The 1980s Hong Kong film industry

A very prolific period for the Asian film industry. Obscure to the rest of the world, famous in this region, this Hong Kong genre began in the 70's, peaked in the 80's, and is slowly dying out as we speak. Locals still fondly remember the carefully scripted chaos of John Woo and his favorite protagonist (and sometimes antagonist) Chow Yun-fat, the hijinks and spectacular stunts of Jackie Chan and his posse, and the antics of the "Little Fat Man" and "Beethoven" (who actually looks like the composer).

These films are fairly formulaic. There are three main categories:

1. The Pulp Fiction sexual melodrama splattered with lots of gore

   This one is standard. John Woo's favorite, the plot is very guessable, consisting of one of the following usual elements.

   • A cop/gangster juxtaposition
   • The spiritual avatar vs. the evil devil in the ancient times
   • The Revolution
   • Off in some foreign land to rescue somebody (New York, France and Australia are used frequently)
   • A damsel in distress / the world is in danger

   Usually, a Judas emerges or a good friend is slain, causing the good guy to kill all the bad guys in a massive fit of rage. Love is inserted at strategic positions to bolster the story. Good entertainment while it lasts. There are some variations to keep us interested. Sex is oft used to attract audiences.

2. Silly slap-stick humor

   There were too many of these. Almost Jim Carrey in style, these films are watched and abandoned. Typical plots:

   • Love triangles
   • An inept fool and a busty female
   • Stupid tomfoolery

   It gets tiring fast, but it draws laughs.

3. Jackie Chan

   He is the master of his own genre. Go watch Supercop.

Not a bad bunch of films. Recently, the Mozart of Mayhem moved to Hollywood, so directors here are trying to be artsy, and failing. Good Chinese films always come out of Northern China. Temporary entertainment.