With over 130 films under his belt as an actor, and even more as a stuntman and action coordinator, Yuen Biao is one of the most iconic Hong Kong actors, despite the fact that, for the majority of his career, he was under the shadow of his brothers in the China Drama Academy, Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. However, as Chan mentions in his autobiography, Yuen was the fastest and most agile of the three, a fact that becomes repeatedly evident in the film he stared. Furthermore, apart from an impressive action performer, he is also a great actor, as titles like “On the Run” prove. As part of our tribute to martial arts cinema, here are 10 of his most memorable works, in chronological order.
1. Knockabout (Sammo Hung, 1979)
Yuen Biao‘s first full lead role was a crowning success for him, as Sammo Hung‘s choreographies took full advantage of his uncanny speed and agility, resulting in a number of more protagonist roles in the 1980’s in particular. When the action starts particularly, both Yuen Biao and the movie truly pick up with him showcasing his amazing technique in a number of stunts that make him look as if made of rubber. Particularly his footwork is completely astonishing, even in the more comedic fights
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2. Magnificent Butcher (Yuen Woo-ping, 1979)
Although the film is Sammo Hung’s, Yuen Biao also shines as another of Wong’s students, Leung Foon, a role he would reprise years later in the film Once Upon a Time in China, along with Jet Li. His agility and speed are quite evident here once more, with his brutal fight with Ching Ying being among the best in the plethora of ones in the movie.
3. Dreadnaught (Yuen Woo-ping, 1981)
Yuen Biao plays Mousy, a cowardly and lazy young man, who is trying to become a student of Wong Fei-hung with the help of another student of his, Leung Foon, but repeatedly fails. He is excellent once more in his agile buffoonery, and truly shines during the finale when he finally decides to fight.
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4. The Prodigal Son (Sammo Hung, 1981)
Yuen Biao performs the rather intricate choreographies with gusto, also doubling a few times for others, including for Frankie Chan in the end fight against himself. His acting, at the same time, is equally competent, with him being quite convincing as the cocky and spoiled titular character.
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5. Project A (Jackie Chan, 1983)
Probably the best collaboration of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, “Project A” hihglighted what the three of the could do together, in a film that is a true classic. Yuen Biao plays Major Tzu, who initially antagonizes Dragon, then becomes his higher up and in the end, cooperates with him in bringing down the pirates. The finale battle is truly great, but Yuen Biao also gives a great performance in the initial one, in the bar brawl, in a rather memorable one on one with Jackie Chan
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What about one of his movies righting wrongs?