Though I’m sure there are only approximately 2 people reading this who haven’t seen the original Mr Vampire, we have to set some context before we delve into Eureka’s two disc set of its sequels.
1985’s Mr Vampire (also on Blu-ray from Eureka) stars Lam Ching-Ying as a Taoist priest who, along with his students (Ricky Hui and Chin Siu-ho) has to fight off supernatural threats like a ghost that wants to seduce one of the students and the undead grandfather of Ting-Ting (Moon Lee), who they were supposed to rebury, but allowed to turn and escape. It’s great fun, narratively nonsense a lot of the time, but also somewhat rooted in real traditions and Chinese culture (the unique hopping vampires). For my money it earns its reputation as a classic, which brings us to this set.
The Films
Mr Vampire II
This film has almost nothing to do with Mr Vampire.
1985’s Mr Vampire (also on Blu-ray from Eureka) stars Lam Ching-Ying as a Taoist priest who, along with his students (Ricky Hui and Chin Siu-ho) has to fight off supernatural threats like a ghost that wants to seduce one of the students and the undead grandfather of Ting-Ting (Moon Lee), who they were supposed to rebury, but allowed to turn and escape. It’s great fun, narratively nonsense a lot of the time, but also somewhat rooted in real traditions and Chinese culture (the unique hopping vampires). For my money it earns its reputation as a classic, which brings us to this set.
The Films
Mr Vampire II
This film has almost nothing to do with Mr Vampire.
- 5/22/2023
- by Sam Inglis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"If you meet a vampire, don't breathe." This is the sage advice that Master Kau, the Taoist priest played by Lam Ching-ying, gives to his bumbling apprentices, Man-choi (Ricky Hui) and Chau-sang (Chin Siu-ho), in the 1985 Hong Kong action comedy "Mr. Vampire."
Forget everything you know about bloodsuckers; the undead specimens in "Mr. Vampire" are breath-suckers. They have a very deliberate way of hopping with their arms stretched out in front of them, legs also stiff and straight from rigor mortis. In Chinese, these zombie-like revenants are known as the jiangshi; in Japanese, it's kyonshi, while in English, they're sometimes referred to as "Chinese hopping vampires."
Stirred up by the disinterment of a parent who was buried with bad feng shui, the jiangshi of "Mr. Vampire" are a comedic answer to the unsettled ghosts of subsequent Asian horror films like "Ringu" and "The Eye." They're the reanimated corpses of people...
Forget everything you know about bloodsuckers; the undead specimens in "Mr. Vampire" are breath-suckers. They have a very deliberate way of hopping with their arms stretched out in front of them, legs also stiff and straight from rigor mortis. In Chinese, these zombie-like revenants are known as the jiangshi; in Japanese, it's kyonshi, while in English, they're sometimes referred to as "Chinese hopping vampires."
Stirred up by the disinterment of a parent who was buried with bad feng shui, the jiangshi of "Mr. Vampire" are a comedic answer to the unsettled ghosts of subsequent Asian horror films like "Ringu" and "The Eye." They're the reanimated corpses of people...
- 8/27/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Guest reviewer Lee Broughton returns with an assessment of Ricky Lau’s Hong Kong comedy horror show-cum-mystical martial arts romp. Introduced to the vampire mythos are some novel ideas, like scary-looking vampires that get around by hopping on two legs. Effective horror scenarios include expertly choreographed martial arts routines. However, the score on the genre mash-up front is “two out of three ain’t bad:” the brand of broad comedy that Mr. Vampire peddles is hit and miss when it comes to generating genuine laughs.
Mr. Vampire
CineSavant Guest Review
Region B Blu-ray
Eureka Entertainment
1985 / Color / 1.85 / 96 min. / Geung see sin sang / Street Date, 20 July 2020 / £19.99
Starring: Ching-Ying Lam, Ricky Hui, Siu-Ho Chin, Moon Lee, Billy Lau, Ha Huang, Wah Yuen, Siu-Fu Wong, Anthony Chan.
Cinematography: Peter Ngor
Film Editor: Peter Cheung
Production Designer: Sai Kan Lam
Original Music: Melody Bank
Written by Ricky Lau, Cheuk-Hon Szeto, Barry Wong & Ying Wong
Produced...
