Sammo Hung

[doug maverick]

so after SPL sammo did that garbage of a film dragons forever then he did another peic of **** with the twins, then he was what i'm sure is a ****ty version of ROTK but now he's back and as a leading man in fatal move, the new film from dennis law director of the peice of **** martial mello drama fatal contact(guy loves thew word fatal). anyway from what i'm hearing and seeing this movie is going to to be **** good. check out the site for details Fatal move (http://www.fatalmove.com)

[jethro]

Did you hear that rumor that Sammo was killed? That was some scary sh!t. Thank God it wasn't true. The report said he got ran over by a bus, but it takes more than a bus to get rid of Sammo!

I got an email from Bey Logan about this movie. He said the final fight between Wu Jing and Sammo is awesome.

[doug maverick]

i have a friend on sammo's stunt team who told me about the movie and the rumour. i didn't hear about it until fairly recently, but come on you see how big sammo is a bus would hit him and he'd look back and say stop shoving. LOL anyway glad that he's back as a leading man.

[GeneChing]

Sammo Hung hospitalized
1.72 metres is 5' 6", 111 kilograms is 245 lb.

HK actor Sammo Hung hospitalised for heart surgery (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/448804/1/.html)
Posted: 14 August 2009 1428 hrs

HONG KONG: Legendary Chinese martial arts actor and acclaimed Hong Kong director Sammo Hung was admitted into hospital a week ago for heart surgery.

The star reportedly felt unwell while filming “Ip Man 2”, the sequel to the semi-biographical kungfu film on the celebrated martial arts master of Bruce Lee, in the Guangdong province of Foshan on August 5.

He returned to Hong Kong ahead of schedule for an emergency admission to hospital for an operation.

The 57 year-old actor was discharged after a few days and has since returned to work.

Hung revealed that his heart has been in a less-than-ideal condition due to long filming hours and frequent overtime work resulting in fatigue and irregular meals. His love for cigars also contributed to his ailing health.

Moreover, at his height of 1.72 metres, he is tipping the scales at 111 kilograms which makes him morbidly obese.

Although not in the pink of health yet, Hung told Hong Kong reporters that his condition has since stabilised.

“Everything is back to normal even though my weight has become a health issue, causing heart problems. I am now back at work and I would like to thank everyone for their concern,” said Hung.

- CNA/jk

[Jimbo]

Sorry to hear of Sammo's health problems, but unfortunately I'm not all that surprised. Hopefully he'll give up the cigars and be able to get down to a healthier weight for himself. I'm glad that he's alright, anyway.

[Tensei85]

I'm glad despite the circumstances that Sammo is alright as of current, hopefully his health issues become more of a priority for him personally. Sammo Hung is definitely one of the greats!

[yutyeesam]

Yeah, it was only a matter of time, unfortunately. Time to start losing that image of, wow he's so fat and he can move like that?!

If he can get back down to his "Enter the Dragon" size, that'd be good. Wow. I even remember saying back in the day, "...yeah, that fat guy Bruce Lee fought at the beginning of Enter!"

Hopefully Jackie and Biao are getting on his case about this! :)

[Tao Of The Fist]

Im not fat, per se, but I've got enough of a belly that I always likened myself to Sammo. I'm only 5'4 or 5'5 and im about 35 lbs less than him. If that isn't enough incentive to lose the poncho I don't know what is... except if Yuen Biao and Jackie Chan were yelling at me???

*however, i do have a little more muscle than he does, so i have a little bit of an excuse than him...

[SPJ]

wishing him well.

quick recovery.

at this age, health is more important than anything else.

I remember him acting when he was a young boy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb3aRF1tHzU

[TenTigers]

my weight issues are hereditary.
My father drank beer too.:p

[Super_Kick]

Hi guys,

I watched My Lucky Stars the other day and it seems Hung has some training in Southern Kung Fu. Does anyone know if he's done any Choy Lee Fut?

Thanks guys

[hskwarrior]

what's Choy Lee Fut? :confused:

[Super_Kick]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choy_Lee_Fut

[hskwarrior]

Nope Never heard of it. Cool, i'll check it out.

[Ben Gash]

Sammo tends to get a crash course in a style before he does a film about it. As he's recently done a film about CLF I imagine he recently learned some.
Actually thinking about it he probably learned some for Knockabout.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Nope Never heard of it. Cool, i'll check it out.

ROTFLMAO !!!!
Frank is such a tease !!:D

[hskwarrior]

Hahahaha.......I couldn't resist! :D

I'm a weak man hahaha

[Lee Chiang Po]

Hi guys,

I watched My Lucky Stars the other day and it seems Hung has some training in Southern Kung Fu. Does anyone know if he's done any Choy Lee Fut?

Thanks guys

Sammo was one of the kung fu kids that was making all the movies back in the 60's and 70's. He has extensive knowledge of kung fu. He is pretty good too.

[Paul T England]

Sammo was Jackie Chan's elder brother in the Opera School and has being doing the stuff for so long that he can probably copy any style (Apart from mine LOL)

Get aq copy of jackie Chan's life story as it has a bit a about Sammo, Lee etc in there. really good read...

Paul
www.moifa.co.uk

[Super_Kick]

But if he was doing the little opera how did he do the Choy Lee Fut?

[hskwarrior]

But if he was doing the little opera how did he do the Choy Lee Fut?

What the heck does Choy Lee Fut look like? is it any good?

[CLFNole]

Doing CLF in a movie and "knowing" CLF are 2 different things. Sammo Hung is a martial arts director in addition to being an actor. He is very "sing mok" and would know how to watch CLF and do it in a movie. This is very basic for kung fu movies.

[hskwarrior]

Can someone tell me what choy lee fut is supposed to look like? i can't find it anywhere!

[CLFNole]

You know Frank huge swinging open circles...thats all we do right??? :eek:

[hskwarrior]

You know Frank huge swinging open circles...thats all we do right???

OH! i thought i was being prepared for a swimming meet. whew! makes sense now. so THATS CLF!!! nice! :D

[David Jamieson]

sammo is another bejing opera trained guy. Like Jackie Chan. I believe they were school mates in same.

they went on to look at other things, maybe even learn some, but they are trained first and foremost in beijing opera style kung fu.

which is very difficult by the way. Only top notch get to be there and can you imagine how hard it is to be top notch in a country with a billion people?

yeah, it's hard. The mediocre students are advanced compared to many of us burrito eating slobs. :D

[Lucas]

ya sammo hung was jackie elder brother, i believe he was THE eldest brother at that time. he wasnt 'husky' until he broke his leg when he was young. then he put on some extra weight. he found when he would get in street fights the extra weight helped him hit harder so he ended up keeping it for the rest of his life. thats why hes one of the few big guys who can do backflips and acrobatic stuff. cuz he learned it before he got big.

another thing about their master, whilst they were trained in opera fashion, actual martial artists were brought in to teach the essences of their styles as well. i think thats one of the reasons jackie has always been so good at busting out different styles for his films.

