Drunken Monkey • 醉馬騮 (2003)

Drunken Monkey, originally released as Zui Ma Liu (醉馬騮), is a 2003 Hong Kong martial arts film produced by Shaw Brothers Studio and directed by legendary filmmaker Lau Kar-leung. Marking Shaw Brothers Studio's return to traditional kung fu filmmaking after more than twenty years, it also 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 appreciate authentic Hong Kong martial arts cinema on physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Set in 1930s China, respected martial artist Man Bill discovers his family's business has secretly been used as a front for opium smuggling by ruthless criminals. Refusing to join their operation, he becomes their next target and is forced into hiding.

Joining forces with a talented young fighter and an aspiring opera performer, Man Bill fights back against corruption using discipline, courage, and traditional kung fu. Their struggle leads to a series of exciting confrontations where honor and perseverance are tested against powerful enemies.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Drunken Monkey features authentic Hung Gar kung fu, the rarely seen Drunken Monkey style, traditional southern hand techniques, intricate weapons work, and expertly choreographed hand-to-hand combat. Lau Kar-leung emphasizes genuine martial arts performance over wire-assisted effects, preserving the realistic fighting style that defined his legendary career.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors value Drunken Monkey as Lau Kar-leung's final film as a director and an important return for Shaw Brothers Studio. Gordon Liu, Lau Kar-wing, and Chi Kuan-chun join Wu Jing in a cast that blends martial arts veterans with a new generation of performers. The film's authentic choreography and traditional fighting styles make it one of the strongest kung fu productions of the early 2000s.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 2003, Drunken Monkey marked Shaw Brothers Studio's return to traditional martial arts filmmaking after more than two decades. It also stands as Lau Kar-leung's final directorial work, preserving his lifelong commitment to authentic Chinese martial arts and realistic fight choreography for a new generation of kung fu fans.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Drunken Monkey – International English title
  • 醉馬騮 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 醉马骝 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Zuì Mǎ Liú – Official Mandarin pinyin
  • Jeui Ma Lau – Cantonese 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.