Mr. Vampire
CineSavant Guest Review
Region B Blu-ray
Eureka Entertainment
1985 / Color / 1.85 / 96 min. / Geung see sin sang / Street Date, 20 July 2020 / £19.99
Starring: Ching-Ying Lam, Ricky Hui, Siu-Ho Chin, Moon Lee, Billy Lau, Ha Huang, Wah Yuen, Siu-Fu Wong, Anthony Chan.
Cinematography: Peter Ngor
Film Editor: Peter Cheung
Production Designer: Sai Kan Lam
Original Music: Melody Bank
Written by Ricky Lau, Cheuk-Hon Szeto, Barry Wong & Ying Wong
Produced...
- 9/1/2020
- by Lee Broughton
- Trailers from Hell
Produced by Sammo Hung, Ricky Lau’s debut film was an immediate box office hit that led to the formation of a huge franchise including four sequels, a plethora of remakes, a theatrical play, a video game and even a board game. The film was also very successful in Taiwan and Japan and established many of the genre’s distinct characteristics.
Master Kou is a Taoist priest who specializes in ghost busting. He has two disciples, Man Choi and Chau Sang. When asked to rebury a rich man, Yam, he eventually discovers that he is a vampire and, subsequently, Man Choi is infected by the vampire virus. Furthermore, Chau Sang is haunted by a female ghost who “forces” him to pleasure her sexually. Master Kou must exorcise the ghost while facing the vampires.
Chinese vampire legends have nothing to do with their Eastern counterparts, and this film clearly demonstrates that fact,...
Master Kou is a Taoist priest who specializes in ghost busting. He has two disciples, Man Choi and Chau Sang. When asked to rebury a rich man, Yam, he eventually discovers that he is a vampire and, subsequently, Man Choi is infected by the vampire virus. Furthermore, Chau Sang is haunted by a female ghost who “forces” him to pleasure her sexually. Master Kou must exorcise the ghost while facing the vampires.
Chinese vampire legends have nothing to do with their Eastern counterparts, and this film clearly demonstrates that fact,...
- 7/23/2020
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Eureka Entertainment has announced their July 2020 line up today: a trio of classic 1930s horror films starring the iconic Bela Lugosi; and a new 2K restoration of an influential and genre bending horror-comedy. The latter, Ricky Lau’s 1985 chit “Mr. Vampire,” is one of the most genre-defining horror-comedies imaginable. Since its original release, this sensational Hong Kong blockbuster hit spawned at least four sequels and countless spin-offs and imitations of jiang-shi (“hopping vampire”) movies. Limited edition O-Card and Booklet details for “Mr. Vampire” are available below.
Synopsis
One of the most genre-defining (not to mention genre-defying!) horror-comedies imaginable, and one of the key Hong Kong blockbuster hits of the 1980s, the popularity and influence of Mr. Vampirecannot be overstated. Spawning at least four sequels and countless spin-offs and imitations, this Hong Kong horror-comedy to end them all was an understandable crowd-pleasing sensation, and triggered a wave of jiangshi (“hopping vampire”) movies.
Synopsis
One of the most genre-defining (not to mention genre-defying!) horror-comedies imaginable, and one of the key Hong Kong blockbuster hits of the 1980s, the popularity and influence of Mr. Vampirecannot be overstated. Spawning at least four sequels and countless spin-offs and imitations, this Hong Kong horror-comedy to end them all was an understandable crowd-pleasing sensation, and triggered a wave of jiangshi (“hopping vampire”) movies.
- 5/10/2020
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
The festival of Yulan (Eating Ghosts) is a perfect backdrop in which to set a Horror film. “The Haunted Cop Shop” is one such movie and brings the combination of slapstick horror that only Hong Kong Cinema seems to be able to consistently nail down.
On the eve of the Festival of Yulan, Sneaky Ming (Billy Lau) is brought in for questioning about a stolen crucifix. After being tricked by Man (Ricky Hui) and Kam (Jacky Cheung) he is placed in a cell only to be freed by ghosts who lure him into releasing the spirit of a long dead Japanese General. As things start to get out of hand, Man, Kam and their new boss Fanny Ho (Kitty Chan) find investigating spirits not easy to prove and increasingly more dangerous.