[JamesC]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peking_Opera_School#The_Seven_Little_Fortunes

[taai gihk yahn]

Can someone tell me what choy lee fut is supposed to look like? i can't find it anywhere!

yer like freakin' Bodhidharma, Frankenfurter...

http://www.feedback.nildram.co.uk/richardebbs/pictures/bodhi/bodhidharma29.jpg

[hskwarrior]

yer like freakin' Bodhidharma, Frankenfurter...

Hey man, at 43 i still have a full head of hair!!!!! I choose to keep it shaved (shampoo lasts longer that way...LOL)

[GeneChing]

Proud poppa Sammo

23/03/2012
Timmy Hung ties the knot (http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=6021436)

The actor recently got married to actress Janet Chow after four years of dating

http://sin.stb.s-msn.com/i/BB/C3FFDC04DEA58B77255B43617AFE.jpg
http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/ent_images/e36e3752d58139848ef4de8f_Sammo%20Hung.jpg

Hong Kong actor Timmy Hung, the eldest son of acclaimed martial art actor Sammo Hung, tied the knot with actress Janet Chow the day before.

The newlyweds did not go through the traditional Chinese customs prior to the wedding.

Instead the couple spent time together the day before their matrimony (it is a taboo in Chinese customs for couples to meet the day before marriage), and also left out traditional ritual like the "welcoming ceremony".

Bride Janet had also reportedly drove herself back home to leave some belongings behind before rushing down to the venue of her wedding banquet.

When the couple exchanged marriage vows at the banquet, Timmy, who has been dating Janet for the past four years, said lovingly, "Taking care of her (Janet) for the rest of my life is the responsibility of a husband. Every man needs to try his best to give his wife the best. I hope that I will do better with my career and let her live a happy life."

The actor added that he hopes to let his 28-year-old actress wife retire from showbiz after marriage, moving his bride to tears with his loving words.

The couple rounded up a total of 28 bridesmaids and 10 best men for the wedding, which included fellow celebrities like Michael Tong, Chin Kar Lok, and Frankie Lam.

The joyous event also saw attendance from Timmy's Korean birth mother, father Sammo Hung, movie star Andy Lau and singer Jackie Chueng.

[GeneChing]

Come on now. Who's going to fault Sammo for hanging with a 21-yr-old hottie? Actually she's not that hot. She looks a little like an anime character, so if you're into hentai...:o
http://www.popularasians.com/forum/attachments/f68/57322d1347493827-63-year-old-sammo-hung-cheating-21-year-old-mainland-wang-qinyi-sammo-hung-cheater.jpg
This is probably more about some unknown actress trying to grab some tabloid coverage. But still, starlet one-third his age? Go Sammo. ;)


Friday, 14 September 2012 17:03
Ageing kungfu star Sammo Hung denies affair with 21-yr-old actress (http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=41006:ageing-kungfu-star-sammo-hung-denies-affair-with-21-yr-old-actress&Itemid=3)

HONG KONG- Hong Kong screen veteran Sammo Hung has denied rumours that he is having an affair with 21-year-old Chinese actress Wang Qin Yi, reported Hong Kong media.

The rumours were sparked by a series of media reports, which claimed that 63-year-old Hung had been spotted with Wang over the course of three days at a Hengdian hotel in August, citing photos that have surfaced recently.

"Let them (the tabloids) write what they want," an indignant Hung told Hong Kong media.

"If they see me talking to my mother next time, they'd start saying I am asking for money from my family."

Hung's current wife, former Miss Hong Kong Joyce Godenzi, whom he married in 1995, is standing by her husband.

Godenzi said there are no problems in their relationship, and stressed that Hung would not cheat on her.

Hung has appeared in numerous martial arts film since he entered showbiz as a child actor in the 60s, including "14 Blades" and "Ip Man 2".

-CNA

[doug maverick]

Come on now. Who's going to fault Sammo for hanging with a 21-yr-old hottie? Actually she's not that hot. She looks a little like an anime character, so if you're into hentai...:o
http://www.popularasians.com/forum/attachments/f68/57322d1347493827-63-year-old-sammo-hung-cheating-21-year-old-mainland-wang-qinyi-sammo-hung-cheater.jpg
This is probably more about some unknown actress trying to grab some tabloid coverage. But still, starlet one-third his age? Go Sammo. ;)

eh its slightly OT...to T. lol

meh, this story rings false to me... while idk if sammo is mr. faithful, i dont think he is given the one eyed dragon to this young chippee.

[GeneChing]

He turns 61 today.

And he's still one bad mofo! A superstar of Kung Fu!

:D

[GeneChing]

Sammo not teaching grandson kung fu (http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/sammo-not-teaching-grandson-kung-fu-085400053.html)
By Syahida Kamarudin | From Cinema Online Exclusively for Yahoo! Newsroom – Fri, May 10, 2013 4:54 PM SGT

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Bwg.xcXo9HY0fAJ4pzRlJQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zMDA7cT04NTt3PTQwMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_MY/News/YBrandCinemaOnline/7cn_sammonotteaching00.jpg

10 May – Proud new parents Timmy Hung and Janet Chow recently held a Hundred Days banquet for their three-month old baby son, TJ.

As reported on Popular Asians, on 7 May, the couple held a large party at Le Pinacle Cantonese Restaurant ballroom and invited numerous Hong Kong stars that included the boy's grandfather, Sammo Hung, uncle Jimmy Hung and aunt Stephanie.

At the Hundred Days banquet, proud grandfather, Sammo Hung presented little baby TJ with a large and colourful two-layered cake decorated with "Finding Nemo" characters, along with a miniature version of a smiling TJ perching on the topmost layer.

When asked if he brought a birthday present for his grandson, Sammo laughed and said, "Everything would eventually be his!"

Sammo also stated that he is not interested in teaching TJ kung fu as he grows older. When asked if that would be a waste as the talented TJ was already crawling around before turning three months old, Sammo quipped, "A lot of babies know how to turn around! No big deal!"

