"Kung Fu Stuntman Dragon Tiger Warrior" Sammo Hung "Never say no!" Stuntmen tell us about the behind-the-scenes history of Hong Kong action [Actor's Interview Vol.27]

How to join Sammo Hung's stunt team

Q: During your heyday in the 1980s, you and Jackie Chan formed your own stunt team and competed with each other to create masterpieces.

Sammo Hung: At that time, myself, Jackie, and the other actors had a stunt team, but we all knew each other very well. We have the same Peking Opera teacher, so we are brothers and disciples. Each of them had their own specialty, and the relationship was very good.

Q: What were the standards for stuntmen who could join your team at that time?

Sammo Hung: There was no exam to join my team. It doesn't matter whether the person has stunt ability or not. As long as you're a good person and don't steal from others, we welcome you to the team. ``Humanity'', that is, having a good personality. An important condition is whether or not you have the desire to learn hard. When I entered the film industry, I didn't know anything about movies. But anyway, I loved movies and action. So when I was appearing in a movie directed by King Fu as a newcomer, I not only did my own stunts on set, but I also did all the stunts for other people.

In addition to that, I also helped out with the dolly by pushing and pulling the cart with the camera on it. If you have that kind of motivation, you can do anything, and if you have good character, you are always welcome.

*2) Master of martial arts movies (Chinese period dramas) who was active in the 60s and 70s

“Kung Fu Stuntman Dragon Tiger Warrior” ©ACME Image (Beijing) Film Cultural Co., Ltd

What is Sammo Hung's toughest movie ever?

Q: Could you tell us about your favorite action scene that you have deep feelings for?

Sammo Hung: I've done a lot of really dangerous action, but I've made so many movies that I honestly don't remember the details of which ones... For example, it was difficult to act while driving a bus on the street. The roads at that time were in very bad condition, with lots of rocks and the buses were shaking a lot. It was very dangerous because if you accidentally fell it, all your skin would be damaged.

There was also an action scene where the whole car fell off a cliff onto a sandy beach. Normally, a lot of mattresses would be placed in the area where the car would fall, but at the time there weren't enough mattresses on set. So if you're unlucky, you might end up in a place where there's no mattress. But at the time, I thought, ``Even if that happens, I won't die...At most, I'll vomit blood,'' so I did everything I could.