The paradox between modern culture and adherence to traditional ways has always made Hong Kong a fertile area for horror.
On the eve of the Festival of Yulan, Sneaky Ming (Billy Lau) is brought in for questioning about a stolen crucifix. After being tricked by Man (Ricky Hui) and Kam (Jacky Cheung) he is placed in a cell only to be freed by ghosts who lure him into releasing the spirit of a long dead Japanese General. As things start to get out of hand, Man, Kam and their new boss Fanny Ho (Kitty Chan) find investigating spirits not easy to prove and increasingly more dangerous.
The paradox between modern culture and adherence to traditional ways has always made Hong Kong a fertile area for horror.
- 5/2/2020
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Horror/comedies are notoriously difficult to get right. Too often the focus is on one or the other to the inevitable detriment of the overall feature. A recent re-release on blu ray of “The Trail” provides an opportunity to discover a forgotten contribution to the genre with some interesting names behind the camera.
A pair of Taoist monks are leading a corpse train through early 20th century China. These monks (Kent Cheng and Ricky Hui) though, are fake as are the corpses who are pretending to be dead as they are part of an opium smuggling operation. When local magistrate Miu kills the husband of a singer he was attempting to rape, he tries to cover up his crime by getting them to take the corpse away. As they progress they realise that the corpse is now revived and killing the local farmlife. As they try to...
A pair of Taoist monks are leading a corpse train through early 20th century China. These monks (Kent Cheng and Ricky Hui) though, are fake as are the corpses who are pretending to be dead as they are part of an opium smuggling operation. When local magistrate Miu kills the husband of a singer he was attempting to rape, he tries to cover up his crime by getting them to take the corpse away. As they progress they realise that the corpse is now revived and killing the local farmlife. As they try to...
- 4/6/2020
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
(1981-1989 – The Three Dragons)
After the early 1980’s, Golden Harvest started to branch out into the modern-day world leaving behind the Kung Fu cinema age and progressing into something massive. From 1981 onwards, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao (The Three Dragons) were about to embark on a sensational journey, progressing from there Kung Fu genre into modern-day Martial Arts and stunt work, something Shaw Brothers were left behind and Golden Harvest was to be the new global company.
Jackie Chan back then headed to the United states to try to break into the international market, but the movies he appeared in didn’t really take off and Jackie was also disappointed with the filming of The Big Brawl. Jackie felt he never had chance to show off his action choreography and wasn’t given the space to add his world of experience to the movie. Although it was Directed...
After the early 1980’s, Golden Harvest started to branch out into the modern-day world leaving behind the Kung Fu cinema age and progressing into something massive. From 1981 onwards, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao (The Three Dragons) were about to embark on a sensational journey, progressing from there Kung Fu genre into modern-day Martial Arts and stunt work, something Shaw Brothers were left behind and Golden Harvest was to be the new global company.
Jackie Chan back then headed to the United states to try to break into the international market, but the movies he appeared in didn’t really take off and Jackie was also disappointed with the filming of The Big Brawl. Jackie felt he never had chance to show off his action choreography and wasn’t given the space to add his world of experience to the movie. Although it was Directed...
- 10/6/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Anita Mui 1963-2003
Anita Mui had a fantastic screen presence, an actress and a musician, she also did lots of work for charity. In the 80′s she became a household name within the music world and was dubbed the “Madonna of Asia”. She had a series of shows entitled the “Anita Classic Moment Live Concert” that consisted of eight shows at the Hong Kong Coliseum from 6 to 11 November and 14 to 15 November 2003, which were to be her last concerts before her death.
Anita made some great movies and was always surrounded by a great cast. Some movies you should check out are Behind the Yellow Line, Rouge, The Heroic Trio, Drunken Master 2, Miracles, Saviour of the Soul, Moon Warriors and many more.
Mui was originally cast in Zhang Yimou’s House of Flying Daggers (2004), but she resigned only two weeks before her death. Zhang had reserved her scenes to be shot...
Anita Mui had a fantastic screen presence, an actress and a musician, she also did lots of work for charity. In the 80′s she became a household name within the music world and was dubbed the “Madonna of Asia”. She had a series of shows entitled the “Anita Classic Moment Live Concert” that consisted of eight shows at the Hong Kong Coliseum from 6 to 11 November and 14 to 15 November 2003, which were to be her last concerts before her death.
