The Bare-Footed Kid


The Bare-Footed Kid is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Johnnie To and starring Aaron Kwok, Maggie Cheung, Ti Lung and Jacklyn Wu. The film is a remake of the 1975 film Disciples of Shaolin, which was directed by Chang Cheh.

Plot

After the death of his father, the poor and illiterate Kwan Fung-yiu goes out to the provincial capital to seek refuge from Tuen Ching-wan, a friend of his deceased father, and works in a dye factory, the "Four Seasons Weaver". The political situation in the capital is tense. With his superior identity as a Manchurian, Hak Wo-po, owner of the "Tin Lung Spinner", dominates the city and set up a gambling den where he sends his workers to fight with workers of "Four Seasons Weave". The newly appointed magistrate Yuen Tin-yau and his instructor Mr. Wah want to eradicate Hak, but they do not have enough evidence to bring him to justice. Later, Tin-yau meets Pak Siu-kwan, the owner of "Four Seasons Weaver" and Wah's daughter Lin. Then it is revealed that Tuen is a fugitive who changed his name and hid in the dye factory to avoid arrest and developed an affection for Pak. Fung-yiu and Lin also develop a mutual bond after an incident.
"Tin Lung Spinners" had always been inferior to "Four Seasons Weaver". Feeling vengeful, Hak sets "Four Seasons Weave" on fire to vent his anger. Fung-yiu, who is witless, dazed and confused, is lured by Hak to the fighting arena, where Hak kills his friend's father. Fung-yiu falls further and further into a quagmire of confusion. He also reveals Tuen's past identity as a killer who is wanted by officials. Yuen Tin-yau's discerning eyes can tell greatness from Fung-yiu, and they work together to defeat the "Dragon Place". However, Tuen is ambushed by Hak, swallows poison, and is shot to death by millions of arrows. Fung-yiu hurries to save Tuen, but it is too late.

Cast

  • Aaron Kwok as Kwan Fung-yiu
  • Ti Lung as Tuen Ching-wan
  • Maggie Cheung as Pak Siu-kwan
  • Jacklyn Wu as Wah Wong-lin
  • Paul Chun as Mr. Wah
  • Kenneth Tsang as Hak Wo-po
  • Cheung Siu-fai as Magistrate Yuen Tin-yau
  • Wong Yat-fei as Kuei
  • Tin Ching as Pak's worker
  • Wong San as Pak's indebted worker
  • Chu Tit-wo as Hung Chun-tin
  • Benny Lai as City guard
  • Johnny Cheng as City guard
  • Yuen Ling-to as Pui
  • Cheng Ka-sang as Hak's bodyguard
  • Leung Kai-chi as Weaver at Tin Lung Spinners
  • Hau Woon-ling as Sam Ku, woman leading bridal march
  • Jacky Cheung Chun-hung as Magistrate Yuen's aide
  • So Wai-nam as Magistrate Yuen's aide
  • Kent Chow as Magistrate Yuen's aide
  • Kong Miu-deng as Hak's thug
  • Mak Wai-cheung as Hak's thug
  • Huang Kai-sen as Hak's thug
  • Chan Min-leung as Chan
  • Chan Man-hiu as Shoes vendor
  • Ng Wui as Cow owner
  • Kam Lau as Shop owner
  • San Tak-kan as Boat passenger
  • Kai Cheung-lung as Boatman
  • Adam Chan
  • Kwan Yung
  • Jameson Lam

Music

Theme song

Insert theme

  • "Wait for Your Return"
  • *Composer: William Wu
  • *Lyricist: Siu Mei
  • *Singer: Cass Phang

Release

The Bare-Footed Kid was released in Hong Kong on 3 April 1993. In the Philippines, the film was released as Professional Fighter by South Cinema Films on 21 April 1994, with actor Aaron Kwok credited as "Alexander Fu Sheng Jr."

Critical response

The Bare-Footed Kid received generally positive reviews. Ard Vijn of Twitch Film writes "it's not a classic by any means but it's a fun movie that definitely has its moments. Fans of either Aaron Kwok, Ti Lung or Maggie Cheung won't be disappointed." Mark Polland of ' rated it 4 out of 5 stars and writes The Bare-Footed Kid is a thoughtful kung fu film with an unusually strong story that winningly delivers a message that strength and fighting ability are useless without morality and sound judgment. Andrew Saroch of ' also rated film 4 out of 5 stars and writes "while not as good as Disciples of Shaolin, Bare-Footed Kid is an excellent film and like its inspiration, operates of a number of levels."

Box office

The film grossed HK$3,973,198 at the Hong Kong box office during its theatrical run from 3 to 14 April 1993.