Red Trousers: The Life of the Hong Kong Stuntmen (2003) User Reviews

The documentary and DVD extras were fascinating, the move was poor.

[stormruston · 8/10 · 16 October 2005]

I bought this on a whim while looking for a good horror movie.

This movie gives an amazing and fascinating look into the minds and body's of the hongkong stunt mens life.

The interviews are candid and fantastic, full of insight and history.

Some of the stunt footage is absolutely mind boggling.

The movie portion of this DVD tho poor is a useful tool in demonstrating the mechanics behind modern stunts in hongkong.I actually found Robin Shou to be irritating in this movie, and the weird colours were a bad choice,still it was meant as a means to an end, and it does that nicely.

I thoroughly enjoyed this DVD and recommend it to anyone interested in hongkong action or marshal movies.

Robin's Mullet steals the show

[gregsie74 · 6/10 · 16 August 2005]

Well, I've seen a lot of reviews on here giving it 10 out of 10 but they seem like duds in order to get people to buy the DVD...which i just bought and watched..so heres my sch-nickel Mikkel...

Bad points - the short film'lost time' - the cheese just oozes of this mutha and boy does it grate...on and on.

Written, directed and sprinkled with cheese by Robin Shou, I'm sorry but this mutha with its mortal combat techno-music droning away in the background and its cheese-laden dialog,needs EXCISING from the main documentary and is just an excuse for a toilet break - that is until you realize you've run out of toilet.

'embarrassing' and 'unnecessary' are two words that id use if i were having lunch with him right now.

Secondly, there's not much point to this Doc except to say, Hong Kong stunt-men would die for their art. Which is a great thing to say, except that it kinda drags like an extended outtakes from a Jackie Chan flick.

Shou as a personality, is a nice enough guy but lacks charisma as an actor which is a shame seeing as we have to watch him act his way out of a paper-bag in 'lost time'

O.K... 'nuff bitching - now the good stuff. Interviews with Sammo Hung rag on about pussy Hollywood stunt-men ...heart tingling moments where graduating kids from Beijing opera school cry over an unknown future in an ever-commercialised China....tough-nut Chinese stuntmen breaking their necks for a living , then not paid enough for the bus ride home...All in all...THAT'S DEDICATION.

I think if this Doc cut out the cheesy segment of 'Lost A-HOLE' and combined itself with 'Jackie Chan my stunts' - showing how Hong Kong stunts are done - i would have given this beast 8 out of friggin 10.

On the whole, thumbs up for showing how tough Chinese MEN really are ( Hollywood pussies bring it on ) and their dedication to their art.

Finally id give a 10 out of 10 to Robin Shou's mullet - in fact, last thing I heard is that Madonna is planning a remake of Shanghai surprise with Robin's mullet as her co-star.Ah the beauty of Hollywood rumours.

Tarantino, you can thank these guys

[VintageChic · 10/10 · 13 April 2004]

Red Trousers ROCKS! This documentary by Robin Shou and Tai Seng's maiden voyage into production is totally absorbing, shocking, and suprisingly funny. The entire length of the film is filled with "ohhs and ewws and ahhhs" from the audience. It's a real tribute to the guys who think wearing padding for a stunt means "you ain't got no balls". Hollywood stunts and all their special effects are childs play compared to what they do in Hong Kong. Also, the interviews of stunt vets such as Sammo Hung, Ridley Tsui and the children at the Peking art schools are so touching and shows what these people have sacrificed in the name of their art. The short film within is to facilitate examples within the documentary...very effective so don't try to follow the story too much. Just watch short movie within and remember how it was crafted. These men were definitely born with an extra alpha gene. One stuntman said "The first thing I think when I walk into any building in that I'm going to have to jump out of it". Another stuntman was tricked into falling onto a cement floor instead of a mattress for a more realistic reaction. Go check this film out if you can it's so worth it. Unfortunately it's only playing for 1 day in New York but it's showing around the country and I bet the DVD will be out soon.

Interesting look

[jfranc · 10/10 · 17 March 2005]

Caught this film at a film festival and was greatly impressed. I wasn't expecting much, but I was treated to an in-depth and interesting look of the lives Hong Kong stunt men. I didn't realize I could learn so much more about them.

I didn't care too much for the movie within the movie as a movie itself, but I appreciated it for the way it showcased the stunts being set up in the documentary portion of the film. By the end of the it you're left to wonder just how more stunt men aren't killed. Of course, it's their skill and training to fall without being hurt. Mortally, that is.

Wonderful! A great look at a hard life.