Meanwhile, among the celebrity guests who attended the party were Jordan Chan, Alex Fong and wife Hoyan Mok, Alex Fong, Charmaine Sheh, Annie Man Angela Tong and Toby Leung. Sounds like a fun party...

[Jimbo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb3aRF1tHzU&sns=em

[GeneChing]

I'll see your 童星洪金寶 Sammo Hung (1961) and raise you 岳飛出世 The Birth of Yue Fei (1962) - Seven Little Fortunes (七小福) early work in movies:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS5Uku26xHk

:cool:

[GeneChing]

Hong Kong star Sammo Hung visits Geylang for turtle soup (http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/hong-kong-star-sammo-hung-visits-geylang-for-turtle-soup)

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/hong_jin_bao_2.jpg?itok=RefbG08f
Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung with restaurant owner Chen Chonglu. Hung was in Geylang on Friday afternoon for some local dishes.PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/hong_jin_bao_1.jpg?itok=M1w3YSN-
What he ate: Claypot turtle soup (right) that cost $65 and black chicken soup that cost $13.PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS

PUBLISHED FEB 4, 2017, 2:15 PM SGT
Lydia Lam
SINGAPORE - Veteran Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung dropped by Geylang on Friday (Feb 3) afternoon for some local dishes with his family, surprising diners there.

Hung, 65, visited Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant at Geylang Lorong 21 for turtle soup with six other family members, Shin Min Daily News reported on Saturday (Feb 4).

Restaurant staff told Shin Min that there were no seats available when Hung arrived at about 2pm, but he waited outside patiently while his son Timmy Hung entered to order.



"They had no airs at all and waited their turn in the queue. At first, we didn't recognise Timmy Hung, and realised a big star had arrived only when Sammo Hung sat down," said a staff member who did not give his name.

Restaurant owner Chen Chonglu told Shin Min that he personally waited on Hung's table.

The martial artist ordered many dishes for his family, Mr Chen said. This included a $65 claypot turtle soup and black chicken soup that cost $13.

Hung told Mr Chen in Cantonese: "The soup is very good!"

The veteran actor left about an hour later.

Mr Chen said: "To have a huge star visit us during Chinese New Year and have a satisfying meal, I'm really honoured and proud!"

Hung is known for his body of work in Hong Kong action cinema, churning out more than 230 movies since his film debut in 1961. He has acted alongside actors such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.

He is also a fight choreographer, movie director and producer.

Sammo would be hard to miss. Having him endorse your Chiense restaurant would be awesome.

[GeneChing]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G3Ha7DzRUU

Sammo Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung) & Hong Kong Martial Arts Living Archive (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?69951-Hong-Kong-Martial-Arts-Living-Archive)

[GeneChing]

Timmy just earned an indie thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70614-Timmy-Hung) - copying the relevant posts above off the Sammo Hung thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung).


‘I DIDN’T BETRAY MY WIFE’: SAMO HUNG’S SON DENIES BEING A WOMANISER (http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/i-didnt-betray-my-wife-samo-hungs-son-denies-being-a-womaniser/)
Social | December 20, 2017 by | 0 Comments

http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/trump-israel-92-620x348.jpg

Last week, Timmy Hung (洪天明) was photographed at a nightclub in Shanghai, where he hugged a mysterious woman and held hands with her as they proceeded to walk into the elevator of his hotel. Timmy has admitted to the events of that night, and though his wife Janet Chow (周家蔚) reacted sadly to the news, their marriage and relationship has not been affected. The actor, however, chose not to respond to cheating rumors.

A few days ago, the Hong Kong actor, who is represented by the Mainland Chinese agency Milkyway Hairun, released a formal statement about the incident that happened last week. Timmy’s manager blamed the incident on alcohol, as Timmy was very intoxicated when he brought the woman back to his hotel. The woman hugged Timmy and they did hold hands briefly, but nothing more happened that night. Timmy has also explained the situation to his agency, and promised that he will be more careful in the future, promising to be a more responsible drinker.

There are readers who doubt this story, however. In the clip released by paparazzi, Timmy did not carry a drunken demeanor when he held the woman’s hand. Timmy also drove his car that night.

In regards to these discrepancies, Timmy said, “This was taken way out of proportion, and not as bad as you all think it is. It was all a misunderstanding. A real misunderstanding. I did not betray my wife. After saying this, I hope everyone will leave my family alone.”

His wife, Janet, said, “It was just a misunderstanding.”

– http://www.jaynestars.com

[GeneChing]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baW2nDn29oc

THREADS:
Paradox (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70354-Sha-Po-Lang-3-Paradox)
Hong Kong Film Awards (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?65254-Hong-Kong-Film-Awards)
Sammo Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)

[GeneChing]

So deserved. Sammo rocks.


Hong Kong Festival: Martial Arts Legend Sammo Hung Named Filmmaker in Focus (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hong-kong-festival-martial-arts-legend-sammo-hung-named-filmmaker-focus-1176546)
4:46 AM PST 1/16/2019 by Karen Chu

https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/landscape_928x523/2019/01/sammo.jpg
Courtesy of Hong Kong International Film Festival
Sammo Hung

The retrospective will feature 10 classics of the 'Martial Law' star who was instrumental in shaping the golden age of Hong Kong cinema.
Hong Kong action cinema legend Sammo Hung has been named the Filmmaker in Focus of the 43rd Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF).

Best known to U.S. audiences for headlining CBS primetime show Martial Law in the late 1990s, Hung has a storied career spanning over half a century starring in, action choreographing, producing and directing more than 250 films. He is one of the screen icons representative of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s.

The HKIFF will host a retrospective during the upcoming edition showcasing 10 of Hung's most celebrated works, as well as a "Face to Face" seminar March 30 where he will share his views and recount his experiences in the film industry. An accompanying commemorative book will also be published.

Born in 1952, Hung was trained from the age of nine in the Peking opera genre at Hong Kong's China Drama Academy under Master Yu Jim-yuen and was the leading member of the Academy's Seven Little Fortunes performing troupe, which later went on to transform Hong Kong cinema with the acrobatic and daredevil action choreography designed and performed by its members. It also counted Jackie Chan among its ranks.

Hung made his first onscreen appearance at the age of 14 as a stunt performer. Armed with his skills in martial arts, acrobatics and dance, he soon became a stalwart of the wuxia cinema popularized by the Shaw Brothers Studio, dreaming up and executing breathtaking action sequences as stunt man, stunt coordinator and action director. He was given his big break as a leading man by rival studio Golden Harvest in Shaolin Plot in 1977 and made his directorial debut the next year with The Iron-Fisted Monk.

