Back with the second part. This time we will take a look at 150-101 but before you check this list, make sure to check out the first part to get the full fun of the list.
150. Chicken and Duck Talk (1988)
Dir.: Clifton Ko
Starring Michael Hui, Ricky Hui, Sylvia Chang
In this Hui Brothers' come back film, Sam Hui contributed only a cameo but the film remained as slick as other Hui Brothers' films due to Michael Hui's excellent screenwriting. Like many other Michael Hui's films, this also portrayed some serious social issues along with its humours.
Highlight: Michael Hui's acting
149. Love in a Puff (2010)
Dir.: Pang Ho-cheung
Starring Shawn Yue, Miriam Yeung
This romantic-comedy film received CAT III rating due to its heavy use of Cantonese profanity and smoking scenes.
This film is an example of Pang Ho-cheung's ability of bringing something fresh and unique all the time.
Highlight: Smoking, smoking and smoking
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148. My Left Eye Sees Ghost (2002)
Dir.: Wai Ka-fai, Johnnie To
Starring Sammi Cheng, Lau Ching-wan, Lam Suet, Simon Yam, Cherie Ying, Kelly Lin
We are back to Milkyway Image comedy again, this time more of a meaningful genre-bender where Sammi Cheng after a fatal car accident discovers the ability of seeing ghosts.
Highlight: Sammi Cheng's performance
147. The Way We Dance (2013)
Dir.: Adam Wong
Starring Cherry Ngan, Babyjohn Choi, Lokman Yeung
This is very much like an action film of Hong Kong, except there's no action but only dancing. While I accept that it's not a perfect film but this film is so much fun with all the great choreographed dance scenes and an energetic Cherry Ngan.
Highlight: Dance sequences
Dir.: Longman Leung, Sunny Luk
Starring Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Charlie Young, Gordon Lam, Chin Kar-lok, Andy On, Terrance Yin, Grace Heung, Eddie Peng, Aarif Rahman
This tight-paced well-made crime-thriller film about some kidnappers who stay several steps ahead of the police won nine awards including Best Actor, Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay at the 32nd Hong Kong Film Awards.
Highlight: Not letting things go out of hand
145. Viva Erotica (1996)
Dir.: Derek Yee, Lo Chi-leung
Starring Leslie Cheung, Shu Qi, Law Kar-ying, Karen Mok, Elvis Tsui
We are finally bringing some sex comedy, about an unsuccessful film director who is forced to make a CAT III film in order to bring financial stability. This Shu Qi's debut film which Derek Yee made to prove that sex films doesn’t necessarily have to be tasteless, garnered praise for its artistic values.
Highlight: A small part of the film being directed by the late Leslie Cheung who played the main lead
144. Dangerous Encounter - 1st Kind (1980)
Dir: Tsui Hark
Starring Chen Chi-lin, Paul Che, Lo Lieh
This ahead-of-its-time crime film was one of the early Hong Kong noir set in the modern time, the intital cut of this film was banned for its violence which gathered public interest for the censored version to be a box-office hit.
Highlight: Female psychopath
143. Young and Dangerous (1996)
Dir.: Andrew Lau
Starring Ekin Cheng, Jordan Chan, Gigi Lai, Jason Chu, Jerry Lamb, Michael Tse, Francis Ng, Simon Yam
I am putting it here as the representative of the franchise about group of triad members, detailing their adventures and dangers in a Hong Kong Triad society, which was insanely famous and made many actors popular at that time.
Highlight: Chan Ho-nam the ultimate leader of Causeway Bay
142. Sex and Zen (1991)
Dir.: Michael Mak
Starring Lawrence Ng, Amy Yip, Elvis Tsui, Kent Cheng
We have another sex-comedy featured in the list. I am not sure if they are a bit too high on the list but i will leave it to the readers to decide. Whether they are too high or not, one thing cannot be denied that Sex and Zen is a pure fun and despite being a film made to sell sex, its artistic values cannot be overlooked with its sleazy humour being surprisingly effective from time to time.
