Recap | Sammo Hung honoured, Bruce Lee’s legacy, Jackie Chan’s breakthrough and more

Delve into the world of Hong Kong martial arts cinema with stories from the PostMag archives on legendary figures such as Sammo Hung, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Discover the stories behind their iconic careers, from Hung’s lifetime achievement award to the impact of Bruce Lee’s legacy on the industry. Explore the rise of Jackie Chan in Hollywood, the challenges faced by Jet Li, and the resurgence of classic kung fu with Philip Ng’s Stuntman.

1. Martial arts film legend Sammo Hung reflects on career, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen and more ahead of lifetime achievement award

Hong Kong movie icon Hung talks about his extraordinary career spanning over 200 films, from his early days training under Peking opera master Yu Jim-yuen to becoming a celebrated actor, director and action choreographer. Hung shares insights on co-stars like Yen, Lee, and Chan ahead of picking up the 2024 Hong Kong Film Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

2. When Bruce Lee’s widow auctioned 150 personal items to coincide with release of Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story

Discover why Bruce Lee’s widow, Linda Lee Cadwell, offered fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of the kung fu star’s history in 1993. The auction, held in Beverly Hills, saw fervent bidding for items such as his reading glasses, driving licence, and even a handwritten note to himself predicting his rise to superstardom

3. Bruce Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee says Warrior TV series is vindication of her father’s vision

Read how Bruce Lee’s daughter brought the martial arts movie icon’s vision to life with the HBO and Cinemax series Warrior, a historical crime drama set in 1870s San Francisco. Allegedly, Lee’s pitch for the show was the foundation for the 70s hit Kung Fu, but the lead role was denied him due to racial bias and went to David Carradine instead.

4. How Jackie Chan’s Rumble in the Bronx opened the door to Hollywood for the Hong Kong action star

In 1995, Jackie Chan’s Rumble in the Bronx marked his breakthrough into Hollywood, showcasing his unique action-comedy style and extraordinary stunts. Despite previous attempts to crack America, it was this film that marked a turning point in his career, finally propelling him to international stardom.

5. Why Jet Li’s film Unleashed co-starring Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins failed to launch the martial arts legend in Hollywood

Jet Li’s role in the 2005 Luc Besson film as Danny the Dog, a man raised as an attack weapon by a brutal loan shark, showcased his acting prowess alongside some of Hollywood’s heavyweights. But despite critical acclaim and a stand-out performance, the film failed to open Hollywood doors for Li, leading him to continue his career primarily in China.

6. Philip Ng revives Hong Kong kung fu cinema in Stuntman, paying homage to Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and 80s action films

Stuntman honours Hong Kong’s golden era of kung fu cinema and its star Ng, a veteran of the genre, reflects on the industry’s evolution and the enduring appeal of those classic action movies. Featuring death-defying stunts reminiscent of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and set in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the film showcases the resurgence of classic kung fu, with a blend of nostalgia and modern flair.

Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI.