105 Recommended HK Action Films
A list of Hong Kong action films that are must-see films for fans of martial arts and action cinema. I have also chosen to include some swordplay films and heroic bloodshed/gunplay films. This list is not really in any specific order, I just wrote them down as they came to mind.
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- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsBiao YuenChing-Ying LamSammo Kam-Bo HungA young man discovers that his reputation as a fearsome martial artist is manufactured by his rich father, after meeting a real martial arts master, who's also a master thespian, and is determined to apprentice under him to learn kung fu.My all time favorite film, the definitive Wing Chun movie that is a career highlight for all involved.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungSiu Chung MokHoi MangLo Tung and his friend Malted Candy, pedicab drivers working the streets of Macao, have both fallen in love. The problem is that both their objects of affection--one a baker, the other a prostitute--are working under cruel and lecherous bosses. Somehow, the pair must find a way to win the ladies' hearts and free them from their unpleasant jobs.Another one of Sammo's masterpieces. A brilliant mix of genres with two of the greatest fight scenes ever: The pole fight vs Lau Kar Leung and the finale with Sammo vs Billy Chow.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsKa-Yan LeungChia-Yung LiuBiao YuenTwo brothers and small time crooks Yipao and Taipao convince a martial arts expert to take them on as students, completely oblivious to his sordid past.The second best among Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung collaborations features incredible acrobatics and very creatuive choreography. A true classic.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsJackie ChanSiu-Tin YuenJeong-lee HwangWong Fei-Hung is a mischievous yet righteous young man, but after a series of incidents his frustrated father has him disciplined by a master of drunken martial arts.One of the most iconic martial arts films ever to come out of HK. The definitive drunken boxing film
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanHo-Sung PakLung TiA young martial artist is caught between respecting his pacifist father's wishes or stopping a group of disrespectful foreigners from stealing precious artifacts.Worthy sequel to a genre classic. Features a great mix between modern JC style choreography and classic kung fu.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsSiu-Tin YuenJeong-lee HwangLinda LinDrunken Boxing master Beggar So must train his bumbling son in order to take on a rival Drunken Boxing master and his student.Another drunken master sequel that features some very inventive choreography.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsJackie ChanSiu-Tin YuenJeong-lee HwangAn orphan who has been raised at a kung fu school, where he is treated as little more than a dogsbody and practice target for the students, has a life-changing experience after helping an old peripatetic beggar.Another Yuen Woo Ping classic that put Jackie Chan on the map.
- DirectorSum CheungStarsJohn CheungYao Lin ChenPomson ShiThe master of a drunken fist is killed by a deadly snake fist duo in a major battle, so his only student flees and becomes a covert, expert fighter.A great monkey fist movie that is something of a cult classic
- DirectorSum CheungWilson TongStarsYuen-Man MengLily LiWilson TongChy Chi Chong (Man Yuen Men) is determined to become a Kung Fu Expert, yet each time he begins to train, his master is mysteriously killed. Killer bah (WIlson Tong) is a professional assassin whose use of the secret daggers makes him an unbeatable killing machine. Chu Swears to avenge all his masters deaths and prepares by developing his skills to perfection.Very underrated film that shows off the skills of both Meng Yuen Man and the very talented actor/director/choreographer Wilson Tong.
- DirectorLieh LoStarsChia-Hui LiuLieh LoLung-Wei WangThe monk Hung Wen-Ting fights against the evil priest White Lotus.Directed by and co-starring Lo Lieh this is one of the finest Shaw Bros kung fu films out there.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Liang LiuChia-Yung LiuKara WaiA band of killers from an ailing kung fu and magic society are sent on a manhunt for a former member of the society, whose bad mouthing threatens its existence.The greatest weapons film of all time.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Liang LiuKara WaiHou HsiaoCheng Tai-Nan (Kara Hui) is an honest and faithful servant of a dying patriarch who wants nothing more than to protect his vast wealth from his selfish, conniving nephew, Yung-Sheng. Tai-Nan is young enough to be his granddaughter, but still agrees to marry her master so that all of his wealth will be lawfully safe with her so she can then transfer it to Ching-Chuen (Lau Kar-Leung), her new husband/master's favorite nephew. This angers the hateful Yung-Sheng greatly, who sends multiple thugs after Tai-Nan, but she is a highly skilled martial artist who is not easily defeated. Amazingly, things become even more complicated when Ching-Chuen's son, Yu Tao (Hou Hsiao), arrives home from a university in Hong Kong and discovers a mysterious women in his house and attacks her, not realizing she is actually his new great aunt, Tai-Nan. Complicating things even more is the uncomfortable sexual tension between Yu Tao and Tai-Nan. Next Yung-Sheng finally manages to steal all the paperwork, titles, and deeds to Ching-Chuen's wealth. Left with no choice but to lead an all-out attack against Yung-Sheng at his booby-trapped mansion, Tai-Nan decides to get Ching-Chuen and his older brothers back into fighting shape.My favorite Shaw Bros film. Kara Hui is wonderful and the finale is excellent.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuLung-Wei WangHou HsiaoWhen thugs prey upon innocent factory workers, a small-time scammer trains for revenge by studying the moves of Shaolin temple monks.Scaffolding kung fu rules!