Highlight: Lavish set design
141. Five Deadly Venoms
Dir.: Chang Cheh
Starring Chiang Sheng, Lo Mang, Philip Kwok, Feng Lu, Sun Chien, Pak Wai
This list would be incomplete without some Chang Cheh, the man who loved brotherhood, heroic bloodshed and made them popular in Hong Kong which was modernized by many directors later. This film is about five kung-fu fighters with unique animal styles: the Centipede, the Snake, the Scorpion, the Lizard, and the Toad.
Highlight: Five unique styles
140. Dirty Ho (1979)
Dir.: Lau Kar-leung
Starring Gordon Liu, Wong Yue
Back-to-back Shaw Brothers classics and why not? They produced our favorite films for a long time in their peak.
Gordon Liu in this film disguised as a sophisticated jewellery dealer and connoisseur of fine art and wine but is actually the 11th son of Chinese emperor. Featuring classic 70s essence, this film is a must watch for the fans of the genre.
Highlight: Gordon Liu fighting but not fighting.
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139.Portland Street Blues (1998)
Dir.: Yip Wai Man
Starring Sandra Ng, Kisty Yang, Shu Qi, Alex Fong, Ng Man-tat
Okay, I admit that I already put the first part in the list (placed at 143rd) as the representative of the franchise, so i can't put another film from the franchise but this spin-off deserves a separate mention.
Being a part of Young and Dangerous might give an impression of a tough triad film but this is actually a very powerful dramatic film which made the best use of Sandra Ng Man-tat's acting skill.
Highlight: The ending
138. Ordinary Heroes (1999)
Dir.: Ann Hui
Starring Loletta Lee, Lee Kang-sheng, Anthony Wong, Tse Kwan-ho
the film focused on social activists in the 1970s and 1980s who fought defiantly against the British Colonial government for the rights of the Yau Ma Tei boat people and their Mainland wives.
Another politically charged and emotionally powerful film of Ann Hui.
Highlight: Tsai Ming-liang's regular in an Ann Hui film
137. Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980)
Dir.: Sammo Hung
Starring Sammo Hung
This Sammo Hung fim is not just extremely fun to watch but it's very important too. This film led to famous Jiangshi genre, the Hopping Vampire era, which was was a part of Hong Kong cinema's glorious period.
Highlight: Making Jiangashi popular
136. Perhaps Love (2005)
Dir.: Peter Chan
Starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhou Xun, Jacky Cheung
In this "a film within a film" concept, A director decides to make a film and unknowingly cast an ex-couple who refuse to acknowledge their relationship in public and their fictional relationship starts overlapping with the real one.
Highligh: Jacky Cheung's performance
135. As Tears Go By (1988)
Dir.: Wong Kar-wai
Starring Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Jacky Cheung, Alex Man
Okay, we have Wong Kar-wai making his appearance too, with his first film as it was inevitable.
The plot revolves around a small-time triad member trying to keep his friend out of trouble which results Wong Kar-wai's second highest-grossing film in Hong Kong, mixing typical Hong Kong triad and Wong Kar-wai essence.
Highlight: Andy Lau-Jacky Cheung's brotherhood
134. Fly Me to Polaris (1999)
Dir.: Jingle Ma
Starring Richie Jen, Cecilia Cheung
I adore Jingle Ma when he does things right, this particular heart flattering fantasy-romance is one of his best.
Highlight: Richie Jen
133. Peking Opera Blues (1986)
Dir.: Tsui Hark
Starring Brigitte Lin, Cherie Chung, Sally Yeh
It shows the adventures of a team of unlikely heroines: Tsao Wan, Sheung Hung and Bai Niu, featuring classic Hong Kong action, comedy and some serious drama.
Highlight: the trio of Brigitte-Cherie-Sally
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132. G Affairs (2018)
Dir.: Lee Cheuk Pan
Starring Hanna Chan, Chapman To
It's exactly not a film that requires acquired taste, however it's not a film that everyone would love either. This is an exhibition of great directing, writing, photography and editing.
Highlight: Lee Cheuk Pan's direction
131. Naked Killer (1992)
Dir.: Clarence Fok
Starring Chingmy Yau, Simon Yam, Cerrie Ng
Another CAT III madness, we have few of them them this time around, don't we? Produced and written by Wong Jing, this is among the most famous CAT III of all-time featuring every possible madness of the genre with style.
