John Woo
Also Known As: Wu Yu-Sheng, Wu Yu-Shen, Wu Yao-Shen, John Y. S. Woo, John Y. Woo, Ng Yue-Sum
Biography: John Woo Yu-Sen SBS is a Hong Kong film director and producer. Recognized for his stylised films of highly choreographed action sequences, Mexican standoffs, and use of slow-motion, Woo has directed several notable Hong Kong action films, among them, A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Hard Boiled and Red Cliff. His Hollywood films include Hard Target, Broken Arrow, Face/Off and Mission: Impossible 2. He also created the comic series Seven Brothers, published by Virgin Comics. Woo was described by Dave Kehr in The Observer in 2002 as "arguably the most influential director making movies today". Woo cites his three favorite films as David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai and Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Samouraï.
Department: Directing
Place of Birth: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
Birthday: September 22, 1946
Adult: No
Gender: Male
Popularity:
Known For:
Hard Boiled
Overview: A cop who loses his partner in a shoot-out with gun smugglers goes on a mission to catch them. In order to get closer to the leaders of the ring he joins forces with an undercover cop who's working as a gangster hitman. They use all means of excessive force to find them.
Genres: Action Thriller Crime
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1992-04-16
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Mission: Improbable
Overview: A behind the scenes look at the stunt work of "Mission: Impossible 2", told through one stunt man who looks like a certain superstar, who's got his looks, but certainly not his smarts.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-06-02
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How Bruce Lee Changed the World
Overview: More than just a biography, this film explores Bruce Lee's global impact to see how he has influenced all areas of popular culture including fitness, cinema, music, sport, dance, video games and philosophy. A journey across the United States, Asia and Europe, takes Shannon Lee on a trip back to her father's roots in Hong Kong and China. With unique access to the family's photographic archive, home movies and all material owned by the Bruce Lee Foundation.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-05-17
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Dead Knot
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1968-01-01
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Accidentally
Overview: John Woo's experimental short film, made during his time in college. The line between genuine love and violent obsession is blurred when a man falls for a girl and proceeds to tie her up with rope to him, making her follow him around and bend to his whims until tragedy ultimately befalls them both.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1968-01-01
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The Young Dragons
Overview: The powerful mobster Leung, who is protected by the dangerous and wicked Huan Fai, sells two hundred Japanese weapons and ammunition to a Chinese gang. He uses the smuggler Luy Fu to bring the weapons but the smalltime thief Kim and his gang heist the shipment on the road and dump the cargo into the sea. However, he lures Luy Fu and asks a large amount to return the weapons with the intention of traveling abroad with his brother. Meanwhile Kim befriends Fan Ming, an undercover police office from Shanghai that is investigating the illegal activities of Leung. When the mobster finds that Fan Ming is a policeman, Leung ambushes him and Huan Fai and his men stab the officer that falls from a cliff into the sea. Kim brings Fan Ming's fiancée Ipi Feng to the house of his lover, the prostitute Hung, and tells Ipi Feng that her fiancé was murdered by Leung. She decides to revenge the death of her beloved Fan Ming with tragic consequences.
Genres: Action
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1974-07-25
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Jackie Chan: My Story
Overview: Jackie Chan is one of the world's biggest action stars, famed for his wacky sense of humor, remarkable martial arts techniques, and willingness to perform incredible stunts without the use of doubles -- or a net. This video takes a personal look at Chan as he works on screen projects in Hollywood and Beijing and candidly discusses his life and work.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-07-17
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Beginning of the Great Revival
Overview: A chronicle of the events that led to the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.
Genres: Drama Action History War
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 2011-06-23
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I Love Maria
Overview: RoboCop as a woman... The Hero Gang is a nasty group of thugs terrorizing Hong Kong with their killer robots, Pioneers 1 and 2. While Pioneer 1 looks like an oridinary robot, Pioneer 2 has been modelled on Maria, the gang's #2 thug. When Pioneer 2 gets damaged during a mission to kill an outcast gang member, an inventor on the police force takes her and changes some of her programming. This new code, plus a few injuries to her logic center, start causing Pioneer 2 to develop her own personality.
Genres: Science Fiction
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1988-03-10
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Young Lovers on Flying Wheels
Overview: Forced to choose between the woman he loves and the dangerous, fast-paced life of motorcycles, what will our hero do? Will he toss the bike aside and pick the girl? Or will he leave the girl in favor of the bike? Or is there a chance for some sort of compromise?
