Leung Kar Yan
Encyclopedia
Bryan Leung Ka-yan is a Hong Kong
film and television actor
and director
who has played roles in numerous acclaimed martial arts film
s. He is affectionately known as "Beardy" due to his trademark facial hair. He also has characteristic hyper-extendable fingers, which can be observed when he has his palms open and his fingers outstretched. Despite being one of the most well-known faces in Hong Kong action cinema
, he had no formal martial arts
training, relying on his talents at mimicry to imitate the moves shown to him by the action directors.
career began in 1969, his good looks and natural athleticism taking him to Shaw Brothers, where he appeared in several renowned period kung fu films, although he was rarely offered leading roles. His big-break came under the direction of Sammo Hung
, with whom he fought in Enter the Fat Dragon
(1978), and co-starred in the seminal Warriors Two
(1978). His performance in Warriors Two, as Mr. Tsang
, a real-life historical doctor and master of Wing Chun
, is described as "the best performance of his career" by Mark Pollard of Kung Fu Cinema, who goes on to write:
Leung continued to work with Sammo Hung, achieving further success with a string of highly-rated kung-fu comedies, including Knockabout
(1979), where he and Yuen Biao
played crooks being harassed by kung-fu beggar Sammo Hung.
In Dreadnaught
(1981), he played Wong Fei-hung's student. The film again featured Yuen Biao, as well as veteran kung-fu star Kwan Tak-hing playing Wong Fei-hung. It also marked Leung's first collaboration with director Yuen Woo-ping
, and he would go on to star in several acclaimed Yuen Woo-ping directed films, including Legend of a Fighter
(1982), in which he portrayed historical figure Fok Yuen-gap
, and The Miracle Fighters
(1982).
During this same period, Leung also enjoyed some success in television acting, appearing as Kiu Fung
in TVB
's 1982 adaptation
of Louis Cha's Wuxia
novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils
and as Kwok Ching
in the 1983 adaptation of The Return of the Condor Heroes
.
Despite this acting success, Leung's 1984 directorial debut, Profile in Anger, was relatively unsuccessful. This marked a lowering of his star profile, as he began to take more supporting roles and less leading roles. He continues to act and direct into the 2000s, occasionally appearing in high-profile films like Last Hero in China
(1993), where he co-starred with Jet Li
and reprised the role he had played in 1981's Dreadnaught, and several Stephen Chow
vehicles including Legend of the Dragon (1990).
In 2009, Leung is to direct once again in a new martial arts action film tentatively titled "Blood Relations". He will also star in the film alongside his son Leung Ho-yee and martial arts film actor Gordon Liu
.
Hong Kong people
Hong Kong people refer to people who originate from Hong Kong. The term has no legal definition in Hong Kong. Rather, terms such as Hong Kong permanent resident and Hong Kong resident are used...
film and television 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...
and director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
who has played roles in numerous acclaimed martial arts film
Martial arts film
Martial arts film is a film genre. A sub-genre of the action film, martial arts films contain numerous fights between characters, usually as the films' primary appeal and entertainment value, and often as a method of storytelling and character expression and development. Martial arts are frequently...
s. He is affectionately known as "Beardy" due to his trademark facial hair. He also has characteristic hyper-extendable fingers, which can be observed when he has his palms open and his fingers outstretched. Despite being one of the most well-known faces in Hong Kong action cinema
Hong Kong action cinema
Hong Kong action cinema is the principal source of the Hong Kong film industry's global fame. It combines elements from the action film, as codified by Hollywood, with Chinese storytelling and aesthetic traditions, to create a culturally distinctive form that nevertheless has a wide transcultural...
, he had no formal martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
training, relying on his talents at mimicry to imitate the moves shown to him by the action directors.
Career
Leung's action filmAction film
Action film is a film genre where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases...
career began in 1969, his good looks and natural athleticism taking him to Shaw Brothers, where he appeared in several renowned period kung fu films, although he was rarely offered leading roles. His big-break came under the direction of 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...
, with whom he fought in Enter the Fat Dragon
Enter the Fat Dragon
Enter the Fat Dragon is a 1978 Hong Kong action film directed by and starring Sammo Hung...
(1978), and co-starred in the seminal Warriors Two
Warriors Two
Warriors Two is a 1978 Hong Kong martial arts film written and directed by Sammo Hung and released by Golden Harvest. Film stars Hung, alongside Bryan Leung, Casanova Wong and Fung Hak-on...