Highlight: i can't write the highlight here
130. Just Heroes (1989)
Dir. John Woo, Wu Ma
Starring David Chiang, Danny Lee, Chen Kuan-tai, Stephen Chow
This ensemble A Better Tomorow-like Action-crime film was made to support Chang Cheh, who was financially broke at the time with John Woo directing about 60% of the film.
Highlight: Stephen Chow's career-best performance
129. Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Dir.: Tsui Hark
Starring Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Max Mok, Yuen Biao
The first part in the popular Once Upon a Time in China series starring Jet Li as Chinese martial arts master and folk hero of Cantonese ethnicity, Wong Fei-hung.
Highlight: Fight sequences and the opening song
128. God of Cookery (1996)
Dir.: Stephen Chow, Lee Lik-chi
Starring Stephen Chow, Karen Mok, Vincent Kok, Ng Man-tat
Stephen Chow is a renowned chef in Hong Kong but in reality he knows nothing about cooking and gets exposed by his rival, living in the steeets he receive help from Karen Mok.
Highlight: Some of Stephen Chow's best absurd moments
127. All About Ah Long (1989)
Dir.: Johnnie To
Starring Chow Yun-fat, Sylvia Chang, Ng Man-tat
Based on a story written by Chow Yun-fat and Sylvia Chang who also played the main roles of the film, this was a big critical and box-office success at that time which brought Chow Yun-fat his third and last Best Actor award in Hong Kong, it was his third win in last four edition which makes it the best run for any Hong Kong actor, also Johnnie To, almost well known for his comedy and few action films was able to showcase his versatility as a director for the first time in this serious dramatic film.
Highlight: Chow Yun-fat's long hair
126. The Bride with White Hair (1993)
Dir.: Ronny Yu
Starring Leslie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Elaine Lui, Francis Ng
A wuxia take on Romeo and Juliet, one of the key points of Hong Kong's fantasy films which is praised for its many aspects.
Highlight: Brigitte Lin's long white hair (Can't believe we are putting hair as highlight for back to back films)
125. The Eagle Shooting Heroes (1993)
Dir.: Jeffrey Lau
Starring Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Jacky Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Kenny Bee, Joey Wong, Carina Lau
This star-studded comedy is one of the most treasured Mo Lei Tau film of Hong Kong which was made to cover for Ashes of Time's over-budget. This is a parody of Louis Cha's novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes on which Ashes of Time is based on.
Highlight: Tony Leung Chiu-wai's mouth
124. The Days of Being Dumb (1992)
Dir.: Blackie Ko
Starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Jacky Cheung, Anita Yuen
An anti-triad comedy film where Tony Leung and Jacky Cheung constantly tries to join triads without any success. This is not exceptional in any way but it delivers the fun to the fullest within its range.
Highlight: Tony Leung-Jacky Cheung's chemistry
123. A Chinese Odyssey Duology (1995)
Dir.: Jeffrey Lau
Starring Stephen Chow, Athena Chu, Ng Man-tat, Yammie Lam, Karen Mok, Law Kar-ying
This loosely based on Journey to the West 3 hour long film was split in two parts named Pandora's Box and Cinderella releasing in the same year.
Another Jeffrey Lau's Mo Lei Tau in our list which took me repeated viewing to appreciate its quality due to its style which might not attract people unfamiliar with Cantonese comedies.
Highlight: Anthena Chu
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122. 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)
Dir.: Lau Kar-leung
Starring Gordon Liu, Kara Hui, Alexander Fu Sheng
The loyal Song family lost its head and 5 out of 7 seven sons in a trap of betrayal, one son returned home losing his mental stability and another one is in run.
Alexander Fu Sheng died before completing the film hence the film was rewritten with the much anticipated Alexander Fu Sheng's appearance in the final showdown being ended up not happening.
Highlight: Fu Sheng's last film
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121. Summer Snows (1995)
Dir.: Ann Hui
Starring Josephine Siao and Roy Chiao
Winner of Best Picture, Best Director (Ann Hui) Best Actress (Josephine Siao), Best Actor (Roy Chiao), Best Screenplay (Chan Man-keung), Best Supporting Actor (Lau Kar-wing), nothing else is required to express the quality of the film which is another Ann Hui's film that explores the complications of family relationship and affection.
