The Prodigal Son

Watch The Prodigal Son

"The fighting men in Chinese opera house."
  • R
  • 1982
  • 7.3  (3,502)

The Prodigal Son is a Hong Kong martial arts movie from the year 1981. It was directed by Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who also starred in the movie, alongside Ching-Ying Lam and Biao Yuen. The film follows the story of the spoiled and arrogant young martial artist, Leung Chang (played by Yuen), who is an expert in Wing Chun, a Chinese martial art. Despite being a skilled fighter and the son of a wealthy businessman (played by Lam), Chang is despised by his father's peers and ridiculed by his fellow martial artists for his arrogance and lack of discipline.

When Chang discovers that his father is paying other martial artists to let him win in fights, he decides to enter a real competition to prove himself. However, after being soundly defeated and humiliated by a rival martial artist named Tsang (played by Hung), Chang realizes how little he truly knows about martial arts and vows to become a true disciple of Wing Chun.

Despite his initial reluctance, Chang persuades his father's business partner to train him in Wing Chun, and he soon discovers a passion for martial arts that he had never felt before. After several months of intense training, Chang returns to the martial arts world with a newfound confidence and respect for his fellow fighters.

However, this newfound respect is short-lived, as Tsang and his gang target Chang and his father's business in a bid to control the local martial arts scene. The final act of the movie sees Chang and his father's business partner facing off against Tsang and his gang in a brutal and bloody showdown which tests Chang's newfound skills and discipline to the limit.

The Prodigal Son is a classic Hong Kong martial arts movie that showcases some of the most impressive and acrobatic fight sequences of its time. As well as being a thrilling action movie, it also delves into themes of discipline, redemption, and the power of perseverance. The character of Leung Chang is a memorable one, thanks to the nuanced performance of actor Biao Yuen, who manages to transform Chang from a despicable character into a sympathetic one over the course of the movie.

One of the most notable elements of the movie is the incredible choreography of the fight scenes. Directed by Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who is renowned for his innovative and dynamic fight choreography, the movie features a range of different martial arts styles, including Wing Chun, Hung Gar, and Tai Chi. In addition to the impressive displays of martial arts skill, the movie also features some memorable comedic moments, which serve to lighten the tone and provide a nice counterbalance to the more serious moments of the story.

Overall, The Prodigal Son is a must-see for fans of classic martial arts movies. With impressive fight scenes, engaging characters, and a compelling redemption story, the movie stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of Hong Kong cinema or a newcomer to the world of martial arts movies, The Prodigal Son is definitely worth watching.

The Prodigal Son
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Description
  • Release Date
    1982
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (3,502)