1. Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon - Okay, to be absolutely technical
this is not a HK film. But, it features HK stars, HK choreography, and
a Chinese setting, plus, it’s filmed in Chinese (Mandarin, not Cantonese).
In most people’s minds this Taiwanese/ American/ Chinese production will
forever be linked to HK cinema, which gives me reason enough to include
it. CTHD is not only my favorite HK-related film it’s rapidly becoming
my favorite film of all-time. The fights are great, but they’re not the
reason I rate it as the best, the scenery and cinematography are incredible,
but again that’s not the reason I rate it at the top. The reason I feel
the way I do about this film is simple, I love the characters and
the story is one of those rare things, a genuine examination of the simplicity
of emotion and the complexity of life’s challenges. This is truly a remarkable
movie.
2. A Better Tomorrow
II - John Woo enters the realm of myth making
in this mid-80’s example of heroic-bloodshed. Everything about this film
is over-the-top and more melodramatic than a month of soap operas. Chow
Yun Fat becomes a living-legend as he takes his ultra-hip, super-cool persona
to a new level of extreme. Sure, the story is a never-ending list of coincidences
and sometimes obviously forced plot-twists, but the ride is more fun than
one should be allowed to have without a prescription.
3. Full Contact
- Obviously I’m a big Chow Yun Fat fan, and
the one who’s been called the coolest actor in the world has never been
cooler than he was here. Ringo Lam’s lightning paced revenge yarn plays
like a rock video gone hyper. The action is plentiful, the machismo level
is set to 11, and the style overrides every cliché and shortcoming
that the plot may offer.
4. The Brave
Archer AKA Kung Fu Warlords - This one is
an oldie, but definitely a goodie. Alexander Fu Sheng and director Chang
Cheh make a great team and this one proves it. The story has more twists
and turns than a maze of mirrors, but the larger than life characters and
top-notch cast make this kung fu filled celluloid wonder a real treat.
5. Bullet In
The Head - John Woo’s Vietnam War epic is
one of those films that defies simple explanation. A film that is equal
parts poetic tragedy and gut-wrenching violence, and much like Apocalypse
Now or the Deer Hunter, it’s a film that dares to ask questions of it’s
viewer that the filmmakers aren’t even able to answer them selves.
6. The Chinatown
Kid - 70’s disco fashion sense and fists of
fury abound in this classic picture from John Woo’s mentor Chang Cheh and
the late great martial arts film star Alexander Fu Sheng. Rarely has a
kung fu film been anything more than an excuse for a lot of cool fights
(which rarely get more exciting than they are here). But, this time we
get social messages and metaphorical imagery. Plus, did I mention the fights
are cool?
7. The Fist Of
Fury AKA The Chinese Connection - The movie
that made a legend. For all its hokey aspects and silly plot devices, one
thing will always be true; this is literally the film that sent Bruce Lee’s
star right into orbit. It’s also Bruce’s most commanding and powerful performance
in a screen career that was sadly much to short. The fight scenes capture
the pure animal ferocity that made Bruce Lee the greatest martial artist
of his time, and one of the greatest screen-fighters of all-time. If it
wasn't for Lee's amazing presence this would have been nothing more than
a simple kung fu revenge flick.
8. Once Upon
A Time In China - Wong Fei Hong’s life has
been brought to the screen more times than any other character in history.
But, never before has the legendary hero of martial artistry and Confucian
ideals, been given a more epic treatment than he was here. Director Tsui
Hark lovingly fills every frame with lush cinematography and astoundingly
elegant fight choreography. Although the young Jet Li may not have been
the best choice for the part of Wong, the movie still remains a modern
classic.
9. Iron Monkey
- The Yuen Woo Ping directed prequel to the
Once Upon A Time In China series is probably the most fun that any kung
fu epic has ever been. Yuen’s attention to both detail and choreography
coupled with a great story (sort of a cross between Outlaws Of The Marsh
and Robin Hood) make for shear perfection of the genre. If there is any
single HK film fan that has not seen this classic, than shame on you.
10. The Killer
- Like classic poetry, or a literary epic,
John Woo’s tribute to tragic heroism and the bonding aspects of friendships
born under extreme situations, gets better with repeated viewings. Destined
to go down in history as one of the finest films ever to come out of the
international cinema scene, and truly one of the director’s most realized
works. The Killer probably has done more to introduce international filmgoers
to HK cinema than any other movie since the birth of the kung fu flick.
It's also the film that introduced the American public to two of modern
cinema's greatest artists; the aforementioned Mr. Woo, and the incredible
Chow Yun Fat.
