David No's Top Ten Hong Kong Movies*
* Plus one from Korea, and one from Hollywood, at no extra cost!
I have been thinking what my top ten would be - it's always a difficult question
because it's difficult to prioritize the things you like in one movie against the things
you liked in another. Also how you compare something made now with today's technology with
something made 20years ago - but I'll give it bash anyway.
SHIRI
(Although not strictly HK, I had to mention this film because it is one for HK
film buffs to hunt down) Shiri would have to be the best action drama I have seen
in a long, long time. This film broke the All-Time Box Office in Korea (sinking Titanic's
record). This film rivals some of the best films that both Hong Kong and Hollywood have
produced - it simply is that good. It was directed by Jacky Kang Je-Gyu, and stars Suc-Kyu
Han, Min-Sik Choi, Kang-Ho Song, and Yun-Jin Kim. With slick camera direction, eye popping
action, and fantastic performances of strong characters, this is definitely one to seek
out!
THE BLADE
Tsui Hark may be eccentric, but when it comes to making great movies, he consistently
comes through. The Blade is an arthouse martial arts drama which (although sounds
a little odd) is both stylist and experimental. The action choreography is furious and the
story is real. I would have loved to see this one projected one day.
THE KILLER & HARDBOILED
Little needs to be said about the poetry of motion which is John Woo's cinematic
style. John Woo is the godfather of the Gangster Genre of HK cinema, and these two films
come to mind as being the best example of this action.
CHINESE GHOST STORY II & III
I saw these films as a double header at the Valhalla in Melbourne. They were my
first journey into the Fantasy Genre of Hong Kong cinema. It's a genre which Asian history
and legend allows to exist, and is great escapism value. Again, thanks Tsui.
POLICE STORY I & II
Jackie Chan and his stunt team have been responsible for some of the most
intricate action choreography put to cinema. The playground fight in Police Story II would
easily be the best group fight of any film.
OUTIC 1,2,3
The Once upon a time in China movies demonstrate the skills of the big
name in HK martial arts movies - Jet Li. Coming from a stricter WuShu background, his
style of choreography reflects this. The thing about Jet's movies is that his movements
always look beautiful, and he always has time for a power pose.
FONG SAI-YUK
Another great Jet Li movie. The fight on the wooden structure was a brilliant
idea, especially when it moved onto the crowd of spectators. The other thing I love about
this film (and HK cinema in general) is their use of strong female characters who are able
to fight just as well as the guys.
DRUNKEN MASTER II
Great action involved from start to finish, based upon an actual style of KungFu
called Drunken Boxing. The end fight scene would have to be one of the most memorable
one-on-one fight scenes ever.
MILLION DOLLAR HEIRESS & DRAGONS FOREVER
No - on re-thinking, the fight with Benny Uquidez would have to be the most
memorable 1-on-1 fight. First in MDH then in Dragons Forever.
ENTER THE DRAGON
From start to finish a great movie. Bruce Lee was a very charismatic person. Many
people do martial arts (and some do it well) but not every person who does martial arts is
an martial artist. Bruce Lee had the mental calmness and furious spirit which was so
engaging to watch. Besides, I couldn't do a list without mentioning Bruce.
Other Contenders
Fist of Legend (Jet Li's remake of Fist of Fury)
Swordsman 2 (Another cool Jet Li Fantasy flick)
The Young Master (Jackie Chan - an oldy but a goody)
Drive (US film with Mark Dacascos) A notable mention as a US film made with HK
action (although choreography was done by Alpha Stunts - Koichi Sakamoto)
Akira (Again, not HK, but classic Manga and an essential part of a healthy diet)
Yeah, well its more of a top 20 than a top 10, but I found it really hard to mention
one film without mentioning another... I had another look at some of the other lists just
now, and it was: "Oh, yeah - that was good... and so is that one" - it made me
feel like starting again!
20 Mar 2000 © David No
DAVID NO is an actor, stuntman and martial artist based in Melbourne.
He was the star in the seminal short Australian action film The Huntsman, and has
just completed the trailer for the feature film Huntsman 5.1. You can also see
him in action in Ironfist, Mr Nice Guy and the Moby Dick
mini-series. For more information and for some super cool photos of David damn near
blowing himself to kingdom come, see the Furious
Films website.
