovator rested so heavily on the plot and stylistic devices that he borrowed from HK movies in general, and City on Fire in particular. The plot? An undercover agent's loyalties to a corrupt and factionalist police department are threatened when he becomes friends with the leader of a gang of jewel thieves the agent is assigned to expose. Why would I like this movie? IMHO, this movie is (melo)drama at its finest. CYF is totally credible as a man who has become disenfranchised by the system he protects, and who has lost sight of the innocence his efforts procure for others. Great chemistry between Danny Lee and CYF, as always. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Less action than usual, annoying some fans, but still enough violence to turn off the queasy. Also some people feel this movie falls on the far side of the drama-melodrama border, particularly when compared to Reservoir Dogs. Personally I think RD is shallow in both characterisation and plot, compared to City on Fire, but it's all a matter of taste. On a different level, some of the sexual politics are deeply annoying -- CYF takes up the horny buffoon role in a couple of scenes, which include nudity, and has many alarming interactions with his girlfriend (played by Carrie Ng). For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for City On Fire. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from City On Fire (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! Prison On Fire CYF as
Ah Ching, in PoF. November 1987, Cinema City. An intelligent, absorbing prison flick, featuring fine performances from Tony Leung Ka-Fai and CYF. The plot is nothing startling, but the script, by ex-con Nam Yin, is deftly penned and finely textured. Engrossing from first to last, though marred by some hamming from the supporting cast and by a gore-fest ending. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 9/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.) The plot?The film follows Lo Ka Yiu (Tony Leung), jailed for three years for manslaughter, from his first to his last day in prison. His ignorance of prison norms lands him in trouble with the evil prison warden (Roy Cheung Yiu-Yeung) and with Mickey, one of the triad bosses. Fortunately he gets the support of Ah Ching (CYF), a kind-hearted joker who tries to clue him in. Meanwhile, power dynamics with other triads, like those led by Bill (Tommy Wong Kwok-Leung) and "Madly" (Shing Fui-On) sometimes work to his advantage. Why would I like this movie? Good acting by the two leads, and by Tommy Wong, totally credible as an easy-going triad boss. Myself I found the movie really interesting, and was totally sucked in by the intense story (I found myself blaspheming at the television on many occasions). Also (as I believe was pointed out in SAZaABIT) there are some really cool triad tattoos in this movie. Why wouldn't I like this movie? This is an intense drama about mean, sad people. Fans of glamorized action like Full Contact may be disconcerted at the decidedly unglamourous realism. On the other hand, people who are enjoying the grittiness of PoF will almost certainly be irritated by the weak performances of the evil warden (Roy Cheung) and the triad boss, Mickey, and by the bloody ending. The lack of depth to the former two characters is painfully obvious, next to the complexity of Lo Ka Yiu and Ah Ching, while the sudden drop in tone of the ending may annoy the unprepared. But now you're warned: just relax, and go with the violence. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for Prison on Fire. Also, download a .wav file of PoF theme song (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! Wild Search
Cherie Chung and CYF as Cher and 'Mew Mew' in WS. Picture courteously provided by
Kathy Allard.
June 1989, Silver Medal. Also known as The Search. This entertaining police romance story shows the lighter side of Ringo Lam. (The director described it as a reaction to the frustration of having his serious movies recurrently banned, according to Bey Logan's Hong Kong Action Cinema.) Worth watching just for the sentimental story, IMHO, and featuring a well-filmed subplot about forgiveness and family, and high production values. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 8/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? CYF plays a cop protecting a child witness (an adorable child-actor, whose name may or may not be Ng Chi-Hung) and the kid's aunt, Cher (Cherie Chung) from villainous gangsters, like Bullet (Roy Cheung Yiu-Yeung). Why would I like this movie? The romance story is charming and the kid herself adorable. Some great acting from CYF and Cherie Chung, and from the supporting cast: Tommy Wong Kwok-Leung as the 2nd cop, and malevolent grandpa Ku Feng. I also enjoyed Roy Cheung's performance in this movie, which is not always the case. Why wouldn't I like this movie? If you don't like seeing CYF outside hero roles, this flick is not for you. He gets beat up quite a few times, and there is no crowning moment of vengeance to set the record straight. You will also be put off if you want your movies to have social value; Wild Search is only (but wonderfully) a sweet romance. For other reviews and information, check out the
HKC page for Wild Search.
Prison On Fire 2 CYF as Ah Ching in
PoF2
June 1991, Cinema City/Golden Princess. In comparison to Prison on Fire, PoF2 is a mind-bogglingly inferior product, despite the fact that CYF reprises his role as Ah Ching. While I was interested by the racial politics depicted, as mainland triads battle HK triads inside the prison, I found the main plot (Ah Ching is persecuted by a sadistic prison warden, Elvis Tsui Kam-Kong), reminiscent of The Story of Ricky rather than the subtle craft of the first Prison on Fire. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 4/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 1/5.) The plot? Racial tension and gratuitous violence in the slammer. Triads from Hong Kong and the Mainland do battle at every turn, but Hong Kong native Ah Ching (CYF) and a Mainland triad boss (Chan Chung-Yung) form an unlikely alliance. One of the many silly subplots concerns Ah Ching successfully escaping from prison (!) so that he can visit his son in an orphanage. Why would I like this movie? An interesting spotlight on HK politics and racial tension, and an occasionally realistic glimpse of prison life. Some humourous lines. Ah Ching is an interesting and complex character, as in PoF: a new twist on the loyalty/betrayal themes of HK Cinema. The climax does get the adrenaline going. And finally, you do get to see Chow Yun-Fat's butt -- and flabby, I am sorry to say, is the only word. :) Why wouldn't I like this movie? Gut-churning violence. If I had to pick one word to describe this movie, "exploitative," "pointless" and "gratuitous" would rank high on the list. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for Prison On Fire II. Back to the top! Full Contact CYF as Ko Fei in FC. From Issue #4 of the
Hong Kong Film Magazine.
July 1992, Silver Medal/Golden Princess. The Extreme Action version of CYF. In addition to a wide variety of violence, this film includes the renowned "bullet's point of view" camera shots. I also really like this movie because of Simon Yam Tak-Wah, who is dazzling in the role of the suave gay gang leader. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 9/10. (Arthouse Rating: 4/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? CYF and his friends have to escape to Hong Kong after alienating the local thug leader in Thailand. But the thug's vengeance pursues them... Why would I like this movie? Awesome fight scenes. Great camera shots. A wide variety of scenes in which CYF is ultra-hip as he triumphs over his enemies. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Lotsa violence. Then there is the grotesque anti-female, "Virgin", who embodies the stereotype of the "despised slut". There were some amusing moments involving this character, but mostly I cringed whenever she appeared. What with Virgin the slut-played-for-humour and Jennie the exotic-dancer-with-a-heart-of-gold-love-interest, the gender roles in Full Contact leave a hell of a lot to be desired. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for Full Contact. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from Full Contact (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top!
