Corey Yuen
Encyclopedia
Corey Yuen Kwai is a Hong Kong
actor
, filmmaker and producer
. He was a member of the Peking Opera School
s and one of the Seven Little Fortunes.
, Sammo Hung
and Yuen Biao
's best friends during their days in the China Drama Academy Peking Opera School
. They spent those days training in a harshly disciplined style under the watch of Master Yu Jim-yuen. He would go to appear as an extra in Hong Kong film
s during the "chop socky" era of the 1970s.
Yuen is now one of the top action directors to hit both Hong Kong
and the United States
. In 1985, he was the first Hong Kong director to successfully bring Hong Kong style action to an American film with No Retreat, No Surrender
, with the soon to be famous actor Jean-Claude Van Damme
. He has worked with most of Hong Kong's top stars at one time or another, and began Michelle Yeoh
and Cynthia Rothrock
's career in 1985 with Yes! Madam
and boosting Stephen Chow's with 1990s All for the Winner
and 1991's Top Bet
. He has also directed Jackie Chan
with Sammo Hung
in Dragons Forever
, and directed Anita Mui
, Andy Lau
and Aaron Kwok
in Saviour of the Soul
.
. He directed several of Li's films, beginning with Fong Sai Yuk and its sequel, and continuing through The Bodyguard from Beijing
, The New Legend of Shaolin, My Father Is a Hero
and High Risk.
Once Li gained stardom in American cinemas beginning with 1998's Lethal Weapon 4
, Yuen's action direction also received fame in the West. He worked in the 2000 blockbuster X-Men
as an action director, and he would also handle the martial arts and action sequences in six of Li's other American works: Romeo Must Die
, Kiss of the Dragon
, The One, Cradle 2 the Grave
, War, and The Expendables
.
He also partially directed The Transporter
and So Close
, released in late 2002. He opted not to return to direct the sequel Transporter 2
, released in 2005. However, his team of stuntmen and martial artists are featured in the film, and Yuen was the fight choreographer and second-unit director. Other notable films include Righting Wrongs
with Yuen Biao
and Cynthia Rothrock
, She Shoots Straight
with Joyce Godenzi, Sammo Hung
and Yuen Wah
and 1997's Hero (not to be confused with the Zhang Yimou
-directed, Jet Li- starring 2002 film of the same name) starring Yuen Biao
and Takeshi Kaneshiro
.
His style of action is not as distinct as that of other Hong Kong action directors like Yuen Woo Ping and Ching Siu Tung, but is noted for its speed, creativity, and higher emphasis on offense. He is also distinguished in his ability to mix hand-to-hand combat and gunfighting, two styles of fighting that are not often used together successfully in Hong Kong action films.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, filmmaker and producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
. He was a member of the Peking Opera School
Peking Opera School
The Peking Opera Schools were boarding schools located throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, specialising in teaching Peking opera...
s and one of the Seven Little Fortunes.
Life and career
Corey Yuen Kwai was born Ying Gang-Ming. Corey was one of Jackie ChanJackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
, Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film producer and director, known for his work in many martial arts films and Hong Kong action cinema...
and Yuen Biao
Yuen Biao
Yuen Biao is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist. He specialises in acrobatics and Chinese martial arts and has worked on over 80 films as actor, stuntman and action choreographer...
's best friends during their days in the China Drama Academy Peking Opera School
Peking Opera School
The Peking Opera Schools were boarding schools located throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, specialising in teaching Peking opera...
. They spent those days training in a harshly disciplined style under the watch of Master Yu Jim-yuen. He would go to appear as an extra in Hong Kong film
Cinema of Hong Kong
The cinema of Hong Kong is one of the three major threads in the history of Chinese language cinema, alongside the cinema of China, and the cinema of Taiwan...
s during the "chop socky" era of the 1970s.
Yuen is now one of the top action directors to hit both Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. In 1985, he was the first Hong Kong director to successfully bring Hong Kong style action to an American film with No Retreat, No Surrender
No Retreat, No Surrender
No Retreat, No Surrender is a 1986 American martial arts sports film written and directed by Corey Yuen his American directorial debut, and starring Kurt McKinney, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Tai Chung Kim.-Plot:...
, with the soon to be famous actor Jean-Claude Van Damme
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg , professionally known as Jean-Claude Van Damme, is a Belgian martial artist and actor, best known for his martial arts action films, the most successful of which include Bloodsport , Kickboxer , Double Impact , Universal Soldier , Hard Target , Timecop ,...
. He has worked with most of Hong Kong's top stars at one time or another, and began Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh Choo-Kheng is a Hong Kong-based Malaysian Chinese actress, well known for performing her own stunts in the action films that brought her to fame in the early 1990s....
and Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock is an American martial artist and actress specializing in martial arts films. -Martial arts achievements:Rothrock is five-time World Karate Champion in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985...
