Mad Monkey Kung Fu: Quick Takes

Lau Kar Leung helmed Mad Monkey Kung Fu after the kung fu comedy antics of Jackie Chan (defined in the Seasonal films Snake In The Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master) had blossomed into a box-office phenomenon but it's easy to forget that it was Lau himself who first distinctly introduced the blend of martial arts and comedy in The Spiritual Boxer and later in its sequel The Shadow Boxing. So with this 1979 production, Shaw Brother's clearly was turning to one of their greats to give them their master and pupil movie of that year. While not as distinctly layered as Lau's Heroes Of The East or Challenge Of The Masters, as an imitation if you will, Mad Monkey Kung Fu ranks as one of the best.

Even though the mix between dark and light does not always seem appropriate (about 500 other Hong Kong movies are guilty of the same thing), there is a successful core of the film embodied by director Lau Kar Leung himself (in his first starring role after some excellent support and cameos in his own films prior) and the great acrobatic talents of regular player Hsiao Hau (translated as Little Monkey). Their relationship on screen resonates fairly well, proving that this story aspect makes a film of its kind last in history (also see Snake In The Eagle's Shadow for a prime example of this storytelling quality).

Lau of course also directs the martial arts action, combining both generally fun comedy scenarios with Hsiao Hau and the always intricate and powerful fight set pieces. Lau's standards have always been high but with its action combination, Mad Monkey Kung Fu may feel less distinct compared to the rest of Lau's body of work. I'd like to see a dozen other directors/action directors come up with a package this good though. Lo Lieh dependently takes on the villainous role while Kara Hui, Lam Fai Wong and San Sin co-stars.