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The Prodigal Son (1981)
"Bai ga jai" (original title)

7.4
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Ratings: 7.4/10 from 1,718 users  
Reviews: 18 user | 25 critic

A rich man's son (Yuen Biao) believes himself to be the best kung fu fighter in Canton. Unfortunately, his father, anxious for his son's safety, bribes all his opponents to lose. After a ... See full summary »

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Title: The Prodigal Son (1981)

The Prodigal Son (1981) on IMDb 7.4/10

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Cast

Credited cast:
Yuen Biao ...
Ching-Ying Lam ...
Leung Yee-tai
...
Wong Wah-bo
Frankie Chan ...
Ngai Fei
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Lung Chan ...
Yee Tong-choi
Yau Hau Chan ...
Chang's father
Ching Po Chang ...
Opera troupe manager
Hsi Chang ...
Doctor
Wellson Chin ...
Master Mun
Yuet Sang Chin ...
Chang's Kungfu teacher
Fat Chung ...
Mr Law
Wai-han Ho ...
Twiggy
Hoi Sang Lee ...
Chang's Kungfu teacher
Wen Tai Li ...
Angry Kungfu master
Ching Lin ...
Chang's mother
Edit

Storyline

A rich man's son (Yuen Biao) believes himself to be the best kung fu fighter in Canton. Unfortunately, his father, anxious for his son's safety, bribes all his opponents to lose. After a humiliating defeat at the hands of an actor in a traveling theatre company, the son resolves to find a better teacher. Furious kung fu battles and slapstick comedy. Written by Richard Hills <R.Hills@wlv.ac.uk>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Action | Comedy

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for martial arts violence | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

22 December 1981 (Hong Kong)  »

Also Known As:

The Prodigal Son  »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Quotes

Leung Chang: Yee Tai, tell me the truth. Is my kung fu really that bad?
Leung Yee Tai: It is. You don't even know the basics.
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User Reviews

 
"Speechless"... (get it?!)
19 November 2005 | by (Brisbane, Australia.) – See all my reviews

Excellent period Kung-fu film. It features outstanding Kung-fu scenes, beautiful cinematography, and amusing and clever dialogue.

We follow the "Street Brawler" (Yuen Biao), as he strives to learn martial arts from a master he has selected. The master is reluctant to teach, and the "Street Brawler" must prove his worth somewhat to learn.

Although *slightly* over-plotted, this film has a unique balance of all the important elements one looks for in a Sammo Hung film. The comedy, the innovative and savage Kung-fu, and the unusual dramatic structure.

It is never boring, particularly the start of the film. It is so well made that I could watch at least another hour of this film if it were possible.

Yuen Biao certainly rivals Jackie Chan in this film. It is his second starring role, but it is played with such ability you would never know.

Sure, the ending's a little "syncopated", but the overall effect of this film is too much for any niggling details to harm it. A must-see in this genre.


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