Highlight: Josephine Siao's character
120. Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)
Dir.: Yuen Woo-ping
Starring Jackie Chan, Yuen Siu-tien, Hwang Jung-lee
Jackie Chan was struggling under Lo Wei who was doing everything wrong with him until fortune smiled upon him and he get to make two films under Seasonal Film: this and Drunken Master which launched his career as Hong Kong's top star.
Highlight: Yuen Woo-ping's debut and Jackie Chan's first successful film
119. July Rhapsody (2002)
Dir.: Ann Hui
Starring Jacky Cheung, Karena Lam, Anita Mui
Lam Yiu-kwok (played by Jacky Cheung) is suffering midlife crisis: his wife (Anita Mui) meeting her ex, his student (Karena Lam) having crush on him and he is getting tempted by her, his friends are all successful and he is still living a modest life as a school teacher.
Highlight: Anita Mui's final film
118. Fearless (2006)
Dir.: Ronny Yu
Starring Jet Li
This is not the first film where Jet Li played a cult Martial Artist and fought foreigners to defend China's pride but this theme which had become an important point of Jet Li's career didn’t do any injustice and delivered once again but this time slightly controversial, however it remains a great viewing experience nonetheless.
Highlight: Was publicized as Jet Li's last wushu martial arts epic
117. Righting Wrongs (1986)
Dir.: Corey Yuen
Starring Yuen Biao, Cynthia Rothrock, Melvin Wong, Wu Ma, Roy Chiao, Corey Yuen
Because Hong Kong did so many of this type with perfection that a lot of the great works often went under rader. This is an insane action film with incredible set of stunts that has every rights to be this high in the list.
Highlight: one of Yuen Biao's best films that he made without his friends: Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan
116. Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)
Dir.: Stanley Tong
Starring Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung
Third instalment of Police Story franchise, Jackie Chan reprising his role as "Kevin Chan", this time he teams up with an Interpol agent to bust a drug-smuggling racket in China.
Like many other Jackie Chan or Hong Kong action, this film too is well known for its action and stunts performed by Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh, the duo's chemistry is loved by everyone even today.
Highlight: First Jackie Chan film from Hong Kong to use sync sound
115. My Prince Edward (2019)
Dir.: Norris Wong
Starring Stephy Tang
Cheung Lai-fong is living a decent life, her boyfriend proposes her for marriage after 8 years of their relationship but Cheung was involved in a sham marriage with a Mainlander a long ago and is now worried about her future.
The best Hong Kong film of 2019, can't understand how it didn’t win Best Film.
Highlight: Norris Wong's debut film
114. Wong Ka Yan (2015)
Dir.: Benny Lau
Starring Wong You-nam, Karena Ng
Chan Chun-yin instantly fell in love with a ticket taker at a local movie theater but unfortunately, he didn't get the opportunity to confess his love.
We placed Benny Lau's When Sun Meets Moon at 172nd and mentioned the similarities with Wong Ka Yan, they are indeed similar depicting people's life of 90s.
Highlight: The song "Wong Ka Yan"
113. Confession of Pain (2006)
Dir.: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak
Starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Shu Qi, Xu Jinlei
In this film a detective helps a friend investigate the mysterious death of his father which is criticized for its weak storyline but I always thought it's an engaging film that was victim of people's expectations as it was reunion of Infernal Affairs director duo as well as Chungking Express actor duo.
Highlight: Cinematography
112. The Phantom Lover (1995)
Dir.: Ronny Yu
Starring Leslie Cheung, Wu Chien-lien
Remake of 1937 Chinese film Song at Midnight, a loose adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, however the film's main theme is a strong adaptation of Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel The Phantom of the Opera, entirely shot in Mandarin, this tragic romance was enhanced by Leslie Cheung's gracefulness.
Highlight: The theme song and Endless Embrace both sung by Leslie Cheung
111. Green Snake (1993)
Dir.: Tsui Hark
Starring Maggie Cheung, Joey Wong, Vincent Zhao, Wu Hsing-kuo
Based on Lillian Lee's novel of the same title which is itself among many variations of Chinese Folk Tale but unlike others, this one tells its story from the green snake's perspective who is usually the supporting character.