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Taylor Wong Tai-LoiIn February 1987 (which was also when City on Fire was released, you will recall) Chow Yun-Fat appeared in Taylor Wong's film Tragic Hero (reviewed below). Co-directed by David Lai Dai-Wai, Tragic Hero was the first of 4 films by Taylor Wong in which CYF played a starring role. These films are characterised by a focus on, and glamorisation of, the triads, and are seen as entertaining rather than enlightening. Taylor Wong's film career outside CYF includes (among others) the 1994 Brigitte Lin flick The Three Swordsmen. A filmography for Mr. Wong is given at the HKC database. Tragic Hero
CYF as Li Ah Chai in TH. From the Hong Kong Picture Library site on Chow Yun-Fat.February 1987, Johnny Mak and Win's. Variously known under the titles Black Vengeance, Hero, and Rich and Famous II. Watching Tragic Hero, I came as close to boredom as I have ever been with a CYF flick. Predictable, stilted dialogue, and awkward acting -- and Chow Yun-Fat is not (gasp!) exempt from these evils -- in conjunction with a stereotyped plot and villain (demonic gangster Alex Man) render TH an unmemorable movie experience. That said, TH does have its moments of glory: the action, particularly in the finale, is creative and exciting. It's also fun seeing the whole crew of heroic bloodshed actors appear in this early movie: CYF, Andy Lau Tak-Wah, Alex Man Chi-Leung, Shing Fui-On, Danny Lee Sau-Yin (only a few scenes, but already in his crazed cop role), and many others. Co-directed by David Lai Dai-Wai. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 4/10. (Arthouse Rating: 2/5. Entertainment Value: 2/5.) Other reviews of Tragic Hero are mixed. In his book Hong Kong Action Cinema (The Overlook Press, 1996), Bey Logan gives Tragic Hero a wildly positive review ("An underrated gangster classic," p. 129), and a place on his list of heroic bloodshed's 10 best gunfights. Thomas Weisser, in Asian Cult Cinema (Boulevard Books, 1997), is less enthusiastic. Weisser gives TH only 2.5 out of 4 stars. However, he did comment positively on the finale, which he sees as the inspiration for the ending of ABT2. The plot: Triad boss Li Ah Chai (CYF), whose desire to avoid violence (for the sake of his wife and child) leads him to a policy of appeasement, sees his triad crumble and his life collapse under a malevolent attack by his psychotic rival (Alex Man). Why would I like this movie? The action, and occasional flashes of charisma from CYF are pretty much the only reason to like this movie. However, the creativity of the violence (and especially the finale) IS very impressive. Think grenade launchers. Why wouldn't I like this movie? The predictability of the plot and the horribly stereotyped dialogue drag Tragic Hero down....waaaay down. My recommendation is that you watch this movie only if you're in the mood to laugh at bad lines, and to cheer vigorously at every explosion. For other reviews and information, check out the pages on Tragic Hero at the Cinema page on HKC database. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from Tragic Hero (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! Rich and Famous
CYF as Li Ah Chai in R&F. From the Hong Kong
Picture Library site on Chow
Yun-Fat.May 1987, Johnny Mak and Win's. Rich and Famous is a prequel to Tragic Hero, which was shot simultaneously but released second because TH had more action. It's a very uneven film, but it surpasses Tragic Hero by far. In some scenes of R&F, great cinematography, acting, dialogue, and action combine to breath-taking effect. Unfortunately, in many more the dismal quality of one of these factors offsets the excellence of the others. One redeeming feature of this movie, compared to Tragic Hero, is its psychologically plausible villain. Alex Man Chi-Leung is great as an ambitious, power-hungry failure: totally unable to control his own attention-seeking behaviour or to take responsibility for his increasingly serious blunders; his increasing bitterness and character development are engrossing, though predictable. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 7/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.) Concerning Rich and Famous, Bey Logan is again very positive. He gives the following analysis, in Hong Kong Action Cinema: "Incredibly and imaginatively violent, the film offers all the bloodshed of A Better Tomorrow, but less of the heroism. It further established Chow's position as the 'Don' of Cantonese gangster flicks" (The Overlook Press, 1996: p. 124). In contrast, Thomas Weisser, in Asian Cult Cinema, is again less enthusiastic ("Standard gangster fare, instantly forgettable. There's not much to recommend, with the exception of another charismatic performance by Chow Yun-Fat" (Boulevard Books, 1997: p. 167)). The plot: Two brothers (Andy Lau Tak-Wah and Alex Man) join the triad run by Li Ah Chai (CYF) in order to resolve their financial problems. The good brother, Kwok (Lau), rises in the ranks through his self-discipline and courage, while the bad brother (Man) is perpetually under a cloud, as his ambition and lack of common sense lead him to flattery, presumption, and recklessness. Meanwhile, a rival triad seems to have designs on Chai-Gor's life... Why would I like this movie? Some great scenes: the intense action finale; great moments involving the supporting cast. One scene in particular, a slow, wordless pan over Li Ah Chai's two lieutenants (played with great skill by Shing Fui-On and Lam Cheung) as they sit, smoking, recovering from a botched mission, incites a greater admiration in me for those actors than I've had in any other film. There are also many scenes of extremely creative violence. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Its predictability, and some moments of wooden acting and dialogue (including some scenes with CYF...nooooo!) are the greatest detractors from any enjoyment of this film. However, the movie is also hilariously amoral, and so glamorizes the triad life that many reviewers describe R&F matter-of-factly as a triad recruitment flick. For example: a stuttering geek (Alan Tam Wing-Lun, of all people) is rejected for membership in Chai-Gor's triad because of his loser qualities; he must straighten out his nervous tics and become a stronger person, in order to gain admittance to Chai's organisation (!). For other reviews and information, check out the pages on Rich and Famous at the HKC database. Back to the top! In October 1987 CYF appeared in Spiritual Love (HKC page), a second movie co-directed by Taylor Wong and David Lai, but financed by Genesis and Golden Harvest. Reviews of Spiritual Love, which is also known as The Phantom Bride, indicated that it is a relatively decent horror/romance/comedy. Cherie Chung costars as the love interest. In his Asian Cult Cinema, Thomas Weisser awards the movie only 2 stars out of 4. A capsule review of this flick was courteously provided by Cassie:
Triads -- The Inside Story August 1989, Cinema City. Also known as The Inside Story. This is a very weird, unsatisfying film: a kind of warped morality tale in which the superiority of traditional triad ways is extolled and modern morality is depicted as inherently misguided and leading inexorably to disaster. CYF stars as Li Man Ho, the businessman son of a successful triad boss. When dad is killed, early on in the film, and CYF is reluctant to assume the leadership, the power vacuum threatens to destabilize the triad. Triads is a meandering tale of intrigue, punctuated with violence and interesting ethnographic details of triad "secret rites", which continues without arousing more than passing interest until the laughably low-budget and ridiculous finale. CYF's character is almost totally uninteresting, and his delivery (I am shocked to say) wooden & unappealing. The best thing about this film is Roy Cheung, who plays a loyal triad lieutenant, Kong, with very watchable intensity and force. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 4/10. (Arthouse Value: 2/5; Entertainment Value 2/5). The plot? A triad kingpin (no idea) is murdered. The associates try to persuade the dead man's son (CYF) to take over, but his vacillations and inappropriate decisions lead to in-fighting and chaos. Why would I like this movie? Fun talent-watching, aside from CYF's disappointing performance -- Roy Cheung is great, and there are lots of other familiar faces (Shing Fui-On as one of the triad associates, Kenneth Tsang Kong as a police officer, etc). Also, there are some interesting depictions of triad rituals and culture -- though it's usually hard to figure out the finer points of what's going on. For example, at the dad's funeral one triad associate, "Master Biu" (no idea), comes up to CYF to shake hands, and there's a close-up of his fingers folded in a particular way. Then another character, Ping (no idea) steps forward and grabs Biu's wrist to prevent the handshake, Biu backs down, and the scene continues. It's all very interesting, but what does it mean, exactly?! Lastly, CYF gets to sing over the closing credits ... always a hilarious treat. ;) Why wouldn't I like this movie? Irritating triad boosterism & moral pointificating; boring dialogue & characterizations; CYF sleepwalking through the film. For more information, check out the HKC page on TTIS! Back to the top!!!! |
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Interlude: 1987 |
Lau Ka-Wing |
In March 1987, CYF appeared in director Lau Ka-Wing's movie, Scared Stiff
(HKC page), from BoHo Films and Golden Harvest. CYF costars were Miu Kiu-Wai, Eric Tsang Chi-Wai, and Anita
Mui Yim-Fong. Scared Stiff is best known for a rare appearance for Chow Yun-Fat in a villain's role. The flick is panned by
Weisser's Asian Cult Cinema, however: Weisser gives the movie only 1 out of 4 stars.
