Stephen Chow’s Iconic Films (Selected Masterpieces)
Here’s a curated list of Stephen Chow’s most influential films, with original commentary highlighting their cultural impact and unique style:
- 《Final Justice》(霹雳先锋, 1988)
Chow’s breakthrough role as a young gangster-turned-police informant earned him the Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Horse Awards. This gritty crime drama marked his transition from TV to film stardom. - 《All for the Winner》(赌圣, 1990)
A defining work of Chow’s “Mo Lei Tau” (nonsensical humor), blending supernatural powers with gambling themes. It shattered Hong Kong box-office records and cemented his status as a comedy legend. - 《Fight Back to School》Series (逃学威龙, 1991-1993)
Chow plays an undercover cop in a school, merging slapstick comedy with action. The first installment became Hong Kong’s highest-grossing film of 1991. - 《Flirting Scholar》(唐伯虎点秋香, 1993)
A hilarious parody of historical romance, featuring Chow as the eccentric poet Tang Bohu. Its witty dialogue and absurdity remain iconic in Chinese pop culture. - 《A Chinese Odyssey》Series (大话西游, 1995)
This two-part fantasy epic reimagines Journey to the West with tragicomic depth. Initially a box-office flop, it later gained cult status for its philosophical take on love and destiny. - 《The God of Cookery》(食神, 1996)
A satirical tale of a fallen culinary star’s redemption. Mixing food battles with life lessons, it showcases Chow’s ability to balance humor and heart. - 《King of Comedy》(喜剧之王, 1999)
A semi-autobiographical story about a struggling actor. Its blend of pathos and humor reflects Chow’s own journey, making it one of his most personal works. - 《Shaolin Soccer》(少林足球, 2001)
Combining kung fu with sports, this visually inventive film won 7 Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Director and Best Film. Its CGI-driven action influenced global cinema. - 《Kung Fu Hustle》(功夫, 2004)
A love letter to martial arts films, featuring jaw-dropping choreography and cartoonish violence. It broke box-office records across Asia and remains a benchmark for action-comedy fusion. - 《CJ7》(长江7号, 2008)
Chow’s family-friendly sci-fi about a poor father and an alien pet. While less slapstick, its emotional core highlights his versatility in storytelling.
Honorable Mentions
- 《From Beijing with Love》(国产凌凌漆, 1994): A James Bond spoof with dark humor, praised for its satirical edge.
- 《The Mermaid》(美人鱼, 2016): As a director, Chow blended environmental themes with absurdity, proving his enduring creativity.
For a full list of 62 films, refer to resources like or . Each title reflects Chow’s evolution from slapstick actor to auteur, blending laughter with existential musings—a true pioneer of East Asian cinema.