Arguably a better action choreographer than an overall director, even so Corey Yuen was responsible for a couple of stand-out martial arts films. If you're in the mood for some Eastern action cinema, Yuen has a solid oeuvre to explore.
Movies
You have to be a fan of wire-fu antics and elongated martial arts scenes to appreciate a film like this, but if you do then you're getting one of the most spectacular and creative films in the genre.
If you liked the first Fong Sai-Yuk, there's really no reason why you wouldn't like this one. Filmed in succession, released in the same year, with pretty much the same primary cast. These films are a playground for Corey Yuen, who was able to work out some of the best martial arts routines of the 90s for these films. Other than that, you'll find the usual mix of comedy and action, with most of the attention going to martial arts scenes. True genre fare, but close to the best in its class.
Legend of the Red Dragon
Wong teams up with legendary action director Corey Yuen and martial arts legend Jet Li. Some people may look down on Wong, but he never had any problems working with the greats of Hong Kong cinema. Legend of the Red Dragon is a trademark early 90s Hong Kong martial arts spectacle, a golden era for Hong Kong action cinema. The Hong Kong movie industry was such a well-oiled machine back then that they could pump out films like this almost with their eyes closed. Very typical cinematography, razor sharp editing, impressive fight (and other) choreographies and a little comedy in between to take the edge off. The center part drags a little and the film can't quite compete with the very best in the genre (films like Fong Sai-Yuk and Iron Monkey), but it's an all-out martial arts roller coaster that offers plenty entertainment and should appeal to everyone with a soft spot for Hong Kong martial arts cinema.Read all
Saviour of the Soul 2
A film I watched rather early on in my exploration of Hong Kong cinema. Back then I hadn't seen too many God of Gamber-like films, which gave this film an extra edge. The jokes are even weirder when you don't know what they're referencing. Two decades later, it doesn't feel quite as fresh. When Sing arrives in Hong Kong, he feels lost in the big city. His uncle is there to show him around, but he's a massive gambler and doesn't really care about Sing. It turns out his nephew is quite the lucky/smart fella though, and soon enough the two form a strong team. They even enter a gambling competition. There's a fine mix of comedy and action here. The combo of Stephen Chow and Man-Tat Ng always equals wacky comedy nonsense, Corey Yuen on the other hand was one of the best action directors in Hong Kong. But as a parody, the film doesn't deviate enough from the original concept (which is bonkers already). Good fun, but not the exceptional film I thought it to be.Read all
Pulpy fun. Andrew Lau is one of those directors who can switch between slick blockbuster cinema and cheesy entertainment without batting an eye. People expecting a more serious film should definitely look elsewhere, The Avenging Fist is a culmination of cheap beat 'em up cliches that are mixed together into a barely cohesive narrative. Nova is a young martial artist tasked with protecting the Avenging Fist style. The Red Dragon clan wants to learn the style as they believe it's what prevents them from taking over the world. Nova seeks out the help of several other martial arts masters, hoping they can aid him in his quest against the Red Dragons. This film is all about the action, which is why action choreographer Corey Yuen received director credits. Having someone like Sammo Hung on board is also quite handy, though the weight gags were a bit much, even for me. I almost felt sorry for him. The effects are crappy and the two leads are pretty bad, but the energy is awesome and the way Lau leans into the cheese is exemplary. Good but pulpy entertainment.Read all
A simply but amusing sequel that sees Stephen Chow taking another jab at the famous Bruce Lee classic. If you like Chow's trademark comedy, there's plenty to enjoy here. Some crazy fight scenes, some utterly daft but hilarious jokes and solid pacing. It's not the greatest film ever, but it's damn good filler.
Saviour of the Soul
Jing Wong and Corey Yuen team up together for Casino Raiders. That raises expectations of course, sadly the film doesn't really deliver. The first part in particular is too straight-faced, not something Hong Kong cinema is particularly good at. The second half is when both directors come into their own. Sam and Crab, two Macau gamblers/friends, get into serious trouble with the Yakuza. They try to weasel their way out of it, but the Yakuza isn't willing to just let this one slide. A high-stake cards game is going to decide about their future, but that's no surprise with Jing Wong hanging around. The first hour is a little tough, after that the fun starts. Lau, Kwan and Tam are perfect for this kind of work and with some decent gambling scene and a couple of fun action moments Casino Raiders redeems itself. Its excessive runtime does keep the film from being an easy recommend, but if you've got some time to spare, the second half is worth it.Read all
The Bodyguard from Beijing
