Sammo Hung’s 10 Best Martial Arts Movies, Ranked

Sammo Hung Is a legend in martial arts and kung fu cinema, playing many different roles as an actor and also producing, directing and choreographing action sequences, setting the pace in many aspects of the genre overall. He was a pivotal figure in the Hong Kong 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 its focus on clever storytellingDramatic stories, and more western-style action and special effects, as well as other technical aspects, like synchronous sound and filming movies on different locations.

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

10

Eastern Condors (1984)

Starring Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao

Directed and starring Sammo Hung, Eastern condors is set one year after the end of the Vietnam War and tells the story of a military lieutenant who must lead a group of rag-tag, ‘expendable’ criminals to destroy an abandoned silo of military weapons before they fall into the Wrong hands. The story is gripping and clever throughout, and you can feel the influence of films like this on more famous Hollywood blockbusters That would come out many years later.

Like an action film, Eastern condors cannot be beaten; It has many incredible and intricate fighting sequences, hand-to-hand combat and stunning stunt choreography throughout the movie. Many of the actors, such as Lam Ching Ying and Corey Yuen Kwai, as well as Hung, are all experienced stuntmen, directors and coordinators themselves, Come together to create a special piece of military kung fu cinema. Eastern condors 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

Knockabout (1979)

Starring Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung

Kung fu legend Yuen Biao, known as the ‘third star’ behind Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan, leads the film about two kung artist brothers who are bailed out of their bad fortune by their mentor (Lau Kar Wing). The film follows them as they are Transitioning from small-time thieves to polished martial artists With the help, training and guidance of a ‘fat beggar’ perfectly played by Hung.

In this martial arts comedy, Hung plays a more minor role than in some of his other, more famous movies; However, the character is integral to pushing the story forward and providing much of the entertainment. Biao is able to showcase his full athletic ability, and the training montages are detailed and entertaining. and provide context and believability to the film’s action sequences. It is a quality, slapstick martial arts film that is often underrated in Hung’s directorial catalog.

8

Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1988)

Starring Sammo Hung And Wong Ha

Again, written, directed and starring Sammon Hung, this classic martial arts film blends many genres together, including kung fu, comedy and supernatural horror to create the perfect mix of history and action. The story is highly entertaining, with Hung’s character, Bold Cheung, tasked with spending the night in a haunted house Before he was the victim of a plot to be killed by his wife’s lover. With a witch, vampires and ‘Jianghi’ spirits pitted against him in increasingly comical, terrifying and strange sequences.

A step away from some of Hung’s more traditional, old-school kung fu films, Meeting of the spooky kind Combines the supernatural elements flawlessly with the usual action you expect from a seasoned choreographer and director. The genres flow and contrast perfectly, and the combination of the intricateFast-paced story with the paranormal action sequences and unique visual effects makes this a film deserving of more praise and one that opened the door for similar supernatural martial arts films moving into the 1990s.

7

Dragons Forever (1988)

Starring Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung

Hang, along with the ever-legendary combination of himself, Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao, creates a masterpiece of fast-paced, high-octane action comedy. Chan plays a scrappy lawyer tasked with sabotaging a fishery owner’s case against a notorious drug kingpin. He gets help from Hung and Biao, who play an eccentric arms dealer and analytics surveillance expert, who team up to complete the mission while also getting on each other’s nerves in a hilarious and high-energy film.

The chemistry between the iconic trio known collectively as ‘The Three Brothers’ is at an all-time high in this 1988 classic. The action scenes are memorable, as are the comedic moments, showcased perfectly together in the scene where Chan is tries to secure an attractive environmentalist in his home as Hung and Biao fight viciously in the apartment bedroom. The three act both in their actions and in their words, and the intricate balance of slapstick, humor and engaging storytelling is expertly directed by Hung and Corey Yuen.

6

IP Man 2 (2010)

Starring Danny Yen and Sammo Hung

In Hong Kong, biographical smash hit movie IP person 2Hung plays the part of aging Hung Gar master Hung Chun-nam, who suffers from bouts of asthma. Set in the 50s, the film follows IP Man (Danny Yen), A grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chan, as he aims to build and run a school in the discipline Before they run into conflict with rival martial arts masters out to take him down and destroy his school, including Hung and then boxing champion Taylor ‘The Twister’ Miller.

Hung’s role is expertly played, from stranger to adversary to mentor, all while electrifying the screen with his chemistry with Yen. The ‘tabletop’ fight scene during the early part of the film is one of the most detailed and intricate battles In all kung fu cinema, with the two squaring off on the small confines of a loose tabletop, balancing and connecting through intimate violence. The two share a commanding presence, and while Hung isn’t the lead, his role is one of his finest and continues to cement him as one of the greats of martial arts cinema.

5

Project A (1983)

Starring Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung

Project A is another deadly combination of ‘The Three Brothers’ where they reunite to produce another award-winning comedy martial arts film. This follows the story of the three as they become embroiled in a dispute and war between the Coast Guard and the local police force over pirates attacking ships and illegal gun theft and sales, which fuels the operation. The trio team up to retrieve the rifles and help save the British admiral and his familyProducing an expansive narrative that gives them room to flourish and showcase their skills in multiple departments.

The film is full of high-energy and even higher risk stunts that have been the calling card of Chan, Hung and Biao. The film is best known for Chan’s ‘Clock Tower Fall’, which involved Chan falling about 60 feet (18 m) highSmashing through canopies on the way down before colliding with the ground. (Sadly, a name he went through three times). When the three get together, it feels like magic happens, and they try to push boundaries, both with their stories, characters and physicality, with everyone involved in some brutal but comical action sequences.

4

Painted Faces (1988)

With 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 the likes of future icons like Chan, Hung, Biao and Corey Yuen. The film focuses on the strict and brutal yet beautiful and caring master giving a glimpse into the intense training Need to become a martial artist and actor. The film is a fascinating insight into the multiple disciplines and the grueling work required by those who want to achieve more and become international film stars.

The film feels like an intimate and honest portrayal because Hung himself was a student of the master and completed the training himself, so the acting and martial arts skills he displays in the film are partly or mostly down to the man behind the role. He masterfully accepted. Hung won a second Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor for his performanceAnd while the training and fight sequences are still intricate and well executed, it’s Hung’s subtle and authentic portrayal of his old master that really elevates the film to one of its best.

3

Warriors Two (1978)

With Bryan Leung and Sammo Hung

In this traditional yet offbeat classic kung fu movie, the story follows that of cashier Hua (Casanova Wong), who works at a local bank before being thrust into a complicated story with a The gruesome murder of the city’s mayor and a gang seeking to overthrow the regime and take over. Kasirer, with the help of his friend (Hang) decides to visit the local Wing Chan master to be trained and learn the skills needed to defeat his enemies. A classic troupe in kung fu cinema that is elevated by the acting and authentic skills in the combat sequences.

Warriors two is known primarily for its Wing Chun image, being seen as one of the best and most accurate forms ever created in film. Sammo Hung is all over the film, having written, directed and starred in it, and it’s noted for its comedy, over-the-top characters and slapstick (yet 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 every hallmark of Hung’s now infamous style.

2

Pedicab Driver (1989)

With Sammo Hung and Lau Kar-Leung

In this 1989 kung fu comedy, Lo Tung (Sammo Hung) plays the leader of a crew of bicycle rickshaw drivers in 1930s Macau. Tung and his friend Malted Candy fall for different women, one a baker and one a prostitute, Both of them work under horrible and 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 all the action sequences feeling important and violent, and infused with comedic moments in a gripping style that Hung has truly made his own.

With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the main highlight of Pedicab driver The variety of combat scenes is definitely there, with early sequences being more comedic and witty, mid-scenes being technical and beautifully shot, and the ending finales being violent, brutal and satisfying. Hung continues to take the reins Over all aspects of the filmmaking process, and it shows. The scenes are all excellently acted, the editing and pacing are spot-on, and the choreography throughout is entertaining and inventive. This is pretty much Hang at his fluid and technical best, if not for a recent film.

1

The Prodigal Son (1981)

With Yuen Biao and Lam Ching-Ying

In one of the best martial arts films ever created, The prodigal son Tells the tale of the son of a rich man who has a medium interest in martial arts. It’s only until he discovers that his father has Was paying his opponents to lose to him that he really understands his laziness and humiliation And decided to take his martial arts journey more seriously by seeking out a master of Wing Chan to teach him all he knows and finally show himself and his father his talent and skills.

While in a minor acting role, it can only be described as a Sammo Hung film as he once again writes, directs and acts in this classic masterpiece. The main characters all play their parts expertly. The Classic training sequences are all perfectly paced, the character arcs are truly compellingAnd Hung’s character provides the film with further depth and grounding. Wings Chan was expertly conveyed on film and everything Hung touched in the film turned gold, making it not only the best Sammo Hung Film but one of the best martial arts of all time.