Remembering Corey Yuen: A Legacy in Action Cinema

A life dedicated to martial arts and cinema

Corey Yuen, a name synonymous with action choreography and martial arts cinema, passed away in 2022. The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers confirmed his death, which was attributed to COVID-19. Born on February 15, 1951, as Ying Gang-ming, Yuen’s contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark.

A private farewell

Yuen’s passing was initially kept private at the request of his family. However, the news was later shared on Chinese-language social media by fellow action star Jackie Chan. Chan, who trained alongside Yuen, paid tribute to him and other industry stalwarts who had passed away.

The Seven Little Fortunes

Yuen and Chan were part of a legendary group known as the Seven Little Fortunes or The Lucky Seven. This group, which also included Sammo Hung, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu, and Yuen Biao, trained at the Peking Opera School. Their rigorous training and camaraderie laid the foundation for their future success in Hong Kong cinema, particularly from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.

From actor to action choreographer

Yuen initially made his mark as an actor, appearing in films like Zu Warriors From the Magic Mountain and Eastern Condors. His acting roles often saw him sharing the screen with legends such as Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, and Jet Li.

Transition to directing and choreography

Yuen’s transition from acting to action choreography and directing was seamless. In Asia, he directed notable films such as Ninja in the Dragon’s Den and the Stephen Chow-starring All for the Winner and its sequel Top Bet. His collaboration with Jet Li resulted in iconic films like Fong Sai-yuk, Fong Sai-yuk II, and The New Legend of Shaolin.

Hollywood beckons

Yuen’s close association with Jet Li eventually led him to Hollywood. He provided action choreography for six of Li’s films in the U.S., including Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon, and The Expendables. His expertise was also sought for the 2000 film X-Men.

Directorial ventures

In 2002, Yuen directed So Close and co-directed The Transporter. He continued his work on the sequel Transporter 2 as the fight choreographer. In 2006, Yuen directed the game-to-film adaptation DOA: Dead or Alive, featuring stars Holly Valance, Jaime Pressly, Devon Aoki, and Sarah Carter.

A personal reflection

As a cinema enthusiast, Yuen’s work has always resonated deeply with me. His ability to blend martial arts with cinematic storytelling is unparalleled. Watching his films, one can’t help but be mesmerized by the fluidity and precision of the action sequences. Yuen’s legacy is not just in the films he made but in the countless filmmakers and choreographers he inspired.

The enduring impact

Corey Yuen’s contributions to the world of cinema are vast and varied. From his early days as an actor to his later years as a director and action choreographer, Yuen’s work has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in action cinema. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and martial artists.

In remembering Corey Yuen, we celebrate a life dedicated to the art of action cinema. His films remain a testament to his talent, passion, and unwavering commitment to his craft.