“Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu (2011): How Wang Baoqiang’s Chinese Martial Arts Movie Redefines Tradition & Comedy”
Introduction: A Cultural Bridge Through Action Cinema
While global audiences recognize Ip Man or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as pillars of Chinese martial arts cinema, Wang Baoqiang’s 2011 gem Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu offers a refreshing hybrid of slapstick humor and cultural preservation. Directed by Cheng Dong, this underrated film combines authentic Southern Chinese kung fu traditions with modern storytelling, creating a unique entry point for international viewers to explore China’s martial heritage.
Plot Overview: More Than Just Fists of Fury
Wang stars as Chen Cheng, a reluctant heir to the Choy Lee Fut martial arts school threatened by property developers. The narrative cleverly parallels his personal growth with the struggle to preserve cultural spaces in rapidly urbanizing China. Key elements include:
- Cultural Legacy: The school’s 150-year history vs. corporate greed
- Comedic Relief: Wang’s signature bumbling persona clashing with stern masters
- Social Commentary: Urbanization’s impact on traditional communities
Section 1: Choy Lee Fut – The Living History
The film serves as an animated encyclopedia for this 19th-century Southern Chinese martial art:
- Technical Showcase: Over 15 distinct forms demonstrated, including the signature “tiger-crane” style
- Philosophical Depth: Scenes dissect Choy Lee Fut’s three founding principles – adaptability, balance, and community
- Modern Relevance: A documentary-style segment interviews real Choy Lee Fut grandmasters, bridging cinematic fiction and reality
Section 2: Wang Baoqiang’s Dual Mastery
Breaking from his A World Without Thieves (2004) typecasting, Wang delivers layered brilliance:
- Physical Comedy: His “drunken kung fu” sequence rivals Jackie Chan’s classics in timing and creativity
- Dramatic Range: A tearful monologue about ancestral responsibility (min 78:23) reveals unexpected gravitas
- Stunt Authenticity: Performed 68% of fights without doubles, despite prior martial arts inexperience
Section 3: Comedy as Cultural Translation
The film ingeniously uses humor to make niche concepts globally accessible:
- Language Play: Cantonese puns about “kung fu economics” (e.g., “Our fists balance the books!”)
- Visual Gags: A VR headset-wearing villain misinterprets traditional combat – satire of tech vs tradition
- Cross-Cultural Jokes: Western developers mocked for confusing Choy Lee Fut with yoga
Section 4: Cinematic Techniques & Symbolism
Director Cheng Dong employs innovative methods to honor tradition:
- Color Coding: School’s red walls fade to gray as developers encroach
- Sound Design: Modern construction noises disrupt classical guzheng music
- Food Metaphors: Dumpling-making scenes mirror kung fu training rhythms
Why Global Audiences Should Watch
- Cultural Preservation: Highlights UNESCO-recognized Choy Lee Fut as intangible heritage
- Genre Innovation: Merges Kung Fu Hustle’s zaniness with The Grandmaster’s solemnity
- Urbanization Discourse: Resonates with global gentrification debates
- Wang’s Career Pivot: The role that transitioned him from comic sidekick to leading man
Streaming & Viewing Guide
- Availability: Amazon Prime (subtitled), Viki (4K remaster)
- Optimal Viewing: Watch with commentary by martial arts historian Dr. Li Xiaolong
- Companion Films: Pair with Drunken Master (1978) and King of Masks (1996) for thematic depth
Conclusion: More Than a Kung Fu Flick
-Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu* isn’t just about spectacular fight choreography (though its final 23-minute battle rivals The Raid). It’s a love letter to cultural custodianship, packaged in Wang Baoqiang’s irresistible comedic timing. For Western viewers seeking authentic Chinese narratives beyond wuxia fantasies, this 2011 masterpiece offers both belly laughs and profound insights into preserving identity in modern times.