Hong KongFilm ActorFilm DirectorAction Choreographer

Wang Lung-wei

Wang Lung-wei is a prominent Hong Kong martial artist, actor, director, producer, and action choreographer known for his contributions to kung fu films, often as a villain for Shaw Brothers Studio.

1. Life

Wang Lung-wei's early life and entry into the film industry laid the foundation for his prolific career in Hong Kong cinema.

1.1. Birth and Background

Wang Lung-wei was born on July 14, 1949, in Hong Kong. Details about his family or specific early life experiences are not widely documented.

1.2. Early Career

Wang Lung-wei began his career in the film industry in 1974. His first notable role with Shaw Brothers Studio was as Yu Pi in the 1974 film Shaolin Martial Arts, directed by Chang Cheh. This initial role set a pattern for his acting career, as he was frequently cast as the antagonist in the majority of his subsequent films.

2. Major Activities and Achievements

Wang Lung-wei's professional contributions encompassed various crucial roles within the film industry, from acting to directing and choreographing action sequences.

2.1. Acting Career

Wang Lung-wei starred in over 80 kung fu films, primarily under the banner of Shaw Brothers Studio. He became particularly known for his portrayal of villainous characters, a role he embraced throughout much of his acting career. A notable exception to this pattern was his role in the 1981 film Martial Club, where he played a different type of character. His extensive filmography as an actor includes works such as Five Deadly Venoms (1978), The Avenging Eagle (1978), Crippled Avengers (1978), and Kid with the Golden Arm (1979).

2.2. Directing and Producing

In 1985, Wang Lung-wei shifted his focus to working behind the camera, expanding his contributions to the film industry as a director and producer. He directed and produced several films, with Hong Kong Godfather (1985) being one of his notable directorial credits.

2.3. Action Choreography

Beyond his acting and directing roles, Wang Lung-wei also made significant contributions as an action choreographer. In this capacity, he was responsible for designing and executing the intricate fight sequences that are a hallmark of Hong Kong action cinema, enhancing the dynamic and visual appeal of the films he worked on.

3. Filmography

Wang Lung-wei's extensive career is reflected in his comprehensive filmography, covering his work as an actor and director.

3.1. Acting Filmography

The following is a chronological list of films in which Wang Lung-wei appeared as an actor:

  • 1974: Five Shaolin Masters
  • 1974: Shaolin Martial Arts
  • 1975: Boxer Rebellion
  • 1975: Marco Polo (also known as The Four Assassins)
  • 1976: Seven Man Army
  • 1976: Invincible Kung Fu Brothers
  • 1976: New Shaolin Boxer
  • 1976: Shaolin Temple
  • 1976: Master of the Flying Guillotine
  • 1977: Chinatown Kid
  • 1977: Death Duel
  • 1977: The Brave Archer
  • 1977: Invincible Shaolin
  • 1978: The Avenging Eagle
  • 1978: The Brave Archer Part II
  • 1978: Five Deadly Venoms
  • 1978: Crippled Avengers
  • 1978: Life Combat
  • 1978: Vengeful Beauty
  • 1979: Kid with the Golden Arm
  • 1979: Dirty Ho
  • 1979: Ten Tigers of Kwangtung
  • 1980: Two on the Road
  • 1980: Clan of the White Lotus
  • 1980: Return to the 36th Chamber
  • 1981: My Young Auntie
  • 1981: Roar of the Lion
  • 1981: Treasure Hunters
  • 1981: Martial Club
  • 1982: My Rebellious Son
  • 1982: Health Warning
  • 1982: Cat vs. Rat
  • 1983: Shaolin and Wu Tang
  • 1984: Eight Diagram Pole Fighter
  • 1984: Wits of the Brats
  • 1985: Young Vagabonds
  • 1985: The Man Is Dangerous
  • 1987: Project A Part II
  • 1992: Twin Dragons
  • 1993: The Lady Is the Boss
  • 1993: Fast Fingers
  • 1994: New Legend of Shaolin

3.2. Directorial Filmography

The following is a list of films directed by Wang Lung-wei:

  • 1985: Hong Kong Godfather

4. Retirement

Wang Lung-wei retired from the film industry sometime before 2009, marking the end of a prolific career that spanned over two decades and left a significant impact on Hong Kong cinema.