Lau Ka-Wing has a well-deserved reputation as an action director, having supervised Full Contact as well as film's like Jackie Chan's Armour of God (January 1987). A filmography for Mr. Lau is given at the HKC database. |
Benny ChanIn March 1987 CYF also appeared in Benny Chan's movie, Code of Honour. Despite his star billing in the publicity, this role was only a cameo for CYF; even considering it on its own merits, the film can only be described as inferior. On, therefore, to better things. Benny Chan's dubious career is not elucidated by HKC. On, therefore, to better things. |
Code of Honour Actually, I forget where I got this pic, which is from an LD version of CoH. But I'd be happy to get a better image, if anyone has one lying around!Focus Film Co.; Genico Films Production Co. Also known as Brotherhood and Promise Without a Word. Excerpted by Arena Video for Hong Kong Corruptor (see below). Considered as a CYF film, CoH -- poorly scripted, poorly acted, poorly choreographed, poorly directed -- is the thick, smelly murk at the bottom of CYF's filmography. Produced by Charles Heung, directed by Benny Chan, this would-be heroic bloodshed flick 'stars' CYF as Ah Hui, the son of a mob kingpin, Ho Chen-Tung (O Chun-Hung, maybe). CYF's off in Australia for most of the film; he appears in only 2 scenes, being sincerely disappointed in his father both times. In the first scene (immediately after his sister's been bumped off searching for dad in a riot) CYF delivers about 5 lines ascribing responsibility for his sister's death to his father ("I'll never forgive you") and in the second (at the end of the film -- ya gotta space these things out) he delivers another 5 lines ("Will you never learn?", etc). Danny Lee makes an even shorter and funnier cameo (in a grim sort of way): when an interrogation suspect ends up dead, 'Inspector Lee' appears and rebukes his underling for 'foolhardy' violence. ("What am I supposed to put in the report?", he asks, with evident irritation.) Anyways, neither CYF nor Lee is involved in any of the main action or plot. In retrospect, the funniest line in CoH is probably the one when aspiring triad kingpin Mad Piao (Shing Fui-On) is describing his financial trials over the year. "I made three films," he says, "but they all finished in the red." Heh heh. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 2/10. (Arthouse Value: 1/5; Entertainment Value 1/5). Meanwhile, the two puny CYF scenes in CoH were excerpted by Arena Video, edited into the (totally unrelated) Alan Tang flick Return Engagement (HKC page), and then marketed to North American chains as Hong Kong Corruptor, with the usual blatant false advertising. Save your dough -- Hong Kong Corruptor is just a rip-off. The plot? Police inspector Mai (Dick Wei, I think) attempts to bring Ho Chen-Tung, the man responsible for his father's murder in 1967, to justice. In this, he is aided by Ho's three weaselly underlings, who are dissatisfied with Ho's strick code of ethics (!), but hindered by the heroic Wang Han, a Vietnamese refugee who sheltered Ho Chen-Tung from his assassins during the original riot (Lin Wei, maybe?). Meanwhile, a mainlander woman trying escape persecution and abuse (I have no idea who this was) is included to feature in two gratuitous attempted rape scenes. Why would I like this movie? A few mildly cool action sequences, and a moderately cool plot twist near the end of the film. Inspector Mai is actually quite impressive, in a scary sort of way, as the violent, obsessed cop, and Wang Han likewise as Ho's unexpectedly lethal friend. There are also much laugh-inducing dialogue ("We win by ethics, not by violence. Our motto is ethics." -- Tung rebukes his triad minions), if you're in the mood for that sort of thing. Why wouldn't I like this movie? There are just *way too many dumb lines & scenes in CoH. Unless you're in the mood for a brutal, amoral B-movie (or you're determined to see every single CYF film) there is really no reason to sit through this flick. For more information, check out the HKC page on CoH! Back to the top!!!! |
Joe Cheung Tung-ChoIn July 1987 CYF appeared in Joe Cheung's action flick Flaming Brothers from In-Gear and Golden Harvest.Joe Cheung's credits include the modestly-acclaimed 1994 movie The True Hero. A filmography for Mr. Cheung is given at the HKC database. |
Flaming Brothers Alan Tang Kwok-Wing and CYF in FB. This scan of a VCD cover here by the courtesy of David Lee!
July 1987, In Gear/Golden Harvest. Also known as Dragon and Tiger Fight. There are some great action sequences in this heroic bloodshed B-movie, and some satisfyingly moments of melodrama. But there are also some really dumb gross parts, mostly related to the relationship between Alan (Alan Tang) and his girlfriend. I'm quite sure that when I re-watch this film I'll be fast-forwarding over a lot of the brothers' romances -- but let me reiterate that the action is well worth a look. My rating: 6/10. (Arthouse rating: 2/5. Entertainment value: 4/5.) The plot? Cheung Ho Tien (CYF) has never forgotten the bowl of food he received from convent-educated orphan Kar-Hey (who knows). In present-day Macau, as the trusted lieutenant of "big brother" Chan Wai Lun (Alan Tang Kwok-Wing), Ah Tien must choose between his romance with Kar-Hey and his loyalty to his buddy .... (I'll give you one guess.) Alan's nightclub singer gf (no idea), and loyal henchman Richard and kid Lung Shi-Ming (likewise), round out the cast of characters. Why would I like this film? It adheres closely to the standard heroic bloodshed plotline, and is likely to satisfy fans of the genre. CYF is his usual dashing self in this film, though it's a bit odd having him play second fiddle to Alan.... Why wouldn't I like this film? .... And as I was saying.... Despite the fact that Alan Tang wears a Mark Gor coat through most of the film, he just isn't up to CYF's standards in this flick. Since about a third of the film focuses on Alan's life, this is a problem. Also, I was mostly bored by the grotesque and vapid (respectively) romances of Alan and Ah Tien. And finally, if graphic violence offends you, FB is not the right choice -- the camera tends to linger excessively over the steaming bullet wounds. ;) For more reviews and information, check out the HKC page on FB. |
Wong JingWong Jing's hugely successful career as a script-writer and director has been based on screwball comedies and action movies, typically parodying HK society and films. In his best films, his characters are likeable, three-dimensional characters acting reasonably in unreasonable situations. Of course, it helps when they are played by Chow Yun-Fat. In the following section, I will summarize my knowledge of films I haven't seen, and review those that I have.A filmography for Mr. Wong is given at the HKC database. The Romancing StarIn June 1987 (after Scared Stiff but before Flaming Brothers) Chow Yun-Fat appeared with Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk in Wong Jing's movie, The Romancing Star (HKC page) from Win's.This low-brain-power, popular comedy about girl-chasing quickly spawned a sequel along the same lines, The Romancing Star II (HKC page) starring Andy Lau Tak-Wah, in which CYF made a cameo appearance. God of Gamblers 
1st pic: CYF as Ko Chun, in GOG; from the old Made in Hong Kong Chow Yun-Fat page. 2nd pic: appearing two years after it was originally requested, the pic of the God seen from the back which was actually used in the film. A giant round of applause to P. J. Thum, who was kind enough to send me these scans.December 1989, Win's. God of Gamblers holds a special place in my heart: my first Hong Kong movie, and my first exposure to the God of Actors himself. It blew me away. GoG was also a huge success in Hong Kong, spawning imitators left and right. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 10/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? The most gifted gambler in the world is drawn into the match of a lifetime... Why would I like this movie? The amazing gambling/fight scenes at the beginning. Great performances by Andy Lau Tak-Wah (Knife) and Charles Heung Wah-Keung (Brother Dragon -- that scene with the baby carriage and the escalators!). The surreal and unexpected interlude: CYF's stunning acting skills demonstrated in the straight-up comedy (almost no action) of the movie's middle 45 minutes. And finally, the triumphant, explosive finale. Why wouldn't I like this movie? It's an action/comedy, which alienates some fans of each category. Lotsa violence, which alienates some fans who enjoy the drama and the comedy. But an intermission from action in the middle of the movie, which drives away the "action-only" fanatics. Also, there is a mood-breaking racist line from CYF's character ("Go Back to India") at one point in the film. For other reviews and information, check out the
HKC page on
God of Gamblers. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from
God of Gamblers (whoohoo!), which I am making available in cooperation with David
Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page!
God of Gamblers' Return CYF in GOGR. From
Spooky's collection of on-line
HK lobby cards and reposted
with his kind permission.
December 1994, production company unknown. Anyone? An entertaining, but IMHO inferior, sequel. The God's wife is gruesomely killed and revenge must be obtained... Some of the scenes are brilliant but the pacing and coherence of the movie leave much to be desired. Despite this, and despite only being released on the 14th of December 1994, GoGR was the highest-grossing movie of the year at the Hong-Kong box office, with HK$42M. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 8/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? Pretty much as described above. As his wife dies in his arms (their child gruesomely excised and stuffed in a Mason jar on the dresser by the evil villains) the God swears not to gamble or to use his magic powers for 1 year. As the year draws to a close, he returns to HK to seek vengeance, picking up wonderkid Tze Miu on the way. Why would I like this movie? Some great action scenes (particularly those involving Tze Mui) and side-splitting parody of the original movies' popularity. Wonderful performances by the supporting cast: Charles Heung Wah-Keung returns as Brother Dragon, Tony Leung Ka-Fai is hilarious as a parody of Andy Lau Tak-Wah's Knife, Elvis Tsui Kam-Kong is side-splitting in the role of the brutish Mainland cop ("We respect human rights! If you're innocent, I won't frame you! If you're guilty, I'll break your arms and legs!"), Wu Chien-Lien is extremely cute as a second love interest, and Chigmy Yau Suk-Ching gleefully slides down bannisters with guns blazing. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Wildly uneven pacing. Slapstick gags approach and pass the point of diminishing return. The sentimental charm of the original movie is missing in the sequel, although the cranked-up humour quotient goes a long way toward providing compensation. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for God of Gamblers' Return. Also, download a .wav file of GOGR theme song (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! |
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Mabel Cheung Yuen-TingJuly 1987 marked the release of Mabel Cheung's An Autumn's Tale (reviewed below): a romance which gave Chow Yun-Fat another Best Actor award.Mabel Cheung's credits also include the script for Now You See Love, Now You Don't (a 1992 Chow Yun-Fat film, also reviewed below). Her most recent release is the 1997 film The Soong Sisters, with Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk, Michelle Khan (Yeung Chi King), and Vivian Wu Kwan-Mui as the three legendary sisters from 1930s China. A filmography for Ms. Cheung is available at the HKC database. An Autumn's Tale July 1987, D&B Films.
This beautiful romance, noted for the simplicity of its storyline, and the fine performance of its leads, features CYF with costar Cherie Chung Cho-Hung in the story of two immigrants to New York whose lives intersect. The unusually strong role for the female lead adds to the charm of this appealing story, in my eyes. Winnifred (W)Rating: 10/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? An immigrant to New York (Chung) finds the glitter of the promised land is less than its substance would merit, when on her arrival she finds that her boyfriend has been dating another woman. Her kind but uneducated and uncouth cousin (CYF) helps her find her way around in this new city. Why would I like this movie? Lovely performances by Cherie Chung and Chow Yun-Fat. A touching, uncloying romance. Why wouldn't I like this movie? The plot, delightful as it is, can mostly be described as predictable. O'Henry fans will be irritated (or amused) by the watch sequence lifted from The Gifts of the Magi. But for those who like romances, An Autumn's Tale is a sentimental treat. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for An Autumn's Tale. Back to the top! |
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Johnny To Kei-FungJohnny To is well-known for his CYF movies, and also for the direction of great films like Loving You (the 1995 police drama, starring Lau Ching-Wan). His latest film was the successful hit Lifeline, also starring Lau Ching-Wan, though he has a successful alternate career as a producer which has also flourished in 1997.Complete A filmography for Johnny To Kei-Fung is available at the HKC database. The Eight Happiness A movie poster for Eight Happiness. From left to right (I think): Raymond Wong, Cherie Chung, Petrina Fung, CYF, Jacky Cheung, Huang Kun Hsuan, Fennie Yuen and Carol Cheng. Pic from Ryan's Hong Kong Movie Database.