Highlight: Visual
110. Tiger Cage II (1990)
Dir.: Yuen Woo-ping
Sequel to Tiger Cage, directed by Yuen Woo-ping himself with a new storyline and characters promoting Donnie Yen to the lead from supporting role.
While the first one was more dramatic and serious story-driven film, this one is more of a typical Hong Kong action blended with comedy which always worked for Hong Kong.
Highlight: Yen-Kwan's chemistry
109. All for the Winner (1990)
Dir.: Jeffrey Lau, Corey Yuen
Starring Stephen Chow, Ng Man-tat, Sharla Cheung, Sandra Ng, Paul Chun
Originally a parody of God of Gamblers (1989) but due to its popularity it spawned two sequels, one of them featured characters from the original God of Gamblers.
Highlight: Made Stephen Chow a film star
108. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
Dir.: Lau Kar-leung
Starring Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, Johnny Chan, Norman Chui
Highly considered as one of the most influential and greatest martial arts films of all-time, this film brought international exposure to both Kar-leung and Gordon Liu who made many classics late.
Highlight: Training sequences
107. The House of 72 Tenants (1973)
Dir.: Chor Yuen
Starring Yueh Hua, Adam Cheng, Woo Gam, Ching Li, Lydia Shum
Remake of 1963 film of the same name, this film is considered as the most important Hong Kong film ever made which was the top box-office success in 1973 surpassing Bruce Lee's evergreen classic Enter the Dragon. Prior to release of this film, most of the respected films in Hong Kong were shot in Mandarin but due to the success of this film, people started caring for Cantonese cinema which started a new history.
Highlight: The most important Hong Kong film
106. Ten Years (2015)
Dir.: Kwok Zune, Wong Fei-pang, Jevons Au, Kiwi Chow, Ng Ka-leung
Dystopian anthology film divided in 5 segments directed by 5 newcomer directors, It offers a vision of the semi-autonomous territory in the year 2025, with human rights and freedoms gradually diminishing as the Chinese government exerts increasing influence there.
Highlight: The most talked about Hong Kong political film in the recent past
105. Shanghai Grand (1996)
Dir.: Poon Man-kit
Starring Andy Lau, Leslie Cheung, Ning Jing
Based on 1980 TVB drama "The Bund" often referred as The Godfather of East, this adaptation with two high profile actors didn’t fall short on its quality.
Highlight: Andy Lau-Leslie Cheung's brotherhood
104. God of Gamblers III: Back to Shanghai (1991)
Dir.: Wong Jing
Starring Stephen Chow, Ng Man-tat, Gong Li, Sandra Ng
Third part of God of Gamblers' spin-off trilogy. The first part of the trilogy, All for the Winner was placed at 109th in the list and now we have the third part at 104th.
Involving time travel, arguably a lot more fun and an adorable Gong Li.
Highlight: Gong Li
103. Protégé (2007)
Dir.: Derek Yee
Starring Andy Lau, Daniel Wu, Louis Koo, Zhang Jingchu and Anita Yuen
Another great undercop, drug lord crime-thriller of Hong Kong where Daniel Wu played the role of an undercover and Andy Lau played an aging drug lord which brought Andy Lau Best Supporting Actor at 27th Hong Kong Film Awards.
Highlight: Andy Lau playing aging drug lord
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102. Drifting (2021)
Dir.: Jun Li
Starring Francis Ng, Cecilia Choi, Rachel Lee, Will Or, Tse Kwan-ho
New generation directors of Hong Kong loves telling stories and Jun Li is praised for this mindset, his Drifting is considered as one of the best Hong Kong films of the recent past. The film is favorite to win some big awards at 40th Hong Kong Film Awarda which will take place in next Sunday
Highlight: Francis Ng's performance
101. She Remembers, He Forgets (2015)
Dir.: Adam Wong
Starring Miriam Yeung
Another film like Wong Ka Yan and When Sun Meets Moon in our list, which largely takes place in the 90s showing teenagers' of that time living their life full of hope and dreams.
Hong Kong is very good at making nostalgic films.
Highlight: Tenderness
Here it is for today. did any pick surprise you or any of the film that you were expecting already made their way on the list? Let us know and check out the next part bellow (100-51).
Tags
Hong Kong