- DirectorCheh ChangStarsFeng LuSheng ChiangChien SunCritically acclaimed director Chang Cheh has The Five Venoms turn Shaolin fighters as they challenge the authority of the evil Chings in Invincible Shaolin. Per usual, the fights will knock your socks off.One of the greatest of The Venoms films
- DirectorCheh ChangStarsKuan Tai ChenFeng LuPhillip Chung-Fung KwokThree men who have been physically disabled by an evil warlord and his physically-disabled son become friends and learn kung fu so that they can seek revenge with help from an elderly martial-arts teacher and his mentally-disabled pupil.My favorite Venoms film
- DirectorCheh ChangStarsPhillip Chung-Fung KwokMeng LoSheng ChiangThree refugees become sworn brothers during a war. One (Kuo Chui/Philip Kwok) works in a whore house, one (Chiang Sheng) in a gambling house, and the other (Lo Mang) in a martial arts school. They become embroiled in the war and are betrayed by one's mentor.Wonderful Venoms flick
- DirectorCheh ChangStarsPhillip Chung-Fung KwokSiu-Ho ChinSheng ChiangThe masked gang have created a menace, killing many people, now it is up to Philp who once worked for the masked gang to destroy them.The ultimate film for trident action. Phillip Kwok is the man.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsJackie ChanBiao YuenSammo Kam-Bo HungTwo Chinese friends, who operate a food truck in Barcelona, Spain, use their martial arts expertise to help their private investigator friend protect the pickpocket Sylvia, who's been targeted by a ruthless gang.Three Brothers classic. Jackie VS Benny is one of the greatest fights of the 80's
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungCorey YuenStarsJackie ChanSammo Kam-Bo HungBiao YuenThree successful Hong Kong lawyers are hired by a chemical company of questionable ethics and must eventually make a difficult decision when their employer's motives become clear.My fave Three Brothers film. The finale is legendary.
- DirectorJackie ChanSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsJackie ChanSammo Kam-Bo HungBiao YuenFighting against pirates at the turn of the 20th century, the Hong Kong navy are failing miserably. It's up to Sergeant Lung (Jackie Chan) to take matters into his own hands.The sheer talent and creativity in this film is a joy to behold.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungCharlie ChinStanley Sui-Fan FungMuscles, cop from Hong Kong, is in Japan chasing a bad HK cop. His cop partner gets taken by the ninja gang. Muscles gets his 5 old no-good friends from the orphanage to help find the bad cop. Lots of comedy and kung-fu fighting follows.A nostalgic classic for me that features the lucky stars gang. Great exchange between Dick Wei and Jackie Chan in this one.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungFruit ChanStarsJackie ChanSammo Kam-Bo HungEmily ChuTat, ex SWAT turned CID cop in HK, has a 29 y.o. Disabled brother, behaving like the small boys, he plays with, always getting into trouble. Tat struggles to care for him - at the expense of his cute girlfriend and dreams.The finale between Jackie and Dick Wei is one of my favorites. The film also manages to be a very engaging drama that has one of Sammo's best performances.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungRichard NgEric Tsang5 HK cops (4 horny males) on vacation in Pattaya, Thailand, are told to contact an informant there but he gets murdered. They return to Hong Kong to contact his girlfriend and protect her. 3 other colleagues are busy fighting criminals.The battle in the Pepsi factory is so good. Features a infamous and impressive kick from Yuen Biao that has to be seen to be believed.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsKa-Yan LeungHo WangSammo Kam-Bo HungA bank cashier discovers a plot to kill the mayor. His attempt to warn the mayor is foiled, and he almost gets killed, but a mumbling Shaolin disciple rescues him and takes him to his master to teach him a formidable form of kung fu.Sammo is the king of Wing Chun and this film is another example of his genius.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungSing ChenHoi-Pang LoA lowly restaurant worker aims to take revenge on the Manchurian thugs who killed his boss by joining a Shaolin temple under the advise from a monk who rescued him from certain death.Classic martial arts film that is a must for Sammo fans like myself. Shows the beginnings of Sammo as a director, very interesting to behold. Great finale!
