On April 5, 2022, the legendary Chinese actor, director and producer died at the age of 80. Jimmy Wang Yu (often found simply as Jimmy Wang), known for his leading roles in films “One-armed swordsman” (1967) “Chinese boxer” (1970) “One-Armed Boxer” (1972) “Island of Fire” (1990) and many others.
Jimmy Wang Yu, born Wang Zhengquan, was born in 1943 in Shanghai and before he came to filmmaking at the studio Shaw Brothers, was a champion water polo player and amateur racer. At first, he played not the most significant roles, until in 1967 he played the main and star role in the film “One-armed swordsman” directed by Chang Cheh. “Swordbearer” instantly made Wang Yu a star, but the merits of the film do not end there. The film changed the direction of Chinese combat cinema and sharply turned the theatrical wuxia genre towards brutal, bloody battles. In this light, the main character also stood out: hyper-charismatic, energetic, impetuous, full of internal conflicts, more like a Japanese samurai than a Chinese swordsman familiar to the viewer. Subsequently, Wang Yu appeared in this role in the Japanese samurai action film "One Armed Samurai" (1971), where he fought with the no less legendary Shintaro Katsu, who played his iconic role of Zatoichi.
Released three years later “Chinese boxer” not only cemented Wang Yu's star status, but also marked his directorial debut. And in this case, the legendary status of the film was also not long in coming. It is generally accepted that this is the first Hong Kong film to put hand-to-hand combat rather than sword fighting at the center of the narrative and make the main artistic device, making Jimmy, in fact, the first and leading Hong Kong kung fu action actor.
Our editors advise all fans of the genre to refresh their memory of this picture. Try to make allowances for time, specific editing and the naivety of the choreography, approaching the viewing impartially. This is a dramatic film, strong and powerful, imbued with the aesthetics of Western and samurai cinema, emotional, bloody and cruel, with an enchanting main character and bright villains. Separately, it is worth mentioning the excellent and rather modern camera work and framing: beautiful long shots, emphasized by drama and suspense, well-chosen and played out locations. Particular highlights include a sword fight in the snow and a final hand-to-hand duel with three villains against a backdrop of mountains.
And “Chinese boxer”, according to the editors, gave us one of the best mass fights in cinema, completely devoid of theatrical gloss, but filled to the brim with fake blood and total tension.
We can confidently say that the film had an impact on his film career. Bruce Lee, because the similarity "Chinese boxer" и “Fists of Fury” (1972) noticeable to the naked eye.
Appearance Bruce Lee did not in any way affect the productivity of Wang Yu's career, and in subsequent decades he actively filmed and starred in hand-to-hand action films, most often exploiting the image of a one-armed swordsman or a Chinese boxer.
In 1990 year Jimmy Wang Yu brings one of his most prominent roles, crime boss Lucas, to life in the prison drama “Island of Fire”, which once again confirms the highest level of natural charisma and acting talent. The film is rightfully considered one of the most mature in Hong Kong cinema, and the star cast is amazing: Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Tony Leung Ka-Fai, each of which has a lot of screen time.
In addition to acting, Jimmy is known for his public scandals, including family ones, as well as his connection with the triad. It is believed that Jackie Chan agreed to play “Island of Fire” precisely at the request of Jimmy, who at one time saved Jackie from problems with the Chinese mafia.
Last film in career Jimmy Wang Yu - painting "Soul" 2013, Taiwan's application to the list “Best films in a foreign language” at the 86th awards ceremony "Oscar", but ended up not being nominated. In it, Jimmy plays one of the two main roles, showing the viewer that age is not a hindrance for an actor of this level.
In March 2018, it became known that Wang Yu suffered a minor stroke in 2011 due to overwork during filming. In December 2015, he suffered another stroke at a Thai airport, causing the actor to undergo two emergency brain surgeries. After returning to Taiwan, he was hospitalized and the media reported his critical condition several times.
Died Jimmy Wang Yu on the 10th day after his 79th birthday.
With all due respect to Jimmy and the other actors, “Island of Fire” is still a passable and cheap film. There is a legend that Jackie Chan agreed to the role as a sign of respect for Wang Yu, and Andy Lau in those days starred in 12-13 films a year. Nevertheless, Jimmy Wang Yu is a significant figure and a cult figure in action cinema.