2024 Feature Film Programme
Our Feature Film Line up for 2024
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, with support from the BFI Film Audience Network and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office
Ang Lee | 2000 | Mandarin with English subtitles | 12 | 120 mins
After an acclaimed run of films in Hollywood, Ang Lee returned to Asia to tackle his boyhood dream, to make an authentic wuxia film. Lee chose adapt the fourth novel of Wang Dulu’s ‘Crane-Iron series’ the female- led, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. Working with writing partner James Schamus, the pair crafted an adventure set in the ‘martial world’ of 19th century China, which centres around the theft of the famed ‘Green Destiny’ sword and a mysterious assassin called Jade Fox. Produced by Hong Kong’s Edko Films and Taiwan’s Zoom Hunt Productions, Lee assembled some of the biggest talents in Asian film: Chow Yun-fat (The Killer, Hard Boiled), Michelle Yeoh (Wing Chun, Everything Everywhere All At Once), Zhang Ziyi (Rush Hour 2) and the late great Cheng Pei-pei (the original wuxia heroine from King Hu’s COME DRINK WITH ME, who sadly passed away in July 2024). Calling on Yuen Wo Ping, then fresh from redefining Hollywood action with THE MATRIX to choreograph the breathtaking fight scenes, the film became winner of four Academy Awards including Best International Feature in 2000. Showing in a restored version, and screening with support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and as part of Art of Action, a UK-wide film season supported by National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network.
Duchess plus Q&A with Director Neil Marshall
Neil Marshall | 2024 | English | 18 | 114 mins
Fighting Spirit is proud to present THE DUCHESS, a deadly tale of revenge by acclaimed British director Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, Westworld, The Lair). In a special screening with director Q&A, DUCHESS features a strong performance from star and co-writer Charlotte Kirk and an ensemble cast. Cinematographer Simon Rowling is a Fighting Spirit Festival alumni. Set in the treacherous world of diamond smuggling,
DUCHESS follows a tough, working-class, petty criminal Scarlett “Duchess“ Monaghan (Charlotte Kirk) who morphs into an anti-heroine to be reckoned with, after being left for dead when a deal goes wrong. Also starring Philip Winchester (The Player), Frank Monaghan (Layer Cake), Sean Pertwee (Equilibrium), Hoji Fortuna (Game of Thrones). This special screening features a director Q&A with Neil Marshall.
One More Shot plus Q&A with Director James Nunn
James Nunn | 2024 | English | 15 | 102 mins
Fighting Spirit is proud to present a special screening of James Nunn’s ‘one take’ action thriller ONE MORE SHOT with director Q&A. A direct sequel to ONE SHOT (2021) and James Nunn’s fourth film with British martial arts favourite Scott Adkins. ONE MORE SHOT takes the complexities of martial arts filmmaking to a new level, executing a continuous flow of action and drama for 100 mins with choreography and action design by prolific Scott Adkins collaborators Dan Styles and Tim Man, and reunites Scott with Michael Jai White (Undisputed 2, Triple Threat).
My Young Auntie 長輩 presented by Arrow Films
Lau Kar Leung | 1981 | Cantonese with English subtitles | 12 | 119 mins
Fighting Spirit is proud to be presenting perhaps one of the best loved Shaw Brothers titles of all time, MY YOUNG AUNTIE, starring genre favourite Kara Wai and directed by the legendary Lau Kar Leung. A film which Kara won best actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards. The title of AUNTIE is a play on Chinese family and social traditions, where seniors are referred to as ‘auntie’ or ‘uncle’ – The film begins after the death of a wealthy man who’s young bride becomes heir to his estate. In the eclectic situation comedy ‘Auntie’ is left in the middle of a family feud to inherit the fortune. With stellar central performances from Kara Wai (WUXIA, MRS. K) action choreographer Hsiao Ho (Disciples of the 36th Chamber), and director Lau Kar Leung (Martial Club, Heroes of the East) the film is an exuberant celebration of Chinese and martial arts culture, and was made in the heyday of classic Cantonese kung fu comedies. Screening in connection with Arrow films who have released a series of restored Shaw Brothers classics, but a rare theatrical screening and not to be missed!
Legacy Of Rage ⻯在江湖 in association with 88 Films
Ronny Yu | 1986 | Cantonese with English subtitles | 15 | 90 mins
In collaboration with 88 Films, Fighting Sprit Film Festival is proud to present a new restoration premiere of Brandon Lee’s first and only Hong Kong movie – LEGACY OF RAGE. Filmed in 1986 after Brandon made his American TV debut in KUNG FU: THE MOVIE, and released a year following D&B Films and legendary director Corey Yuen (who recently passed away) made Michelle Yeoh a star with YES, MADAM!, LEGACY OF RAGE was one of a series of 80s martial arts/action classics by the independent film company. Directed by Ronny Yu (FEARLESS), LEGACY follows Brandon (Brandon Lee) all-round good guy who works several jobs to make ends meet. When friend, Michael (Michel Wong) offers Brandon a chance to earn some extra cash, Brandon takes the bait. Knowing Michael has ideas on his girlfriend May (Regina Kent) but not to what extent, Brandon becomes a fall-guy in a gang dispute and is framed for murder. There is only one way this will play out – revenge. With action choreography from Mang Hoi (1958-2023) who also stars.
Me And The Dragon’s Daughter
Brandon Woodrin | 2022 | English | 18 | 89 mins
ME AND THE DRAGON’S DAUGHTER is a story of two worlds. Sean Kilpatrick (Tomas Cone) an assassin for the deadly Dragon Family is faced with fight or flight as he attempts to pull away from the cult for the sake of his own family. His loyalties are divided between a wife and daughter who know nothing of his double life, and the Dragon’s own ‘daughter’ Victoria (Sarah Vega) the right-hand woman of Dragon (a larger than life performance by Chris Yong). First time feature director Brandon Woodrin (a lifelong fan of martial arts and action movies) delivers exciting character driven action and intense drama, featuring a strong and diverse cast of mainly Black and Asian actors. Set in the mysterious world of assassins, ME AND THE DRAGON’S DAUGHTER is grounded by the values and dynamics of the characters, taking you on the spiritual and martial arts journeys of both its heroes and villains, as their conflicting loyalties play out. ME AND THE DRAGON’S DAUGHTER is this year’s Film Freeway feature selection, and will be screened with several ‘out of competition’ shorts.