The Chinese Stuntman


The Chinese Stuntman is a 1981 Hong Kong martial arts action film starring Bruce Li as a stunt double for kung fu films who unravels the corruption of the Hong Kong film industry. The film is considered to be part of the wave of films released in the aftermath of Bruce Lee's death, labeled Bruceploitation, as well as a postmodernist film.

Plot

An insurance clerk is hired as a stunt double. He soon becomes a movie star, but finds that the corruption of Hong Kong's film industry runs deeper the higher his stardom rises.

Cast

writer Craig Lines has interpreted The Chinese Stuntman as a postmodernist film, noting the numerous references to Bruce Lee films, and the use of a film-within-a-film narrative. He also said that the film presents the idea that "Lee fades into the background" as Bruce Li "reaches the foreground" as an actor and director.

Reception

Den of Geek writer Craig Lines said that "The Chinese Stuntman is, without any competition, Li's masterpiece. It's got a strong plot with actual twists and characters you care about. It's witty, perceptive and cleverly executed."