Beginning his career as a fight choreographer, martial artist, and actor, Lau Kar-leung is revered as a legendary figure in the film industry, particularly for his work as a director. Often hailed as one of the greatest martial arts directors in cinema history, his impactful contributions have inspired numerous filmmakers to authentically showcase diverse martial arts styles in their works. Lau’s journey in martial arts started in his youth, and he is celebrated for creating unforgettable fight sequences, particularly in films produced by the Shaw Brothers, such as the iconic *The One-Armed Swordsman*.
Lau’s oeuvre extends beyond intense narratives, as he has also dipped his toes into the realm of martial arts comedies. His multifaceted talents shine through in choreography, acting, and screenwriting, but it is in his directorial ventures where these skills converge, leading to the creation of influential and memorable cinematic pieces.
10
Return to the 36th Chamber (1980)
A Comedic Twist on Lau’s Original *36th Chamber* Film
Considered a masterpiece, Lau’s *The 36th Chamber of Shaolin* stands as one of the finest martial arts films ever made. While its connected sequels might not have received comparable acclaim, they remain entertaining and ambitious in their own right. The sequel, *Return to the 36th Chamber*, stars Gordon Liu, Kara Hui, and Hsiao Ho, delivering a more comedic narrative compared to its predecessor.
In this sequel, Liu assumes a different role; instead of portraying the Shaolin monk San Te, he plays a young man impersonating San Te to assist factory workers. His character embarks on a journey to acquire kung fu mastery at a Shaolin temple. While the storyline mirrors that of the original, the comedic elements enhance its entertainment value.
9
Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979)
A Kung Fu Student and His Teacher Seek Revenge
A notable entry in Lau’s repertoire, *Mad Monkey Kung Fu* is both a directorial and acting endeavor for him. This film concludes Lau’s remarkable ’70s tenure and follows a retired kung fu master seeking vengeance. After being wronged by a local gangster, Chen (Lau) becomes a street performer and meets a young boy nicknamed Monkey (Hsiao Hou), who becomes his apprentice.
Although its plot adheres to a common revenge trope seen in martial arts cinema, *Mad Monkey Kung Fu* distinguishes itself through its expertly choreographed action sequences. The titular style is engagingly portrayed, showcasing the talents of Hsiao Hou as a stunt performer and collaborator, demonstrating remarkable chemistry with Lau throughout the film.
8
My Young Auntie (1981)
An Unlikely Duo Strives to Reclaim Stolen Inheritance
*My Young Auntie* features several familiar faces from Lau’s previous works, particularly Kara Hui, who first appeared in *Challenge of the Masters*. In this film, Hui plays martial arts exponent Cheng Tai-nun, who, after her elderly husband’s death, relocates to live with her older nephew (played by Lau) and his son, Yu Tao (Hsiao Ho).
The plot revolves around Tai-nun and Yu Tao combating those who have unjustly seized her inheritance. *My Young Auntie* leans into its comedic elements, which the cast navigates skillfully. The choreography, while whimsical, remains technically impressive. Hui’s performance earned her the Best Actress accolade at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
7
Dirty Ho (1979)
A Prince Enlists a Thief for Protection
The film maintains a high standard of both slapstick comedy and expertly choreographed fight scenes, ensuring that neither aspect overshadows the other. With its bold comedic tone and lavish production, *Dirty Ho* captivates the audience, showcasing the excellent partnership between Liu and Wong, who regularly appeared alongside each other in numerous films.
6
Legendary Weapons Of China (1982)
An Action-Packed Historical Wuxia Film
While Lau is best recognized for his directorial and choreographic talent, he also authored several screenplays, including the one for *Legendary Weapons of China*. This film, set during the Qing Dynasty, follows assassins tasked by Empress Dowager Cixi to find supernatural martial artists impervious to bullets, leading to the discovery of a potential traitor among them.
Though the film opens with a convoluted narrative featuring a surplus of characters, the action sequences quickly reveal the film’s true value, solidifying it as one of Lau’s best works. The unique blend of traditional kung fu and magical elements, combined with thrilling choreography, provides a captivating viewing experience.
5
Tiger On The Beat (1988)
A Buddy Cop Film Drawing Inspiration from *Lethal Weapon*
Diving into the buddy cop genre, *Tiger on the Beat* draws inspiration from the iconic *Lethal Weapon*. Featuring Chow Yun-fat and Conan Lee as an unlikely duo, the 1988 film presents a familiar narrative of a seasoned cop teaming up with a rookie partner. Set against the backdrop of a drug trafficking investigation, the film’s dynamic performances elevate its straightforward plot.
As expected from an entertaining buddy cop film, the chemistry between Chow and Lee is electric. Not only does *Tiger on the Beat* deliver thrilling action sequences, but it also boasts memorable moments, including an intense scene involving a chainsaw, making it distinctive within its genre.
4
Heroes Of The East (1978)
A Married Couple Confronts Skilled Martial Artists
Liu portrays a Chinese martial artist wed to a Japanese fighter (Yuka Mizuno), setting the stage for tension as each partner asserts the supremacy of their respective martial art. Following a misunderstanding, Liu’s character is compelled to confront numerous Japanese warriors, each an expert in a different style. While the narrative may lack significant stakes, Lau leverages this to highlight a diverse and engaging array of martial arts.
3
The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)
Two Brothers Struggle with the Loss of Their Family
*The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter* is a profoundly moving film featuring powerful performances from Alexander Fu Sheng, Gordon Liu, and Kara Hui. The narrative, adapted from tales of The Generals of the Yang Family, depicts the tragic ambush of the Yang family, resulting in the devastating loss of all male members except for the fifth (Liu) and sixth (Fu Sheng) sons.
The emotional aftermath of this tragedy profoundly influences the surviving brothers, with Liu and Fu Sheng delivering compelling performances that convey their character’s anguish. The quest for revenge becomes the motivational force for Liu’s character, culminating in brutal confrontations that are among the most intense in Lau’s filmography. The climactic scenes are graphic and haunting, likely leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
2
Drunken Master II (1994)
A Sequel to Jackie Chan’s Pivotal Martial Arts Comedy
*Drunken Master II* serves as a sequel to the influential film *Drunken Master*, further solidifying its place in Jackie Chan’s cinematic legacy. This film seamlessly combines comedy and kung fu, showcasing some of Chan’s most audacious stunts. Returning as the famed martial artist Wong Fei-hung, he employs a drunken boxing style to thwart foreign foes attempting to seize valuable Chinese artifacts.
Having stayed away from traditional kung fu films for nearly a decade prior to this release, Chan’s performance in *Drunken Master II* highlights many trademarks of his work: spectacular physical comedy and incredible stunts. Lau’s contribution as choreographer and supporting actor in creating unforgettable fight sequences earned him accolades for Best Action Choreography at both the Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards.
1
The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin (1978)
A Landmark Film that Propelled Lau’s Career
In his early directing days, Lau collaborated with the Shaw Brothers and star Gordon Liu on *The 36th Chamber of Shaolin*, a film widely regarded as the definitive portrayal of Shaolin monks and a standout in the kung fu genre. The storyline follows San Te (Liu) as he overcomes adversity, defies the oppressive Manchu regime, and establishes the titular chamber to teach kung fu to ordinary individuals.
While the film features several action sequences, it primarily emphasizes an engaging origin story that, although embellished, never loses its focus. Despite a slower pace and a deliberate exploration of San Te’s training, Liu’s captivating performance paired with Lau’s direction ensures an engaging viewing experience, captivating audiences from start to finish.
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