 Con motivo de su última edición, el HKIFF, dedicó una retrospectiva a los coreógrafos de acción en el cine hongkonés, que incluía una retrospectiva de veinte películas y la edición de un magnífico libro... Después de años disfrutando del trabajo de estas personas, creo que es momento que en Allzine nos sumemos a ese homenaje y reconozcamos a los coreógrafos y stuntman, sin los cuales nuestra experiencia como espectadores hubiera sido mucho más aburrida...
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
Han Yinjie (1927-91)
Born in Shandong and raised in Beijing, Han had 9 years of training in Peking opera and became a stuntman in Shanghai for The Story of Nu Siniang (46). He came to Hong Kong as a Northern school stuntman for both Cantonese Operas and films, and introduced techniques such as the use of trampoline after spending 5 years working in a circus in Singapore. He took part in numerous Wong Fei-hung, Fong Sai-yuk, and the Buddha's Palm film series in the 50s. In 1961 he substituted Linda Lin Dai and became the leading stuntman with Shaw Brothers before becoming an action choreographer for King Hu as well as other directors. His choreographic works include Come Drink With Me [66), Escort Over Tiger Hills {69), A Touch of Zen {70), The Big Boss (71), The Angry River (71) and Dynasty (77) among others.
Tong Kai (1937- )
Born in Macau in 1937, Tong Kai came to Hong Kong in 1952 to work in a Cantonese Opera company. Due to his interest in Northern martial-arts, he practiced with Yuen Siu-tin and became a stuntman in numerous Wong Fei-hung films. After The Dragon, the Phoenix (63} and The Jade Bow (66), Tong joined the Shaw Brothers, and with Lau Kar-leung co-choreographed many of Chang Cheh's films including The Golden Swallow (68), Vengeance (70), The New One-Armed Swordsman (71) and The Blood Brothers (73). Tong was a weaponry expert, and he showed his skill in Killer Clans (76), The Magic Blade (76), The Sentimental Swordsman (77), The Avenging Eagle (78) and The Deadly Breaking Sword (79). He also directed kung fu films such as Shaolin Prince (83) and Opium and the Kungfu Master (84).
Lau Kar-Leung (1937-2013)
Lau Kar-leung came to Hong Kong from Guangzhou in 1948 with his family. His father, Lau Cham, was a disciple of Lam Sai-wing's, and Lau practiced the proper Hong Fist (of Wong Fei-hung fame) with his father from a young age. Lau entered the film world at age 13, acting alongside his dad in over ten of Kwan Tak-hing's Wong Fei-hung film series. In 1963, he partnered with Tong Kai in his first stint as action choreographer, and became famous after he made The Dragon, the Phoenix (63) and The Jade Bow (66). He worked in the same capacity afterwards, making The Invincible Fist (69), The Boxer from Shantung (72), Heroes Two (74) and Disciples of Shaolin (75). His directorial debut The Spiritual Boxer (76) kick-started the kung fu comedy trend. His next, Challenge of the Masters (76), established and emphasized the real-fight kung fu style. His many other well-known films include Executioners From Shaolin (77}, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (78), Dirty Ho (79), Mad Monkey Kung Fu (79), My Young Auntie (81), Martial Club (81) and The Eight-Diagram Pole Fighter [84) among others.
Yuen Woo-Ping (1945- )
 Originally from Beijing and born in Guangzhou, Yuen Woo-ping is known within the local film industry as "Uncle Eight". His father, Yuen Siu-tin, was among the first generation of action choreographers in Hong Kong. Yuen was trained in Peking Opera, and later joined his father in the film industry. He didn't particularly like fighting, instead preferring to puzzle over how to make fights took better on film. In 1970, he went from stuntman to action choreographer with The Secret Rivals, Part 2. His directorial debut in 1978, Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, made him famous overnight. Drunken Master - released the same year - made him famous throughout Southeast Asia. His representative works as director include The Magnificent Butcher (79), Dreadnaught (81), The Miracle Fighters [82), Iron Monkey [93) and Wing Chun (94), white Once Upon a Time in China II (92) was one of his best films as choreographer. Yuen went to Hollywood as action choreographer, working on The Matrix (99) and Kill Bill (03), and became internationally famous. He has not turned his back on Chinese films though, with his recent works in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (00) and Kung Fu Hustle (04).
Sammo Hung (1952- )
Originally from Ningbo, Sammo Hung was born in Hong Kong. He entered the China Drama Academy at ten years of age and was the "Big Brother" of the "Seven Little Fortunes", helping renowned master Yu Zhanyuan teach the younger ones. He started acting at age 13 and began working as action choreographer for Golden Harvest in 1971, foremost on The Fast Sword (71), Hap Ki Do (72) with Huang Feng and then King Hu, making such movies as The Fate of Lee Khan (73) and The Valiant Ones (75). His directorial debut came in 1977 with The Iron-Fisted Monk, but he switched to the kung fu-comedy genre not long after. His style was eclectic; he had no preference for the 'proper' styles, saying anything that looked interesting could be put on film. His representative works include Warriors Two (78), Encounter of the Spooky Kind (80), The Prodigal Son (81), Winners & Sinners (83), Eastern Condors (87) and Pedicab Driver (89). After founding the Bo Ho Films Co., Ltd., he produced The Dead and the Deadly (82), Long Arm of the Law (84) and Mr. Vampire (85). Hung is also an outstanding actor; early works include Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog! (78) and The Magnificent Butcher (79), and just last year he could be seen in Dragon Squad and SPL.