February 1988, Cinema City. Like its title, The Eight Happiness is baffling to Western sensibilities. A huge commercial success (according to Bey Logan's Hong Kong Action Cinema, it was "the Hong Kong hit of its year" (The Overlook Press, 1996: p. 181)), The Eight Happiness is an entire movie based around the girl-chasing antics of three annoying brothers. If you like that sort of thing, this movie is for you. There are many amusing throw-away gags, and some hilarious jokes on the HK entertainment industry, but most of the movie seems to me to consist of dumb, sexist slapstick. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 5/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 2/5.) The plot? Three brothers struggle with various girl friends. A comic book artist, Fang Chien-Sheng (Jackie Cheung Hok-Tau) pursues an athletic young woman, Ying-Ying (Fennie Yuen), as her martial arts champ mother (Lee Heung Kam) watches protectively. A tv chef, Fang Chien-Hui (the ubiquitous Raymond Wong Bak-Ming) mopes after a Cantonese Opera star (Petrina Fung Poo Poo) with a young son, Ming (the child actor, Huang Kun Hsuan, more annoying than usual). And Fang Chien-Lang, a promiscuous, effeminate actor (CYF) tries to appease his fiancee, Do Do Hung (Carol Do Do Cheng) as he pursues a last conquest, a slutty store clerk who calls herself "Beautiful" (Cherie Chung). (And many thanks to Lawrence Woo and Cassie for their help with the casting info!) Why would I like this movie? Well, as I said, this was a wildly popular example of HK-style sexual comedy. My favourite scenes involved CYF making fun of his own reputation (as when Mark Gor makes an appearance in the audience of a Cantonese Opera), and vamping outrageously to various women, in a wide variety of hilarious & stylish outfits. I especially love the scene where he's dancing around the living room air-conducting with a tuxedo top and red-polka dotted boxers. Why wouldn't I like this movie? The sexual politics are alarming, and there is also one annoying instance of racism vs Indians (Ms. Wu's errant husband is a failed musician who goes off to India because "they're the only ones willing to listen to this music"). IMHO The Eight Happiness is only for fans of the genre. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for The Eight Happiness. All About Ah Long CYF as Ah Long in AAAL. Thanks to Frank Li for courteously permitting
me to repost this pic from his homepage (now sadly offline).March 1989, Cinema City. Also known as Nobody's Hero. A wonderful drama (no guns fired) starring CYF as a single dad, Silvia Chang as the estranged mom, and an extremely talented child actor (Wong Kwan-Yuen) as their son. CYF scooped up another Best Actor for this movie. A beautiful and immensely engaging film. Winnifred (W)Rating: 10/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? As the movie opens, CYF's character is an amiable construction worker, touchingly devoted to his son but stuck in a dead-end job and seemingly without ambition. His bright and charismatic kid is selected to star in an ad; the advertising director turns out to be the long-lost mother (Chang). Over the course of the movie, flashbacks show the breakdown of their relationship (and Chow Yun-Fat in some truly appalling 70s clothes); CYF's character is revealed to have been a motorcycle racer who abandoned that early career after a drunk-driving accident in which his girl-of-the-moment was killed and his leg injured. CYF and Chang struggle to work out their current relationship, and the position their son will play. Why would I like this movie? Complex characterisation and brilliant acting make All About Ah Long well worth watching. Why wouldn't I like this movie? The only reason not to like Ah Long is if you aren't fond of drama: this is an engrossing and intelligent tragedy. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for All About Ah Long. Also, download a .wav file of AAAL theme song (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top! The Fun, The Luck, and the Tycoon CYF
as Lam Bo Sun in TFTLATT. Many thanks to
David Lee for kindly scanning this pic for me!January 1990, Cinema City. An engaging, delightful comedy, with superb production values, star preformances from CYF and Sylvia Chang, and a supporting cast who maniacally succeed in living up the occasion. By far my favorite CYF comedy so far: TFTLATT takes a gleeful look at materialism and maturity in modern life. In a world where a diamond necklace costs 40 times the yearly salary of the clerk who sells it, the frantic pursuit of wealth has become the hallmark of the upper class. Yet for amiable billionaire Lam Bo Sun (CYF), there's something ridiculous in the inflated and mercenary values that surround him. "You know what this is?" he says, giving his fiancee (Nina Li Chi) a bauble from the chandelier, "It's bigger than the Hope diamond." She is all to eager to be convinced ... but he revolts. Searching for higher meaning, Lam kayaks across the bay and starts a new life as a busboy in a fast food restaurant, wooing the boss' sister (Sylvia Chang) with his dazzling smile and naif charm. It would be worth watching just for CYF's blazing charisma, but TFTLATT has lots more to recommend. Like other HK comedies, this film leaves audiences gasping with laughter as its zany physical comedy gallops from scene to scene. But there's always another dimension: how easily and quickly greed corrupts, and how exalted an experience it is, to pursue and fulfill one's dreams. Bookended by the appearance of CYF in a second role, as a cynical cab driver who mocks both Lam Bo Sun the character, and CYF the actor, TFTLATT never loses the edge or the warmth of its humour. Simply a wonderful film. Winnifred (W)Rating: 10/10. (Arthouse Rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? A charming tycoon (CYF) and a restauranteur (Sylvia Chang) find each other as they flee from arranged marriages. Their exes (Nina Li and Lawrence Cheng Tan-Shui) view the new relationship with horror, and struggle to sabotage it, as do the restauranteur's father (who is this guy, anyone?) and the tycoon's scheming aunts (Olivia Cheng Man-Ar, maybe, and another actress ... anyone?). Lam's faithful retainer (Wu Ma, possibly) and his restaurant colleagues (a cute child actor, Wong Kwan-Yuen, & the four members of the band Beyond) are the only ones who promote the new match. Why would I like this movie? Wonderful comedy, performed brilliantly, in front of lavishly and beautifully filmed sets. Why wouldn't I like this movie? If your political sensitivies lurch into the movie, you may be annoyed by the easy redemption afforded to our hero, the billionaire. And there are some moments which may not sit as well with North American audiences (the usual gender roles, etc.) but IMHO TFTLATT has very few real flaws. For other reviews and information, check out the
HKC page for The Fun, The Luck, and
the Tycoon.
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Lau Ka-Leung (Liu Chia-Liang)Lau Ka-Leung has had a prolific career both as actor and director, primarily in martial arts films such as Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1983), or more recently Operation Scorpio (1991). In March 1988 his popular CYF film Tiger On The Beat, reviewed below, was released by Cinema City.In addition, a filmography for Mr. Lau is available from the HKC database. Tiger on the Beat
CYF as Francis Li in TOTB. From the Hong Kong
Picture Library site on
Chow Yun-Fat.March 1988, Cinema City. A frenzied comedy in which CYF is cast as a sleazy, worldly-wise cop partnered with debutant Conan Lee Yuen-Ba. Bound to startle those who associate Chow with hero roles: in the opening scenes we see CYF as a playboy coward who pisses his pants when confronted with a gunman. Chow's hilariously tacky clothes throughout the movie are also likely to horrify those who visualise him always in Armani. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 7/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.) The plot: A beat cop (CYF) and his gung-ho partner (Lee) take on a gang of dope-runners. Why would I like this movie? Wonderful comedy from CYF, and lots of great kung-fu from Conan Lee. Ti Lung makes a brief but memorable cameo. The final, wildly-over-the-top duel with chainsaws, which made me laugh until tears came to my eyes. Why wouldn't I like this movie? If you only want to see Chow as a hero, you'll be upset by his role in this movie. Moreover, the sleazy jokes and sexual humour will also affront some action fans. Tiger on the Beat includes an alarming scene in which CYF beats up a woman -- who then nauseatingly falls for him. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page for Tiger on the Beat. Also, download a .wav file of the theme song for TotB (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top!