Hung's work in the 1980s helped create a new style of Hong Kong action movies, ushering in the immensely popular action comedy genre, and the Chinese vampire (jiangshi) horror-comedy subgenre, in particular with Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980). Set in the urban milieu, the fight sequences in such films as the Lucky Star series (1982-1985), which co-starred Jackie Chan, and Wheels on Meals (1984) are high-energy and realistic and complemented by comedic elements.

He also helped make a star out of Michelle Yeoh when he produced the first film in which she received top billing, the police drama Yes, Madam (1985). In 1998, Hung became the first East Asian to headline a U.S. primetime TV series with the CBS surprise hit Martial Law, which showcased his martial arts expertise.

Deferentially referred to as "Big big brother" in the Hong Kong film industry (with Chan being called "big brother"), Hung formed the Sammo Hung Stunt Team in the 1970s to help his former China Drama Academy classmates and utilize their talents on screen, dominating Hong Kong action cinema in subsequent decades. He also founded a number of film companies, the most successful of which was D&B Films, which he co-founded with Dickson Poon and John Shum in 1983 and that became the powerhouse that rivaled Cinema City at the box office during the 1980s.

Hung's contribution to Hong Kong action cinema has been considerable, which is not only evident in the genre's popularity and worldwide influence, but also in the number of accolades he has received. He won his first Hong Kong Film Award for best action choreography for The Prodigal Son in 1981, and subsequently reclaimed the honor three times with Ip Man (2008), Ip Man 2 (2010) and Paradox (2017). Renowned for the physical feats he choreographed and performed as much as for his acting prowess, he has been twice named best actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards with Carry on Pickpocket (1982) and Painted Faces (1988).

The retrospective at the HKIFF, which will be held from March 18 through April 1, will feature Hung's action classics as well as dramatic efforts, including Encounters of the Spooky Kind, The Prodigal Son, Winners & Sinners (1982), Eastern Condors (1987), Painted Faces, Eight Taels of Gold (1989) and Ip Man 2 (2010).

THREADS
Asian Film Festivals and Awards (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?48392-Asian-Film-Festivals-and-Awards)
Sammo Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)

[GeneChing]

Hong Kong Action Legend Sammo Hung on 50 Years of Blood, Sweat and Sacrifice: “Every Nerve Ending Has to Be in Play" (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sammo-hung-50-years-blood-sweat-sacrifice-1191926)
5:30 PM PDT 3/17/2019 by Karen Chu

https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/landscape_928x523/2019/03/sammohung_2_addvenue.jpg
Sammo Hung at Hong Kong's House 1881

The HKIFF's 2019 "Filmmaker in Focus" looks back on his glory days, diagnoses the industry's current problems and ponders the nature of his fame as an East Asian superstar.
Sammo Hung is a name any fan of Hong Kong action cinema knows and reveres. A pillar of the Hong Kong film industry's golden age in the 1980s, Hung used his creativity and childhood training in Peking opera to craft breathtaking choreography and unforgettable physical feats on screen, reshaping action cinema worldwide.

An award-winning actor, director, studio mogul and star-maker — in addition to his personal action resume — the 67-year-old legend has been named the Filmmaker in Focus of this year’s Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). In addition to publishing a commemorative book dedicated to his work, the event will showcase 10 of Hung's seminal films — such as Eastern Condors, The Valiant Ones, Winners and Sinners and Encounters of the Spooky Kind.

Still passionate about filmmaking after a career spanning more than half a century, Hung's enthusiasm that was on full display when he sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to chat about fame, a pesky new-generation of actors, Hong Kong's action cinema tradition and cursing.

You started working in films in the 1960s, and have one of the most distinguished careers in the Hong Kong film industry. How do you feel about being named the Filmmaker in Focus at the 2019 HKIFF?

It caught me by surprise, but I’m very happy for this opportunity to let the Hong Kong audience be reminded of this fat old man who risked his life many times on film. I don’t want to boast about any contribution, but I was part of the group of people who toiled for the film industry. It makes me happy to know that the audience has a chance to remember the old days.

In the 1980s and 1990s, you helped popularized the action comedy genre, gave rise to the Chinese hopping vampire (goeng-si) sub-genre, and set up film companies that produced many Hong Kong cinema classics. Looking back, what do you see as your proudest achievement?

Not any particular one film. I’m proud of all my films. I’ve enjoyed great success in many different genres. I have been very blessed to have so many ideas and to continuously produce successful films. I’m very thankful to the heavens for giving me the wisdom. Since the first film I directed, [The Iron-Fisted Monk (1977)], all of my films have done well. I can call it luck, but I’ve also worked very hard. So I always tell my children, “don’t blame your father for going to work making movies and not spending time with you when you were small. If I didn’t work as hard as I did, I couldn’t have given you what you have now.” You can’t have your cake and eat it. There was nothing we could do. At that time, everyone had to figure out a way to provide for their families, so that the children didn’t have to starve and suffer. Most of what we did was give physical labor — blood and sweat. We have been quite lucky.

Did you ever dream about stardom of this scale when you first started in the movies over 50 years ago?

Even now, I haven’t given much thought to superstardom. I’m still quite surprised by my fame — even now, when I go to, for example, to a rural area in Indonesia or India, some people know who I am. I never aspired to be a screen hero, all I ever wanted was for people to respect what I do.

One year, I went to Universal Studios in Hollywood. I got there early, and was waiting at the gate. A lot of tourists were arriving, and many of them asked to take pictures with me. An elderly American couple next to us watched flummoxed, and at one point they couldn’t contain themselves anymore. So they asked, “Excuse me, what do you for a living? How come so many people are asking to take pictures with you?” I told them, “I’m a star! I’m a big movie star! But in Hong Kong!” [laughs] What I really hope is for the younger stars that I helped discover to have that kind of recognition. That’d give me comfort.

Aside from acting, you have been a director, producer, action choreographer, actor, studio owner, and founder and leader of a stunt team. Which of these roles do you think is most representative of you?

I think what describes me best is director. As a director, I can control every aspect of a film, how the actors should behave, how the story should go. I used to try and find inspirations everywhere – I would go to the airport or train station and just study people, the way they moved and interacted and their expressions. But I can’t do that now, I’d be bombarded by people with their phones — selfie requests.

You made your directorial debut in 1977. But between Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997) to The Bodyguard (2016), there was a period of almost 20 years that you didn’t direct. Why?

