The Prodigal Son 1981
"The fighting men in Chinese opera house."
In Sammo Hung Kam-Bo's 1981 martial arts gem *The Prodigal Son*, a brash young heir to Canton's wealthiest family believes he's an unbeatable kung fu prodigy—until his overprotective father secretly rigs every match to spare him from harm.
Director: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
Cast
Yuen Biao
Leung Chang
Frankie Chan Fan-Kei
Ngai Fei
Lam Ching-Ying
Leung Yee-Tai
Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
Wong Wa-Po
Peter Chan Lung
Yee Tung Choi
Paul Chung Fat
Mr Law
Dick Wei
Mr Suen
Wai Pak
Au Ru Kwai
Chin Yuet-Sang
Kungfu Teacher
Lee Hoi-Sang
Kungfu Teacher
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Prodigal Son (1981) about?
This 1981 kung fu comedy follows a cocky Cantonese heir who fancies himself an unbeatable fighter—until his overprotective father forces competitors to throw matches. After a humiliating defeat at the hands of a traveling opera troupe, he sets out to find a legitimate master, igniting a journey of self-discovery.
Who directed The Prodigal Son?
Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, the legendary action director and martial artist, helmed *The Prodigal Son* as part of his prolific career in Hong Kong cinema.
Who stars in The Prodigal Son?
The film features martial arts stars Yuen Biao, Frankie Chan Fan-Kei, Lam Ching-Ying, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, and Peter Chan Lung in key roles.
Is The Prodigal Son (1981) worth watching?
With its mix of action, comedy, and heartfelt themes, *The Prodigal Son* is a solid pick for fans of classic Hong Kong martial arts films. While IMDb hasn't rated it, Sammo Hung's choreography and the film's energetic tone make it a cult favorite worth seeking out.
How long is The Prodigal Son?
The movie runs for 100 minutes, offering a brisk but packed experience.
🎥 Trailer
The Prodigal Son: A Martial Arts Comedy About Ego and Redemption — Full Movie Info
In Sammo Hung Kam-Bo's 1981 martial arts gem *The Prodigal Son*, a brash young heir to Canton's wealthiest family believes he's an unbeatable kung fu prodigy—until his overprotective father secretly rigs every match to spare him from harm. The illusion shatters when a traveling troupe of Chinese opera actors humiliates him in a public showdown, exposing the truth to the entire city. Determined to earn real respect, the reckless heir sets out on a quest for a master who can teach him the discipline he's been missing, leading to a journey that blends humor, humility, and high-flying action.
This Hong Kong classic blends screwball comedy with dazzling stunt work, anchored by Sammo Hung's signature choreography and a star-studded cast. Themes of ego, redemption, and the clash between tradition and modernity simmer beneath the surface, while the film's lively atmosphere—part vaudeville, part action spectacle—makes it a standout in the golden era of martial arts cinema.