Genres: Action
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1974-09-20
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The Master: Chang Cheh Documentary
Overview: One of the greatest, prolific and most influential action directors in history Chang Cheh! Documentary about the Shaw Brother's most prolific director.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 2003-06-04
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Once a Thief
Overview: Three orphans grow up to become art thieves under the tutelage of a crime boss. Romance complicates matters when the trio are double-crossed.
Genres: Action Comedy Thriller Crime
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1991-02-02
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Kurosawa: The Last Emperor
Overview: A profile and history of film director Akira Kurosawa.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-01-01
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Yang ± Yin: Gender in Chinese Cinema
Overview: An exploration of Chinese cinema and its relationships with gender and sexuality, which the film argues has been more frankly and provocatively explored than in any other national cinema. Utilizing both film excerpts and interviews with many leading directors and academics, the film examines topics such as male bonding in kung fu movies, depictions of same-sex bonding and physical intimacy, the emphasis on women's grievances in melodramas, and the career of Yam Kim-Fai, a Hong Kong actress who spent her life portraying men on and off the screen.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1998-06-04
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Cinema Hong Kong: Wu Xia
Overview: A full journey from the beginning of "Swordplay" movies in Shanghai, growth in Hong Kong cinemas in the 60's and 70's and Ang Lee's epic "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in 2000. The series also features interviews with such luminaries including John Woo, Chu Yuen, Lau Ka Leung, Gordon Lau Ka Fai, Sammo Hung, David Chiang and Cheng Pei Pei.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 2003-01-02
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Sunset in Paris
Overview: The story of "Sunset Paris" tells that Leslie Cheung, who plays Leslie, and Maggie Cheung, who plays Maggie, are a couple. Leslie gets an opportunity to study at the University of Paris, so he leaves Hong Kong to go abroad to pursue his ideals, but has to separate from his girlfriend Maggie for a short time. While living in Paris, Leslie meets a painter, Cherie, played by Cherie Chung, and develops a relationship with her. Things get complicated when Maggie comes to Paris on a visit and realizes that things are not the same...
Genres: Music Romance
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1989-06-14
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Starry Is the Night
Overview: As Cai Mei, a single 40 year old woman and a social worker starts a relationship with a teen-ager Tian-Ah, she remembers her relationship when she was young with her professor, a married man older than her.
Genres: Romance
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1988-10-13
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Rebel from China
Overview: Prolific action director Woo proves his thespian mettle on screen as a destitute, desperate Chinese defector who, with his brother in tow, tries to find a foothold in the Hong Kong underworld.
Genres: Crime Drama Action
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1990-10-25
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Kurosawa's Way
Overview: Eleven major film makers from Europe, America and Asia talk about Akira Kurosawa and discover surprising influences on their own work.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2011-05-13
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Plain Jane to the Rescue
Overview: Jane, with plain looks but a heart of gold, is always in between jobs. Once she gets a job, her knack for creating awkward situations immediately loses it for her. Ricky is her suitor, but he gets nowhere as the girl has no time for love. So Ricky goes along with her in job hunting. Somehow, Jane lands on a job as governess. Not to a child, but to an uncouth very old, very rich man who still wants to lead the life of his poor, uncivilized youth. His son is now running the old man's millions. He wants to bring up the father the civilized way. And he wants to take over the whole city through take-over deals. He is ruthless and has thrown thousands into the streets.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1982-10-21
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A Better Tomorrow
Overview: A reforming ex-gangster tries to reconcile with his estranged policeman brother, but the ties to his former gang are difficult to break.
Genres: Action Crime Drama
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1986-08-02
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Love, Lone Flower
Overview: Wau Fong and Pak Yuk are attractive hostesses in a cabaret with a great following. One of Wan's suitors, Or Ah Chun is a powerful and prominent figure with strong Japanese connections. But she is reluctant to accept his affection and offer of good life. A postgraduate returning from Japan, Lin San Lon is deeply in love with Pak. The musically talented Lin composes the song LOVE, LONE FLOWER for her. But an American bomber puts an end to their relationship, killing Or and Pak in the debris of the cabaret. Wan becomes "Chieftain" of May Flower Restaurant after the liberation. Among the girls under her supervision, she is surprised to see the late Pak...