's career in 1985 with Yes! Madam
Yes, Madam
Yes, Madam is a 1985 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock. The film is Yeoh's first major action role and Rothrock's first appearance in a feature film....
and boosting Stephen Chow's with 1990s All for the Winner
All for the Winner
All for the Winner is a 1990 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Jeffrey Lau and Corey Yuen.This is the movie that launched Stephen Chow to stardom...
and 1991's Top Bet
Top Bet
Top Bet is a 1991 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Jeffrey Lau and Corey Yuen and starring Anita Mui, Carol Cheng and Man Tat Ng. It is a sequel to Lau and Yuen's 1990 film All for the Winner.- Plot :...
. He has also directed Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
with Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film producer and director, known for his work in many martial arts films and Hong Kong action cinema...
in Dragons Forever
Dragons Forever
Dragons Forever is a 1988 Hong Kong martial arts action comedy film directed by Sammo Hung. Film stars Hung, Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao. The three actors, known colloquially as the Three Brothers, had attended the famous China Drama Academy together, and became members of the Seven Little Fortunes...
, and directed Anita Mui
Anita Mui
Anita Mui Yim-fong was a popular Hong Kong singer and actress. During her prime years she made major contributions to the cantopop music scene, while receiving numerous awards and honours. She remained an idol throughout most of her career, and was generally regarded as a cantopop diva...
, Andy Lau
Andy Lau
Andy Lau MH, JP is a Hong Kong Cantopop singer, actor, and film producer. Lau has been one of Hong Kong's most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980s, performing in more than 160 films while maintaining a successful singing career at the same time...
and Aaron Kwok
Aaron Kwok
Aaron Kwok Fu-shing is a Hong Kong singer, dancer and actor. He has been active since the 1980s to the present. The media refer to him, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau and Leon Lai as the Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings . Kwok's onstage dancing and displays is influenced by Michael Jackson...
in Saviour of the Soul
Saviour of the Soul
Saviour of the Soul is a 1991 Hong Kong film. Although the film shares the same Chinese title as Louis Cha's The Return of the Condor Heroes, it is unrelated to the novel...
.
Later and US Works
In 1993, he began an alliance and friendship with action star Jet LiJet Li
The fame gained by his sports winnings led to a career as a martial arts film star, beginning in mainland China and then continuing into Hong Kong. Li acquired his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name was too hard to pronounce...
. He directed several of Li's films, beginning with Fong Sai Yuk and its sequel, and continuing through The Bodyguard from Beijing
The Bodyguard from Beijing
The Bodyguard from Beijing , also known as The Defender in the United States and the United Kingdom, is a 1994 Hong Kong action film directed by action choreographer Corey Yuen, and starring Jet Li, Christy Chung, Collin Chou, and Kent Cheng....
, The New Legend of Shaolin, My Father Is a Hero
My Father Is a Hero
My Father Is A Hero , also known as Letter To Daddy, The Enforcer or Jet Li's The Enforcer, is a 1995 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Jet Li.-Summary:...
and High Risk.
Once Li gained stardom in American cinemas beginning with 1998's Lethal Weapon 4
Lethal Weapon 4
Lethal Weapon 4 is a 1998 American action film directed by Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Chris Rock and Jet Li. It is the third sequel in the Lethal Weapon series of films. -Plot:...
, Yuen's action direction also received fame in the West. He worked in the 2000 blockbuster X-Men
X-Men (film)
X-Men is a 2000 superhero film based on the fictional Marvel Comics characters of the same name. Directed by Bryan Singer, the film stars Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Anna Paquin, Famke Janssen, Bruce Davison, James Marsden, Halle Berry, Rebecca Romijn, Ray Park and Tyler Mane...
as an action director, and he would also handle the martial arts and action sequences in six of Li's other American works: Romeo Must Die
Romeo Must Die
Romeo Must Die is a 2000 martial arts film directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak. Starring Jet Li, Aaliyah, Anthony Anderson, Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, Russell Wong, and features action and fight choreography by Corey Yuen...
, Kiss of the Dragon
Kiss of the Dragon
Kiss of the Dragon is a 2001 martial arts action film, directed by Chris Nahon, co-written and produced by Luc Besson, and starring Jet Li, Bridget Fonda, and Tchéky Karyo....
, The One, Cradle 2 the Grave
Cradle 2 the Grave
Cradle 2 the Grave is a 2003 American action film directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak featuring martial artist Jet Li and rapper DMX.-Plot:...
, War, and The Expendables
The Expendables (2010 film)
The Expendables is a 2010 American ensemble action film written by David Callaham and Sylvester Stallone, and directed by Stallone. Filming began on March 28, 2009, in Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, and the film was released in theaters on August 13, 2010 in North America.The film is...
