Sammo Hung’s 10 Best Martial Arts Movies, Ranked

Sammo hanging is a legend in martial arts and kung fu cinema, playing many roles as an actor and also producing, directing and choreographing fight sequences, setting the trend in many aspects of the genre in general. He was a central figure in Hong Kong’s New Wave movement, creating some of the best kung fu films of the 1980s. popularizing the kung fu genre to a larger international audience with a focus on intelligent storiesdramatic narratives and more Western-style action and special effects, as well as other technical aspects such as synchronous sound and filming films in different locations.

Whether in front of or behind the camera, Sammo has left his mark on martial arts film culture. Films like The prodigal son and pedicab driver are landmarks in their genre, with standout acting, storytelling, and fight scenes that are as iconic today as they were then. Even 50 years later, Sammo’s work is still held in high regard, and his ability to mix comedy and action paved the way for many future stars. to come. An icon of kung fu cinema and cinema in general, Sammo’s influence created some of the best action films of all time.

10

Oriental Condors (1984)

Starring Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao

Directed by and starring Sammo Hung, Eastern Condors is set a year after the end of the Vietnam War and tells the story of a military lieutenant who has to lead a group of ragtag ‘expendable’ criminals to destroy an abandoned silo of military weapons before they fall into the wrong hands. The story is engaging and intelligent, and you can feel the influence that films like this have on Hollywood’s most famous blockbusters. this would come out many years later.

Like an action movie, Eastern Condors cannot be beaten; There are many incredible and intricate fight sequences, hand-to-hand combat, and impressive stunt choreography throughout the film. Many of the actors, such as Lam Ching Ying and Corey Yuen Kwai, as well as Hung, are all experienced stunt directors and coordinators themselves, coming together to create a special piece of military kung fu cinema. Eastern Condors It avoids the major issues and politics involved in the Vietnam War and simply sticks to the plot and action, and does so with a unique blend of acrobatics and combat.

9

Knockout (1979)

Starring Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung

Kung fu legend Yuen Biao, known as the ‘third star’ behind Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan, leads this film about two con brothers who are themselves cheated out of their ill-gotten golden fortune by their mentor (Lau Kar Wing). The film follows them as they transition from petty thieves to polished martial artists with the help, training and guidance of a ‘Fat Beggar’ perfectly played by Hung.

In this martial arts comedy film, Hung plays a smaller role than in some of his other more famous films; however, the character is essential in driving the narrative and providing much of the entertainment. Biao is able to show off all of his athletic prowess, and the training montages are detailed and fun and provide context and credibility to the film’s action sequences. It’s a quality slapstick martial arts film that’s often underappreciated in Hung’s directorial catalog.

8

Encounters of the Scary Kind (1988)

Starring Sammo Hung and Wong Ha

Once again written, directed and starring Sammon Hung, this cult classic martial arts film combines many genres including kung fu, comedy and supernatural horror to create the perfect blend of story and action. The narrative is extremely entertaining, with Hung’s character, Bold Cheung, tasked with spending the night in a haunted house. before becoming the victim of a plot to be killed by his wife’s lover. Having a witch, vampires and ‘Jianghi’ spirits against him in increasingly comical, terrifying and bizarre sequences

A step away from some of Hung’s more traditional and older kung fu films, Encounters of the Scary Kind It perfectly combines the supernatural elements with the normal action you’d expect from an experienced fight choreographer and director. The genres flow and contrast perfectly, and the combination of the intricateThe fast-paced story with paranormal action sequences and unique visual effects makes this film worthy of more praise and one that opened the door for similar supernatural martial arts films in the 1990s.

7

Dragons Forever (1988)

Starring Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung

Hung, joining the ever-legendary combination of himself, Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao, creates a high-octane, fast-paced action-comedy masterpiece. Chan plays a courageous lawyer tasked with sabotaging a fishing owner’s case against a known drug kingpin. He gets help from Hung and Biao, who play an eccentric arms dealer and analytical surveillance expert, who combine to complete the mission and at the same time irritate each other in a hilarious and high-energy film.

The chemistry between the iconic trio known collectively as ‘The Three Brothers’ is at its peak in this 1988 classic. The action scenes are memorable, as are the comedic moments, perfectly brought together in the scene where Chan is trying to woo an attractive environmentalist at his home while Hung and Biao fight violently in the apartment’s bedroom. The three clash in both their actions and their words, and the intricate balance between slapstick, humor, and interesting storytelling is expertly directed by Hung and Corey Yuen.

6

IP Man 2 (2010)

Starring Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung

In Hong Kong, highly successful biographical film IP Man 2Hung plays the role of the old Hung Gar master, Hung Chun-nam, who suffers from asthma attacks. Set in the 1950s, the film follows IP Man (Donnie Yen), a great master of the martial art Wing Chun, as he intends to build and manage a school in this discipline before coming into conflict with rival martial arts masters bent on overthrowing him and destroying his school, including Hung and, later, boxing champion Taylor ‘The Twister’ Miller.

