The Inn Keeper
Though he passed away in 1997, he has left us more than we ever deserve to be thankful for, in the form of the Swordplay film, which he helped to popularize with the stoic, Come Drink With Me. His films made him Internationally famous and have made other directors strive for perfection in their filmmaking. He not only had an eye for directing, but for talent as well, as he discovered (2) of the genre's best actresses - Hsu Feng (his favorite), Polly Shang-Kuan, and set actress Cheng Pei-Pei on the road to Superstardom.
Not only did he help with the careers of these female stars, but with the careers of promising actors such as Roy Chiao, Miao Tien, and Tien Peng . But, one of the most under-rated and overlooked actors in the business Ng Ming-Tsai, came into prominence under him. He had secured film roles before his classmates, thus leading the charge for Opera teacher Jim Yuen's students to venture into the film world. The film Dragon Gate Inn became yet, another successful film, that would astound critics and the nay-sayers, into believing in his visions and cinematic genius.
He was also one of the first people to successfully use the talents of actor Pai Ying, making him a star and one of the genre's best known villains usually associated with (evil) Eunuchs. His main choreographer was Han Ying-Chieh gained popularity for his technical skills (as well as his acting) working on most of his blockbusters, as well as such films as The Fate Of Lee Khan and The Valiant Ones. Han would also be instrumental in helping Samo Hung, land a choreography job at Golden Harvest.
He had a certain ease about him that seemed to help his filming technique and brought out the quality of his work. Under his watchful eye, we have seen many masterpieces unfold. His sense of balancing intricate battle and lush landscapes would make one think of director Chu Yuan's scenic films (except Yuan's backgrounds were studio backdrops). His films were some of the first dealing with martial arts to start filling in theaters around the globe. Then, in 1975, with the release of A Touch Of Zen, he cemented his cult-status.
Not only did he help with the careers of these female stars, but with the careers of promising actors such as Roy Chiao, Miao Tien, and Tien Peng . But, one of the most under-rated and overlooked actors in the business Ng Ming-Tsai, came into prominence under him. He had secured film roles before his classmates, thus leading the charge for Opera teacher Jim Yuen's students to venture into the film world. The film Dragon Gate Inn became yet, another successful film, that would astound critics and the nay-sayers, into believing in his visions and cinematic genius.
He was also one of the first people to successfully use the talents of actor Pai Ying, making him a star and one of the genre's best known villains usually associated with (evil) Eunuchs. His main choreographer was Han Ying-Chieh gained popularity for his technical skills (as well as his acting) working on most of his blockbusters, as well as such films as The Fate Of Lee Khan and The Valiant Ones. Han would also be instrumental in helping Samo Hung, land a choreography job at Golden Harvest.
He had a certain ease about him that seemed to help his filming technique and brought out the quality of his work. Under his watchful eye, we have seen many masterpieces unfold. His sense of balancing intricate battle and lush landscapes would make one think of director Chu Yuan's scenic films (except Yuan's backgrounds were studio backdrops). His films were some of the first dealing with martial arts to start filling in theaters around the globe. Then, in 1975, with the release of A Touch Of Zen, he cemented his cult-status.
His film was the first Martial-arts film, screened at Cannes Film Festival and actually won an award (for Technical Achievement). In accepting his award marked another milestone for the director - the first time he'd ever worn a Tuxedo. Innovative, daring, creative are all words used to describe this prolific director, who took a little to work, his dreams of "What-could-be" and always gave us so much more in return. His movies may have outlasted him, but, considering the quality of the films he made, they may stand the test of time.
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