- DirectorJohn WooStarsPai WeiDamian LauKong LauA son tries to avenge his father, and gets two sword fighters to help him.One of John Woo's best is an excellent swordplay film.
- DirectorAng LeeStarsChow Yun-FatMichelle YeohZiyi ZhangA young Chinese warrior steals a sword from a famed swordsman and then escapes into a world of romantic adventure with a mysterious man in the frontier of the nation.One of the most critically acclaimed martial arts filsm out there. Features a great weapons battle between Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi among it's highlights.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsDonnie YenRosamund KwanDavid WuAn ex-cop and divorce lawyer team up with a gangster to clear their names after getting involved in a dirty money scheme led by a vicious money launderer, who plans to expand his business and wipe out anyone who stands in his way.Yuen Woo Ping film that is a must, features some of the best fighting of Donnie Yen's career.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsCynthia KhanDonnie YenMichael WongA Hong Kong cop and two American cops are onto a suspected harbor worker and are forced to team up when they discover that the suspect is a witness on the run from CIA agents and their schemers; two corrupt cops.One of the if not the most action packed collaboration between Donnie and Yuen Woo Ping. Highly recommended.
- DirectorCorey YuenStarsMichelle YeohCynthia RothrockJohn ShamTwo unlucky thieves break into a just murdered man's hotel room and steal his passport with a hidden microfilm wanted by a triad boss. Two hard kicking women cops from HK and UK get the case.Put Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Roithrock on the HK action cinema map. The finale is a classic among fight scenes from the 80's.
- DirectorDavid ChungStarsMichelle YeohHiroyuki SanadaMichael WongMichelle Yip of the Hong Kong police is a mild-mannered Kung Fu expert; Michael Wong, from air security, is happy-go-lucky, stuck on himself, constantly talking, and smitten by her; Yamamoto is quiet, hard-boiled, leaving the Tokyo police to spend time with his wife and daughter. They form an alliance when they foil a hijacking on a plane flying a mob prisoner from Tokyo to Hong Kong. The mobster and his would-be rescuer die, and this sets off two avengers who were their blood brothers. Our three cops become the targets. A high-speed chase, a car bomb, the destruction of a nightclub, a spectacular suicide, dead bystanders, and a flying coffin litter the landscape by the end.A great Michelle Yeoh action film, high quality and quantity of action!
- DirectorJohnnie ToStarsMichelle YeohAnita MuiMaggie CheungWhile one tough woman with an invisible robe has stolen 18 babies for her powerful master, two other tough women and the cops try to stop her.One of my favorite HK action films that is a must watch for any fan of comic book/action or fantasy films. Fight scenes show of the creative genius of Ching Siu Tung.
- DirectorSiu-Tung ChingStarsNorman ChuDamian LauFlora Chong-LeenThe best sword master from China vs the best sword master from Japan. Who will win?Directorial debut of Ching Siu Tung that is early proof of his skills as a filmmaker and main choreographer.
- DirectorJackie ChanChi-Hwa ChenStarsJackie ChanMaggie CheungBrigitte LinA virtuous Hong Kong Police Officer must clear his good name when the drug lord he is after frames him for the murder of a dirty cop.One of Jackie Chan's finest films. The finale is legendary with mind blowing stunts.
- DirectorStanley TongStarsJackie ChanMichelle YeohMaggie CheungA Hong Kong detective teams up with his female Red Chinese counterpart to stop a Chinese drug czar.Brilliant stunts, Michelle Yeoh steals the show.
- DirectorClarence FokStarsMaggie CheungBiao YuenWah YuenA frozen Ming Dynasty royal guard and the equally frigid rapist-killer he's tracking are thawed out in modern-day Hong Kong.Another Yuen Biao classic that is highly recommended. Great finale vs Yuen Wah
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsKa-Yan LeungSammo Kam-Bo HungYi ChangChung Yao, a martial arts expert, has long been on the run from his stepbrother, who he caught trying to rape his wife on their wedding night. His brother has never given up the chase however, and Chung Yao lives in constant fear that the vengeful stepbrother will murder him and his wife.Another Sammo masterpiece. career highlight for Leung Kar Yan.
