Top 10 Coolest Things About Chow Yun-fat

As a huge fan, it’s amazing to think about how Chow Yun-fat completely changed action movies. He went from being a massive star on Hong Kong TV to becoming known all over the world, and he’s done everything – gritty crime films, incredible martial arts movies, funny comedies, and even big Hollywood blockbusters! I’ve put together ten of my favorite moments from his work – roles, projects with other great people, and times he really made his mark on the industry – that really show what makes him a legend.

‘The Bund’ (1980) – the TV drama that launched his stardom

This popular crime series made Chow Yun-fat a star throughout Hong Kong and across Asia. He starred as Hui Man-keung, a charming gangster in old Shanghai, and the role established him as a major television actor. The show was so successful that it led to follow-up series, remakes, and a movie, solidifying its place in popular culture. The show’s theme song also became a beloved Cantopop hit, helping to launch Chow Yun-fat’s career.

‘A Better Tomorrow’ (1986) – the breakthrough that redefined Hong Kong action

Chow Yun-fat’s performance as “Mark Gor” immediately made him a star and won him a Best Actor award. The film popularized the “heroic bloodshed” genre with its dramatic action and over-the-top emotion, and quickly made Chow Yun-fat a popular actor throughout Asia. His signature look – a trench coat and sunglasses – became hugely influential in action movies. This film also began a successful partnership between Chow Yun-fat and director John Woo.

‘City on Fire’ (1987) – an undercover thriller with awards and influence

Chow once again received the Best Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards, this time for his role as an undercover police officer struggling with conflicting loyalties. The film’s exciting action sequences and realistic depiction of undercover work became highly influential, inspiring many crime dramas that followed. Filmmakers often discussed the film’s unique structure and memorable ending, recognizing its lasting impact. Chow’s performance proved his ability to play complex, emotionally challenging roles, moving beyond his typical ‘cool gangster’ image.

‘The Killer’ (1989) – the assassin saga that went global

Chow Yun-fat’s performance as Ah Jong was a breakthrough, combining stylish action with a heartbreaking love story. The film showcased John Woo’s signature, beautifully choreographed gunfights and solidified their international fame as a director-actor team. It also brought Hong Kong’s fast-paced action style to a wider Western audience through film festivals and limited theatrical releases. Chow’s combination of elegance and seriousness set a new standard for how to portray a sympathetic, yet flawed, hero.

‘God of Gamblers’ (1989) – the birth of Ko Chun and a pop-culture phenomenon

Chow’s performance as the skilled gambler Ko Chun sparked a trend of casino-themed movies, sequels, and imitations. It earned him a Best Actor nomination and became one of his most memorable roles. He perfectly combined impressive card skills with a cool demeanor and a great sense of humor. The character remained popular and influenced later films, ensuring the legend of the gambler lived on.

‘Hard Boiled’ (1992) – “Tequila” and an action benchmark

I remember being absolutely blown away by ‘Hard Boiled’! Seeing Chow Yun-fat as Inspector Yuen – everyone called him ‘Tequila’ – was incredible. The action sequences were unlike anything I’d ever seen, especially that huge shootout in the hospital – it really set the standard for action movies after that. It felt like the peak of what John Woo and Chow Yun-fat could achieve together before they both started working in Hollywood. Honestly, the way those fights were filmed, all stylish and perfectly choreographed, influenced so many action directors. And it was cool to see the story continue later on as a video game, with Chow back as the inspector!

‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000) – wuxia prestige on the world stage

As a huge movie fan, I always remember Chow Yun-fat’s performance as Li Mu Bai. He played this incredibly calm and reserved swordsman, and that quiet strength really grounded the film’s beautiful love story and its ideas about martial arts. The movie was a massive hit worldwide, winning tons of awards and, importantly, bringing Chinese cinema to a much wider audience than ever before. It’s amazing to me that Chow delivered all his lines in Mandarin, even though Cantonese is his first language – that shows real dedication! This role really showed a different side of him, moving beyond the action hero roles he was known for and revealing a much more thoughtful and introspective actor.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’ (2007) – a Hollywood franchise turn

Chow played Sao Feng, a powerful pirate leader who added to the series’ diverse group of important characters. This role helped introduce him to a wider Western audience through a big-budget action series, connecting his established Hong Kong stardom with a major Disney franchise. The character’s popularity also extended to related media, like video games.

‘From Vegas to Macau’ (2014–2016) – a box-office revival of the gambling legend

Stephen Chow returned to making gambling movies as Ken, a charismatic performer known for his skillful card handling. This led to a very successful series of three films. While drawing on the appeal of his previous character Ko Chun, the new movies were updated for modern viewers and proved especially popular in China and during the Lunar New Year holiday. The films also included references and appearances from characters in other gambling movies, acknowledging Chow’s influence on the genre.

‘Project Gutenberg’ (2018) – prestige crime with awards haul

Chow stars in a thrilling and complex crime film that won several awards, including Best Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards. The movie received numerous nominations from film festivals and award organizations throughout the region. It’s a showcase of Chow’s talent, demonstrating his ability to be both charming and intimidating. The film proved he remains a significant figure in contemporary crime movies, working alongside a new wave of actors and directors.

Share your favorite Chow Yun-fat performance in the comments!

2025-11-10 07:49