''The Champions'' () is a 1983 Hong Kong

action Action may refer to: * Action (narrative), a literary mode * Action fiction, a type of genre fiction * Action game, a genre of video game Film * Action film, a genre of film * ''Action'' (1921 film), a film by John Ford * ''Action'' (1980 fil ...

sports Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to spectators. Sports can, th ...

comedy film A comedy film is a category of film which emphasizes humor. These films are designed to make the audience laugh through amusement. Films in this style traditionally have a happy ending (black comedy being an exception). Comedy is one of the ol ...

written and directed by Brandy Yuen and starring

Yuen Biao Yuen Biao (born Ha Lingchun; 26 July 1957) is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist and stuntman. He specialises in acrobatics and Chinese martial arts and has also worked on over 80 films as actor, stuntman and action choreographer. He was one of t ...

Synopsis

Lee Tung (

) is taunted by rival football teams. At first he is just a ball boy and a punch bag for the leading villain, King (

Dick Wei Dick Wei (, born April 15, 1953) is a Taiwanese actor, director and writer who specializes in martial arts and action films. Early life and career A Hakka, he was born in the town of Pingtung in southern Taiwan and began studying martial art ...

). But after too many beatings, Tung decides to play for another local team and to go against King in a one-off football match at the end. The film also tackles problems of jealousy, corruption and bullying in sports.

Cast

as Lee Tung *Cheung Kwok-keung as Suen *

as King *

Moon Lee Moon Lee Choi-Fung (; born 14 February 1965) is a former Hong Kong actress and stuntwoman who frequently played roles related to the Hong Kong action and martial arts genres in films and TV serials. She was particularly notable in the sub-genre ...

as Fanny *

Eddy Ko Eddy Ko Hung (; born Ho Yiu-sum ; 1947) is a Hong Kong television and film actor who has worked on the TV stations RTV, ATV (both now defunct), and TVB. Most recently, he has made appearances in several international films including 2015's ''T ...

as Tung's Uncle *Cheung King-po as King's assistant *Kam Biu as Soccer bets syndicate's boss *Tong Tin-hei as Seng Sun Team's boss *Tino Wong as 3rd Master *Ho Pak-kwong as 3rd Master's assistant *Fung King-man as Village contest's emcee *Yue Tau-wan as Social soccer player *Brandy Yuen as Man who helps buy betting tickets *Yuen Lung-kui as Man who hits gong *Johnny Cheung as King's soccer player *Lee Chun-wa as Muscle man arm-wrestling with Tung *Liu Hok-man as Pickpocket / Soccer player *Victor Yeung as Soccer spectator *Yeung Wai as Jogger (cameo) *Lee Fat-yuen as 3rd Master's thug *To Siu-ming as Pool attendee *Ho Tin-shing as Chuen *Sin Yuk-lung as Participant at village contest *Yeung Wah as Participant at village contest *Ho Wah *Lung Ying *Sa Au *Man Ngai-tik *Leung Hung *Ernest Mauser as VIP at soccer stadium opening *Benny Lai as King's soccer player *Ko Hung as Social soccer player *Chan Leung as Soccer player *Sham Chin-po as Social soccer player

Critical response

Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

'' applauded the film's "impeccably-choreographed action sequences" while also acknowledging that "the storyline (the underdogs make good) and acting are secondary", with only the final football match being criticized for taking place "in some obscure sand lot that truly weakens the impact."

Accolades

In 1985, the film was nominated for the

Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography The Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography is an annual Hong Kong industry award presented to a choreographer or a group of choreographers for the best achievement in action choreography. History The award was established at the 2nd Ho ...

for Brandy Yuen and Yuen Shun-yi at the 3rd Hong Kong Film Awards.IMDb.com: Boh Ngau awards page

References

External links

* * *
HK Cinemagic entry
1983 films 1980s action comedy films 1983 martial arts films Hong Kong action comedy films Hong Kong martial arts films Hong Kong sports comedy films Hong Kong martial arts comedy films 1980s sports comedy films Association football films Golden Harvest films 1980s Cantonese-language films Films set in Hong Kong Films shot in Hong Kong 1983 comedy films 1980s Hong Kong films {{sport-film-stub