Hong Kong Cinema
Hong Kong had a prolific pre-1970s film industry, but it was the supremely talented and determined Bruce Lee who brought Hong Kong film to the international stage. This tiny island nation has been integral to the introduction of the martial arts genre to the rest of the world. One look at Uma Thurman's yellow jumpsuit in the Kill Bills is enough to show us this influence is still alive and very much kicking. After Lee's death in 1973 the industry lost some of its momentum and stuck to the tried and true chop socky formula, but by the 1980s a new talent was emerging in the form of John Woo, inventor of so-called 'balletic gunplay'. This style of shooting shoot-outs captured the imaginations of many young American film makers and emerges in films as diverse as 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'The Matrix'. The martial arts genre was reinvigorated by talents such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li who wanted to introduce more story into the action, and in recent years film maker Wong Kar Wai has challenged what it means to be an HK film, steering clear of Kung Fu and concentrating on more personal, quirky stories. Undoubtedly there is more to see from this exciting port of call...
Right: There can be no more an iconic figure in the martial arts world, than the master himself, the late, great Bruce Lee.
Mr Vampire (1985)
7.6/10
Director: Ricky Lau
Starring: Ching-Ying Lam, Ricky Hui, Siu-hou Chin, Li Choi Fung
The first of a popular comedy/horror series featuring the Chinese version of a movie vampire, a more corpse-like creature than his Western counterpart... Read more
My Left Eye Sees Ghosts (2002)
6.7/10
Director: Johnnie To
Starring: Sammi Cheng
A car accident gives a spoiled, troubled young woman the ability to see ghosts, including one of a former classmate. Read more
My Lucky Stars (1985)
6.6/10
Director: Sammo Hung
Starring: Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung, Sibelle Hu, Richard Ng, Eric Tsang, Bolo Yeu...
The second in the Lucky Stars trilogy following 'Winners and Sinners' and followed by 'Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars'. Jackie Chan reunites with martia... Read more
My Young Auntie (1981)
7/10
Director: Liu Chia-Liang
Starring: Liu Chia-Liang, Kara Hui, Hsiao Hou, Lung Wei Wang, Chia Hui Gordon Liu
A triumph of kung fu comedy with a female lead who knows how to kick butt, this Shaw Brothers classic sees Kara Hui marrying the dying patriarch of a... Read more
Naked Killer (1992)
6.1/10
Director: Clarence Fok, Clarence Fok-yiu
Starring: Svenwara Madoka, Carrie Ng, Kelly Yao, Chingamy Yau, Simon Yam
After viewing her violent tendencies toward men, hitwoman Sister Cindy recruits Kitty (Chingamy Yau) and begins training her in the ways of a professi... Read more
Naked Weapon (2002)
5.6/10
Director: Tony Ching Siu-Tung
Starring: Maggie Q, Anya , Daniel Wu, Jewel Lee
Like a contagious virus, pretty and athletic girls in their teens start disappearing around the world. The mastermind behind these abductions is Madam... Read more
New Dragon Gate Inn ( Dragon Inn ) (1992)
7.3/10
Director: Raymond Lee
Starring: Tony Leung (Ka Fai), Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Donnie Yen
Two Imperial swordsmen set out to rescue innocent children from the clutches of the ruling genderless eunuchs setting the stage for an all action spec... Read more
New Police Story (2004)
7/10
Director: Benny Chan
Starring: Jackie Chan, Nicholas Tse, Charlie Yeung, Charlene Choi, Daniel Wu
Jackie Chan returned to Hong Kong to produce the long-anticipated fourth instalment in his 'Police Story' series. Chan is decorated Officer Wing whos... Read more
Nightfall (2012)
6.4/10
Starring: Nick Cheung, Simon Yam
An old but serious miscarriage of justice clouds a current police investigation looking into the death of a mutilated corpse. Read more
Ninja in the Dragon's Den (1982)
7.5/10
Director: Corey Yuen Kwai
Starring: Conan Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tai Bo, Hwang Jang Lee
Conan Lee plays a smug martial artist who comes to the aid of his teacher when the old man is attacked by a ninja assassin (Hiroyuki Sanada). Turns o... Read more