Shaw Brothers legend David Chiang talks kung fu
David Chiang in town ahead of a month of Saturday night specials pecials
Besides being surprisingly youthful for a sexagenarian veteran of the Hong Kong cinema industry, David Chiang is nothing if not modest. Despite a command of the language rendering the use of an interpreter quite unnecessary, the Shanghai-born 67-year old apologises several times for his “not so good English”. His still wrinkle-free face — familiar to legions of martial arts film fans across the globe — belies a career spanning almost six decades.
To the younger generation of viewers, Chiang’s name may not be familiar. But for martial arts fans of the 70s and 80s, Chiang is a legend, a charismatic leading man of over 40 Shaw Brothers’ sword-fighting sagas who helped define the golden age of wuxia movies.
His collaboration with director Chang Cheh resulted in iconic films such as The Heroic Ones (1970) and Deadly Duo (1971), meanwhile his star power — along with fellow kung fu sensations such as Ti Lung and Wang Yu — brought the popularity of Shaw Brothers films to all parts of Asia including Thailand.
Earlier this week, Chiang was in town to promote Celestial Classic Movies’ October line-up of four of his films — The Heroic Ones (1970), The Generation Gap (1973), The New One-Armed Swordsman (1971) and Vengeance (1970). The films will be on air at 8pm on every Saturday of October, starting tomorrow. The Celestial Classic channel can be picked up on TOT iptv 262 and CTH 78.
This small sample of Chiang’s prolific output showcases his versatility. While he is mostly known in the West as a master of mayhem in kung fu classics such as Five Shaolin Masters and The Deadly Mantis, he has also starred in action-comedies like Where’s Officer Tuba? and dramas like Mary From Beijing.
You’re primarily known for starring in Shaw Brothers’ kung fu classics from the 70s and 80s. What is your martial arts background?
I studied Hung Kuen, the Tiger and Crane style. Liu Chia-liang, the action director of many kung fu films, trained us. I was not that good, neither a senior nor a junior. I don’t train now — I’m getting old. But I practice every day for exercise.
How has the action choreography of Chinese martial arts movies changed since your day?
The choreography has changed a lot. When you watch my films you can see that it’s me, not a stuntman. I did everything myself. Now they use stuntmen and editing.
What do you think of the use of CGI in Chinese action films?
There is too much use of computers in these films, but the audiences like it.
You’ve made countless films since the 1960s. Which ones are your favourites, and why?
My favourite films are The New One-Armed Swordsman and Vengeance. Before we would only fight, always fighting. But with these two films we have a story and strong characters.
Director Chang Cheh gave you your big break in the film industry. What was your experience working with him?
All I can say is that he was my director, my teacher, my friend. We loved him and respected him. I think he’s the best kung fu director till now. He always had some new action, always changed the background — sword fighting, kung fu fighting.
Among your most famous films is The Legend Of The Seven Golden Vampires from 1974, in which you co-starred with the legendary English actor Peter Cushing. What was it like working with him?
Acting with Peter Cushing was a very good experience for me. One day he called me up. ‘Can you come to my hotel at 2 o’clock with your script’. I went to see him with my script. From 2 o’clock to 4 o’clock we went over the script, page by page. He corrected my English, how to read the dialogue. He was such a good actor. I really miss him.
What do you think of the current state of Hong Kong’s film industry?
The Hong Kong film industry is now in China. Hong Kong’s cinema industry is going down. I hope it will come back. I have a lot of young fans in mainland China because they’ve seen my old films. Now our old films have come out on DVD and are on TV, I think it’s good for people who like movies. People who want to learn filmmaking can learn a lot from us.
You’re both an actor and director. Which do you prefer?
Acting is fun. Directing is very hard work! But actually I like everything connected with movies — even the cameras and editing. This is my whole life.
What are your latest projects?
I’ve just filmed a series for Hong Kong TV. And a few days ago I finished a film with Chow Yun-fat, it’s called From Vegas To Macau.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ll keep acting till I can’t move! Even now I keep learning about acting. That’s why I love acting.