(1978). His performance in Warriors Two, as Mr. Tsang
Leung Jan
Leung Jan was a Wing Chun practitioner. Leung was a Chinese herbal doctor in Foshan. His name became well-known due to his wins in competitive bouts. He was called Mr...
, a real-life historical doctor and master of Wing Chun
Wing Chun
Wing Chun , also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, ; ; is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also...
, is described as "the best performance of his career" by Mark Pollard of Kung Fu Cinema, who goes on to write:
- Leung Kar-yan is brilliant in his role as the teacher. He adds just the right amount of austerity and presence without overdoing it. Its also obvious why he was chosen for this role over an older actor. To the layman, he really looks like a Wing Chun expert and his physical grace is undeniable.
Leung continued to work with Sammo Hung, achieving further success with a string of highly-rated kung-fu comedies, including Knockabout
Knockabout (film)
Knockabout is a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts comedy film directed by Sammo Hung and starring Hung and Yuen Biao.-Plot:...
(1979), where he 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...
played crooks being harassed by kung-fu beggar Sammo Hung.
In Dreadnaught
Dreadnaught (film)
Dreadnaught aka Yong zhe wu ju is a 1981 Hong Kong martial arts action film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Yuen Biao, Leung Kar Yan, and Kwan Tak-hing as Wong Fei Hung.- Plot :...
(1981), he played Wong Fei-hung's student. The film again featured Yuen Biao, as well as veteran kung-fu star Kwan Tak-hing playing Wong Fei-hung. It also marked Leung's first collaboration with director Yuen Woo-ping
Yuen Woo-ping
Yuen Woo-ping is a Chinese martial arts choreographer and film director, renowned as one of the most successful and influential figures in the world of Hong Kong action cinema. He is one of the inductees on the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong...
, and he would go on to star in several acclaimed Yuen Woo-ping directed films, including Legend of a Fighter
Legend of a Fighter
Legend of a Fighter is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts film based on the story of Chinese martial artist Huo Yuanjia...
(1982), in which he portrayed historical figure Fok Yuen-gap
Huo Yuanjia
Huo Yuanjia was a Chinese martial artist and co-founder of Chin Woo Athletic Association, a martial arts school in Shanghai...
, and The Miracle Fighters
The Miracle Fighters
The Miracle Fighters is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts action fantasy comedy film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Bryan Leung, Yuen Cheung-yan and Yuen Yat Cho. The film's action sequences features various elements of fantasy which includes magic...
(1982).
During this same period, Leung also enjoyed some success in television acting, appearing as Kiu Fung
Qiao Feng
Qiao Feng, birth name Xiao Feng , is one of the three protagonists in Jin Yong's wuxia novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.-Background:Xiao is a Khitan by birth and he is from the same clan as Empress Xiao of the Liao Dynasty...
in TVB
Television Broadcasts Limited
Television Broadcasts Limited, commonly known as TVB, is the second over-the-air commercial television station in Hong Kong. It commenced broadcasting on 19 November 1967...
's 1982 adaptation
Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (1982 TV series)
Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is a 1982 Hong Kong television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. The 50 episodes long series is divided into two parts, with their Chinese titles as 天龍八部之六脈神劍 and 天龍八部之虛竹傳奇 respectively.-Cast:*Bryan Leung...
of Louis Cha's Wuxia
Wuxia
Wuxia is a broad genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists. Although wuxia is traditionally a form of literature, its popularity has caused it to spread to diverse art forms like Chinese opera, manhua , films, television series, and video games...
novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils
Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils
Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is a wuxia novel by Jin Yong. It was first serialized concurrently from September 3, 1963 to May 27, 1966 in Ming Pao in Hong Kong and Nanyang Siang Pau in Singapore....
and as Kwok Ching
Guo Jing
Guo Jing is the fictional protagonist of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, a wuxia novel by Jin Yong. He plays a supporting role in the sequel novel The Return of the Condor Heroes as well...
in the 1983 adaptation of The Return of the Condor Heroes
The Return of the Condor Heroes
The Return of the Condor Heroes is a wuxia novel by Jin Yong, and the second part of the Condor Trilogy. It was first serialized between May 20, 1959 and July 5, 1961 on Ming Pao. The story revolves around Yang Guo and his lover Xiaolongnü in their adventure in the wulin fraternity, which does not...
.
