Kung Fu Genius
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His first foray into film, began when he was working on the old Wong Fei-Hung series (with his father and starring the legendary Kwan Tak-Hing). This would later set the stage for him, when he began directing his own films. He became partners with Tang Chia, who also worked on the Wong Fei-Hung series (as did Shek Kien, Simon Yuen and his son Yuen Woo-Ping). Together, he and Tang worked on a number of films such as - South Dragon, North Phoenix and The Jade Bow (which helped them secure jobs as Choreographers at Shaw Bros' in 1963). A real-life 3rd generation descendant from the real Wong Fei-Hung, his impact on the kung-fu genre is, in a word - Unbelievable.
He was one of the main people, who taught kung-fu during his stint at Shaw Bros' (this is why you mostly see the Hung Style, portrayed as the main style in various films). Though often copied, in a number of films kung-fu films (Single-finger pointed upwards from the Wire Set, of the Hung style), he was teaching authentic Hung Style. When Chang Cheh needed seasoned choreographers for his films -- he and Tang Chia were assigned to him, to help bring his visions to life. Later (when Chang went to film in Taiwan), it was Liu who would have the greatest impact, on what the director was trying to achieve. He helped to launch one of the most well-known aspects of martial-arts movies, a series of films dealing with Shaolin and the various patriotic heroes of that era. Films like Heroes 2 and The 5 Shaolin Masters -- had Liu's artistic signature, written all over them. He was one of the first martial artist/directors to show real kung fu in his movies. His use of slow-motion in his films, helped to educate us, on the intricacies of fighting (those things we would have missed, during a fast exchange). His first film The Spiritual Boxer (shot in 1975), introduced Comedy in a kung-fu film (3) years before Snake In The Eagle's Shadow (which is [often] cited as the first authentic - Kung Fu Comedy). While his version still educates you, others are pale in comparison, often using too much comedy and nothing more. |
Films like Executioners From Shaolin and Challenge Of The Masters, gave us to his take on Wong Fei-Hung. When he made 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, we saw the best version of Shaolin Temple training, on film (the training sequences alone, made up almost half the film). With the release Heroes Of The East (Shaolin Challenges Ninja), he outdid himself, tremendously. We were treated to a Chinese Vs Japanese film, where - No One Died!! - which was unheard of in a kung-fu movie. It also gave us a breakdown of both Chinese and Japanese cultures and styles, without insulting either culture or art (also unheard of at that time).
In fact, there was only (1) trickle of blood, shown in the whole film -- which was amazing (in a film, with so many well-crafted fights). You could say that, his main contribution to the genre was -- to make sure that we got accurate information and were educated to the essence of true kung-fu. Not just the fights, but the creed, the honor, and the true meaning of martial-arts. His films never failed to keep us entertained -- as we couldn't wait to see, what he would come up with next. One of the cinema's (true) innovators, his contributions helped to mold the "Kung Fu" genre, since its' inception. We (as fans) are forever greatful.
[ 36 Most Influential ]
In fact, there was only (1) trickle of blood, shown in the whole film -- which was amazing (in a film, with so many well-crafted fights). You could say that, his main contribution to the genre was -- to make sure that we got accurate information and were educated to the essence of true kung-fu. Not just the fights, but the creed, the honor, and the true meaning of martial-arts. His films never failed to keep us entertained -- as we couldn't wait to see, what he would come up with next. One of the cinema's (true) innovators, his contributions helped to mold the "Kung Fu" genre, since its' inception. We (as fans) are forever greatful.
[ 36 Most Influential ]
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