In 1998, I headed to the Chicago premiere of The Replacement Killers, starring Mira Sorvino, Michael Rooker, and Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat, making his English language debut. A friend working the event asked if I’d be interested in volunteering, guarding the reserved row of seats until the special guests were seated. As the guests were brought down, I was shocked to learn it was Chow Yun-fat, along with his wife and legendary Hong Kong film producer Terrance Chang. During the film, there were several action beats with Chow doing some of his signature poses while brandishing a gun in each hand. The crowd was eating it up, clapping excitedly, seeing their hero on the big screen. From time to time, he would turn and ask, “Did you like that?” with a huge grin across his face. It was a surreal moment I’ll never forget.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Chow Yun-fat, discovering his films through his work with John Woo. That obsession would lead to me seeking out some films in which he had more minor roles, but he still always managed to be enigmatic. One such film is The Postman Fights Back (1982), which is significant for another reason other than Chow’s involvement.
It was an early directorial effort from Ronny Yu, who later directed the tragic fantasy/romance masterpiece The Bride with White Hair (1993). Several years later, he would make a splash in the horror genre by directing two massive hits, The Bride of Chucky (1998) and Freddy vs. Jason (2003). It’s always interesting to see how certain filmmakers or actors started their careers, and this film is so far removed from what Yu and Chow would be best known for. 88 Films, in association with Fortune Star, has delivered The Postman Fights Back in a limited edition release.
Ma (Leung Kar-Yan) is a courier during the early years of the Chinese Republic who is tasked with transporting a package to a rebel leader. Along with three others, including Fu Jun (Chow Yun-Fat), they make their way through war-torn territories only to be continuously attacked. The group soon realizes that whatever they’re transporting is far more important than they could have imagined. Dedicated to the task, they’re willing to unite and risk it all to do their part and save the country.
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Certainly not a perfect film, The Postman Fights Back is a solid effort that lies somewhere in between a traditional Shaw Brothers-style film with hints of what the industry in Hong Kong would revolutionize just a few short years later. The cast delivers solid performances, and Yu shows slight glimmers of style that he would continue to develop throughout his career. The action is a mix of martial arts and gunplay with several outstanding sequences, including a fight on a frozen lake.
The film looks and sounds quite good, and the loaded disc includes three audio commentary tracks, a limited edition slipcase, the original Hong Kong cut, the export cut with an English dubbed track, an archival interview with Chow Yun-Fat, two archival interviews with Leung Kar-Yan, trailers, stills, reversible artwork, and more.
88 Films knows how to put together a great disc, and this one is a real treat. It is now available to order.
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 is now on Blu-ray from 88 Films. Directed by Ronny Yu, it stars Chow Yun-Fat, Ka-Yan Leung, and Cherie Chung.){kind=link}