Despite this acting success, Leung's 1984 directorial debut, Profile in Anger, was relatively unsuccessful. This marked a lowering of his star profile, as he began to take more supporting roles and less leading roles. He continues to act and direct into the 2000s, occasionally appearing in high-profile films like Last Hero in China
Last Hero in China
Last Hero in China is a 1993 Hong Kong film written and directed by Wong Jing. It was released after the original Once Upon a Time in China trilogy...
(1993), where he co-starred with Jet Li
Jet 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...
and reprised the role he had played in 1981's Dreadnaught, and several Stephen Chow
Stephen Chow
Stephen Chow Sing-Chi is a Hong Kong actor, comedian, screenwriter, film director and producer.- Professional career :Stephen Chow began as a temporary actor for TVB. He entered TVB in early 1980s, and was trained there, although he had few opportunities to appear in films. Chow graduated from...
vehicles including Legend of the Dragon (1990).
In 2009, Leung is to direct once again in a new martial arts action film tentatively titled "Blood Relations". He will also star in the film alongside his son Leung Ho-yee and martial arts film actor Gordon Liu
Gordon Liu
Gordon Liu is a Chinese martial arts film actor. He became famous for playing the lead in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and its sequels...
.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Return of the One-Armed Swordsman Return of the One-Armed Swordsman Return of the One-Armed Swordsman, also known as One-Armed Swordsman Return, is a 1969 Hong Kong wuxia film directed by Chang Cheh and produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio... |
|
| 1974 | Five Shaolin Masters Five Shaolin Masters 5 Shaolin Masters aka 5 Masters Of Death is a 1974 Shaw Brothers kung fu film directed by Chang Cheh, with action choreography by Lau Kar Leung and Lau Kar Wing.The film focuses on Shaolin's historic rivalries with the Qing Dynasty.- Plot :... |
|
| 1975 | Boxer Rebellion | |
| 1976 | Shaolin Avengers | |
| 1977 | Iron Monkey Iron Monkey (1977 film) Iron Monkey is a martial arts film directed by, and starring Chen Kuan Tai, as a Shaolin Temple trained Monkey Kung Fu expert, fighting against the Qings.-Plot:... |
Captain Ti |
| Eagle's Claw Eagle's Claw Eagle’s Claw is a 1978 martial arts film directed by Lee Tso Nam, starring Wong Tao, Chang Yi and Chi Kwan Chun.- Plot :... |
||
| 1978 | Enter the Fat Dragon Enter the Fat Dragon Enter the Fat Dragon is a 1978 Hong Kong action film directed by and starring Sammo Hung... |
Bearded fighter |
| Warriors Two Warriors Two Warriors Two is a 1978 Hong Kong martial arts film written and directed by Sammo Hung and released by Golden Harvest. Film stars Hung, alongside Bryan Leung, Casanova Wong and Fung Hak-on... |
Mr. Tsan | |
| Ways of Kung Fu | ||
| 1979 | Thundering Mantis | |
| Knockabout Knockabout (film) Knockabout is a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts comedy film directed by Sammo Hung and starring Hung and Yuen Biao.-Plot:... |
Dai Pao / Big John | |
| Odd Couple | Laughing bandit | |
| His Name is Nobody | ||
| Cantonen Iron Kung Fu | ||
| Ten Brothers of Shaolin | ||
| 1980 | The Victim | Chun Yau |
| 1981 | Dreadnaught Dreadnaught (film) Dreadnaught aka Yong zhe wu ju is a 1981 Hong Kong martial arts action film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Yuen Biao, Leung Kar Yan, and Kwan Tak-hing as Wong Fei Hung.- Plot :... |
|
| Eagle's Claw and Butterfly Palm | ||
| 1982 | Legend of a Fighter Legend of a Fighter Legend of a Fighter is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts film based on the story of Chinese martial artist Huo Yuanjia... |
Fok Yuen-gap Huo Yuanjia Huo Yuanjia was a Chinese martial artist and co-founder of Chin Woo Athletic Association, a martial arts school in Shanghai... |
| The Postman Strikes Back The Postman Strikes Back The Postman Strikes Back, also known as The Postman Fights Back, is a 1982 Hong Kong historical action film directed by Ronny Yu and starring Bryan Leung, Chow Yun-fat, Fan Mei Sheng, Yuen Yat Cho, Eddy Ko, Cherie Chung and Kuk Ching Suk.-Cast:... |
||
