Story of Ricky DVD | 力王 (Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky) (1991)

Story of Ricky (1991), also known as Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky and by its original Chinese title 力王, is one of the most outrageous and unforgettable cult films in Hong Kong martial arts cinema. Directed by Lam Nai-choi and starring Fan Siu-wong as Ricky Ho, the film combines hard-hitting martial arts, prison action, dark comedy, extreme practical effects, and larger-than-life characters into a completely unique viewing experience. Based on the Japanese manga Riki-Oh, the movie has become internationally recognized as a cult martial arts classic.

STORY OVERVIEW

In a dystopian future where prisons have become privately operated institutions, Ricky is sent to a brutal prison controlled by corrupt officials and violent inmates. Possessing extraordinary strength and fighting ability, Ricky refuses to accept the abuse and exploitation taking place behind the prison walls.

As Ricky confronts the prison's ruthless authorities and its most dangerous inmates, his determination to stand up for the oppressed prisoners leads to a series of increasingly explosive battles. His enemies rely on intimidation, weapons, and overwhelming brutality, but Ricky answers with his extraordinary martial arts power and an unbreakable will to fight for justice. 

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Story of Ricky takes Hong Kong martial arts action to an extreme level. Fan Siu-wong's performance as Ricky combines traditional fighting techniques with the character's almost superhuman physical strength, creating spectacular confrontations that are unlike the more realistic kung fu films of the 1970s and 1980s.

The film is particularly famous for its exaggerated fight choreography, physical stunts, practical effects, and outrageous battles inside the prison. Rather than presenting martial arts as restrained or realistic combat, director Lam Nai-choi embraces the heightened visual style of the original manga and turns every major confrontation into a violent, comic-book-like spectacle.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Story of Ricky has developed a devoted following among collectors of Hong Kong action films because there is very little else quite like it. Fan Siu-wong became permanently associated with the character of Ricky, while Fan Mei-sheng, Ho Ka-kui, and Yukari Oshima add memorable performances to the prison story.

The movie's combination of martial arts, dystopian prison action, black comedy, extreme practical effects, and manga-inspired violence gives it a distinctive place in Asian cult cinema. It remains a particularly sought-after title for collectors interested in unusual Hong Kong martial arts movies and rare physical-media releases.

CULT CLASSIC HONG KONG MARTIAL ARTS CINEMA

Originally released in Japan in 1991 and in Hong Kong in 1992, Story of Ricky eventually developed a strong international cult following. The film is also notable for receiving a Category III classification in Hong Kong because of its extreme violence. Its reputation has continued to grow among fans of Hong Kong action cinema, cult movies, and martial arts films.

The film was adapted from the Japanese Riki-Oh manga created by Masahiko Takajo and illustrated by Tetsuya Saruwatari. The manga's exaggerated martial arts style and superhuman protagonist provided the foundation for the film's distinctive visual approach. 

• Verified A.K.A.s:
  • Story of Ricky – English release title
  • Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky – Alternate English title
  • 力王 – Original Chinese title
  • Lik Wong – Cantonese romanization
  • Riki-Oh – Japanese manga title
• Director: Lam Nai-choi (Nam Nai-choi)
• Writer: Lam Nai-choi
• Based On: Riki-Oh manga by Masahiko Takajo and Tetsuya Saruwatari
• Starring: Fan Siu-wong, Fan Mei-sheng, Ho Ka-kui, Yukari Oshima, Gloria Yip, Tetsurō Tamba
• Music: Chan Fei-lit
• Cinematography: Mak Hoi-man
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Cult, Prison, Thriller
• Martial Arts Focus: Chinese Martial Arts, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Superhuman Fighting, Prison Fighting
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Video: NTSC, 16:9 Widescreen
• Audio: Dolby Digital, Stereo
• Running Time: 96 Minutes (DVD Edition)
• Release Year: 1991

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