[betfranklin-2 · 9/10 · 6 March 2004]

We'll try and do this without any spoilers. This film is only showing in Seattle for 1 week and we, as a family, were determined not to miss it. We are all big martial arts fans and like Robin Shou's work in his other films. This was very well done and the blending of scenes (between the real movie and the stuntwork) was as smooth as silk. There were only 15 people in the theater when we went and it's a shame, because even with word of mouth not everyone will have a chance to see it. It really should be seen on the big screen, since no DVD will ever be able to capture the same experience of the theater. It has already won an award, and looks like it will be claiming many more during it's run. If you are into action movies, stunts, or martial arts, see this film at all costs!

WOW!!!!!

[robinrules · 10/10 · 21 February 2004]

People will look back on this movie and say it was the best ever in Hong Kong action! It's really two movies in one! The Red Trousers part refers to the Peking Opera School days and how many stuntmen/actors came from that kind of background. These guys are for real! It's awesome! I don't know how they can do those crazy stunts! It's really cool the stuntmen had Robin do this movie because they don't get much credit - not according to the film anyway. In Hong Kong you are just expected to do it and if not you someone else. Those guys bust up their bodies and for not much money. My favorite though is Lost Time, the movie where Robin Evan is in a fantastic world of martial arts and magic and legend and Forest Devils. Won't explain that part - go see the movie, it'a winner! Jason

Terribly Impressed...not even an action junkie

[greedybugger · 10/10 · 13 April 2004]

I just caught Red Trousers against my own will when a martial arts fanatic friend of mine dragged me to the theater. And oh boy was I glad he did. Not only was Red Trousers uniquely made combining movie and documentary, but to refer to it as eye-opening is compeletly underselling it. The stuntmen in Hong Kong should be each be given an award for their dedication to an artform that is in every sense being digitalized everywhere else in this world. I checked out the Red Trousers website and was sad to see that the film is only in limited release throughout the country...however if you are one of the lucky millions living in the big cities nationwide, make sure you see it. This visually spectacular, stunning gem of a documentary deserves much much more recognition. The one part I liked the best (besides the absolutely breathtaking, bone-breaking sequences) were the interviews with children at various martial arts schools in China. The one-track focus many of these young children possess toward their goal and the torturous training methods really goes to show how easy kids in the U.S. have it. During his interview, Sammo Hung, star of Martial Law and hundreds of HK flicks, stated that during his childhood in those opera/martial arts schools, he had to do a one and a half hour handstand every morning before he was even allowed to brush his teeth. Congratulations to Tai Seng and Robin Shou for doing a great job presenting to us the fantastic world of stuntmanship.

Behind the scenes look at Hong Kong stunt men

[loushel · 10/10 · 18 March 2005]

Very inspirational !! I was in awe watching the stunt men perform and the dedication it takes in training to correctly execute the stunts !! Robin Shou has done a great service to the Hong Kong stunt men by allowing us regular people a peak at what really goes on behind the camera. Of course now I have a brand new passion/interest and would love to see these stunts first hand ! The historical account of the Red Trousers beginning and clips of young men and women training in the schools was impressive. I was overwhelmed by the students hard work and the hopes they expressed at succeeding in the industry. Lost Time was smooth, edgy and sexy..would like to see that expanded into a full length film.

An Inside Look

[glamgirlannie · 10/10 · 21 March 2005]

Red Trousers is a fantastic work of art, intertwining a full-feature documentary with an action short. It transports the audience into a world of life-endangering stunts and uncovers the hardships and motivations that are the driving force for these Hong Kong stunt men. The documentary includes interviews with well-known martial artists such as Sammo Hung, Lau Kar Leung, and writer/director/actor Robin Shou as well as aspiring "red trousers" from a Peking Opera school in China, who all have heart-warming stories to share. "Red Trouser: The Life of a Hong Kong Stuntman" is a truly fascinating look at stunts as an art, a career, and a way of life.

Great fun and touching at the same time .

[tommywong · 10/10 · 22 March 2005]

The movie was really touching and it takes you to the other side of the action movie business. I always wanted to be an action star but after seeing this movie I need to work harder just like Robin Shou. I diffidently would buy this DVD and recommend other to watch it or own it. Cannot wait until Robin Shou next movie, I also like the movie background and the music, the movie according to the article was film in Hong Kong and China, one of my friend call me and told me the movie has already been shown in Asia on Discovery and everyone like it, I am still waiting for Discovery Channel to show this movie in USA. I hope to see Robin Shou in more action movie and perform more of his Kung-Fu in future Movies for Hollywood.

Very insightful to a world that is rarely uncovered....

[snicholey · 10/10 · 21 March 2005]

Red Trousers is a movie that give you an insightful look upon the life of a Hong Kong Stunt person. Their dedication, and enthusiasm will guide you into the lives of these young men, women and children.

Robin Shou, puts on a great documentary which highlights his excitement which is caught in his personal interviews and stories among his cohorts.

These young men and women who dedicate their lives in both physical and mental attributes can fully be appreciated in this movie.

