Johnnie To's remake of the Shaw Brothers 1975 hit, The Invincible One (aka Disciples Of Shaolin), is indeed a classic of the Hong Kong New Wave era. With a great performance from all its main cast, a memorable score by William Hu Wei Li, gorgeous cinematography by Horace Wong, and fantastic fight choreography courtesy of the late, great Lau Kar Leung - who incidentally was the action director on Chang Cheh's original film. A modern take on a classic story of redemption and doomed love, wrapped up in a coming-of-age tale that, unfortunately, doesn't have the happiest of endings...
When I had this on VHS from the brilliant Made In Hong Kong label, I wore out the video tape in no time at all. I loved it then, and still love it as much now. Produced by Mona Fong and the Shaw Brothers studio, The Bare-Footed Kid may offer nothing new as such to long-time fans of kung-fu films, but it still feels as fresh and looks just as amazing today as it did all those years ago!
Aaron Kwok is just gorgeous and wonderfully cute in this as the titular character, naïve and innocent to the world around him, abused by many and easily led astray. This is one of my favourite Kwok movies, and think he is just wonderful in everything from the drama and comedy, to the awesome kung-fu action scenes. Kwok is supported by the amazing Hong Kong film legend that is Ti Lung, a man with a secret past who now works for the equally impressive Maggie Cheung, both of who are also lovers, As the boss of the bye factory, Maggie runs a fair but tight ship producing top-quality fabrics, helping the needy, and making great business which angers her competitor, played by the great Kenneth Tsang.
Tsang is as wonderfully wicked as always as the boss of the Dragon Spinners; the gangster dye factory causing all the trouble. After a great martial-arts tournament, Tsang tricks Kwok into working for him with a new pair of shoes, and a promise of big money. Of course, Aaron doesn't have a clue of his new masters plans in putting his new friends...
As mentioned, the film is shot beautifully with thanks to cinematographer Horace Wong who has shot everything from Twin Dragons to The Myth, King Of Comedy, and pretty much, every major John Woo hit. His mix of handheld shots and epic sweeps are aided by some wonderful lighting, making almost every frame of The Bare-Footed Kid, just gorgeous to look at. The incredible night scene with Ti Lung and Maggie Cheung going out on a date in the pouring rain, is one such scene - and one of many.
The legendary Lau Kar Leung provides some crisp and powerful kung-fu fights, a lot of which is aided by wires, although not in a distracting way. The only let-down for me in this film was a couple of moments of over-cranking during action. It didn't need it, and while noticeable, did not ruin the action on-screen at the time as it was brief. Regardless, both Kwok and Ti Lung get to kick ass a number of times, and both look amazing doing it. Ti Lung's tea-house battle and fight for survival is a highlight, as is the epic finale with Kwok taking on everyone. Just brilliant!
Wu Chien Lien, who had starred with Aaron in A Moment Of Romance 2 that same year, starts off as a pretty unlikeable girl but soon turns things around, taking a fancy to Aaron and becoming closer after the murder of her father, of which Kwok was a part off unknowingly...
Fans of Sammo Hung's Blade Of Fury and Jet Li's Fong Sai Yuk movies will love The Bare-Footed Kid. With stunning fight sequences, romance, emotion and melodrama, you can't help but fall for it!
Overall: Beautifully directed, funny, charming and action-packed, The Bare-Footed Kid is a modern classic and highly recommended!
