Kara Hui Ying-Hung

[DragonClaws]

 

Kara Hui Ying-Hung - Basic Biography & Filmography

"Once I broke my leg and was rushed to the hospital. They drained the blood from my bruise and then I went straight back to the studio to film. When we finished, that’s when I went back to the hospital. Young action stars these days have it easy compared to what we went through." - Kara Hui

(Above) filming at Shaw Brothers studios at Clear Water Bay.

The tough and talented film & T.V actress Kara Hu Ying-Hung, was born on the 2nd of February 1960 in Shandong China. The youngest of five children, with one elder brother Austin Wai, and two elder sisters. Aged six her family move to Hong Kong, raising the future star in Wan Chai and the then poor shanty town area known as Rennie's Mill. When her father was left penny less due to some bad business ventures in Shantung. Quoted as saying "Grew up around pimp's, prostitutes and gamblers". Kara and her siblings were forced to peddle goods on the streets. As a teenager she would sell gum and souvenirs to sailors visiting Wan Chai.

"Out of 365 days a year, I worked all 365 days, but I probably did the workload of 400 days, because sometimes I shot both nights and days." - Kara Hui

Before starting her film career, she spent three years a traditional Chinese dancer. Going onto learn Martial Arts weaponry under the tutelage of Bow-Sim Mark, who is Donnie Yens mother. She landed her first screen role in the 1977 Shaw Brothers production, The Brave Archer directed by Chang Cheh. He was so impressed by the young actress and Martial Artist. That he wrote female parts into five of his film, specially, for her.

“Once I broke my leg and was rushed to the hospital. They drained the blood from my bruise and then I went straight back to the studio to film. When we finished, that’s when I went back to the hospital. Young action stars these days have it easy compared to what we went through.” - Kara Hui

While working as an extra the set of Dirty Ho(1979), she was re-cast as one of the leading ladies. After a chosen actress left the set, complaining that the action scenes were too demanding. The movies fight choreographer and director Lau Kar-Leung, specifically requested Miss Hui. After being so impressed with an audition reel she did for another Shaws production. Despite being ill during the making of the movie, she persisted in hope she wouldn’t lose this break out role.

"After filming that day, I passed out as soon as I got into the van. It was becuase of my cecum that I had a really bad case of appendicitis, later when I fell the cecum burst and it turned into peritonitis". - Kara Hui

Normally this operation would have only take-an hour, but due to her neglecting her health. The surgery took six hours, and after only four day’s rest, she returned to filming. Shaw Brothers had persisted to call her while she was in hospital, wanting to know when she would be back at work. Before her stiches were even taken out, Kara Hui was back on set filming the fight scenes. Her impressive skills and dedication impressed Lau Kar-Leung so much, he would go onto cast her in many of his future productions. Which would lead to one of her most important features, in the form of My Young Auntie(1981).

After eight years at Shaws and with thirty-nine roles under her belt. She was cast in Shaw Brothers final period costume movie The 8-Diagram Pole Fighter(1984). Which would also be her last movie with the studio. It was also the last production of the late Fu Sheng, with Miss Huis role re-written to replace his missing character in the un-filmed scenes. She said in a 2017 Celestial Pictures interview, that this picture remains both her favourite acting role and her best movie making experience.

(above) A more recent picture of Miss Hui with one of her many awards.

Kara Huis career was far from over, she would go onto appear in a further 117 Asian productions. Breaking into the T.V industry in 1996, with a role in Journey to The West. Known for her onscreen work, Hui has said she also worked as a script supervisor, assistant fight choreographer, assistant director. Along with working on dubbing, editing and at times even working behind the camera itself. Despite now being in her sixties, the actress has said she still has a six-pack that makes people envious. After forty years in the entertainment industry, she in demand, finding regular work in both film and T.V. The source of information featured in this short biography. Comes from a 2017 Celestial Pictures interview with Kara Hui (below). Along with additional information from the following brief article.

The Amazing Kara Hui Ying-Hung

Link- https://vintagegeekculture.tumblr.com/post/179631459951/the-amazing-kara-hui-ying-hung

 

Filmography: 1977 - 2022

1970's

The Brave Archer (1977)

The Dream of the Red Chamber (1977)

The Teenager's Nightmares (1977)

Chinatown Kid (1977)

Clan of Amazon's (1978)

The Brave Archer Part II (1978)

Shaolin Hand Lock (1978)

The Cunning Hustler (1978)

The Vogage of Emperor Chien Lung (1978)

Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, Part II (1978)

Swordsman & Enchantress (1978)

Invincible Shaolin (1978)

The Scandalous Warlord (1979)

Life Gamble (1979)

The Ghost Story (1979)

The Restless Cricket (1979)

The Last Judgement (1979)

The Dirty Ho (1979)

The Deadly Breaking Sword (1979)

The Tigress of Shaolin (1979)

Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979)

1980's

Clan of the White Lotus (1980)

Heaven & Hell (1980)