- DirectorCorey YuenStarsBiao YuenCynthia RothrockMelvin WongYuen Biao plays Jason Chan, a lawyer angry at the way the law seems to protect the bad guys. He decides to take the law into his own hands when a key witness and his entire family are murdered. But Cindy Si is soon on his case and it all spirals into a situation only a few will survive.One of Yuen Biao's best films. Excellent action!
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsYao Lin ChenYeh FangFung FungThe story of "Fok Yun Gap" also know as "Hou Yuan Chia" one of China's greatest martial artists.Underrated Yuen Woo Ping film with great choreography and one of Leung kar Yan's best performances.
- DirectorWing-Cho YipStarsKa-Yan LeungYi-Lung HuangFeng ChengAh Chi (Ka-Yan Leung) is obsessed with the martial arts and, more often than not, his kung-fu clowning gets him into trouble. One day he gets into a fight defending the locals from a violent thug who turns out to be an enforcer for tong boss Hsia (Eddie Ko) of the notorious Jade Brotherhood. In retaliation, Hsia forces Chi's martial arts master to expel him. Masterless and working for a fish vendor, Chi meets a crafty kid (Yat Lung Wong), whose uncle Chow Tung (Simon Yuen) is a master of the Insane Mantis style. Though the crotchety old man refuses to teach Chi his technique, Chi picks up what he can in secret. Master Chow soon relents after Chi is badly beaten in yet another battle with Hsia's goons. Insane Mantis instruction now begins in earnest with great acrobatic acuity. Eventually, however, Hsia and his lackeys ambush and kill both the fish vendor and the old master which, in turn, completes Ah Chi's descent into total insanity. Emulating praying mantis behavior, Ah Chi unleashes an outright cannibalistic rage directed against the Jade Brotherhood's big boss himself!Possibly the best mantis fighting film with a infamous ending!
- DirectorFrankie ChanStarsEddy KoKara WaiSimon YamA triad family fractures when the patriarch promotes a younger family member against his council's wishes. The advisers murder the patriarch, and the fractured family tries to survive the bloodshed.Underrated film with excellent action choreography and a great cast.
- DirectorYen-Ping ChuStarsBin BinChung-You ChangFu-Chi ChangWhen a crime lord moves in on Hong Kong territory, conflicts ensues. Soon a shipment of gold bars disappears, and many go for the gold. Three hot females use their skills to take down the baddies. Super cool fights, kicks, shapes and mad stunts.Chu Yen Ping is not known as a great filmmaker but the action in this film is required viewing!
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanJames TienDean ShekA young man whose sickly grandfather has taught him a secret form of Kung Fu, starts to make a living off of his unique fighting style, only to attract the attention of his grandfather's mortal enemy.Another Jackie Chan classic, gave the world "Emotional Kung Fu"
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsDonnie YenCheung-Yan YuenLydia ShumA spoiled young man - on the run from a ruthless killer - hooks up with a puppeteer and his wife who are masters of the art of tai chi; the only style that can defeat the killer.Put Donnie on the map and was the beginning of a great series of collaborations between YWP and Donnie Yen.
- DirectorStanley TongStarsNina Li ChiElaine LuiSiu-Wong FanDeep in the rain forests of New Guinea, merciless natives attack a group of Asian tourists. A Hong Kong insurance investigator, girlfriend to one of the men on the tour, leaves for New Guinea to clear their names following accusations of staging the incident to collect money by way of insurance fraud.Some very impressive stunt work in this one, Elaine Lui is underrated!
- DirectorKuo-Ren WuStarsSiu-Wong FanKa-Yan LeungCollin ChouTong causes the death of a drug lord called Lion. Years later, his vengeance obsessed son Tiger Shelly are back to settle the score.Underated gem, a shame the finale is a letdown compared to the rest of the great stuff that's in it action-wise.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungTak-Hing KwanBiao YuenA hot headed young butcher, who is also a kung fu disciple, gets embroiled in a feud with a rival shaolin temple.Yuen Woo Ping + Sammo = an all-time classic.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsBiao YuenKa-Yan LeungShun-Yee YuenA foul-tempered mute fugitive hides out amongst a theater troupe after his criminal wife got killed by the police. He sets his sights on a cowardly laundry man, and will not rest until he kills him, while donning a theatrical face paint.One of the best films to feature Yuen Biao. Has great action and even some inventive laundry folding!.
- DirectorLung-Wei WangStarsLawrence NgElaine LuiWai ShumA shy teacher makes the mistake of borrowing a book which happens to contain stolen plates to make American dollar bills.Elaine Lui and Hwang jang Lee in a great 80's actioner!