I didn’t like the ways things had become. It was a time when actors were so in demand, that with a call time of 8am, they’d tell you they could only arrive at noon from another job. After two hours in makeup, they’d say they’d have to leave at 4pm. There was a film I made that two actors were tied together back to back, and they didn’t actually see each other’s faces for the whole shoot because it was so rushed. I just didn’t want to deal with those kinds of situations, so I stopped directing. I have a bit of a temper. That kind of thing really ****es me off.

Also, I think it takes a sense of childlike wonder to direct films and create a story. You have to believe in it yourself. Somewhere along the way I’ve lost that.

You’ve created numerous iconic action scenes and won best action choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards four times. Which action scene do you remember the most?

Many action scenes I’ve done were rather good. Such as The Prodigal Son (1981), Eastern Condors (1987), even the first film I directed, The Iron-Fisted Monk. Looking back, I’d say many action scenes in my films have been quite good.

Apart from receiving awards for your action work, you have been a two-time best actor winner at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Which is more challenging, the physical or the emotive aspect in acting?

It was definitely the physical, action aspect that was more demanding. Every bone, muscle, tendon, nerve ending has to be in play in an action scene. Whereas to portray emotion, it depends very much on the person you’re acting with. There were times when I acted in a scene, and it didn’t feel right no matter how I did it. Then I realized I wasn’t getting anything from the person acting opposite me; there was no connection or interaction, so the scene didn’t come together.

A large part of your career was in comedy as well, including the recent film A Lifetime Treasure (2019). What do you enjoy most about the genre?

I can’t say I particularly enjoy acting in comedies. What I really enjoy is thinking up a good gag. But it was a different time, there was no WeChat, no social media. Now once the film is released, everyone will spoil the gag on social media, so it won’t work anymore. I made a cameo in A Lifetime Treasure because I’m good friends with the director Andrew Lam, who has been in the film business for a long time. I see how the Hong Kong film industry is doing now, and Andrew’s film is a very local, Hong Kong film, so I thought I’d help out when he asked me.

continued next post

[GeneChing]

In the late 1990s, you went to the U.S. to play the lead in the CBS series Martial Law, which had the distinction of being the first prime time hit show starring an East Asian actor. What was most memorable about your U.S. career?

It was a kind of miracle for Martial Law to have happened. I played a cop from China in the series. But at the end of the day, I realized that American writers weren’t able to write the experience and existence of an immigrant cop from China living and working in the U.S.

You founded the Sammo Hung Stuntmen Association in the 1970s, which was instrumental to the global success of Hong Kong action cinema. What are your thoughts on the future of Hong Kong action filmmaking?

Look at the younger generation in Hong Kong now: Where can you find kids who would learn and practice martial arts? There will be no new generation of action stars in Hong Kong now. When we were young, we looked up to the action stars on the big screen and aspired to be them someday. We trained and practiced. And now maybe a kid practices martial arts but then becomes a salesperson, which he can be anyway without any martial arts training. There is no one for him to look up to. Kids don’t dream of becoming action stars in movies anymore.

Martial arts is still practiced in China, but if you look at Chinese martial artists, it took time for them to have a breakthrough. For example, Jet Li, he was in Hong Kong for a long time before he became a star in Tsui Hark’s films. And Wu Jing [actor-director of Chinese mega-blockbusters Wolf Warrior 2 and The Wandering Earth] had been jobbing in the Hong Kong film industry for almost two decades before he finally made it to the top.

As a local industry champion, can you share more of your assessment of the present state of the Hong Kong film industry?

The state of the Hong Kong film industry now is lousy! The local studios, they don’t want to invest in big-budget films. We used to shoot one single scene in a month; now a whole film is shot in 11 days! And we used to spend HK$2-3 million shooting in one day; now no local film has that kind of budget. I’m not saying a big budget guarantees a good film, but we really don’t have that kind of scale anymore. What we need is a good, solid Hong Kong action film, the kind that made our mark in the world in the past. No one wants to invest in those films anymore. And Chinese co-productions, we only do those because we need the Chinese market, and if we don’t co-produce with Chinese companies, we can’t show our films in China. But Chinese co-productions can’t capture the genuine essence of the Hong Kong action film, and there are too many systematic limitations with Chinese co-productions.

Do you think Hong Kong film can maintain its unique position and idiosyncrasies? How can that legacy be preserved?

It is very difficult. I truly believe the Hong Kong government should do more to help the film industry. Look at South Korea. Twenty or thirty years ago, there was no film industry there. But the South Korean government gave it a big push, and now Korean films are on the world stage and everyone is watching Korean TV dramas. The policies the Hong Kong government has set for the local film industry, like when they give HK$2 million [for first-time directors to make a feature film, which recently was raised to HK$5.5 million] – what kind of film can be made with only HK$2 million? They are spending millions on events like the film festival, which is a very good thing, but if they don’t help preserve the Hong Kong film industry, they might as well give those millions to buy lunchboxes for the poor. Hong Kong cinema represents us.

The Hong Kong government announced an injection of HK$1 billion into the Film Development Fund, do you think that would help?

It depends on how they use that money. I’d say they should give me HK$300 million to make a film [chuckles].

With your experience in the film industry, have you taken up any advisory role for the Hong Kong government, such as for the Film Development Council?

No one has asked me, and I’m not sure if I’d want to. I’d only curse at people, and point out whatever is wrong today. I wouldn’t want to be like a nagging old lady, complaining all the time.

Do you blame the audience for their lack of interest in local films?

No, I don’t. If a film is bad, you can’t force people to go see it. What can you do, beat them with a stick?

You have cut down your film work in recent years, and have said that you enjoy spending time with your grandchildren. Do you plan to retire completely?

As long as I can still think, eat, sleep, walk, and be useful, I don’t think about retiring. I have the gifts of being able to think, eat, sleep, walk, and those are gifts from heaven, so I wouldn’t want to waste them and say I quit.

Have you thought about what you’ll share with the public at the Filmmaker in Focus seminar?

I’ll curse and swear at them [deadpans, then laughs].