.
He also partially directed The Transporter
The Transporter
The Transporter is a 2002 French action film directed by Louis Leterrier and Corey Yuen and written by Luc Besson, who was inspired by BMW Films' The Hire series....
and So Close
So Close
*So Close* is a 2002 action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Shu Qi, Karen Mok and Zhao Wei. The English title is derived from The Carpenters' song Close to You, which has a prominent role in the film.-Plot:...
, released in late 2002. He opted not to return to direct the sequel Transporter 2
Transporter 2
Transporter 2 is a 2005 action film directed by Louis Leterrier and produced by Luc Besson. It is the sequel to The Transporter . It is itself followed by Transporter 3 ....
, released in 2005. However, his team of stuntmen and martial artists are featured in the film, and Yuen was the fight choreographer and second-unit director. Other notable films include Righting Wrongs
Righting Wrongs
Righting Wrongs is a 1986 Hong Kong martial arts action crime film directed by Corey Yuen , starring Yuen Biao and Cynthia Rothrock. This is the one of Yuen Biao's better known films that he made without film industry compatriots Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan.-Title:The film's Hong Kong English...
with Yuen Biao
Yuen Biao
Yuen Biao is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist. He specialises in acrobatics and Chinese martial arts and has worked on over 80 films as actor, stuntman and action choreographer...
and Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock is an American martial artist and actress specializing in martial arts films. -Martial arts achievements:Rothrock is five-time World Karate Champion in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985...
, She Shoots Straight
She Shoots Straight
She Shoots Straight is a 1990 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Sammo Hung and Joyce Godenzi.-Cast:*Joyce Godenzi - Inspector Mina Kao *Carina Lau - Huang Chia-Ling*Sammo Hung - Supt. Officer Hung...
with Joyce Godenzi, Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film producer and director, known for his work in many martial arts films and Hong Kong action cinema...
and Yuen Wah
Yuen Wah
Yuen Wah is a Hong Kong based Chinese action film actor, action choreographer, stuntman and martial artist who has appeared in over 160 films and over 20 television series.-Early life:...
and 1997's Hero (not to be confused with the Zhang Yimou
Zhang Yimou
Zhang Yimou is a Chinese film director, producer, writer and actor, and former cinematographer. He is counted amongst the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers, having made his directorial debut in 1987 with Red Sorghum....
-directed, Jet Li- starring 2002 film of the same name) starring Yuen Biao
Yuen Biao
Yuen Biao is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist. He specialises in acrobatics and Chinese martial arts and has worked on over 80 films as actor, stuntman and action choreographer...
and Takeshi Kaneshiro
Takeshi Kaneshiro
Takeshi Kaneshiro , born October 11, 1973, is a Taiwan-born Japanese actor and singer.-Name:...
.
His style of action is not as distinct as that of other Hong Kong action directors like Yuen Woo Ping and Ching Siu Tung, but is noted for its speed, creativity, and higher emphasis on offense. He is also distinguished in his ability to mix hand-to-hand combat and gunfighting, two styles of fighting that are not often used together successfully in Hong Kong action films.
Filmography
As director- DOA: Dead or AliveDOA: Dead or AliveDOA: Dead or Alive is a 2006 ensemble martial arts film loosely based on the Tecmo/Team Ninja fighting game series of the same name. Directed by Corey Yuen and written by J. F. Lawton, Adam and Seth Gross....
(2006) - The Twins Effect IIThe Twins Effect IIThe Twins Effect II is a 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Corey Yuen and Patrick Leung. The film is a sequel to The Twins Effect , but has a completely different story from the first film. It starred Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung of Cantopop duo Twins in the leading roles...
(2004) - The TransporterThe TransporterThe Transporter is a 2002 French action film directed by Louis Leterrier and Corey Yuen and written by Luc Besson, who was inspired by BMW Films' The Hire series....
(2002) - So CloseSo Close*So Close* is a 2002 action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Shu Qi, Karen Mok and Zhao Wei. The English title is derived from The Carpenters' song Close to You, which has a prominent role in the film.-Plot:...
(2002) - Kuen sun (aka The Avenging Fist) (2001)
- Enter the Eagles (1998)
- Hero (1997)
- Black Rose II (1997)
- Mahjong Dragon (1996)
- My Father Is A HeroMy Father Is a HeroMy Father Is A Hero , also known as Letter To Daddy, The Enforcer or Jet Li's The Enforcer, is a 1995 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Jet Li.-Summary:...