- DirectorSiu-Tung ChingStarsJet LiBrigitte LinMichelle ReisLing Wu Chung decides to hide from the chaotic world. Before leaving, he visits his friends, a tribe of snake-wielding women warriors. However, he finds that the tribe have been attacked, and their leader Yam Ying Ying has been abducted.excellent film with very creative wire-fu and swordplay.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Liang LiuHou HsiaoKara WaiA disgraced former Kung Fu expert makes a living as a merchant with the help of a hot headed friend. When the men are harassed by gangsters, the merchant decided to teach his friend monkey boxing so they can defend their business.Possibly the definitive monkey kung fu film and a career highlight for Hsiao Hou.
- DirectorHoi-Ching CheungStarsBiao YuenSharla CheungDanny LeeAfter the death of Marshal Yuen, a princess is arrested by a constable whilst training with her kung-fu teacher. They are soon drawn into a conflict which centres around the mysterious man with the golden snake sword - an incredibly powerful magical weapon. Golden Snake Man is seeking revenge on the castle of the Wan family, but Wan has married his former lover. The Five Poison Sect of fighting (and flying) women have entered into an uneasy alliance with the forces of the Manchu Master Wu to steal the golden snake sword. Wan's daughter is torn between her father and her love of the constable. The constable must decide between his brotherly love for the Golden Snake Man and his sense of justice. Meanwhile a blind old man seeks to return the powerful Sword Stained With Royal Blood to the son of Marshal Yuen.Yuen Biao Wuxia with very creative action. one of my fave wuxia films.
- DirectorCheh ChangStarsSheng ChiangChien SunPhillip Chung-Fung KwokThe sixth and final pupil of a dying martial arts teacher is instructed to find the teacher's five former pupils and defeat any evil ones that are among them.Genre classic with the legendary Venoms mob.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuLieh LoYue WongA man studies kung fu at the Shaolin Temple to fight back against the oppressive Manchu government.Gordon Liu's finest acting happens in this excellent shaolin film from the one and only Lau Kar Leung.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuSheng FuLily LiMongols with the help of an insider, ambush the influential Yang Family, defenders of the dynasty. The Mongols must hunt down all Yang survivors so their insidious plot to overthrow the dynasty will not be uncovered.Brilliant pole fighting film from legend Lau Kar Leung.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuKara WaiTe-Lo MaiWong Fei-Hong and his once-rival, now friend, find themselves and their martial arts schools pitted against a rival school which uses a Kung Fu expert from the North to do their dirty work.Solid Lau Kar Leung film with a great finale that is set in a narrow alley.
- DirectorTeddy Robin KwanStarsBiao YuenAnita MuiSammo Kam-Bo HungLittle Tiger (Yuen Biao) leaves his hometown and goes to Shanghai staying with his elder brother, Big Tiger (George Lam), who is a police officer. However, he accidentally gets involved in robbing the National Salvation Funds.The fight between Sammo and Yuen Biao is so good. Also shows that Anita Mui can be made to look good in fight scenes.
- DirectorWilson YipStarsDonnie YenSimon YamSammo Kam-Bo HungA near retired inspector and his unit are willing to put down a crime boss at all costs while dealing with his replacement, who is getting in their way. Meanwhile, the crime boss sends his top henchmen to put an end to their dirty schemes.Donnies finest work as a choreographer happens in this engaging crime film. Finally we get Sammo VS Donnie!
- DirectorWilson YipStarsDonnie YenSimon YamSiu-Wong FanDuring the Japanese invasion of China, a wealthy martial artist is forced to leave his home when his city is occupied. With little means of providing for themselves, Ip Man and the remaining members of the city must find a way to survive.A moder classic of martial arts cinema. career best acting for Donnie and great wing chun choreography from Sammo as always.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungFat ChungLung ChanA rickshaw driver's wife and his rich client are secret lovers, and they decide to get rid of him without being implicated, so they hire a powerful sorcerer to kill him, but the sorcerer's colleague intervenes to protect him.Sammo classic. Features one of the funniest final scenes in a kung fu film.
- DirectorGordon ChanStarsJet LiShinobu NakayamaSiu-Ho ChinIn 1937, a Chinese martial artist returns to Shanghai to find his teacher dead and his school harassed by the Japanese.Fist of Fury remake that is one of Jet Li's best.