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The Last Gasp of The Machine: 19881988 was the last year of mega-production for Chow Yun-Fat. In July 1988 alone, however, CYF appeared in the lead role of no fewer than three movies, each romantic comedies. |
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Wong ChungThanks to the wonder of the now-defunct Movieworld Hong Kong, I have finally identified the director of Fractured Follies as Wong Chung. In addition to directing moderate hits such as Run, Don't Walk (1989), Mr. Wong has also enjoyed an acting career, appearing for example in the Stephen Chow vehicle King of Beggars (1992). |
Fractured Follies CYF and Joey Wong in FF. Pic courtesy of Eric Fong's cool CYF posters page (now sadly offline), and reposted
with his permission.
July 1988; production company unknown. As always with HK comedies, I feel ambivalently about this flick. On the one hand: CYF and Joey Wong Cho-Yin being charming, engaging zaniness, and acerbic cynicism mixed with good humour. "Everyone's Fragile" would better capture the spirit of this movie than FF -- it's a comedy about material and romantic misfortune, as two geeks (CYF and Joey Wong), two lechers (James Wong, some unknown), and a wistful oddball (Nina Li Chi) try to pair up while resolving money problems, triad problems, and various misunderstandings. On the other hand, there's the usual dumb slapstick, sexual buffoonery, and annoying gender roles (though there's one mindboggling scene in which CYF briefly smooches James Wong). My rating? 6/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 3/5.) The plot? Ah May (JW) and her family move to HK to open a store, but discover their evil cousin has sold them a dilapidated wreck. Taxi-drivin' geek CYF promptly runs down May in a car crash; to avoid being sued for damages he embroils himself and the two co-owners of his taxi (James Wong & Nina Li Chi) in Ah May's life. Vamp cousin "Scarlet" and May's parents add merrily to the confusion. Why would I like this movie? This is a prototypic HK comedy, IMHO -- if you like the genre, you'll love it. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Well.... it's a prototypic HK comedy! Though I thought some scenes were funny, I was bored and irritated by about half the film. You can check out other reviews and info on Fractured Follies at the HKC page for this flick. Back to the top!!! |
Chor YuenIn July 1988 CYF also appeared in Chor Yuen's popular movie, Diary of a Big Man.Chor Yuen has also appeared as an actor; he costarred in the CYF flick The Seventh Curse, mentioned above. A filmography for Mr. Chor is available from the HKC database. |
Diary of a Big Man CYF in DOABM, with Sally Yeh and Joey Wong (inset). Pic from Ryan's Hong Kong Movie Database.
July 1988, Cinema City/Eastern Film Workshop. Another in CYF's string of fantastically popular romantic comedies, DOABM is a truly hilarious farce. The tone is set with a hysterically funny opening umbrella sequence, and continues chaotically through the rest of the film. The whole cast (CYF, Sally Yeh, Joey Wong, Waise Lee, & Carrie Ng Ka Lai) seem to be having a great time, particularly in the wildly funny music-video sequences mocking CYF's legendarily-bad singing. I liked this film more than most HK comedies, because of its sheer effervescence, the wonderful production values, and the charm of the cast. Unfortunately though, the periodic recurrence of sexist, racist, or homophobic gags kept breaking the mood for me, and perhaps would for many other western viewers. My rating: 8/10. (Arthouse rating: 5/5. Entertainment Value: 3/5.) The plot?"Chow Ting Fat" (CYF) meets his ideal woman -- twice -- in one night, and ends up married to both of them ("Sally", Sally Yeh (Yip Sin-Man) and "Joey" (Joey Wong Cho-Yin)). Fellow-stockbroker Chi Hung (Waise Lee, surprisingly funny as a straight man in this film) helps Ah Fat juggle the relationships, at the expense of his own romance with fiancee Ka Lui (Carrie Ng Ka Lai). Meanwhile, deadpan police inspector Chang (Kent Cheng) has his suspicions of Ah Fat's bigamy... Why would I like this movie? Mostly if you're in the mood for farce: this one's a classic. There were many scenes which still crack me up in their silliness -- think CYF trying to keep his two sleepy wives from spotting each other by waltzing around the room to toreador music with a bedsheet held between them. Why Wouldn't I like this movie? Well, the annoying stereotypes (especially the stupid gags re polygamous Arabs at the end of the film) were a big minus for me. But on the whole I think that if you like the genre, you'll like this film. For more reviews and information, check out the HKC page for DOABM. (And many thanks to Storm Chen for filling me in on Carrie Ng's name!) |
Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu-Leung)In July 1988 CYF appeared in Clarence Ford's flick The Greatest Lover (reviewed below).Ford's directorial credits include films such as Dragon from Russia (1990) and Thunder Cop (1996). A filmography for Mr. Ford appears in the HKC database. |
The Greatest Lover
Fuzzy but hilarious pix of CYF with Anita Mui in TGL (but who's the woman in the striped pants?). From Ryan's Hong Kong Movie Database.July 1988, Johnny Mak/Golden Harvest. A sweet version of the Pygmalion story: an uneducated bumpkin (CYF) metamorphosises into a polished lover with the aid of a tutor, Anita (Anita Mui Yim-Fong), who ends up falling for her creation. Anita Mui is a blast as the (ahem) whip-toting dominatrix, and CYF is charming in his portrayal of a sentimental mainlander under the harsh spotlight of high society. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 7/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.) The plot? Three mainlanders (Shing Fui-On, CYF, and Eric Tseng) flee to Hong Kong with the aid of some truly ridiculous devices, like tiger dung -- there are many silly, gross scatalogical jokes. Separated in the swim, one (CYF) ends up being picked as the instrument of vengeance by a recently-jilted boyfriend (anyone?). This guy hires Anita (Anita Mui) to transform CYF into a playboy, so that he can then break the hearts of the two women who've taunted and humiliated his boss. Why would I like this movie? A charming story, fine performances, and good comedy make this film worth watching. But don't expect much more than light-hearted fluff. Why wouldn't I like this movie? North American fans may find it difficult to laugh during the many scenes featuring CYF learning English -- I can imagine HK audiences laughing in sympathy, but for me it mostly provoked awkward silence hearing the beginner's English of both CYF and Anita Mui. Also, there is (yet more) anti-Indian racism, as well as a couple of scenes featuring sexism, and homophobia; these scenes break the mood three or four times in the flick. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on The Greatest Lover. Back to the top!
