Knockabout (1979)

[Drunk Monk]

Yuen Biao's first lead role in a goofy period comedy also starring (and choreographed by) Sammo Hung. I'm working on this piece for DoG and wanted to include a Sammo film so I rewatched this classic because I couldn't quite remember it. It's a slow build as Yuen's character learns his Kung Fu, but takes off whenever Sammo appears. It's all about Monkey style and jump rope. Yuen's aerial work is astounding - the 10 consecutive straight leg flips, the insane ground work, the masterful control he has over his legs. It's got a funky sense of humor and Lau Kar Wing (Lau Kar Leung's brother) isn't quite up to snuff to be the villain opposing both Sammo and Yuen. Hoi Sang Lee takes such a beating that his head is covered with cartoonish red swollen bruises making him look like the coronavirus. It was a delight to watch this again.

No sword fights, all hand2hand. DOOM recommended when you need a good dose of classic Golden Harvest.