- DirectorCorey YuenStarsJet LiJosephine SiaoMichelle ReisThis Hong Kong martial-arts extravaganza tells of evil emperors and true love. The secret Red Lotus Flower Society is committed to the overthrow of the evil Manchu Emperor and his minions. One of his Governors is sent on a mission to retrieve a list of members of that secret society. Meanwhile, Canton kung fu practitioner Fong Sai-Yuk falls in love with the beautiful daughter of a rich merchant, recently moved to Canton. Her father, in an attempt to gain influence in the region and thus improve his business, offers his daughter in marriage to the winner of a kung-fu contest. Some interesting gender role-reversals take place during a 'comedy of errors.'Great film with creative choreography. Lovely chemistry between Jet and Josephine Siao.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsJet LiMichelle YeohSiu-Ho ChinTwo friends, ex Shaolin monks, part ways as they brush with the ongoing rebellion against the government. The ambitious one rises up to be a powerful military commander, while his betrayed friend resorts to learn the calm ways of Tai Chi.Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh and Yuen Woo Ping equals an all-time classic.
- DirectorHark TsuiStarsJet LiRosamund KwanBiao YuenLegendary martial arts hero Wong Fei-Hung fights against foreign forces' plundering of China. When Aunt Yee arrives back from America, Wong Fei-Hung assumes the role of her protector.Excellent film with great action.
- DirectorHark TsuiStarsJet LiRosamund KwanSiu Chung MokArriving by train in Guangzhou, 1895, the trio fight off White Lotus followers, who want to kill all foreigners and the cute, European dressed 13th Aunt. It's not kung fu master Dr. Wong's (Jet Li) last fight.Equally as good as its predecessor.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungBiao YuenHaing S. NgorA group of Asian prisoners is recruited, trained, armed and sent to Vietnam to destroy a cache of American weapons left behind after the Vietnam War, before the Vietcong discovers its location.Another Sammo classic with hard-hitting action and an all-star cast
- DirectorJohn WooStarsChow Yun-FatTony Leung Chiu-waiTeresa MoA tough-as-nails cop teams up with an undercover agent to shut down a sinister mobster and his crew.A classic the action is so damn good.
- DirectorJohn WooStarsChow Yun-FatDanny LeeSally YehA disillusioned assassin accepts one last hit in hopes of using his earnings to restore vision to a singer he accidentally blinded.One of John Woo's best films features excellent gunplay.
- DirectorRingo LamStarsChow Yun-FatSimon YamAnn BridgewaterTwo disreputable friends get tied in with a group of criminals who turn out to be excessively violent and deceptive.My fave Ringo Lam film, a classic.
- DirectorGordon ChanStarsJackie ChanAnita YuenMichael WongIn order to release his kidnapped sister, sports car mechanic Chan Foh To (Jackie Chan) has to beat a supercriminal street racer.I have chosen to include this entertaining film because I think it is a great example of how to shoot action scenes when your main star can't perform to the best of his or her ability. Features smart use of doubles and editing techniques that end up creating engaging action scenes anyways.
- DirectorBruce LeeStarsBruce LeeChuck NorrisNora MiaoA man visits his relatives at their restaurant in Italy and has to help them defend against brutal gangsters harassing them.My fave Bruce Lee film.
- DirectorWei LoChia-Hsiang WuStarsBruce LeeMaria YiJames TienA young man sworn to an oath of non-violence works with his cousins in an ice factory where they mysteriously begin to disappear.Second fave Bruce Lee film.
- DirectorWei LoStarsBruce LeeNora MiaoJames TienA young man seeks vengence for the death of his teacher.a classic that is rquired viewing.
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanPai WeiBiao YuenA talented martial arts student goes after his expelled brother, who get into bad company.Put Jackie Chan on the map as a director. Filled with great choreography.
- DirectorChan-Wei LinStarsBilly ChongChiu-Sing HauOn-Lai LiuA dying Manchu Kung Fu fighter sends his three sons on a mission of revenge against the five Southern champs who defeated him a generation ago. The Manchus beat down the families but one son, Billy, takes a crash course in both North and South Eagle styles as well as Horsehead Fist. Only then, is he able to confront each of the three Manchu fighters in a martial arts finale like no other!Billy Chong rules! :)
- DirectorShan HuaStarsBilly ChongSiu-Tin YuenChiu-Sing HauA young man vows revenge against the killers of his father. To do this, he must train with his father's teacher who teaches him the "Shadow Claw", a deadly combination of the eagle claw and shadow fist.Another Billy Chong film that is well worth Checking out!
