Leading Hong Kong Kung Fu Star Sammo Hung will be in town to attend the 12th Singapore Chinese Film Festival (SCFF) from April 26 to May 5. He is scheduled to participate in the Asian Film Awards Masterclass Series on May 4. The “Filmmaker in Focus” organized by SCFF will also showcase five of his distinguished cinematic works.
Having entered the film industry in the 1960s as a stuntman and more, Hong has since appeared in hundreds of films, either as an actor, director, stunt coordinator, or sometimes all three. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the artwork of one of Asia's most respected filmmakers.
Samo and Wing Chun cinema
Unless you're watching Kung Fu From the films of the 80s, the first time you saw Sammo Hung's work was probably in the first two “Ip Man” films. He won the Best Choreography Award at the HKFA, and the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Asian Film Awards for his performance as the Hanging Fist Professor in “Ip Man 2”.
Hong has been involved in countless classic action films where he has brought multiple characters to life. However, Hong's fans have always known him as an action comedy icon, much like his colleague Jackie Chan. Films such as “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” (1978), “Winners and Sinners” (1983), “My Lucky Stars” (1985), “The Oriental Condor” (1987), and “The Princess and the Seven Masters of Kung Fu” (1987) ). 2013) showcases his extraordinary talent.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hong has been not only in front of the camera, but behind the scenes as well. Although he has directed more than 30 films, it is his prowess as an action choreographer that is most impressive. His Sammo Hung Stunt Team has nurtured outstanding film talent and greatly promoted cinema in Hong Kong and Asia. You can see his impressive choreography in films like “Kung Fu Cult Master” (1993), “The Prodigal Son” (1981), and of course “Ip Man” (2008).
Masterclass and examination
As part of the Singapore Chinese Film Festival, this course aims to provide valuable insights into Sammo Hung's creative process. Hong will share more than half a century of his experiences, spanning film direction, martial arts directing, screenwriting, and acting.
It's a first-hand look at how Hong rose to fame as a global cinematic icon from his early days in Hong Kong all the way to Hollywood. However, all tickets are free Master class (scheduled to take place at Lasalle College of the Arts on May 4) sold out moments after their release.
Sammo Hung Films Retrospective
If you missed your chance to see Hong in the free course, don't worry. He will also appear in person at pre- and post-screenings of some of his films that form the basis of the course.
location: Golden Village Bugis+
the tickets: GV Cinema box office or GV website
price: S$15.50 (general); S$14.50 (Singapore Film Society Member / SUSS Faculty, Students and Alumni / GV Film Club Member)
Warriors Two (1978) | May 3 | 7:00 pm
(Hong will attend the pre-show tribute)
This classic delves into the roots of Wing Chun, a martial art form popularized by the “Ip Man” franchise. The bank cashier discovers a plot to kill the mayor, but is unable to warn the mayor and is almost killed. A Shaolin disciple Mumble rescues him and takes him to his master to teach him a formidable form of combat Kung Fu. See the early action styles and techniques used by Hong and his exciting team to understand the development of martial arts cinema and its impact on… Contemporary action films.
Encounters of a Scary Kind (1980) | May 12 (Saturday) | 12:00
Hong plays a rickshaw driver defending himself from zombie corpses sent by his wife's lover to kill him. This film kicked off Hong Kong-style zombie films, pioneering a unique blend of psychedelic action, comedy, and martial arts. It set the tone for Hong's popular “Mr Vampire” series in the mid-1980s. As the director of this film, Hong will share how he developed an original style of Hong Kong-style comedy.
Winners and Sinners (1983) | May 4 (Saturday) | 7 pm
The first part of the “Lucky Star” series, it is a masterpiece of contemporary Hong Kong comedy about five friends fresh out of prison. They try to stay crime-free but inadvertently find themselves caught up in the Triad War. The film in the classroom serves as an introduction to director Hong's 1980s career and success in Hollywood.
The Bodyguard (2016) | May 5 (Sunday) | 11.30 am
(Hong will attend a question and answer session after the presentation)
Hong plays a retired bodyguard with dementia who settles in a corner of the world where China, Russia and North Korea meet. He befriends a young girl, and when her life is threatened by her father's criminal connections, he uses his abandoned skills to save her. This venture between the mainland and Hong Kong is a testament to his prowess in literature and martial arts. In the masterclass, Hong will provide insights into his journey working in mainland China during the 2000s.
Painted Faces (1988) | May 5 (Sunday) | 7 pm
The film takes place against the backdrop of Hong's childhood memories at the Peking Opera School under Master Yu Jim Yuen. This film won him the Best Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards. In the masterclass, Director Hong will delve into his childhood memories and the early stages of his career captured in the film.
Who is Samo?
Sammo Hung was a prominent figure among the Seven Little Fortunes, a group of talented individuals who trained in Peking opera and martial arts at the Chinese Drama Academy in Hong Kong. Led by Mr. Yu Jim Yuen, this group included such notables as Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Corey Yuen.
Under Yuen's tutelage, Hong laid the foundation for his future as a business icon. Hong's relentless work ethic has propelled him from actor to choreographer, director and producer. In 1982, he received a double recognition at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his directorial debut, “Carry On Pickpocket”, and his choreography in “The Prodigal Son”. Subsequent successes, including Painted Faces and the Ip Man series, cemented his status as a cinematic force.
Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th Asian Film Awards in 2023, Hong's enduring legacy and impact on Asian cinema remains unparalleled.