Anita made some great movies and was always surrounded by a great cast. Some movies you should check out are Behind the Yellow Line, Rouge, The Heroic Trio, Drunken Master 2, Miracles, Saviour of the Soul, Moon Warriors and many more.
Mui was originally cast in Zhang Yimou’s House of Flying Daggers (2004), but she resigned only two weeks before her death. Zhang had reserved her scenes to be shot...
- 12/31/2013
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
This is a run down of my favorite movies from the Golden Harvest studio. I had a tough time choosing the order, which i changed quiet a few times. So i hope you enjoy my list and i understand everyone has there own favorites and own list, so enjoy and let me know your favorites in the comment box at the bottom of the page.
25:The Young Master
Cast:Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Wang In Sik, Wai Pak, Lily Li, Sek Kin
24:Broken Oath
Cast:Angela Mao, Bruce Liang, Sammo Hung, Dean Shek
23:Hapkido
Cast:Angela Mao, Sammo Hung, Carter Wong, Wang In Sik
22:Way Of The Dragon
Cast:Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Bob Wall
21:On The Run
Cast:Yuen Biao, Pat Ha, Yuen Wah, Lo Lieh, Philip Ko
20:Duel To The Death
Cast:Norman Chu, Damian Lau, Eddie Ko, Casanova Wong
19:Mr.Vampire
Cast:Lam Ching Ying, Moon Lee,...
25:The Young Master
Cast:Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Wang In Sik, Wai Pak, Lily Li, Sek Kin
24:Broken Oath
Cast:Angela Mao, Bruce Liang, Sammo Hung, Dean Shek
23:Hapkido
Cast:Angela Mao, Sammo Hung, Carter Wong, Wang In Sik
22:Way Of The Dragon
Cast:Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Bob Wall
21:On The Run
Cast:Yuen Biao, Pat Ha, Yuen Wah, Lo Lieh, Philip Ko
20:Duel To The Death
Cast:Norman Chu, Damian Lau, Eddie Ko, Casanova Wong
19:Mr.Vampire
Cast:Lam Ching Ying, Moon Lee,...
- 10/14/2013
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
This is a run down of my favorite movies from the Golden Harvest studio. I had a tough time choosing the order, which i changed quiet a few times. So i hope you enjoy my list and i understand everyone has there own favorites and own list, so enjoy and let me know your favorites in the comment box at the bottom of the page.
25:The Young Master
Cast:Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Wang In Sik, Wai Pak, Lily Li, Sek Kin
24:Broken Oath
Cast:Angela Mao, Bruce Liang, Sammo Hung, Dean Shek
23:Hapkido
Cast:Angela Mao, Sammo Hung, Carter Wong, Wang In Sik
22:Way Of The Dragon
Cast:Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Bob Wall
21:On The Run
Cast:Yuen Biao, Pat Ha, Yuen Wah, Lo Lieh, Philip Ko
20:Duel To The Death
Cast:Norman Chu, Damian Lau, Eddie Ko, Casanova Wong
19:Mr.Vampire
Cast:Lam Ching Ying, Moon Lee,...
25:The Young Master
Cast:Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Wang In Sik, Wai Pak, Lily Li, Sek Kin
24:Broken Oath
Cast:Angela Mao, Bruce Liang, Sammo Hung, Dean Shek
23:Hapkido
Cast:Angela Mao, Sammo Hung, Carter Wong, Wang In Sik
22:Way Of The Dragon
Cast:Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Bob Wall
21:On The Run
Cast:Yuen Biao, Pat Ha, Yuen Wah, Lo Lieh, Philip Ko
20:Duel To The Death
Cast:Norman Chu, Damian Lau, Eddie Ko, Casanova Wong
19:Mr.Vampire
Cast:Lam Ching Ying, Moon Lee,...
- 10/14/2013
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Lam Ching Ying is my favorite star in any Horror movie, weather it be taking on hopping vampires or just plain old spirits, no one does it better than lam.
His roles in the Mr.Vampire movies show his skills as an actor, with great comic timing which goes well with his serious acting side, which we dont normally get to see on screen. This role would make him, not just a big star in Asia but also worldwide as the master of Vampire killers.