| The Miracle Fighters The Miracle Fighters The Miracle Fighters is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts action fantasy comedy film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Bryan Leung, Yuen Cheung-yan and Yuen Yat Cho. The film's action sequences features various elements of fantasy which includes magic... |
Kei Moon / Old Man | |
| 1984 | Secret Service of the Imperial Court Secret Service of the Imperial Court Secret Service of the Imperial Court, also known as Police Pool of Blood, is a 1984 Hong Kong wuxia film produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio and starring Bryan Leung... |
Zhao Bufa |
| New Tales of the Flying Fox New Tales of the Flying Fox New Tales of the Flying Fox is a 1984 Hong Kong film based on Louis Cha's novel Other Tales of the Flying Fox. The film was produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio and directed by Lau Sze-yuk.-Cast:*Felix Wong as Hu Fei*Alex Man as Miao Renfeng... |
Wu Yat-do | |
| 1985 | Danger Has Two Faces Danger Has Two Faces Danger Has Two Faces is a 1985 Hong Kong action crime thriller film directed by Alex Cheung and starring Bryan Leung, Paul Chu and Fai Cheung. The film is produced and distributed by Shaw Brothers Studio.-Plot:... |
Kam Chi-kin |
| 1990 | Legend of the Dragon | Yun |
| 1993 | Last Hero in China Last Hero in China Last Hero in China is a 1993 Hong Kong film written and directed by Wong Jing. It was released after the original Once Upon a Time in China trilogy... |
Leung Foon |
| Fight Back to School III Fight Back to School III Fight Back to School 3 is a Hong Kong comedy film produced in 1993 starring Stephen Chow and Cheung Man. The film was written and directed by Wong Jing, who replaced Gordon Chan as the director of the third installment.-Plot:... |
Officer Lai | |
| Flirting Scholar Flirting Scholar Flirting Scholar is a 1993 Hong Kong comedy film directed by Lee Lik-Chi and starring Stephen Chow.A second installment, Flirting Scholar 2, was released in 2010. It is a prequel of the 1993 Hong Kong film with Lik-Chi returning as director.-Plot:... |
Mo Chong-yuen | |
| 1994 | Kung Fu Cult Master Kung Fu Cult Master Kung Fu Cult Master, also known as Kung Fu Master or Evil Cult or Lord of the Wu Tang, is a 1993 Hong Kong film adapted from Louis Cha's novel The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber... |
Lu Zhangke |
| 1995 | Don't Give a Damn | |
| |Out of the Dark | Leon Leon -Europe:* Kingdom of León, an independent state in the Iberian Peninsula from 910 to 1230 and again from 1296 to 1301* Viscounty of Léon, a feudal state in France during the 11th to 13th centuries* Léon, Landes, a commune in France* Isla de León, a Spanish island... |
|
| 2000 | Conman in Tokyo | |
| 2008 | Kung Fu Dunk Kung Fu Dunk Kung Fu Dunk , also known by its former title Slam Dunk, is a 2008 Chinese-language live-action film. It was directed by Taiwanese director Chu Yin-Ping and filmed in Taiwan and mainland China... |
Master Fei |
| 2010 | True Legend True Legend True Legend is a 2010 martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping, starring Vincent Zhao, Zhou Xun, Jay Chou, Michelle Yeoh, Andy On, David Carradine, Guo Xiaodong, Feng Xiaogang, Cung Le, Gordon Liu, Bryan Leung and Jacky Heung.... |
Su Wankun |
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (1982 TV series) Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is a 1982 Hong Kong television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. The 50 episodes long series is divided into two parts, with their Chinese titles as 天龍八部之六脈神劍 and 天龍八部之虛竹傳奇 respectively.-Cast:*Bryan Leung... |
Kiu Fung Qiao Feng Qiao Feng, birth name Xiao Feng , is one of the three protagonists in Jin Yong's wuxia novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.-Background:Xiao is a Khitan by birth and he is from the same clan as Empress Xiao of the Liao Dynasty... |
| 1983 | The Return of the Condor Heroes The Return of the Condor Heroes (1983 TV series) The Return of the Condor Heroes is a Hong Kong television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel of the same title. It was first broadcast on TVB in 1983 in Hong Kong.-Cast:*Andy Lau as Yeung Kuo*Idy Chan as Siu-lung-noi*Bryan Leung as Kwok Ching... |
Kwok Ching Guo Jing Guo Jing is the fictional protagonist of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, a wuxia novel by Jin Yong. He plays a supporting role in the sequel novel The Return of the Condor Heroes as well... |