(1995) - The Bodyguard from BeijingThe Bodyguard from BeijingThe Bodyguard from Beijing , also known as The Defender in the United States and the United Kingdom, is a 1994 Hong Kong action film directed by action choreographer Corey Yuen, and starring Jet Li, Christy Chung, Collin Chou, and Kent Cheng....
(1994) - The New Legend of Shaolin (1994)
- Fong Sai-yuk IIFong Sai-yuk IIFong Sai-yuk II is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Jet Li as Chinese folk hero Fong Sai-yuk. The film is a sequel to Fong Sai-yuk, released in early 1993.-Plot:...
(1993) - Fong Sai-yukFong Sai-yuk (film)Fong Sai-yuk is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Jet Li as Chinese folk hero Fong Sai-yuk.-Plot:The brash and ambitious Fong Sai-yuk meets the beautiful Ting-ting during a track and field competition and falls in love with her. Ting-ting is the daughter of the...
(1993) - Women on the Run (1993)
- Fist of Fury 1991 II (1992)
- Saviour of the Soul IISaviour of the Soul IISaviour of the Soul II is a 1992 Hong Kong film. Although the film shares the same Chinese title as Louis Cha's The Return of the Condor Heroes, it is unrelated to the novel...
(1992) - Saviour of the SoulSaviour of the SoulSaviour of the Soul is a 1991 Hong Kong film. Although the film shares the same Chinese title as Louis Cha's The Return of the Condor Heroes, it is unrelated to the novel...
(1991) - Ghost PuntingGhost PuntingGhost Punting , also known as Lucky Stars Ghost Encounter, is a 1992 Hong Kong action comedy film directed by and starring Sammo Hung. It is the sixth film of the Lucky Stars series...
(1991) - Top BetTop BetTop Bet is a 1991 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Jeffrey Lau and Corey Yuen and starring Anita Mui, Carol Cheng and Man Tat Ng. It is a sequel to Lau and Yuen's 1990 film All for the Winner.- Plot :...
(1991) - All for the WinnerAll for the WinnerAll for the Winner is a 1990 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Jeffrey Lau and Corey Yuen.This is the movie that launched Stephen Chow to stardom...
(1990) - She Shoots StraightShe Shoots StraightShe Shoots Straight is a 1990 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Sammo Hung and Joyce Godenzi.-Cast:*Joyce Godenzi - Inspector Mina Kao *Carina Lau - Huang Chia-Ling*Sammo Hung - Supt. Officer Hung...
(1990) - Righting Wrongs II: Blonde Fury (1989)
- Casino RaidersCasino RaidersCasino Raiders is a 1989 Hong Kong-made drama. It belonged to the early part of the 1989-1996 period, a period when films with gambling-themed were dominating the Hong Kong movie scene.-Synopsis:...
(1989) - Dragons ForeverDragons ForeverDragons Forever is a 1988 Hong Kong martial arts action comedy film directed by Sammo Hung. Film stars Hung, Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao. The three actors, known colloquially as the Three Brothers, had attended the famous China Drama Academy together, and became members of the Seven Little Fortunes...
(1988) - No Retreat, No Surrender 2No Retreat, No Surrender 2No Retreat, No Surrender 2 is an American Hong Kong martial arts film directed in 1987 by Corey Yuen. This film does not continue the story of the original No Retreat, No Surrender...
(1988) - In The Blood (1987)
- No Retreat, No SurrenderNo Retreat, No SurrenderNo Retreat, No Surrender is a 1986 American martial arts sports film written and directed by Corey Yuen his American directorial debut, and starring Kurt McKinney, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Tai Chung Kim.-Plot:...
(1986) - Righting WrongsRighting WrongsRighting Wrongs is a 1986 Hong Kong martial arts action crime film directed by Corey Yuen , starring Yuen Biao and Cynthia Rothrock. This is the one of Yuen Biao's better known films that he made without film industry compatriots Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan.-Title:The film's Hong Kong English...
(1986) - Yes, MadamYes, MadamYes, Madam is a 1985 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock. The film is Yeoh's first major action role and Rothrock's first appearance in a feature film....
(1985) - Winner Takes All (1982)
- Ninja in the Dragon's DenNinja in the Dragon's DenNinja in the Dragon's Den is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts film written and directed by Corey Yuen made his directorial debut, and starring Conan Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada and Hwang Jang Lee.-Plot:...
(1982) - Game of Death IIGame of Death IIGame of Death II is a 1981 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Ng See-yuen, starring Tong Lung, Huong Cheng Li, Roy Horan, To Wai Wo and Lee Hoi San. This film was marketed as a sequel to Bruce Lee's last and partially completed film Game of Death...
(1981) - The Battle WizardThe Battle WizardThe Battle Wizard is a 1977 Hong Kong film adapted from Louis Cha's novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. The film was produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio and directed by Pao Hsueh-li...
(1977)