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Eddie Fong Ling-Ching |
Eddie Fong's flick Cherry Blossoms, also known as The Legend of Yu Ta Fu (HKC page), was released in September 1988. Although CYF received top billing he appears for less than 10 minutes, according to the description at Hong Kong Cinema. CB receives a very positive review in Teo's Hong Kong Cinema; The Extra Dimensions. Teo writes: "a lustrous evocation of Japan in the period 1910-20. ... seethes with an atmosphere of repressed desire .... The clash of national identity and individual feelings infuses the film with a mesmerising quality while enriching it with political themes" (1997: p. 185). Muahahahahahaha! |
Ho Lin ChowIn October 1988, CYF appeared in director Ho Lin Chow's film Goodbye Hero. As far as I know, this hilariously bad film was Mr. Ho's only release.Also known as Goodbye My Friend, the flick was recently re-released by the infamous Arena Video people under (for no apparent reason) the title Shanghai Killer. It has a pic from Hardboiled on the front, and pix from HB and The Killer on the back. The plot description ("Chow Yun-Fat plays top don of the Triads as he takes on all the Shanghai underworld can throw at him in the fight for Triad supremacy") is completely spurious. Needless to say, it's a centre-frame cut (the outside third of the film is cut off, resulting in hilarious views of empty rooms, while off-screen characters chat) and there's lots of white-on-white subtitles. But what the hell, how else are you going to get to see really bad CYF movies? (And thanks to MC4 and Darryl for Making Sure that I got the title right!) |
Goodbye, HeroI have no pic for this movie ... anyone feel like scanning one in?October 1988, production company unknown. Also known as Goodbye My Friend and Shanghai Killers. Goodbye, Hero is a shredded re-hack of an earlier, discarded CYF flick, which was re-edited and sprinkled with new footage when the editors realised, post-ABT, that they had a gold mine on-hand. I would put this in the so-bad-it's-good category -- I laughed through the whole movie, and ended up having a great time watching the film. Like The Seventh Curse, this movie features an evil religious cult, mystic rites in a secret temple, lots of gratuitious violence and sex, and *hilarious production values. It was fun comparing the post-ABT add-ins with the pre-ABT CYF youthfulness. Recommended for the sleep-deprived, and other people in the mood to be silly. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 5/10. (Arthouse Rating: 0/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? During World War 2 (don't let the constant anachronisms bother you -- sneakers go by in the first scene), a bunch of heroic HK triad guys (bossed by Kenneth Tsang Kong, in a cameo role) battle the evil Thai Blood Sect, which has sent assassins after the HK triad guys because they won't collaborate with the Japanese. When their parents are killed by the Blood Sect, two brothers (CYF & someone I'd never seen) set out to wreak vengeance. Why would I like this movie? The constant barrage of unintentionally funny lines, scenes, anachronisms, etc. The hilarious lengths to which the film goes to exploit CYF. For example: the final scene involves at least a dozen of the good guys (misc triad types, Thai police, friendly Thai types) joining together to assault the temple of the Blood Sect. In a side-splitting moment, all of them except Chan So Hing (CYF's character) get locked in a room, leaving CYF to finish of the villain (with kung fu!) by himself. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Well, there's not actually very much good about it, aside from how bad it is. :P If you're not in the mood to laugh, you'll be bored and irritated by Shanghai Killers. Plus the hasty re-edit has some glaring holes -- there's one cut in particularly, in the center of the film, where a whole scene (a good guy, Ping, killing a triad boss) is left out. CYF is dubbed by someone else, for most of the time, which is distracting, and even with all the silly extra footage, the film only clocks in at 75 minutes. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on Goodbye, Hero. Back to the top!
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Sun ChungIn December 1988, Chow Yun-Fat appeared in City War, directed by Sun Chung, and reviewed to the right.Mr. Sun is given credit for no other films in Hong Kong Cinema. |
City War
Chow Yun-Fat and Ti Lung in CW. Pic courteously provided by
David Lee.December 1988, Cinema City. Ti Lung and Chow Yun-Fat play two cops in this entertaining and violent buddy movie. Ti Lung is a hot-head with a grudge against the criminals he chases, constantly in trouble with his supervisors for his neglect of police procedure. CYF is an understanding mediator, whose glibness manages to get his partner out of trouble more than once. When an ex-con (brooding villain Norman Chu (Tsui Siu-Keung)) starts hunting down Ti Lung's family, he gets a lot more than he bargained for in return. City War earns a place on Bey Logan's Hong Kong Action Cinema list of the ten best gunfights of heroic bloodshed. Logan wrote: "One of the best A Better Tomorrow spin-offs, featuring some quality high-octane action in the finale" (The Overlook Press, 1996: p. 129). Winnifred's (W)Rating: 8/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot? Plot? This is a heroic bloodshed movie, after all! But as stated above: an ex-con gets out of jail and starts hunting the man who put him away. Why would I like this movie? The exhiliration of seeing Ti Lung and CYF together: their great chemistry and talent. Some great scenes of mayhem. Some great moments of acting and characterisation: one scene in particular has CYF demonstrating his mastery of ultra-hipness, flashing eyes, and charisma. I also enjoyed the romantic sub-plot between CYF's character and Black Widow': an unusual amount of flirtation and sexual tension for an HK flic. Why wouldn't I like this movie? The hilarious moral message: society is on the side of the bad guys; real heroes carry out vigilante justice. And the usual problems of heroic bloodshed: gore, sexism, some truly cheesy lines, the predictability of the plot, etc. For other reviews and information, check out the
HKC page on City War. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from City War
(whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of
David Lee, famed author of the
CYF sounds page!
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Only the Best for Me Now: 1989 and afterAround this time Chow Yun-Fat made a decision to pursue only films with scripts that interested him, and to dramatically slow down the pace of his work. Needless to say, the quality of his films is therefore much higher in this later period. |
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Tsui HarkIn October 1989 CYF appeared in the third A Better Tomorrow movie, reviewed below, which was directed by Tsui Hark. Tsui produced many CYF movies (A Better Tomorrow and its sequel; Diary of a Big Man) and is also noted for his creative and versatile direction of films such as Peking Opera Blues (1986) and Once Upon a Time in China (1990). In addition, Mr. Tsui directed two Hollywood films, Double Team, featuring the ubiquitous Jean Claude Van Damme, along with sports icon Dennis Rodman, and Knockoff, released in September 1998. Fans of Mr. Tsui will find a comprehensive and beautiful fan site at Daniel's Action Web.A filmography for Mr. Tsui's Hong Kong films is available at the HKC database. In addition, you may be interested in:
A Better Tomorrow III: Love and Death in Saigon CYF as Mark Gor in ABT3. From the old Made in Hong Kong site. October 1989, Film Workshop and Golden Princess. In this prequel to ABT, Mark Gor (CYF) is joined by his cousin, Mun (Tony Leung Ka-Fai); Anita Mui Yim-Fong appears as Kit, the gangster who becomes Mark's sifu and lover. Opinions vary widely about this film: I enjoyed it for its portrayal of humanity struggling with chaos, but found it difficult to take the story of the Making of Mark Gor very seriously. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 7/10. (Arthouse Rating: 4/5. Entertainment Value: 3/5.) The plot? Mark Gor goes to Vietnam to help his cousin and uncle escape. He and his naive cousin learn the skills to survive from a debonaire gangster woman, with whom they both fall in love. Complications quickly erupt: as the Viet Cong approach Saigon, hysteria and fear ignite in an inferno of urban fear and corruption. Why would I like this movie? More detailed characterization than normal for an action flick -- this movie is much more of a drama than viewers of ABT and ABT2 would expect. A complex portrayal of the collective hysteria that grips societies in civil war, and of course an allegory for the bleak mood in Hong Kong in 1989 regarding 1997. Some wonderful scenes as Mark assumes the character known in the first two movies in this series: the first shot of Mark rigged out in his dustcoat, glasses, and toothpick had audiences cheering wildly when I watched this film in the theatre. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Many fans of Woo dislike the lack of action in this movie. Also, some fans of heroic bloodshed reject the portrait of Mark Gor as a student: in the first half of the movie, Mark is heroic in character, but amusingly incompetent in execution. Finally, Mui's character is difficult to take at face value: simultaneously hardened gangster, capable of taking out a squad of Vietnamese soliders with a machine gun held in each hand, and romantic love interest, passively stumbling from one partner to another as the film goes on. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on A Better Tomorrow III: Love and Death in Saigon. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from ABT3 (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of
David Lee, famed author of the
CYF sounds page!