| 1996 | Wong Fei Hung Series Wong Fei Hung Series The Wong Fei Hung Series is a 1996 Hong Kong television series of five stories about Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung. The series was produced by Tsui Hark and starred Vincent Zhao, Maggie Shiu, Max Mok, Lau Shun, Kent Cheng, Hung Yan-yan, Power Chan and Cheung Chun-hung in the leading roles.-Wong... |
|
| 1998 | The Return of the Condor Heroes The Return of the Condor Heroes (TTV) The Return of the Condor Heroes is a Taiwanese television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel of the same title. It was first broadcast on TTV in 1998 in Taiwan.-Cast:*Richie Ren as Yang Guo*Jacklyn Wu as Xiaolongnü*Sun Xing as Guo Jing... |
Hong Qigong Hong Qigong Hong Qigong is a fictional character in Jin Yong's wuxia novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes and its sequel The Return of the Condor Heroes... |
| 2002 | Book and Sword, Gratitude and Revenge Book and Sword, Gratitude and Revenge Book and Sword, Gratitude and Revenge is a television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel The Book and the Sword. The series was first broadcast on CTV in Taiwan in 2002.-Cast:*Vincent Zhao as Chen Jialuo*Esther Kwan as Huo Qingtong... |
Yuan Shixiao |
| The Monkey King: Quest for the Sutra The Monkey King: Quest for the Sutra The Monkey King: Quest for the Sutra is a 2002 Hong Kong/Taiwanese TV series based on the classic Chinese novel: Journey to the West. It is also a remake of the 90's TVB version.... |
Lee Ching | |
| 2004 | The Dragon Heroes The Dragon Heroes The Dragon Heroes is a Chinese epic fantasy television series starring Ren Quan, Li Xiaolu, Christopher Lee, Cui Peng, Eddy Ko, Felix Wong, Bryan Leung, Florence Tan, Tanny Tien, Chen Tianwen and Ding Yujia... |
Wang Jili |
| 2005 | Real Kung Fu Real Kung Fu Real Kung Fu is a Hong Kong television series first broadcast on TVB in October 2005. The series is shown to celebrate TVB's 38th anniversary.-Cast:-Viewership ratings:-External links:* Real Kung Fu - Official Website... |
Leung Yee-Tai |
| Seven Swordsmen Seven Swordsmen Seven Swordsmen is a 2006 television series directed by Clarence Fok and produced by Tsui Hark. The series is adapted from Liang Yusheng's novels Qijian Xia Tianshan and Saiwai Qixia Zhuan... |
Liu Jingyi | |
| 2007 | The Ultimate Crime Fighter The Ultimate Crime Fighter The Ultimate Crime Fighter is a TVB modern action series broadcast in October 2007. The series is shown to celebrate TVB's 40th Anniversary.-Synopsis:... |
Wong Bo |
| 2008 | Huo Yuanjia Huo Yuanjia (2008 TV series) Huo Yuanjia is a television series based on the story of Chinese martial artist Huo Yuanjia. It includes a subplot on the story of Chen Zhen, a fictional student of Huo Yuanjia and protagonist of the 1972 film Fist of Fury. The series was directed by Kuk Kwok-leung and starred Ekin Cheng, Jordan... |
Huo Endi Huo Endi Huo Endi was the father of famous Chinese martial artist Huo Yuanjia. Huo Endi was a well-known martial artist who served as a bodyguard for caravans travelling to the Northeast... |
| Jingwu Chen Zhen Jingwu Chen Zhen Jingwu Chen Zhen is a television series based on the story of Chen Zhen, a fictional martial arts student of Huo Yuanjia. The series is a sequel to the 2008 television series Huo Yuanjia, with Jordan Chan reprising his role as Chen Zhen.-Plot:... |
Huangfu Yizhen | |
| The Legend of the Condor Heroes The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2008 TV series) The Legend of the Condor Heroes is a Chinese television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel of the same title. The series was produced by Chinese Entertainment Shanghai, the same company that produced Chinese Paladin , The Little Fairy and The Young Warriors... |
Hong Qigong | |
| D.I.E. D.I.E. D.I.E. or Death Investigation Extension is a TVB modern comedy-action series broadcast in March 2008.TVB began filming D.I.E. Again , the sequel, in November 2008.-Synopsis:... |
Yue Dai-hoi | |
| 2009 | The Book and the Sword The Book and the Sword (2008 TV series) The Book and the Sword is a 2008 Chinese television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel of the same title. The series was first broadcast on CETV-3 in China in 2009... |
Yuan Shixiao |