Drunken Monkey A.K.A. Chui Ma Lau • Zuì Mǎliú (醉馬騮) (2003)

Drunken Monkey, also released as Chui Ma Lau, is a 2003 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by legendary filmmaker Lau Kar-leung. Produced by Shaw Brothers Studio, it marked the studio's first traditional kung fu film in more than two decades and became Lau Kar-leung's final directorial effort. Starring Wu Jing, Shannon Yao, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Lau Kar-wing, Chi Kuan-chun, Andy On, and Lau Kar-leung, the film showcases authentic Hung Gar techniques and the rare Drunken Monkey fighting style. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Set in 1930s China, respected martial artist Man Bill discovers that his family business has secretly been used as a front for opium smuggling by ruthless criminals. Forced into hiding after refusing to cooperate, he joins forces with a talented young fighter and an aspiring opera performer to expose the conspiracy and protect innocent lives.

As powerful enemies close in, the unlikely allies rely on discipline, courage, and traditional kung fu to survive increasingly dangerous confrontations. Their battle against corruption leads to spectacular martial arts showdowns where skill, honor, and perseverance determine the final outcome.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Drunken Monkey features authentic Hung Gar kung fu, the rarely seen Drunken Monkey style, intricate weapons work, traditional southern hand techniques, and fast-paced hand-to-hand combat choreographed by Lau Kar-leung. The film emphasizes genuine martial arts performance over wire-assisted effects, preserving the classic style that made Lau Kar-leung one of Hong Kong cinema's greatest action directors.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Drunken Monkey reunites several beloved Shaw Brothers veterans under Lau Kar-leung's direction. Alongside Gordon Liu and Lau Kar-wing, collectors are treated to the return of Chi Kuan-chun, remembered from Men from the Monastery (Five Masters of Death) and numerous Alexander Fu Sheng classics. Wearing the signature steel arm rings that fans instantly recognize, Chi delivers one of the film's standout performances. Combined with authentic Hung Gar techniques and the rare Drunken Monkey style, the film serves as a fitting farewell from one of martial arts cinema's greatest directors.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 2003, Drunken Monkey marked the return of Shaw Brothers Studio to traditional kung fu filmmaking after more than twenty years and became Lau Kar-leung's final film as a director. Today it remains an important modern Shaw Brothers production that bridges classic Hong Kong martial arts cinema with a new generation of performers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

• Verified AKAs:
  • Drunken Monkey – Primary English title
  • Chui Ma Lau – Cantonese romanization
  • Zuì Mǎliú – Original Mandarin pinyin title
  • 醉馬騮 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 醉马骝 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Zhui Ma Lao – Alternate Mandarin romanization
• Director: Lau Kar-leung
• Producer: Mona Fong
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Wu Jing, Shannon Yao, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Lau Kar-wing, Chi Kuan-chun, Andy On, Lau Kar-leung
• Format: DVD
• Language: Cantonese, English
• Running Time: 97 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 2003

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.