I hope you enjoy my top 10 list and please feel free to write your own favorites in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
10.Mr.Vampire 2 (1986)
Cast:Lam Ching Ying, Yuen Biao, Moon Lee, Chung Fat, Billy Lau
Mr.Vampire 2 as some good moments throughout the movie but doesn’t live up to the first one. Here Lam Ching Ying takes on Hopping...
His roles in the Mr.Vampire movies show his skills as an actor, with great comic timing which goes well with his serious acting side, which we dont normally get to see on screen. This role would make him, not just a big star in Asia but also worldwide as the master of Vampire killers.
I hope you enjoy my top 10 list and please feel free to write your own favorites in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
10.Mr.Vampire 2 (1986)
Cast:Lam Ching Ying, Yuen Biao, Moon Lee, Chung Fat, Billy Lau
Mr.Vampire 2 as some good moments throughout the movie but doesn’t live up to the first one. Here Lam Ching Ying takes on Hopping...
- 12/6/2012
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong pop-star turned actor Juno Mak, who has given impressive performances in such films as Revenge: A Love Story and Let's Go! (both directed by Wong Ching Po), has revealed to Twitch that production is underway on his directorial debut. Supernatural thriller Rigor Mortis harks back to the classic Chinese vampire movies of the 1980s, in particular the Mr. Vampire series, which starred Lam Ching Ying as unibrowed Taoist priest Master Kau, ably supported by Ricky Hui Koon Ying and Chin Siu Ho. Eschewing much of the comedic tone of those films, Mak brings back Chin (the only surviving member of that original golden trio) to play a tortured version of himself in a much darker, more introspective horror film. Written by Philip Yung (Glamourous...
- 6/12/2012
- Screen Anarchy
I thought it was about time i did a post on the great vampire buster of all time, yes you got it, lam Ching Ying. This will be listing all the movies and tv series where Lam Ching Ying either stars in or takes on the hopping vampires and evil spirits.
His roles in the Mr.Vampire movies show his skills as an actor, with great comic timing which goes well with his serious acting side, which we normally get to see on screen. This role would make him, not just a big star in Asia but also worldwide as the master of Vampire killers.
Other great movies which he starred in (But not in a vampire movie) were the likes of The Prodigal Son, School On Fire, Eastern Condors, The Magnificent Butcher and Painted Faces.
I have been a big fan of these movies since i first watched Mr.
His roles in the Mr.Vampire movies show his skills as an actor, with great comic timing which goes well with his serious acting side, which we normally get to see on screen. This role would make him, not just a big star in Asia but also worldwide as the master of Vampire killers.
Other great movies which he starred in (But not in a vampire movie) were the likes of The Prodigal Son, School On Fire, Eastern Condors, The Magnificent Butcher and Painted Faces.
I have been a big fan of these movies since i first watched Mr.
- 4/29/2012
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong actor/singer Ricky Hui (Ricky Hui Koon Ying) as died today (November 8th 2011). Ricky died of a heart attack – aged 65.
Ricky starred in many films throughout the 70s , 80s and late 90s but arguable his most famous role was in the Sammo Hung produced 1985 cult movie series Mr Vampire
Not only was Ricky Hui a celebrated actor who excelled in comedic roles but he was also a very good singer; having released many albums through the 70s and 80s.
Ricky will be greatly missed and was a personal favourite of many of the team here at Amp.
Famous Ricky Hui Films
Mr Vampire - Trailer
Click here to view the embedded video.
Money Crazy – Trailer
Click here to view the embedded video.
Rags To Riches – Trailer
Click here to view the embedded video.
Ricky starred in many films throughout the 70s , 80s and late 90s but arguable his most famous role was in the Sammo Hung produced 1985 cult movie series Mr Vampire
Not only was Ricky Hui a celebrated actor who excelled in comedic roles but he was also a very good singer; having released many albums through the 70s and 80s.
Ricky will be greatly missed and was a personal favourite of many of the team here at Amp.
Famous Ricky Hui Films
Mr Vampire - Trailer
Click here to view the embedded video.
Money Crazy – Trailer
Click here to view the embedded video.
Rags To Riches – Trailer
Click here to view the embedded video.
- 11/8/2011
- by admin
- AsianMoviePulse
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