Emperor Chien Lung & The Beauty (1980)

Swift Sword (1980)

Return to the 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1980)

The Tiger and the Widow (1980)

My Young Auntie (1981)

Martial Club (1981)

Legendary Weapons of China (1982)

Lovely Blades (1982)

Cat VS. Rat (1982)

The Emperor and the Minister (1982)

The Lady is the Boss (1983)

The Demon of the Lute (1983)

Long Road to Gallantry (1984)

Family Light Affair (1984)

The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)

New Tales of the Flying Fox (1984)

The Return of Pom Pom (1984)

Three Stooges Go Undercover (1984)

Double Decker (1984)

Journey of the Dommed (1985)

Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stras (1985)

Why Me? (1985)

Rosa (1986)

Naughty Boys (1986)

The Seventh Curse (1985)

The Story of Dr. Sun Yat Sen (1986)

Happy Go Lucky (19870

Rouge (1988)

The Inspector Wears Skirts (1988)

The Dragon Family (1988)

Who Cares (1989)

The Inspector Wears Skirts 2 (1989)

The Peacock King (1989)

They Came to Rob Hong Kong (1989)

Burning Ambition (1989)

1990's

Bullet to Survive (1990)

Braveful Police (1990)

Widow Warriors (1990)

Stage Door Johnny (1990)

Never Say Regret (1990)

Brave Young Girls (1990)

Raid on Royal Casino Marine (1990)

Thats Money (1990)

Legend of The Drunken Tiger (1991)

Queen of Gambler (1991)

Visa to Hell (1991)

Guys in Ghost Hand (1991)

Heart of Danger (1991)

The Real Me (1991)

The Roar of The Vietnamese (1991)

The Banquet (1991)

Behind the Curtain (1991)

Megaforce from Highland (1992)

The Vengeance of Six Dragon (19920

Angel Terminators (1992)

Zen of Sword (1992)

Inspector Wears Skirts IV (1992)

Red Lips (1992)

On Parole (1993)

The Tale of a Heroine (1993)

Tatto Girl (1993)

On Parole 2 (1993)

A Story in Beijing City (1993)

Fatal Love (1993)

Bloody Revenge (1993)

Madam City Hunter 919930

Out Bound Killing (1994)

Sharpshooters (19940

Kung Fu Mistress (1994)

Snake Fist (1994)

Almighty Thief (1995)

Gunmen (19950

Dragon in Shaolin (1996)

Crazy Mission (1997)

2000 - 2009

Fist Power (2000)

High K (2000)

Forever Love (2001)

Visible Secret (2001)

Ling's Story (2001)

Dirty Man (2003)

The Secret Society - Boss (2003)

Night Corridor (2003)

Infernal Affairs II (2003)

The Park (2003)

Wanted (2004)

Jiang Hu (2004)

Crazy N' The City (2005)

A Chinese Tall Story (2005)

L for Love L for Lies (2008)

Legendary Assassin (2008)

2010 - 2019

At the End of Daybreak (2010)

72 Tenants of Prosperity (2010)

Kung Fu Wing Chun (2010)

Wu Xia (2011)

Yibu Zhi Cheng (2011)

Thirteen Minutes in the Lives of... (2011)

Turning Point 2 (2011)

A Chinese Ghosty Story (2011)

Happiness Me Too (2012)

Red River Valley (2012)

Blood Stained Shoes (2012)

The Wedding Diary (2012)

Diva (2012)

Winter is Hoped (2013)

The Wedding Diary 2 (2013)

Laughing Everyday (2013)

Glory Days (2013)

Midnight Train (2013)

The Fox Lover (2013)

Rigor Mortis (2013)

Control (2013)

Lock Me Up, Tie Him Down (2014)

The Midnight Affair (2014)

Kungfu Taboo (2015)

Lover's & Movies (2015)

Daughter (2015)

The Warriors Gate (2016)

The Mysterious Family (2016)

Horrible Mansion in Wild Village (2016)

Finding Mr. Right 2 (2016)

Happiness (2016)

The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful (2017)

Mrs K (2017)

77 Heartbreaks (2017)

House of the Rising Sons (2018)

Tracy (2018)

My Best Summer (2019)

Binding Souls (2019)

2022 - 2022

Monster Run (2020)

Echoes of the Thunder (2021)

77 Heartwarmings (2021)

Sunshine of My Life (2022)

 

Edited July 14, 2022 by DragonClaws

[DragonClaws]

 

According to the HKMDB Kara Huis first movie role was in The Brave Archer(1977). However, I found the following information that states she was first cast in Challenge of The Masters?, released in 1976. Challenge of The Maser's isnt even listed on her HKMDB filmography. Can anyone help me out with this query?.

 

Quote

After working at nightclubs, Hui was discovered by film director Lau Kar-leung and was cast in Lau's Challenge of the Masters (1976). After that, she participated in various films of Lau.