Genres: Drama
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1985-06-22
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Happy Union 2
Overview: Taiwanese comedy.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1985-01-01
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Task Force
Overview: Lin is a plain-clothes cop in the crime-riddled district of Mongkok who bungles a vice operation directed at mainland prostitues. He falls for a ditsy hooker who tells him the love of her life is a killer who once svaed her life in a shootout.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1997-11-13
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The Founding of a Republic
Overview: The tale of one man who fought against the tyranny of a ruler and led his people in battle in the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 2009-09-17
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The King of Wuxia Part 1
Overview: The life of the epoch-making master of martial arts cinema, King Hu.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 2022-10-24
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Follow the Star
Overview: On that side of the track is Ah Sing (Roy Chiao), uncouth, unkempt, a garage repairman, a bravado with plenty of tricks up his overall sleeve. And on the other side of the track is rich, young recording artist Gayle (Rowena Cortes), idol of the young with her songs and dances, but an orphan. Harry is her manager. They should not meet, least to say forming some kind of partnership, but they do. Gayle goes to Ah Sing's garage for repairs. When Harry and she drive off, the car's undercarriage Ah Sing and drags him along. Fate steps in the form of five toughles who stop the car and kidnap Gayle to a farmhouse. It so happens that Gayle's father and the five were robbers but the father took off with all the money while the five were caught. They want the money back now they have served the time...
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1978-02-04
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The Thirty Million Dollar Rush
Overview: Treasury employee Fatty (Eric Tsang) discovered that bags of used 30 million in Hong Kong Dollars have not been incinerated due to a system error; therefore, he hatches up a plot to grab the doe before they are burned. He seeks his friends Mark (Mark Cheng) and Tomboy (Anglie Leung) to help him with the heist; but, they also enlist actual thief Baldy (Karl Maka), who had just been released from prison, to double the assistance with his thievery skills. But, Baldy wants the money for his own and to share it with love interest Siu-Fung (Paula Tsui). Hot on their trail is a hothead inspector (Ching Wong) and a nun, Sister Maria (Brigitte Lin), who wants to save them for redemption.
Genres: Comedy Adventure
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1987-07-02
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Ken San
Overview: KEN SAN pieces together the puzzle of the life and legacy of Japan's mythical acting icon, Ken Takakura. Collaborators, friends and family tell intimate stories of Ken's journey: how one man of quiet dignity became a cultural barrier-breaking film star.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2016-08-20
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Cinema Hong Kong: Kung Fu
Overview: Filmmaker Ian Taylor examines the impressive legacy of Hong Kong cinema -- specifically, how martial arts crossed borders and become an international phenomenon -- with the help of footage and interviews with the stars who made the genre what it is today. Director Lau Ka Leung (who helmed The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) joins in, sharing his thoughts on how certain cinematic technologies have improved martial arts films and expanded their appeal, on the set of Drunken Monkey (2003).
Genres: Documentary TV Movie
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 2003-01-01
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Itchy Fingers
Overview: Biggie (Roy Chiao) and Tiny (Richard Ng) grow up together. They fight all the time. Biggie is a detective and Tiny is a thief. Biggie has the satisfaction of catching Tiny and putting him behind bars. When Tiny is released, he is approached by Daigau who wants Tiny's help to steal the world famous diamond.
Genres: Comedy Crime
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1979-01-26
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Film ohne Fesseln - Das neue Hongkong Kino
Overview: A German documentary on Hong Kong cinema.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: de
Release Date: 1993-01-01
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Cinema of Vengeance
Overview: A documentary study of martial arts films and their leading protagonists. Included are profiles of such artists as Bruce Lee, Cynthia Rothrock, Jackie Chan, Jean-Claude Van Damme and John Woo favourite Chow Yun Fat.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-01-01
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The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies
Overview: Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, this in-depth documentary offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the martial arts film -- from the genre's rebellious beginnings to high-flying modern epics. Jackson takes you through the best moments of 100 movies, including Charlie's Angels and Oscar winner Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Interviews with martial arts film veterans Sammo Hung, John Woo and Ang Lee round out the video.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-06-01
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The Banquet
Overview: Developer Tsang Siu Chi and his agent have bought two of a group of four properties. Rival developer, Boss Hung has secured the other two properties. Both aim to buy all four so they can knock them down and build hotels.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1991-11-30
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The Mandarin
Overview: A detective and wanderer called Man Tshu comes to town and challenges the crime family that owns it, burning their opium and taking away one of their prostitute wives as his love interest.