Ching Tsiu-Tung (1953- )
He was born Ching Tung-yee and was originally from Anhui. He joined the Eastern Drama Academy and trained in Peking Opera for seven years. The son of film director Cheng Kang, he was found on film sets at a young age. He became a stuntman at age 17, and started action choreography at age 20, working in a numberof classic TV series as well as films such as The 14 Amazons (72) and The Sword [80), among others. His first movie as director was Duel to the Death (83), and the unique style of the film instantly made it one of the best ten Chinese films of that year. His love of experimenting with new fighting styles has produced a range of works from A Chinese Ghost Story (87) to Swordsman (90) and Swordsman II (92). His works as action director/choreographer include Peking Opera Blues (86), A Better Tomorrow II (87), The Killer (91), Casino Raiders II (91), Justice, My Foot! (92), The Heroic Trio (93), A Chinese Odyssey Part One - Pandora's Box (95), Shaolin Soccer (01), Hero (02) and House of Flying Daggers (04).
Stephen Tung-Wai (1954- )
Born in Shanghai and raised in Hong Kong, he practiced Peking Opera and acted on television before opting for action choreography in film in 1984. He founded the Millifame Productions Ltd. in 1989 and directed the company's debut, Magic Cop (90), and three other action films including Fox Hunter (95), Hitman (98) and Extreme Challenge (01). Tung won Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Action Choreography with Downtown Torpedoes (97), Purple Storm (99) and The Accidental Spy (01), together with the Jackie Char's Troupe. His recent works include Seven Swords (05), The Promise (05) and Battle of Wits (post- production) directed by Jacob Cheung Chi-teung.
Tony Leung Siu-Hung (1954- )
 Born in Guangzhou and raised in Hong Kong, Tony Leung Siu-hung worked as a stuntman and martial arts choreographer with Shaw Brothers in the 70s. His famous choreography works include Coolie Killer (82), An Amorous Woman of Tang Dynasty (84), Angel (87), In the Line of Duty III (88), To Be Number One (91), 92 Legendary La Rose Noire (92) and Drunken Master II [94). He also directed action films such as Guns of Dragon (94). Other choreography works include Temptation of A Monk (93), Satin Steel (94) and Double Vision 102). In the late 90s he directed Hollywood films including Seven Mummies (05) and Bloodmoon (97). Leung is also the Vice President of the Hong Kong Stuntmen Association since 1993.
Ching Tsi-Ang (1909-2007)
Often known as Auntie Hung, Shanghai-born Chin practiced martial arts since the age of 8, and took a leading role in The Swordswoman of Jiangnan (30) at the age of 16, becoming known as 'the greatest heroine of China'. Chin co-founded the Golden Dragon Films with director Hung Chung-ho, whom she married at age 19. After taking part in over 20 films, she came to Hong Kong in the 30s and set up Huanan Film Studio in 1937, working as a producer and acting in films including Eight Heroines (41), directed by her husband, as well as God of the Animal Kingdom (48). Chin and her husband also made Fong Kong Heroine (50), which successfully made stars out of Lam Kau and Yu So-chau during the decline of martial arts movies. After the closing of the studio in 1963 due to land acquisition by the government, she became a contract actor and performed in Anti-corruption (75), To Be Number One (91), The Blade (95) and In the Mood for Love (00). Her grandson is distinguished choreographer, actor and director Sammo Hung.
Yeung Ching-Chin
She is Hong Kong's first female choreographer - a martial artist since the age of 8, and a 13-year-old champion of the National Martial Arts youth competition in 1979. In the same year, Yeung moved to Hong Kong from Guilin. Her tatent was spotted by Lau Kar-leung and with her first film Clan of the White Lotus (80), she started taking fight support roles in his films, and played in over 30 films during her 6 years with Shaw Brothers. In 1986 she joined the TVB but opted for the business field. Her career as a choreographer and stunt double started in 1989 with an invitation from Ching Siu-tung to choreograph his television series A Chinese Hero with ATV. With her highly celebrated combat skills, she was hired as a stunt double for almost all female stars, especially Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia. Yeung still choreographs part-time after suffering an injury white shooting Rose Rose I Love You in 1993. Her choreographic works include Dragons of the Orient (88, documentary), The Magic Crane [93), Legend of the Liquid Sword (93) and Anna in Kung-fu Land (03).