Hung’s role is played expertly, moving from outsider to adversary to mentor, all while electrifying the screen with his chemistry with Yen. The ‘table’ fight scene during the early part of the film is one of the most detailed and intricate battles throughout kung fu cinema, with the two facing off in the small confines of a loose table, balancing and connecting through intimate violence. The two share an imposing presence, and although Hung wasn’t the protagonist, his role is one of his best and continues to establish him as one of the greats in martial arts cinema.

5

Project A (1983)

Starring Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung

Project A is another lethal combination from ‘The Three Brothers’, where they once again combine to produce another award-winning martial arts comedy film. This follows the story of the three, who are involved in a dispute and war between the Coast Guard and local police over pirate attacks on ships and robberies and illegal weapons sales, which fuel the operation. The trio team up to recover the rifles and help save the British admiral and his family.producing an expansive narrative that gives them space to flourish and showcase their skills across multiple departments.

The film is full of the high-energy stunts and even bigger risks that have been Chan, Hung and Biao’s calling card. The film is best known for Chan’s ‘clock tower fall’, which involved Chan falling about 60 feet into the air.breaking the canopies on the way down before colliding with the ground. (infamously, a take he completed three times). When the three come together, it seems like magic happens, and they try to push the limits, both with their stories, characters and also physically, with everyone involved in some brutal yet comical action sequences.

4

Painted Faces (1988)

Starring Sammo Hung and Lam Ching-Ying

In this biographical drama, Sammo Hung stars as Master Yu Jim-yuen of the China Drama Academy, a small Peking opera school in Hong Kong, home to future icons such as Chan, Hung, Biao and Corey Yuen. The film focuses on the strict and brutal but fair and caring master who takes a look at the intense training needed to become a martial artist and actor. The film is a fascinating look at the multiple disciplines and hard work required by those who want to achieve more and become international film stars.

The film feels like an intimate and honest portrait, as Hung himself was a student of the Master and completed the training himself, so the acting and martial arts skills he displays in this film are partially or mostly attributed to the person behind the role. he adopted it masterfully. Hung won a second Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor for his performanceand while the training and action sequences are still complex and well-executed, it’s Hung’s subtle and genuine portrayal of his former master that truly elevates this film to one of his best.

3

Warriors Two (1978)

Starring Bryan Leung and Sammo Hung

In this classic yet offbeat kung fu film, the story follows that of Cashier Hua (Casanova Wong), who works at a local bank before being thrust into a complicated story involving a alleged murder of the city’s mayor and a gang trying to overthrow the regime and take control. Cashier, with the help of his friend (Hung) decides to visit the local Wing Chun master to be trained and learn the skills needed to defeat his enemies. A classic trope of kung fu cinema that stands out for its acting and genuine skills in the combat sequences.

Warriors Two is mainly known for its Portrait of Wing Chun, being seen as one of the best and most accurate forms ever created in cinema. Sammo Hung is present throughout the film, having written, directed and starred in it, and this is noticeable in his comedy, over-the-top character and slapstick (but genuinely brilliant) action scenes. In one of his best comedic roles, Hung declares after killing an opponent: “Don’t even think about haunting me, or I’ll beat you to death again! A fantastic kung fu comedy that has all the hallmarks of Hung’s now infamous style.

2

Pedicab Driver (1989)

Starring Sammo Hung and Lau Kar-Leung

In this 1989 kung fu comedy, Lo Tung (Sammo Hung) plays the leader of a team of bicycle rickshaw drivers in 1930s Macau. Tung and his friend Malted Candy fall in love with different women, one a baker and the other a prostitute, they both work under horrible, cruel bossesand they must find a way to free them from their clutches and win their hearts. The film is perfectly paced and edited, with every action sequence feeling important and violent, and filled with comedic moments in an engaging style that Hung has truly made his own.

With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the main highlight of the pedicab driver It’s definitely the variety of combat scenes, with the early sequences being more comedic and witty, the middle scenes being technical and beautifully shot, and the endings being violent, brutal, and satisfying. Hung continues to take the reins in every aspect of the filmmaking process, and it shows. The scenes are all superbly acted, the editing and pacing are precise, and the choreography is fun and inventive. This is practically Hung at his fluid and technical best, if not for one last film.

1

The Prodigal Son (1981)

Starring Yuen Biao and Lam Ching-Ying

In one of the best martial arts films ever created, The prodigal son tells the story of a rich man’s son who has a mild interest in martial arts. Just until he finds out that his father has been paying his opponents to lose to him that he actually realizes his laziness and humiliation and decides to take his martial arts journey more seriously, looking for a Wing Chun master to teach him everything he knows and finally show himself and his father his talent and skills.

Although in a supporting role, it can only be described as a Sammo Hung film as he once again writes, directs and acts in this classic masterpiece. All the main characters play their role skillfully. THE classic training sequences are perfectly paced, character arcs are truly compellingand Hung’s character provides the film with more depth and grounding. Wing Chun is expertly conveyed on film and everything Hung touched in this film turned to gold, making it not only the best Sammo hanging movie, but one of the best martial arts of all time.