Biography
While, not Superstar material, he did managed to make a name for himself early on, in Kung Fu films. To forego dealing with a major Studios [in order to make the movies that he wanted to make] says a lot about him. Possibly, seeing the career that Jimmy Wang-Yu was carving out for himself, [perhaps] inspired him. The fact that Raymond Lui had his own film company, may have convinced him, to try his hand. But, whatever the reason, he has made so many films [for low-budget film companies] that you couldn't help, but notice him.
He got his first taste of fame in King Hu's classic, A Touch Of Zen. His work as a performer runs both hot & cold. I, personally, think he got screwed on his contract for so many years and couldn't get out of it. Let's face it -- no one would [willingly] make some of the films his appeared in on purpose, would they? From the Henry Yu-Yung school of (non-stop) fighting, I think his true skills, got lost somewhere in the shuffle. He received good reviews for the 70's Modern hit - The Tongfather (with Yi Yuen as his Japanese adversary).
As a kid, I remember seeing him in the film Return Of The 18 Bronzemen -- showing his [Shaolin Temple] prowess to a surprised Carter Wong. Other standout roles would include - Majesty Cat, Imperial Sword, and the The Lost Swordship. I thought he had more than enough skill, to star in films without the use of "Special Effects" (flying, trick, splicing, photography), which marred a number of his films. These antics were more, than most people cared to see and [possibly] helped to define certain parts of the genre as "Chop-sockey" (crap). I'm not saying that others didn't do this as well -- I'm saying that he did it a lot. I [really] liked him in the film Chaochow Guy, as he seemed to be more vicious, in his earlier roles.
He got his first taste of fame in King Hu's classic, A Touch Of Zen. His work as a performer runs both hot & cold. I, personally, think he got screwed on his contract for so many years and couldn't get out of it. Let's face it -- no one would [willingly] make some of the films his appeared in on purpose, would they? From the Henry Yu-Yung school of (non-stop) fighting, I think his true skills, got lost somewhere in the shuffle. He received good reviews for the 70's Modern hit - The Tongfather (with Yi Yuen as his Japanese adversary).
As a kid, I remember seeing him in the film Return Of The 18 Bronzemen -- showing his [Shaolin Temple] prowess to a surprised Carter Wong. Other standout roles would include - Majesty Cat, Imperial Sword, and the The Lost Swordship. I thought he had more than enough skill, to star in films without the use of "Special Effects" (flying, trick, splicing, photography), which marred a number of his films. These antics were more, than most people cared to see and [possibly] helped to define certain parts of the genre as "Chop-sockey" (crap). I'm not saying that others didn't do this as well -- I'm saying that he did it a lot. I [really] liked him in the film Chaochow Guy, as he seemed to be more vicious, in his earlier roles.
An avid painter, he once spent (6) months in jail on a 'Weapons charge' and was allowed to practice his painting, while he did his time. His films were mostly bombs (dollar-wise), but [otherwise] they were entertaining at best. They gave him a level of stardom and a fan base during a time, when most were trying to become famous in the industry. Some of his better movies would be - 18 Bronzemen, Scorching Sun, Fierce Winds, & Wind Fire, and Shaolin Death Squad. Though, I must admit, Blood On The Sun, [always] brings back those old "Kung Fu Theater" moments and is one of my favorite [Tien Peng] films. It just makes me wonder -- if he had kept this same intensity (and lost the special-effects), where on my list [of old-school Kung-fu fighters], would he be now?