For a brief moment, Yuen Biao was hot shit in kung fu cinema. He’d made both The Prodigal Son and Knockabout and was finally being noticed for the amazing performer he was. It didn’t stay that way though since his two “bigger brothers,” Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan clearly stole the limelight away from him. While those two were thrust into mega-stardom Yuen Biao just kind of plodded along making good but definitely not classic films. He only really got true recognition when he teamed up with Sammo and Jackie in the 80′s. Weird really since it can be argued that Yuen Biao is actually the most talented when it comes to the three. Well...when it comes to on screen feats, that is. Well, in 1989 he made this film, The Iceman Cometh and it’s sort of gone down as Yuen’s solo classic. The film is basically Encino Man (aka California Man) with kung fu. The film itself isn’t amazing. It’s a silly fish out of water comedy. But it’s definitely watchable. The most noteworthy thing is this fight between Yuen Biao and Yuen Wah. You might recognize Yuen Wah from Kung Fu Hustle. He’s the old Tai Chi dude. I love this fight. It might not be as rhythmic or crisp as Sammo’s choreography but it’s a brilliant slice of 80′s-style kickboxing action. Just look at the kicks in this scene. The boot work is awesome.
Donnie Yen remade this film in 2013 (Iceman 3D) and it’s fucking awful.
Finding this film isn’t easy. I don’t think it’s streaming anywhere. but, if you do want a copy (and it’s definitely one for collectors), you can pick it up for 30 quid on Amazon.co.uk (here).