The ending pulls everything together where you can see the end product of hundreds of hours of blood, sweat and tears.

Go out and buy this DVD!!! http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=1101746

Entertaining!

[jpluck · 10/10 · 21 March 2005]

After hearing great reviews about this film, I was excited to see it. I found it informative yet entertaining! This film is about life decisions and personal sacrifices made by actors for the sake of making a scene in a movie as realistic as possible! I have a new found appreciation to the art of the stunt world profession, particularly in the martial arts! Robin is not only a wonderful actor but a great director as well! He did a superb job in putting together this film to share with us what his experiences has been like as a stuntman and a little of the world of stunt men (and stunt women). The film is well documented with lots of interesting personalities, some famous and some not-so-famous. There are lots of great action scenes and sequences for guys to enjoy! And there are some heartfelt stories for the gals to enjoy! It's best to go see it with a friend or two! I would give this an A+!

Good and Interesting.

[Dragonangel19 · 10/10 · 23 June 2005]

Hi! I really enjoyed watching this, it is very interesting to see what Stuntmen are going through when movies are made.

I have to say that it doesn't look like a very fun job to do, its very dangerous, but I guess if you are a kind of person for extreme sport you can do something like this :)

I have to admit that the only reason I've watched this movie is because of Robin Shou, and I'm glad that I got to watch it, it's very interesting to see how a movie is being made and what has to be done to get great stunts... After all a good movie is all about good stunts and special effects.

Getting the point...

[llau1668 · 10/10 · 26 March 2005]

After reading some of the negative comments to this film, I've come to the realization that a lot of critics seem to have missed the boat on the subject matter of this documentary. Yes, there are a lot of hidden questions. Where are the medics when the stunts go wrong? Who pays the bills? What happens to the stunt men who don't make it? These are all legitimate questions, but this is not what the film is about. The film is about the passion of these stunt men. They take pride in creating the stunts that no ordinary person can even imagine. They are determined to make their families proud of their achievements. And if they come across always happy, it's because they love what they do, even knowing the risks. This is who they are and it is what they do. They are STUNTMEN.

If you want the questions about the medics and the compensations answered, then you probably are not a fan of the old Shaw brothers' movies, and all of the Jackie Chan movies, because this is how Hong Kong films are made. With lots of HEART.

Credits where credit is due...

[poe426 · 10/10 · 21 May 2013]

They're the unsung heroes of Asian action films, and RED TROUSERS goes behind the death-defying stunts to give us a peek into THEIR world. The stories are often heartbreakingly sad, with people who put their lives on the line (and sometimes ending up seriously injured) being paid very little and forcing themselves to keep at it despite injuries lest they be replaced. With the obvious exceptions of Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, I can't think of an Asian stuntman who became a superstar; most probably don't survive long enough to make it big. There are some interesting interviews on the Extras disc, including one with Sammo and one with Liu Chia-Liang/Lau Ka Leung. Says Leung: "I make movies for one purpose only, and that is to exalt the martial arts. You can't use special effects to express martial arts. Whenever I make a movie, kung fu must be its inspiration, or I will no longer make movies." He adds, "If you can still do it, do it. Keep working."

A Weak Documentary, Misses Opportunity

[yojimbo999 · 5 June 2004]

I guess if you went into this looking for a docu that fawns over its subjects, this is the one for you. It certainly never addresses any real-life issues involved with being a stuntmen in Hong Kong. They tell you that Hollywood stuntmen are wimps by comparison -- true, but at least in Hollywood stuntmen are treated as PEOPLE, not PROPS in a movie only there to be used and tossed away, broken and damaged. Oh sure, everyone interviewed here claims to absolutely love it, but the docu never asks any of the hard questions, such as:

1) When they're injured, who pays the hospital bills? Answer: No one. The injured stuntman is simply SOL. 2) When they fall during a stunt, where are the doctors to rush in to save their life, if necessary? Answer: There are none. If they die, they die. 3) Why are stuntment treated like cheap prop? Answer: I wish I knew.

Now, you may look at the questions above and dismiss it, but remember that while YOU, the audience, demands bigger and better stunts, these poor saps have to actually do them, and when a stunt misfires, their lives are at stake. Does knowing that really make watching all those Hong Kong movies better? If so, then good for you -- you don't give a crud about these guys, so how nice for you. Me, I'd prefer to know that at least the stuntmen in Hollywood movies have doctors on location in case they get hurt, and if they do get hurt, they'll be taken care off. But hey, that's just me.

This could have been a serious, real documentary, but instead it just looks like a big advertisement for Shou's movie, which we see a lot of in the film. No big questions, no hard questions are asked. It's all fawning over Hong Kong stuntmen.

In journalism, they call this a fluff piece. It's certainly no documentary, that's for sure.