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Alex Law Kai-YuiIn February 1992 CYF appeared in Alex Law's popular romantic comedy Now You See Love, Now You Don't, reviewed below. The script for this movie was co-written by Law and Mabel Cheung.Alex Law is better known for his successful career as a script-writer, paired with director Mabel Cheung in films such as An Autumn's Tale (reviewed above). A A filmography for Mr. Law is available from the HKC database. Now You See Love, Now You Don't CYF in NYSLNYD. From
Spooky's collection of on-line
HK lobby cards; reposted with
his kind permission.
February 1992, Milestone/Golden Princess. Also known as Love: Now You See It, Now You Don't. Frankly, the sexism of CYF's character, a guy who loses his girlfriend (Firefly, played by Carol Cheng Yu-Lin) when his attempts to mold her character backfire, was so irritating to me that I was unable to relax and enjoy the movie. However there were some good lines and scenes--I chortled uncontrollably when Firefly discovers that her pet dog was stewed for the welcome-back dinner. It's nice to see Anthony Wong Chow-Sun prove that typecasting means nothing to him, in his role as the village idiot. And there are many amusing scenes featuring CYF's character--as in the skating scene you see if you click on the thumbnail image above. Winnifred's (W)Rating? 4/10. (Arthouse Rating: 2/5. Entertainment Value: 2/5.) The plot?When Firefly returns from England, she finds that her former boyfriend, now village headman, resists her attempts to change herself. Her angry departure for Hong Kong is followed by an attempt by the ex-boyfriend to regain her love. Why would I like this movie? The best thing about this romantic comedy is the performance of Carol Cheng, who gives an endearing and cute characterisation of a woman who comes back from England to her small village determined to take control of her life. Also, I was intrigued by one of the plot twists and enjoyed several of the jokes. Why wouldn't I like this movie? All the male characters are sexist pigs; most of the women are likewise irritating. The jokes aren't really THAT funny. The plot device used to resolve the conflict and end the film can only be described as ludicrous. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on Now You See Love, Now You Don't. |
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Jeff Lau Chun-WaiIn January 1994 director Jeff Lau released the movie Treasure Hunt, reviewed below. Jeff Lau has enjoyed a deserved success as director of films such as the Chinese Odyssey series. A filmography for Mr. Lau is given at the HKC database.Treasure Hunt CYF as Chang Ching in TH. From a now-defunct commercial
site that used to be at http://www.entertainment.com/entert/poster/chowyf/.
January 1994, Golden Princess. An essentially silly but entertaining romantic comedy in which CYF plays a CIA agent searching for a national treasure in China. Psychic abilities abound, and Shaolin monks in baseball uniforms are the not the most ludicrous images we are confronted with. The beautiful production values and sweet romantic comedy partially redeem this flick. Winnifred's (W)Rating: 7/10. (Arthouse Rating: 3/5. Entertainment Value: 4/5.) The plot: CIA officer Ah Ching (CYF) falls for a lovely psychic, Mei (Wu Chien-Lien) when he arrives at Shaolin temple to search for a treasure for the CIA. Why would I like this movie? Some good comedy and action from CYF, including CYF battling Shaolin monks (!) and flying around with Wu Chien-Lien. Also some very hip fashion from CYF. Why wouldn't I like this movie? Did I mention the flying around? If sentiment isn't your style and realism matters, Treasure Hunt is not the movie for you. For me personally it was heavy-going getting over Chow Yun-Fat as a CIA agent, but this may not be a problem for everyone. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on Treasure Hunt. Back to the top!
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Wai Ka-FaiWai Ka-Fai had the honour of directing and of having written Chow Yun-Fat's last Hong Kong flick (to date): Peace Hotel, which is reviewed below. He can also take credit for directing the innovative, acclaimed Too Many Ways to be Number 1 (1997), starring Lau Ching-Wan.A filmography for Wai Ka-Fai is given at the Hong Kong Cinema database. Peace Hotel CYF as The Master Killer in PH. Picture courteously provided by
Dan Century.
April 1995, production company unknown (anyone?). An extremely good-looking movie (produced, incidentally, by John Woo) in which CYF appears as a sort of Lone Ranger for Shanghai in the 1920s. Some wonderful scenes of CYF attitude, complete with impressive bald-headed sword-wielding mayhem-induction, and a dazzling performance by Cecilia Yip Tung as a seductive, conniving swindler. Wonderfully entertaining, and much better than I was expecting (given the mixed reviews I had hitherto heard). Winnifred's (W)Rating: 9/10. (Arthouse Rating: 4/5. Entertainment Value: 5/5.) The plot: A formidable killer (CYF) sets up the Peace Hotel as a haven for the desparate. No killer can pass into the hotel in pursuit of fugitives, and there's only one catch: you can never leave. But all rules are malleable for Cecilia Yip's character, a swindler to whom lying comes as easily as breathing... Why would I like this movie? The beautiful images and cinematography. Some great attitude from Chow Yun-Fat, and a vivid demonstration of the advantage of superior firepower. Wonderful acting from Cecilia Yip, who is absolutely hilarious creating lie after lie. Why wouldn't I like this movie? The critiques I have heard point to the disjointed plot (stylistic and stylish, IMHO), the blurry fight scenes (likewise), and the anachronistic American look (true, but why be picky?). My own problems concern my ambivalence towards the gender roles in this film (hideously stereotyped, even though I like Yip's character) and the characterisation of the hotel inhabitants at the ending (is it likely they would ALL be cowards?). But I thoroughly enjoyed Peace Hotel, and would recommend it heartily. For other reviews and information, check out the HKC page on Peace Hotel. Also, download a .wav file of theme song from Peace Hotel (whoohoo!), available here thanks to the cooperation of David Lee, famed author of the CYF sounds page! Back to the top!
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And Finally....Missing in ActionChow Yun-Fat is also rumoured to have appeared in Pembunuhan Pursuit (a police comedy teaming CYF with George Lam Chi-Cheung), but I don't know the director, or the year of release for this movie.Cyndy sent in the following info for this flick:
It sounds to me as though it must have been made after 89, as a parody of TK and ABT ... But who knows! |
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