At the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, renowned 72-year-old Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung was recently invited to attend a master class where he shared his insights and experiences from his many years in the film industry with local audiences and filmmakers. The event began with a screening of his self-directed and self-acted film “The Old Man Who Protects,” after which Sammo Hung, dressed in traditional Chinese attire and leaning on a cane, made his entrance to a warm round of applause from the audience.
Having started his career at the young age of 16, Sammo Hung shared during the master class in Tokyo on November 2nd that he learned traditional Chinese opera, acrobatics, and acting techniques in his youth, despite the tough process, to establish a solid foundation. With a lifelong passion for filmmaking, he collaborated with many directors in various roles, finding interest in every position he took on.
Sammo Hung reflected on the 1980s as the golden era of Hong Kong cinema when he was directing films. After completing a movie, he immediately began contemplating the content for his next project, striving for each film to bring something new to the table. Despite the relentless pace, he never felt burdened by the work, jokingly attributing his strong work ethic to a humorous analogy about possibly being a hardworking ox in a past life.
Revealing that the idea for a zombie film was one of his creative innovations, Sammo Hung recalled facing skepticism when he first proposed the concept. However, he ultimately succeeded in proving his detractors wrong, with people eventually changing their tune to say, “We always knew you could do it.”
When asked about his connection with Bruce Lee, Sammo Hung noted that the two had only a few encounters, expressing shock and sadness at the young age at which Bruce Lee passed away. The impact of Bruce Lee’s work on him was profound, and he mourned the loss as a great tragedy.
Dubbed the “Big Brother” of Hong Kong cinema, the multi-talented Sammo Hung, who excelled in martial arts and starred in many beloved films, once stood at 172 cm tall and weighed as much as 108 kg. Known for his hearty appetite, he humorously referred to his younger self as a “big eater,” recalling moments when he could consume up to eight bowls of rice in a single meal. His history of indulgence led to health issues, including being diagnosed with diabetes, prompting him to be frequently seen using a wheelchair in recent years, occasionally able to walk with the aid of a cane or assistance from others.
In a recent social media post, Hong Kong actor Eddie Au shared behind-the-scenes moments of filming “Foshan Kung Fu Kids” with Sammo Hung in mainland China. In the footage, Sammo Hung appeared with a lean face, a healthy complexion, and a spirited demeanor, exuding an aura of authority while seated and waiting to start shooting. The production provided a luxury camper for him, highlighting his esteemed status, offering a comfortable respite whenever he felt fatigued during work.
Despite his health challenges, Sammo Hung remains resolute in his decision to not retire, expressing his desires for good health, happiness, and continued success for Hong Kong cinema, urging audiences to support the local film industry’s endeavors in creating more cinematic wonders.
To conclude the master class, an iconic fight scene between Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen in the “Ip Man” series was screened, evoking fond memories from Sammo Hung. Reflecting on the filming process, he remarked that despite the intense appearance of the scene, it was actually quite comfortable for him, thanks to his rapport with Donnie Yen, whose skill he praised while humorously asserting his own superiority. His lighthearted remark garnered a round of applause from the audience.