Two types of martial arts movies are “in” these days. The high-flying wuxia sword set and the rough and tough guy in the style of the Shaw Brothers. “Prodigal son” is none. That’s because it’s from Golden Harvest Studios, the best film studio in Hong Kong. A martial arts movie from Golden Harvest Studios means little to no high-flying stunts, but pure and fantastic martial arts action. With a bit of comedy and history to a large extent. They made a fortune going against the tide, taking risks and ensuring quality. Something that Shaw Brothers hadn’t done in a long time. They did a lot of classics, but “Prodigal Son” really is something special.

An arrogant young fighter named Leung Jaan loves to fight and prides himself on his martial arts skills. Little does he know, his rich dad is paying people to lose so his only son doesn’t get hurt. But things get worse when a true kung fu master challenges him and exposes his secret. In no time he is thrown into the crazy and dangerous world of martial arts.

This is the second film that Sammo directed about Leung Jaan, the true master of Wing Chun Kung Fu. The first, “Warriors Two” depicts Master Leung as an older man, while Prodigal Son deals with his days as a spoiled young man seeking to be a great martial arts fighter. Wing Chun has never really been used as the basis for a Kung Fu movie before because it is a fighting style that relies on inner strength, keeps your feet firmly on the ground, and uses many hand-to-hand combat moves that many filmmakers Even the risk takers at Golden Harvest, it is believed that it just wouldn’t work on the movie screen. In short, it was not elegant enough. But Sammo knew differently and made two movies that manage to show everyone that the real, visceral skill of Kung Fu can be as exciting and graceful as any other type of fighting on screen. Although “Warriors Two” breaks new ground in terms of action with excellent choreography, “Prodigal Son” is simply better in every way, not only as a martial arts movie, but also as an entertaining and entertaining movie.

Leung Jaan is played by Yeun Biao who, considering her fame for high-flying stunts, was a pretty bold casting decision. But while he and Sammo trained together for years at Master Yu Jin Yeun’s opera academy, the director knew exactly what his protagonist was capable of and what kind of resistance he could withstand. However, Yeun Biao’s acting is unsurpassed by his skill in martial arts and he does a wonderful job of playing the spoiled brat gaining discipline and respect. However, with all of Yeun Biao’s fighting and acting ability and all of Sammo’s skill as a director and choreographer (and actor in a hilarious extended cameo), this film truly belongs to the late great Lam Ching Ying as Leung Jaan’s teacher. , Lung Yee Tai. A favorite of many Hong Kong action film fans, particularly for this performance alone, Lam Ching Ying is a blast to watch. A student at Madame Fong Fak Fa’s opera academy, Lam played many female roles on the Cantonese opera stage due to her slender build and graceful acrobatic ability. This made him the perfect choice to play a Wing Chun master. Especially one who, in this movie, is a member of a traveling opera company and plays the lead female roles in their performances. However, he is not a softie when it comes time to fight and shows incredible technique when challenged. Like Yeun Biao, Lam Ching Ying not only shows off his dazzling style of action here, but also gives us a great show by playing the secretive and humble martial arts master with the occasional flash of comedy that really gets the character up and running. gives you more. one-dimensional. I can’t say enough about Lam’s performance. It’s a great example of why Hong Kong action movies will always be better than American ones. Hong Kong has martial arts ACTORS, not martial arts experts trying to act in a movie. Lam Ching Ying was one of the best actors in Hong Kong and this movie really shows it.

Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. If you like Kung Fu cinema, then it is essential to see it, but if you don’t like it, I would insist on checking out this movie. Okay, some humor won’t translate to western viewers. Also, some of the historical references may require a quick Google. But if you approach “Prodigal Son” and others like it with an open mind and are willing to accept the cultural differences between Hong Kong and other foreign films, then you will experience something new, different and exciting. A new world of fantastic and unique cinema will open up for you, and “Prodigal Son” is a great place to start.