THREADS
Sammo Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
Asian Film Festivals and Awards (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?48392-Asian-Film-Festivals-and-Awards)

[GeneChing]

Hong Kong Flashback: Sammo Hung Strikes Box Office Gold With a 'Spooky' Comedy-Horror Mash Up (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sammo-hung-strikes-box-office-gold-a-spooky-comedy-horror-mash-up-1194609)
5:30 PM PDT 3/17/2019 by Elizabeth Kerr

https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/landscape_928x523/2019/03/hong_kong-_spooky_encounter-publicity_still-h_2019.jpg
Fortune Star Media Limited
'Encounter of the Spooky Kind'

Nearly 40 years ago the martial arts giant pioneered the industry’s signature sub-genre — the 'hopping' vampire thriller — and helped kick off the New Wave of the 1980s.
Anyone with even a passing interest in peak-era Hong Kong kung fu movies will recognize Sammo Hung for the titan he is. As a start, he’s the oldest of the so-called the Seven Little Fortunes, students of the China Drama Academy, who went on to shape not just Hong Kong’s film industry but to some degree, Hollywood’s, both directly and indirectly; other Fortunes include (duh) Jackie Chan and fight choreographer-director Corey Yuen, who applied his distinct kung fu touch to X-Men, The Transporter and choreographed all of Jet Li’s American action titles. Since beginning his career as a child actor, bit player, stuntman and action director in the early 1960s, Hung has racked up literally hundreds of credits. Just a few of his many highlights are King Hu’s 1966 classic Come Drink With Me, 1973’s touchstone Enter the Dragon, Jackie Chan’s Project A, Long Arm of the Law, Pedicab Driver, Wong Kar-wai’s wuxia art film Ashes of Time and Carlton Cuse’s inimitable, short-lived CBS series Martial Law, which really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Along the way, the rotund Hung became an unlikely movie star and one of the key figures in the Hong Kong New Wave movement of the ’80s. With a physique that belied nimble precision and a round, jolly face, Hung was the cinematic opposite of the sexier, cooler Bruce Lee, but he was accessible in a way that Lee was not. Some crack comic timing helped. So it’s no surprise that 1980’s Encounter of the Spooky Kind, which Hung also directed and wrote, was a popular hit and Hong Kong cinema landmark for a host of reasons. In addition to making Hung a (bigger) household name, Encounter was one of the earliest in the (then) surging Hong Kong industry’s budding kung fu-horror-comedy mash-up sub-genre, and the inspiration for the geung-sih, hopping corpses or vampires from Chinese mythology — a trope that would dominate the decade.

Hung, sporting one of his finest bowl cuts, stars as Bold Cheung, a bit of a dim bulb and a cursed, ghost-plagued cuckold. When his wife and her lover Tam are nearly caught red-handed by Bold, Tam hires the crooked Taoist priest Chin to bump him off via spooky pranks (because just stabbing him would be too easy). Fortunately Bold has an ally in Tsui, another priest who’s offended by Chin’s abuse of magic power, and he helps him out. What it lacks in narrative cohesion (a lot), Encounter more than makes up for in creative set pieces, goofball comedy and ultra-physical fights, which Hung makes look effortless. The highlights: Chin possesses Bold’s right arm at one point, which Bold has to fight off at the same time as he fends off some undead attackers, and an acrobatic monkey-fu finale that plays out on bamboo scaffolding. Only Bruce Campbell in The Evil Dead II has battled his own body parts more gleefully than Hung does here.

Admittedly, Bold’s decision to punch his cheating wife in the face — several times (!) — probably wouldn’t make the cut today and the scratchy ’80s production values look every one of their 39 years, but Encounter of the Spooky Kind still has its genuinely inspired charms, and as a harbinger of the hopping vampire genre to follow it’s just about perfect. They just don’t make them like this anymore.

THREADS
Sammo Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
Vampire flicks (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?53290-Vampire-flicks)
Chinese hopping vampire (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?58196-Chinese-hopping-vampire)

[Jimbo]

Encounter of the Spooky Kind is one of the all-time greatest from the peak era of Hong Kong cinema. IMO, it's also the best movie that ever combined elements of horror and kung fu. IMO, the 1990 sequel was awful, but the original is a true classic, and far superior to anything today's mainland China film industry/'Chollywood' could ever dream of putting out, even with all their bigger budgets and CGI. They don't make 'em like that anymore, because they can't.

[GeneChing]

Sammo Hung didn't have strength to carry his grandsons, daughter-in-law reveals in talk show (https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/sammo-hung-couldnt-carry-his-grandsons-daughter-law-reveals-talk-show)

https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/700x500/public/original_images/May2019/sammohung_viutv.jpg?itok=OJuuhl5Q
PHOTO: YouTube/VIU TV

LAM MIN LEE
ASIAONE May 07, 2019

Many of us may remember him as a kung fu legend in Hong Kong films, but age has caught up with 'Big Brother' Sammo Hung.

Sammo, 67, was once so exhausted from directing and filming My Beloved Bodyguard in 2016, he didn't have the strength to carry his grandsons, his daughter-in-law Janet Chow recently said in a talk show.

In the show, the veteran actor also revealed that he broke his arm while filming Lucky Stars Go Places in 1986.

He got his injured limb set in a cast at the hospital, and promptly returned to the set to continue filming.

Talk about dedication to his work.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-f_cBYGEqc

The actor devoted half his life to his work and put on many hats over the years -- producing, choreographing and directing over 200 films in his career. And while he's a hefty man, Sammo's been known as an agile martial artist.

But decades of filming action movies have taken their toll on his body.

On several occasions, Sammo was spotted using a wheelchair in public, especially after undergoing knee surgery two years ago.

The doting granddad was also seen out shopping for toys with his grandsons last August.

"He's able to walk, but it's more comfortable for him to sit in a wheelchair when going to places such as a shopping mall," Janet explained.

Now on a break from work, the sexagenarian is busy whipping up dishes for his loved ones at home.

Sammo said that he had been working on his culinary skills, and once considered becoming a chef if his acting career didn't work out.

lamminlee@asiaone.com

THREADS
Sammo Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
The Bodyguard (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?68075-The-Bodyguard)

[GeneChing]

Want to make a Kung Fu movie? READ Mandy Chan and the Thrills of Martial Arts Filmmaking (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=1582) by Emilio Alpanseque

http://www.kungfumagazine.com//admin/site_images/KungfuMagazine/images/ezine/5433_Mandy-Chan_Lead.jpg

threads
Enter-the-Dragon (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?26150-Enter-the-Dragon)
Sammo-Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
Donnie-Yen-Uber-Awesome-!! (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?58046-Donnie-Yen-Uber-Awesome-!!)

[GeneChing]

Sammo Hung, 69, Makes Acting Comeback In HK Movie, Says It’s Because He Has “No Money” (https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/sammo-hung-69-makes-acting-comeback-in-hk-movie-louis-koo-15462526)

The martial arts legend will be showing off his moves in action thriller Kowloon Walled City.
1.5-min read
Ilsa Chan
BY ILSA CHAN
02 DEC 2021 18:00
UPDATED 02 DEC 2021 17:00

https://www.8days.sg/image/15462522/16x9/1100/619/cb33181dba71a46a397aaabf5c9d90d0/tF/sammo-hung.jpg
Martial arts legend Sammo Hung is making his acting comeback after a four-year hiatus.

The 69-year-old, who has been mostly wheelchair-bound since undergoing knee surgery in 2017, is starring in action thriller Kowloon Walled City alongside Louis Koo, Richie Ren and Raymond Lam.

The lensing ceremony for the movie was held in Hongkong recently and Sammo made an appearance. According to reports, the actor looked healthy despite needing a cane to walk.

When asked why he decided to make a return to the big screen, he bellowed: “No money! The most important thing is the production team is willing to pay me!"

Jokes aside, the veteran actor said he wanted to be part of this project as films about Hongkong featuring a full Hongkong cast are rare these days.

https://www.8days.sg/blob/15462524/659ae809ec9008fae9c598799303c9f8/louis-koo-sammo-hung-data.jpg
Louis and Sammo
He will also have the chance to show off his moves. Not only will Sammo have action scenes in the movie, he will also be facing off against Louis.

"It's a pity there are no bed scenes in this movie," he laughed.

Louis shared that the actors had to undergo training so they could perform their own stunts, and there was one scene so intense he had to shoot for five consecutive days.

https://www.8days.sg/image/15462530/16x9/1100/619/71a5a4ad53fa1383f51f2e9a50f8e9ec/kR/3.jpg
The cast of Kowloon Wall City
Set in 1980s Hongkong, the movie is about the rise and fall of a gangster (played by Louis) in the Kowloon Walled City.

The infamous slum, which was demolished in the mid '90s, is of great historical significance to Hongkong. It was called the "most densely populated place on earth" — 33,000 inhabitants lived in an area that's roughly the size of three and a half football fields — and has been described as a "labyrinth of lawlessness".

In order to recreate the walled city, the production company spared no expense in creating a replica of the enclave, right down to the props.

“All the magazines and TVs in the movie are from the 1980s. I used to have that kind of TV. It’s very nostalgic,” said Louis.

Photos: Sinchew

threads
Sammo-Hung (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
Kowloon Walled City (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?72205-Kowloon-Walled-City)

[GeneChing]

Feb 28, 2023 11:59pm PT
Sammo Hung to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honor at Asian Film Awards – Global Bulletin (https://variety.com/2023/awards/asia/sammo-hung-lifetime-achievement-asian-film-awards-1235539407/)
By Patrick Frater
https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sammo-Hung-Achievement-Award_01-LCR-res.jpg?w=681&h=383&crop=1&resize=681%2C383
Courtesy of Asian Film Awards

LAST MAN STANDING
Martial arts veteran Sammo Hung is to be presented with a lifetime achievement honor at the upcoming Asian Film Awards. The ceremony is back as an in-person event after a two-year absence and shifts back to Hong Kong after previously being held in Hong Kong, Macau and Busan. Hung is expected to accept the award on Sunday March 12 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

“I’m so happy and surprised that I can still win awards these days, especially an award that affirms my entire performing career,” said Hung in a forwarded statement. He has a career as actor, action choreographer, director and producer that stretches some 60 years.

His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.”

In 1982, Hung won the best actor prize at the 2nd Hong Kong Film Awards for his directorial effort “Carry on Pickpocket.” More recently, he had major roles in two of the “Ip Man” franchise films and directed a short segment of portmanteau film “Septet.”


Sammo-Hung (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
Asian-Film-Festivals-and-Awards (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?48392-Asian-Film-Festivals-and-Awards)

[GeneChing]

Mar 11, 2023 9:27pm PT
Sammo Hung Receives Lifetime Achievement Honor at Asian Film Awards (https://variety.com/2023/film/asia/sammo-hung-lifetime-achievement-asian-film-awards-2-1235550591/)
By Naman Ramachandran, Patrick Frater
https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sammo-Hung-Achievement-Award_01-LCR-res.jpg?w=681&h=383&crop=1&resize=681%2C383
Courtesy of Asian Film Awards

Martial arts veteran Sammo Hung was presented with a lifetime achievement honor at the Asian Film Awards.

The ceremony is back as an in-person event after a two-year absence and has shifted back to Hong Kong after previously being held in Hong Kong, Macau and Busan. A visibly emotional Hung accepted the award on Sunday at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Hung’s career as an actor, action choreographer, director and producer spans some 60 years.

His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple,” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.” In 1982, Hung won the best actor prize at the second Hong Kong Film Awards for his directorial effort “Carry on Pickpocket,” as well as best action choreography for “The Prodigal Son,” which he also directed and starred in.

More recently, he had major roles in two of the “Ip Man” franchise films and a role in 2022 action thriller “Man on the Edge.”

Hung also directed a short segment of portmanteau film “Septet: The Story of Hong Kong” (2020). His segment harks back to the time he studied under Peking Opera master Yu Jim Yuen at a young age and was the “big brother”’ to the China Drama Academy’s performance troupe known as the Seven Little Fortunes, whose members included Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu and Corey Yuen. Hung had previously starred in “Painted Faces” (1988), which was based on his time in the Seven Little Fortunes. The Sammo Hung Stunt Team has nurtured several film talents.

“Cinema’s existence is so wonderful. The biggest reward I’ve gotten in my 50-year career is to see my hard work affirmed by others,” Hung had said when the Asian Film Awards honor was announced.

Asian-Film-Festivals-and-Awards (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?48392-Asian-Film-Festivals-and-Awards)
Sammo-Hung (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)

[GeneChing]

Hong Kong Martial Arts Legend Sammo Hung Recalls Casting Michelle Yeoh in Her First Role (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/filmart-hong-kong-sammo-hung-michelle-yeoh-oscar-1235349997/)
"Everything Michelle has she has made for herself,” the veteran actor and producer said in response to her history-making Oscar win.

BY MATHEW SCOTT
MARCH 13, 2023 12:55AM
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GettyImages-1473126799.jpg?w=2000&h=1126&crop=1&resize=681%2C383
Michelle Yeoh, winner of the best actress in a leading role Oscar for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once' COURTESY OF RODIN ECKENROTH/GETTY IMAGES


Veteran Hong Kong martial arts director Sammo Hung first saw Michelle Yeoh in early 1984 when she arrived for a screen test with hopes of landing her very first role, a bit part in the action comedy The Owl vs. Bombo.