- DirectorFeng HuangStarsAngela MaoCarter WongLung ChanThe head of a Chinese martial arts school owes money to some local hoods, so he sends two of his students to Bangkok, Thailand to participate in a kickboxing tournament in order to raise the necessary money to pay off the debt. After one student gets injured and the other killed, the disgraced head of the school loses face with the Chinese Martial Arts Association and feels so ashamed that he commits suicide. It's up to the man's daughter and the injured student to not only avenge his death, but also to restore the honor of the school.An Angela Mao classic!
- DirectorFeng HuangStarsAngela MaoCarter WongSammo Kam-Bo HungThree graduated Hapkido students return to China from Japanese-occupied Korea in order to set up their own school. However, problems start to arise when a local Japanese martial arts school tries to run the new school out of town.Great Angela Mao film.
- DirectorFeng HuangStarsSing ChenHo WangJames TienA brutal Manchurian prince is determined to collect every Chinese martial arts manual. After obtaining all but two, the prince devises a daring scheme to get his hands on the heavily guarded manuals located at the Shaolin temple.Highly recommended film that is very entertaining but hard to find.
- DirectorAlfred CheungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungMaggie CheungJoyce GodenziAn illegal immigrant in Canada does anything he can to survive, like taking part in a kickboxing match. When he comes into possession of stolen drug money, he and his new wife find themselves pursued by gangsters.Lovely comedy with an awesome end fight
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanMarsMichael Wai-Man ChanThe adventures of a restless martial arts student called Dragon, who, while constantly pursuing a girl, gets involved in the affairs of a gang of thieves.I am including this film because it is an interesting look at Jackie developing his own unique style as a choreographer with more stunt-heavy sequences, while also combining the more kickboxing-like style that would become famous in the 80's with a traditional kung fu film setting.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungBiao YuenOlivia ChengIn early twentieth century China, various criminals with different goals are connected to a Shanghai train, with many rich people on-board.Must see Sammo movie that has great action and is just very entertaining throughout.
- DirectorChia-Yung LiuStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungKarl MakaMing Yan LungA balding detective and his rotund partner go up against a triad crime syndicate.Great action and great chemistry between Karl Maka and Sammo in this one. features some nice Bruce Lee tribute scenes.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsSammo Kam-Bo HungChun YangRoy ChiaoAn apprentice farmer (Sammo Hung) ventures to the city and helps his family battle a gang of thugs.Sammo's loving tribute to Bruce Lee. Would have rated it higher if it wasn't for some very un-PC moments
- DirectorCheh ChangStarsChien SunMeng LoFeng LuDirector Chang Cheh reunites the Five Venoms in his second biggest cult hit in the West. It's Lo Meng's most memorable performances whose showdown with fellow Venom Kuo Chue is artistically violent while being graphically artsy.Very creative stuff in this fun fast paced film
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsAndy LauKenny BeeAnita MuiA simple fisherman helps a fugitive King in a fight, and offers him refuge in a hideout near his fishing village. When the King's group is attacked by his usurper brother, the fisherman is sent to find the King's betrothed, the daughter of the Emperor, and bring her back. On the journey love blossoms between the fisherman and the Emperor's daughter. Meanwhile the King's beautiful advisor seems to be in love with him, despite the fact that she is a traitor sent to kill him by the evil brother.One of my favorite Wuxia films. Features a whole team of great choreographers collaborating :)
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsYue WongChia-Hui LiuLieh LoA prince enlists a thief to serve as his bodyguard to protect him from assassins.Check out this one for some very inventive and opera like choreography!
- DirectorTso Nam LeeStarsAlexander Rei LoShan CharngHui-Yun LiSkilled fighter Sung Li Ting is looking for a Kung Fu master who can beat him in battle and teach him new techniques. Shaolin monk Shao Si Yer introduces Sung Li to the Shaolin teachings, but Sung Li is not allowed to enter the school until the return of a Lama monk who stole a secret scroll containing every known fighting style from the monastery 12 years earlier.Fun cult classic!
- DirectorFeng HuangStarsAngela MaoJhoon RheeCarter WongDuring the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930's, the leader of a small resistance movement attempts to get information to sympathizers in China.Interesting martial arts film that deals with Taekwondo and features real-life martial artist Jhoon Rhee.
