Remembering Mang Hoi

I was sad to hear Mang Hoi passed away (1958-2023). It's hard to pinpoint him for just one job as he was clearly a feverish multi-tasker. He is well remembered and recognised by many as an important member of Sammo Hung's stunt team and would turn up in countless films. Classic and much loved titles like Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain, Heart of the Dragon, Yes Madam, Pedicab Driver, The Gambling Ghost and so many more.

His screen work spanned everything from action heavy-duty fighting and stunt roles, right through to serious dramatic parts. As evidence of this, he even won the award for Best Supporting Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards for Yes, Madam! (and was nominated with Corey Yuen for Best Action Choreography too). In what universe other than the wild world of Hong Kong cinema is someone nominated as a legitimate dramatic actor in one category, and an action choreographer in the next? Do we need more evidence that these people are extraordinarily talented, and still not recognised nearly enough elsewhere in the world?

Many fans forget he also proved his filmmaking chops and directed Lady Reporter (aka Blonde Fury) starring Cynthia Rothrock, which recently saw a nice restoration. This generation of Hong Kong stuntmen could do it all and there’s no doubt why we look back on it as a '“golden age” of action cinema. Deepest condolences to Mang Hoi’s friends and family.