Fung Hak-On (1948- )
Son of Fung Fung, acclaimed Cantonese film director, Fung Hak-on, like his sister Fung Bo-bo, was a child actor. He was one of the first students of Lam Kau in Shaw Brothers' 1969 training course for action film actors, and became a choreographer and actor in Shaws. Fung joined Golden Harvest in 1976 and choreographed several films including John Woo's The Pilferer's Progress (77) white assisting Sammo Hung with The Iron-fisted Monk (77) and Warrior Two (78). He then joined hands with Jackie Chan in The Young Master (80) and became one of the early leaders of Jackie Char's Troupe. He started directing in 1988 and his works include Edge of Darkness (88) and Lady Vampire (88). Fung is both an experienced choreographer and a director as well as an extraordinary actor. He was highly acclaimed in villainous roles in the 80s, and his performance in Kung Fu Hustle (04) was particularly impressive.
Lee Kwan-Lung (1956- )
Born in Hong Kong. He became a props technician with Golden Harvest in the early 70s. With his technical knowhow as a former mechanic technician, he helped improve the use of wires. His ingenious design that enabled a large band of actors to be elevated simultaneously won him the reputation of The Wire Expert. He went on to work on numerous targe-scate action films including Aces Go Places III - Our Man From Bond Street (84), Yes, Madam (85), Legacy of Rage (86), Righting Wrongs (86), Armour of God II: Operation Condor (91), Once Upon a Time in China (91), Saviour of the Soul (91), Swordsman 11 (92), The Blade (95), My Father is a Hero (95) and Legend of Zu (01) before opting for a small business in the Mainland.
Stanley Tong (1960- )
Born in Hong Kong. He worked as martial artist, stunt double, continuity person, assistant director, producer and scriptwriter after studying in Canada. He became the executive director of Angel II in 1988. In 1990 he founded his own company and produced, directed and choreographed Stone Age Warriors. He directed quite a few of Jackie Chan's films including Police Story III: Supercop (91), Rumble in the Bronx (95) and First Strike (96), the latter two winning him the Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Action Choreography. In 1996 he directed his first Hollywood film Mr. Magoo (97), and produced the CBS television series Martial Law starring Sammo Hung. His recent works include China Strike Force (00) and The Myth (05).
Gordon Liu (1955- )
Born in Hong Kong and originally named Sin Kam-hei, Lu is a pupil and adopted son of Lau Cham, Hung Fist master and father of Lau Kar-leung. Liu started working as a martial artist and stuntman in 1972 and the brothers went to Taiwan with director Chang Cheh in 1974. Liu came back in 1976 for Challenge of the Masters, directed by Lau Kar-leung. The 36th Chambers of Shaolin in 1978 was a great success and established Liu as the fighter monk in Hong Kong and overseas. His popularity among western viewers was proven with his part in Kill Bill vol. 1 & 2, directed by Quentin Tarantino in 2003 and 2004.
[Extraido de A tribute to action choreographers, HKIFF]
MEJOR COREOGRAFÍA DE ACCIÓN HONG KONG FILM AWARDS
1982 Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Lam Ching-Ying, Yuen Biao, Billy Chan Wui-Ngai (Prodigal Son)
1983 Yuen Biao, Lam Ching-Ying, Billy Chan Wui-Ngai (Winners and Sinners)
1984 Jackie Chan's Stuntman Association (Project A)
1985 Jackie Chan's Stuntman Association (Police Story)
1986 Ching Siu-Tung (Witch from Nepal)
1987 Jackie Chan's Stuntman Association (Project A Part II)
1988 Jackie Chan's Stuntman Association (Police Story 2)
1989 Jackie Chan's Stuntman Association (Miracles)
1990 Ching Siu-Tung (Swordsman)
1991 Yuen Cheung-Yan, Yuen Sun-Yi, Lau Ka-Wing (Once Upon a Time in China)
1992 Yuen Woo-Ping (Once Upon a Time in China II)
1993 Corey Yuen Kwai, Yuen Tak (Fong Sai-Yuk)
1994 Lau Kar-Leung, Jackie Chan Stuntman Association (Drunken Master II)
1995 Stanley Tong Kwai-Lai, Jackie Chan (Rumble in the Bronx)
1996 Stanley Tong Kwai-Lai (Police Story 4: First Strike)
1997 Stephen Tung Wai (Downtown Torpedoes)
1998 Jackie Chan Stuntman Association (Who Am I?)
1999 Stephen Tung Wai (Purple Storm)
2000 Yuen Woo-Ping (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
2001 Stephen Tung Wai, Jackie Chan Stuntman Association (The Accidental Spy)
2002 Ching Siu-Tung (Hero)
2003 Donnie Yen Ji-Dan (The Twins Effect)
2004 Yuen Woo-Ping (Kung Fu Hustle)
2005 Donnie Yen Ji-Dan (SPL)
2006 Yuen Woo-Ping (Fearless)
2007 Donnie Yen Ji-Dan (Flash Point)
2008 Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Tony Leung Siu-Hung (Ip Man)
2009 Stephen Tung-Wai, Lee Tat-Chiu (Bodyguards and Assassins)
2010 Sammo Hung Kam-Bo (Ip Man 2)
2011 Yuen Bun, Sun Jian-Kui, Allen Lan Hai-Han (Flying Swords of Dragon Gate)
2012 Jackie Chan, He Jun (CZ12)
2013 Yuen Woo-Ping (The Grandmaster)
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