- DirectorHsueh-Li PaoStarsWo-fu ChenSzu ShihHung WeiWhen not studying Tai Chi under the tutelage of Old Yeung, Ku Ding works as part of a crew building roads. When he and his colleagues are cheated out of half their money by corrupt foreman Tang Hoi Hay (acting on behalf of his boss Master Jin), Wu Bing Lien protests on behalf of the group, only to get a beating for his troubles. Ku Ding intervenes and takes the beating instead, which is in line with the teachings of Tai Chi that it is not for fighting others, even though it can be - and that tolerance is key. This is not something that even Yeung's daughter Ah Jen accepts and she thinks Ku Ding's action (or lack of action) was foolish and it doesn't help with his money problems. Due to such worries, Ku Ding's girlfriend (Ah Bao) seeks out a job as a servant in the house of Dai Sing - son of Master Jin. At the same time Dai Sing, something of an martial artist, learns of Yeung's Tai Chi and looks for a contest, and when he is rebuffed he orders his father's men to kill the old master. While in the mood, he also approves supervisor Tang to get rid of rabble-rouser Wu and even has energy yet to give his servant Ah Bao some attention, whether she wants it or not. All of these cruel acts put great pressure on Ku Ding to seek revenge but, as this is not in keeping with his teaching of tolerance, he is unsure even when Ah Jen demands it. Can he reconcile the principle of his Tai Chi with the nature of the cruel reality in which he lives?See this one for a more practical representation of Tai Chi, I think this amkes it an interesting film in the genre.
- DirectorRobert ClouseStarsJackie ChanKristine DeBellJosé FerrerA young Asian-American martial artist is forced to participate in a brutal formal street-fighting competition.I'm including this film because I find it fun to watch Jackie Chan in a tournament movie setting which is rare for him and is fun to watch.
- DirectorHsiao-hui ChangHsin-Yen ChangStarsCynthia KhanRongguang YuYung ChangDeadend of Besiegers is an interesting meeting between Japanese and Chinese kung fu arts. Yamanaka was a martial arts expert in Japan. One day, a western boxer defeated him. Humiliated, he wanted to commit suicide to hold his reputation. A monk appeared and encouraged him to learn a special kung fu in China. On his way to China, Yamanaka met a group of pirates that planned to rob a village.Very underrated and seemingly hard to find film that is highly recommended.
- DirectorFrankie ChanStarsFrankie ChanSiu Chung MokMichael Kiu Wai MiuFollows the exploits of two car thieves, and the female police officer who is on their trail.See this one for the fun final fight scene. I'm not as fond of this one as some other HK action fans, but maybe you will like it more than me :)
- DirectorKar-Wai WongStarsBrigitte LinMaggie CheungLeslie CheungA broken-hearted hit man moves to the desert where he finds skilled swordsmen to carry out his contract killings.I love this movie (Not fond of the redux version)it does feature probably the most unusual Sammo Hung choreographed action out there thanks to the films unique visual style. It won't be for everyone, but I think it worked well in this particular film. Action-wise the Battle with Tony Leung Chiu Wai versus the horse thieves is a fave.
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanMaggie CheungRosamund KwanDragon is now transferred to be the police head of Sai Wan district, and has to contend with a gangster kingpin, anti-Manchu revolutionaries, some runaway pirates, Manchu Loyalists and a corrupt Police Superintendent.Not nearly as good as the first one (Sammo and Yuen Biao are dearly missed) but has some inventive sequences.
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanMaggie CheungKwok-Hung LamThe Hong Kong supercop must stop a group of blackmailing bombers, while the villains of Police Story (1985) are out for revenge.Not as good as the first one but features some great stunts and pyrotechnic stuff.
- DirectorCorey YuenStarsJet LiChristy ChungKent ChengA corrupt businessman commits a murder and the only witness is the girlfriend of another businessman with close connections to the Chinese government, so a bodyguard from Beijing is dispatched to help two Hong Kong cops protect the witness. Complications arise when the bodyguard and the witness must confront their deep feelings for one another.The Jet Li vs Ngai sing fight is excellent in this one! very enjoyable film.
- DirectorHark TsuiStarsWenzhuo ZhaoXin Xin XiongSonny SuA swordsmith trains his friend's orphaned son. The boy seeks revenge for his father's murder but loses an arm rescuing the swordsmith's daughter. A hermit girl nurses him, and he learns swordsmanship with his father's broken sword.Now, i'll start by saying upfront that I don't like this film very much. I do however feel like it is required viewing so you can form your own opinion about it. It is Tsui Hark's version of the one-armed swordsman and it features an interesting final fight.
- DirectorCorey YuenStarsHiroyuki SanadaConan LeeJeong-lee HwangTwo rival warriors, a Japanese and a Chinese, are forced to work together after their master has been killed by a mighty enemy.Shaka ninja! :)