Pedicab Driver

Starting in the 1980s, Hong Kong action movies began to break with the tried-and-tested kungfu formula of training to beat an enemy; instead, they started to mix elements of romance, comedy and action together into a whole new hybrid genre. Pedicab Driver tells of the love affairs of two pedicab drivers, neatly blending romantic scenes with breathtaking action sequences. The Star Wars-esque lightsaber battles are hilarious, and the mad cap chases between cars and the tricycles truly thrilling. The most jaw-dropping scene of all, however, is the showdown between Sammo Hung and Lau Kar-leung: Lau, trained in the orthodox Southern school of martial arts, confronts Hung, with his background in Peking Opera. Both are Hong Kong masters of choreography in their respective styles – their fighting ranges from fists to sticks, creating a powerful and supremely memorable visual spectacle.