Genres: Crime Action Adventure
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1973-06-28
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Bullet in the Head
Overview: Three childhood friends from the slums of Hong Kong flee to war-time Saigon after accidentally murdering a gang leader, but their troubles only escalate.
Genres: Action Crime Thriller
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1990-08-17
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From Riches to Rags
Overview: Ricky and Fatso are friends in need. They are in dire need of money since they are only paid slave wages at the bottling factory. However, they become millionaires overnight after buying a winning lottery ticket. During one of their swingin' nights on the town, Ricky is suddenly attacked by an upset stomach; and in no time, a quack doctor diagnoses the seizure as terminal cancer. Ricky seriously considers suicide. But he is appalled by the drawbacks inherent in the available methods of doing himself in--primarily the pain! It is on a rooftop from which he is supposed to make a plunge that he saves a poor man from suicide by giving the latter all the money he has. In gratitude, the newly rich man promises to hire a killer to finish off his suffering benefactor...
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1980-07-10
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A Century of Light and Shadow
Overview: Revisit 100 years of Chinese cinema through the RTHK TV program A Century of Light and Shadow. Aired in 2005, this interesting and informative documentary traces the development of the Chinese film industry from the pioneering years to contemporary times. From the volley between Mandarin and Cantonese films to the rise of the New Wave, this program touches on all the major trends and developments that have helped define Chinese cinema and explores different genres and representative figures and films. From actors to directors, over 200 film industry names, including Jackie Chan, John Woo, Sammo Hung, Connie Chan, Andrew Lau, Peter Chan, and Lau Ching Wan, appear in the program, bringing their intimate knowledge of the industry and providing insight about what lies ahead for Chinese cinema.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 2005-01-01
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Twin Dragons
Overview: Twins, separated at birth, end up as a Hong Kong gangster and a New York concert pianist. When the pianist travels to Hong Kong for a concert, the two inevitably get mistaken for each other.
Genres: Action Comedy Crime
Original Language: cn
Release Date: 1992-01-15
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Hand of Death
Overview: A young monk must face the Extended Iron Claw technique of a powerful warlord seeking to destroy Shaolin.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 1976-07-15
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Team-Up: John Woo and Shinji Aramaki
Overview: Short focusing on the collaboration between John Woo and Shinji Aramaki in Appleseed Ex Machina.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-03-11
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The Founding of a Republic
Overview: The tale of one man who fought against the tyranny of a ruler and led his people in battle in the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 2009-09-17
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Crossings: John Woo
Overview: Crossings: John Woo starts with Woo's emotional homecoming to Hong Kong in 2004 to promote his latest blockbuster Paycheck. It leads you through his teen years where he made avant garde films, his apprenticeship with Shaw Brothers' martial arts director Chang Che, his coming of age as a director directing slapstick Hong Kong comedies through the 70s and 80s. It charts the genesis of the groundbreaking A Better Tomorrow starring Chow Yun Fat, a film that creates a new genre in Hong Kong cinema and launches Woo's career into the international arena.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-06-20
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John Travolta, le miraculé d'Hollywood
Overview: The gripping story of legendary American actor John Travolta: his rise to stardom in the 1970s; his agonizing fall in disgrace in the 1980s; and his stunning artistic rebirth in the 1990s.
Genres: Documentary TV Movie
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2017-03-19
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Life in 24 Frames a Second
Overview: "Life in 24 Frames a Second" is a film about hardship, misfortune, perseverance and triumph. The personal stories of John Woo (The Killer), Anurag Kashyap (Sacred Games), Rithy Panh (The Missing Picture) and Lav Diaz (The Woman Who Left), who survived extreme poverty, disease, sexual abuse, genocide and civil war to go on to become maestros of world cinema. 'Survivors' united by their abiding love of the movies.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-06-26
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The King of Wuxia Part 2
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: zh
Release Date: 2022-10-28
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Chop Socky: Cinema Hong Kong
Overview: A look at the martial arts and kung fu cinema of Hong Kong
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-10-04
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The Light and the Dark: The Making of 'Face/Off'
Overview: A five-part documentary with interviews from the director, cast and crew, and some behind-scenes footage.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-09-11
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