On Sunday night, Hung watched as Yeoh picked up an Oscar for her role as the universe-jumping housewife Evelyn Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once — and he was part of the city that celebrated Yeoh’s win like she was one of their own.

“I’m very happy for her,” said Hung. “She had talent from the very beginning and we could all see that. We have never had many Chinese people standing on this [Oscars] stage. I hope this means there will be many more from now on.”

The Malaysia-born Yeoh turned to Hong Kong’s fabled film industry as her future as a 22-year-old. Injuries had curtailed her dreams of being a ballet dancer, and her training at London’s Royal Academy of Dance, and Yeoh had gone on to be voted Miss Malaysia in 1983. But she was looking for a career change.

On the advice of studio heads, Hung — who had already worked with Bruce Lee in the early 1970s and had helped craft the martial arts stylings of Jackie Chan, among others — was told to give the aspiring actress a chance.

“From the start, she was very easy to work with,” said Hung. “My boss just said here is a girl from Malaysia we want to work with. After that first role we just really wanted to see how far we could go with her. We thought immediately, ‘Why not see if she can become an action star?’”

The 71-year-old Hung — himself honored for his lifetime achievements Sunday night at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong — cast Yeoh in another small role, alongside Chan in 1985’s Twinkle, Twinkle, Lucky Stars. But in his role as a producer, he then gave her the lead in another action comedy, Yes, Madam, the very same year.

Thus, Yeoh’s future — and her fortune — was set on its path. Yes, Madam was among the first of the genre to cast female leads, and Yeoh threw herself into the challenge of playing a gun-toting inspector chasing down corrupt and often violent gangsters, later revealing she trained for eight hours a day, learning martial arts and sculpting her body to match the image of an action star. The film’s success spawned eight sequels.

“She always worked very hard, from the very beginning,” said Hung. “She’s also had luck and timing. She arrived when the Hong Kong film market was very good, and there were lots of opportunities. She worked hard and she used her talents. When the Hong Kong film industry wasn’t doing well, she found opportunities in America — so she took a chance. Everything Michelle has she has made for herself.”

Sammo-Hung (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
Michelle-Yeoh (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?44824-Michelle-Yeoh)

[GeneChing]

Actor Sammo Hung unhappy with comments on Jackie Chan’s 'old' appearance (https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2024/03/19/actor-sammo-hung-unhappy-with-comments-on-jackie-chans-039old039-appearance?fbclid=IwAR1LqeReOnfSa77Vm---Op9eOvvv-3YQI1n-_kaSvw5f7s90GDiXPCDWwDA)
By AGENCY ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesday, 19 Mar 2024
10:00 AM MYT

https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2024/03/19/2599495.jpg
Sammo Hung (left) defended Jackie Chan, saying what matters is staying healthy as one ages. Photos: TVB Entertainment News/Facebook, Weibo

Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung has defended fellow artiste Jackie Chan after some netizens disparaged Chan’s appearance.

Recent photos of Chan, 69, sporting a head of white hair and white facial hair while attending an event in China, had gone viral on Chinese social media, with some commenting that he looked visibily aged.

“Who doesn’t get old? What matters is staying healthy as one ages,” Hung, 72, said while attending the annual dinner and awards presentation held by the Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild on March 15.

“Why did these people speak so badly of him? They act as if they won’t get old.”

Hung appeared at the event with a walking stick and was accompanied by his wife, former Hong Kong actress Joyce Godenzi, 58.

The actor and stunt choreographer went for a knee operation in 2017 and has been seen using a wheelchair or walking stick.

“My wife does not allow me to eat too much,” he told the media about his diet. “I can still eat fatty food, but have to give up starch.”

Hung said he still feels pain in his legs and does not know whether he should exercise.

The God Of War (2017) actor was formerly one of the Seven Little Fortunes, a troupe comprising Hung, Chan, Corey Yuen, Yuen Wah and three others who went to a Peking Opera school. They later became action heavyweights in the Hong Kong film industry.

“I practised martial arts from the age of nine until I was in my 50s. Should I continue to exercise in my 70s?” he said. “The only exercise I do now is moving my lips to eat.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network


Sammo-Hung (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?55110-Sammo-Hung)
Jackie-Chan-underestimated (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?23017-Jackie-Chan-underestimated)

[GeneChing]

So deserved.


Mar 11, 2023 9:27pm PT
Sammo Hung Receives Lifetime Achievement Honor at Asian Film Awards (https://variety.com/2023/film/asia/sammo-hung-lifetime-achievement-asian-film-awards-2-1235550591/)
By Naman Ramachandran, Patrick Frater

https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sammo-Hung-Achievement-Award_01-LCR-res.jpg?w=1000&h=562&crop=1
Courtesy of Asian Film Awards

Martial arts veteran Sammo Hung was presented with a lifetime achievement honor at the Asian Film Awards.

The ceremony is back as an in-person event after a two-year absence and has shifted back to Hong Kong after previously being held in Hong Kong, Macau and Busan. A visibly emotional Hung accepted the award on Sunday at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Hung’s career as an actor, action choreographer, director and producer spans some 60 years.

His acting credits include action comedies “Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog” and “Odd Couple,” paranormal horror comedies “Encounters of the Spooky Kind” and “The Dead and the Deadly,” comedy film series “Lucky Stars” and gangster action film “Shanghai, Shanghai.” In 1982, Hung won the best actor prize at the second Hong Kong Film Awards for his directorial effort “Carry on Pickpocket,” as well as best action choreography for “The Prodigal Son,” which he also directed and starred in.

More recently, he had major roles in two of the “Ip Man” franchise films and a role in 2022 action thriller “Man on the Edge.”

Hung also directed a short segment of portmanteau film “Septet: The Story of Hong Kong” (2020). His segment harks back to the time he studied under Peking Opera master Yu Jim Yuen at a young age and was the “big brother”’ to the China Drama Academy’s performance troupe known as the Seven Little Fortunes, whose members included Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu and Corey Yuen. Hung had previously starred in “Painted Faces” (1988), which was based on his time in the Seven Little Fortunes. The Sammo Hung Stunt Team has nurtured several film talents.

“Cinema’s existence is so wonderful. The biggest reward I’ve gotten in my 50-year career is to see my hard work affirmed by others,” Hung had said when the Asian Film Awards honor was announced.


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