Link- https://peoplepill.com/people/kara-hui

 

That same site also states she was born on the 3rd of February, like a number of other web-sites. On the HKMDB it says she was born on the 2nd?. Anyone know which date is the correct one?.

 

Edited February 7, 2021 by DragonClaws

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

1 hour ago, DragonClaws said:

According to the HKMDB 

There's your mistake right there....

[DragonClaws]

10 hours ago, TibetanWhiteCrane said:

There's your mistake right there....

 

Hi @TibetanWhiteCrane, do you think Challenge of the Master(1976) was her first movie?.

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

36 minutes ago, DragonClaws said:

 

Hi @TibetanWhiteCrane, do you think Challenge of the Master(1976) was her first movie?.

Haven't watched it in about a decade so I don't know. I seem to recall one relatively recent interview with her where she goes over her career, early start at SB etc. Maybe she mentions it there. Gotta search out various sources of info on HK cinema... there's no end-all-be-all source, and HKMDB, in my opinion, can't really be relied upon anymore sadly. They were never perfect, but has fallen off hard.

Edited February 6, 2021 by TibetanWhiteCrane

[DragonClaws]

On 2/6/2021 at 5:26 AM, TibetanWhiteCrane said:

Gotta search out various sources of info on HK cinema... there's no end-all-be-all source,

 

Agreed, I cant comment either as Challenge of The Masters is one film thats slipped past me for now.

 

The following interview is in French, but I thought I'd post it here for @ShawAngela and any other French speaking forum members.

 

 

[DragonClaws]

 

Kara Hui (惠英紅) on humble beginnings and 40 years in the film industry - Arthur Tam

"If I could choose again, martial arts would be a hobby, not a career. Once you snap enough tendons because of something, you begin hating it.”

Link- https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/film/kara-hui-on-humble-beginnings-and-40-years-in-the-film-industry

 

[DragonClaws]

 

Kara Hui & her brother Austin Wai Tin-Chi.

 

Edited February 25, 2021 by DragonClaws

[morpheus]

This has got to be my favorite (or at least one of my favorite) images of Kara Hui. 

[Cognoscente]

[Yihetuan]

I last saw her in the Taiwanese film, The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful a few years ago and it's amazing that she's still active going into her 5th decade in the industry. As you know, most of these HK starlets and actresses marry some rich businessman and quietly retire but she's still going strong. I purchased a HK photo book from one of our fellow members @SkemeRichards a couple years ago and it shows all of Kara's assets if you know what i mean.   She certainly was and still is a very attractive woman in my book.

[Cognoscente]

[DragonClaws]

 

 

[DragonClaws]

 

 

[8DiagramAuntieFighter]

There should be 100 pages for the queen at this point. Been crushing on her since I first saw My Young Auntie. She still looks great today. 

 

[venomsreviews]

I was always struck by her charisma when I first saw her on the screen. I always found it amazing that she used to be a dancer and that she also learned her weapons skills from Donnie Yen’s mother. She was such a graceful fighter with such cool characters. I find that she is just as badass in real life as she is on screen. She’s by far one of my favorite female actresses and I admire her dedication/passion for her job.

Here she is with her Golden Horse Award which she won for ‘Best Actress’ for The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful (2017), if I remember correctly:

These are just a few various other photos:

 

Edited April 25, 2022 by venomsreviews
fixing wording and image

[venomsreviews]

[ShawAngela]

On 2/25/2021 at 11:24 AM, DragonClaws said:

 

Kara Hui & her brother Austin Wai Tin-Chi.

 

Great picture of both of them ! Is it from a movie ?

[DragonClaws]

On 4/29/2022 at 11:12 PM, ShawAngela said:

Great picture of both of them ! Is it from a movie ?

 

I'm sure someone answered that question already?, but some posts have since been moved?. If it's from a movie its one I've yet to view.

 

[venomsreviews]

On 2/6/2021 at 3:14 AM, DragonClaws said:

 

According to the HKMDB Kara Huis first movie role was in The Brave Archer(1977). However, I found the following information that states she was first cast in Challenge of The Masters?, released in 1976. Challenge of The Maser's isnt even listed on her HKMDB filmography. Can anyone help me out with this query?.

 

Link- https://peoplepill.com/people/kara-hui

 

I just now saw this post. I believe PeoplePill may have provided incorrect information. I will provide the interview below, where Kara states that the first film she worked on at Shaw Brothers was with Chang Cheh. She also says her first film with Lau Kar-Leung was Dirty Ho. She also references that he saw her audition footage for The Brave Archer (1977). Based on that information, I would say she was probably not in Challenge of the Masters, especially if 1976 is the correct release date.

 

Edited May 12, 2022 by venomsreviews

[venomsreviews]

[8DiagramAuntieFighter]

2 hours ago, venomsreviews said:

She looks just as good now as she did 40 years ago. She’s aged gracefully. 

[8DiagramAuntieFighter]

I think I’m going into cardiac arrest

[defangthewolf]

 

[DragonClaws]