Sammo Hung is an influential figure in Hong Kong cinema whose films, separate from his famous collaborators, highlight his prowess as a martial artist. As one of the leading faces of the 1980s’ Hong Kong New Wave movement, Hung’s work in martial arts films, both as an actor and director, pushed the genre forward in a positive direction.
Hung is known for his collaborations with Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao, many of which feature an ideal balance of action and comedy. However, Hung’s projects without Chan have proven to be just as entertaining, with the actor developing a distinct style over the years that is unique to him, seen in movies like The Magnificent Butcher.
10
Zu Warriors From The Magic Mountain (1983)
One of the best martial arts fantasy movies of the ’80s, Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain is wonderfully weird and magical. The film depicts a necessary fight against evil forces to save the world from their malicious plans. Hung stars in the film as one of the many soldiers taking part in this fight.
Zu Warriors’ fight choreography is nothing short of impressive. Zu Warriors combines classic components of Hong Kong action cinema with Western special effects, producing a visually stunning film. The fantastical world in which Zu Warriors’ action takes place is fully realized and convincing, making it easy for audiences to buy into the film’s quirks, even when the plot isn’t always coherent.
9
Millionaires Express (1986)
There are a lot of moving parts to Millionaires Express, but each complements each other well and combines rather effortlessly. Directed and led by Hung, Millionaires Express fuses martial arts with the typical makings of a Western film, and, in true Hung fashion, is filled with plenty of humorous moments, as well.
Hung is accompanied by Hong Kong icons like Yuen Biao, Peter Chan, James Tien, and Lau Kar-wing. While the wide range of eccentric characters certainly had the potential to negatively impact Millionaires Express’ cohesiveness and storytelling, Hung’s film is instead an admirably chaotic ride from start to finish, leaving audiences engaged the whole way through.
8
Kill Zone (2005)
Released in the United States as Kill Zone, though its original title is SPL: Sha Po Lang, the 2005 action film sees Hung and Donnie Yen face off as their characters on opposite sides of the law. In the film, Yen and Simon Yam are two inspectors determined to bring down Hung’s Wong Po, a triad boss.
Kill Zone is a strong start to the SPL film series and features plenty of the engaging action sequences one would expect from a movie led by martial artists like Hung and Yen. Kill Zone has all the makings of a traditional Hong Kong action movie, but incorporates a range of martial arts styles in its fight scenes that make it a one-of-a-kind movie.
7
Knockabout (1979)
Directed by Hung, Knockabout centers on the adventures and misfortunes of two con-artist brothers, Yipao (Yuen Biao) and Taipao (Bryan Leung). Hung stars in the film as Fat Beggar, a kung fu master who helps Yipao as he prepares to enact revenge on those who harmed his brother. The plot is simple, but easy for audiences to get invested in.
Like much of Hung’s work, Knockabout has a healthy dose of comedy, but its action is what stands out most. Knockabout’s training sequences with Yipao and Fat Beggar are not only entirely convincing but thoroughly entertaining as well. Though it may not be Hung’s most celebrated film, Knockabout should not be overlooked.
6
Pedicab Driver (1989)
Hung and Max Mok star alongside one another in Pedicab Driver as two cycle rickshaw drivers pursuing a romantic relationship with two different women. The men devise a plan to save the women from their cruel working conditions, hoping to win over their hearts in the process. Pedicab Driver has some of the most memorable fight sequences in the martial arts genre.
Such scenes are innovative, choreographed with precision, and captured beautifully on camera. Despite being overlooked by some, Pedicab Driver’s clean technical and narrative achievements can’t be ignored. Pedicab Driver also features legendary Hong Kong martial artist and filmmaker Lau Kar-leung, who delivers just the top-notch performance expected of someone with his legacy in martial arts.
5
Encounters Of The Spooky Kind (1980)
A bizarre ’80s martial arts film, Encounters of the Spooky Kind combines kung fu with comedy and horror. These genres were not combined for the first time on-screen in Hung’s film, but the star power of the actor, director, and writer helped popularize such movies. Encounters of the Spooky Kind follows Hung’s Bold Cheung after he’s tricked into spending the night in a haunted temple.
Hung shares much of his screentime throughout the film with various supernatural creatures, producing some of the more hilarious and action-packed sequences in Hung’s filmography. Though it was not the first horror film to feature hopping reanimated corpses, known as jiangshi in Chinese folklore, Encounters did popularize their use within Hong Kong movies.
4
Ip Man 2 (2010)
The Ip Man film series saw great improvements with the second installment, Ip Man 2. The sequel increases the tension and action that made the first film such a hit and features some incredible fight sequences. Ip Man 2 follows Donnie Yen as the titular Wing Chun practitioner as he is made to face numerous skilled martial artists, including Hung’s Hung Chun-nam.
Despite being in a supporting role, Hung’s part in the film is significant. Arguably, one of the best fights in the Ip Man series is between Yen and Hung’s characters. The scene sees the two real-life martial arts legends facing off and executing the creative fight choreography—the two are fighting and balancing on top of a round table— as if it’s nothing
3
Warriors Two (1978)
Warriors Two incorporates two familiar components in its narrative, and does so exceptionally well. Warriors Two centers around historical figure Leung Jan, one of the earliest practitioners of Wing Chun, and sees him teaching two friends (Casanova Wong and Sammo Hung) kung fu in preparation to take down their enemies. In addition to starring in the film, Hung also directed and wrote it.
Hung’s signature style is apparent in the film’s creative and sharp fight choreography, which helps Warriors Two stand apart from other similar martial arts films of the ’70s. The Wing Chun depicted throughout Warriors Two is also considered to be some of the most detailed and authentic displays put to film.
2
The Magnificent Butcher (1979)
Though Yuen Woo-ping’s The Magnificent Butcher was made as an attempt to recapture the success of the director’s Drunken Master from the year before, the former is a martial arts comedy of its own kind. Hung leads The Magnificent Butcher as Lam Sai-wing, a student of legendary Chinese martial artist Wong Fei-hung, played by Kwan Tak-hing in the film.
The Magnificent Butcher’s plot is typical of several martial arts films at the time, centering around revenge. However, what sets The Magnificent Butcher apart from a movie like Drunken Master is the knockout fight choreography and Hung’s performance, both as a martial artist and comedic actor. The Magnificent Butcher is truly a must-watch in Sammo Hung’s filmography.
1
The Prodigal Son (1981)
While Hung did direct and co-write The Prodigal Son, his acting role in the film is much smaller. Hung portrays one of two martial artists who take in Yuen Biao’s Leung Chang after he realizes he’s not as skilled a kung fu master as he initially thought. Despite taking on a minor role in the film, Hung’s talent is still apparent.
The Prodigal Son features some of the more convincing displays of martial arts within the genre, made all the more compelling by the transformative journey Yuen Biao’s character goes through.
The fight choreography seen throughout the film is not only precise in its execution but beautifully captured as well. The storytelling, character development, and action in The Prodigal Son come together neatly to create an outstanding entry in Hung’s filmography.
