Red Trousers: The Life of the Hong Kong Stuntmen

Hong Kong, United States · 2003
Rated R · 1h 40m
Director
Starring Sammo Hung, Robin Shou, Liu Chia-Liang, Alice Lee
Genre

A short action film interwoven into a documentary tells the story of the legendary unsung heroes of Hong Kong film, the stuntmen and women. This film features the world's most illustrious stuntmen, and many current working stuntmen, profiled through interviews and clips that showcase their work. It explores their death-defying feats and foolhardy working methods and traces their origin back to the original Hong Kong stuntmen known as "red trousers" - a term used to describe acrobats in Peking Opera. By incorporating the martial arts, fantasy, adventure short action film, "Lost Time," the viewer is given an actual account of how stunts are created and executed on film.

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What are critics saying?

Washington Post by

For a quicker and more startling survey of Hong Kong stunts gone wrong, just check out the blooper clips that conclude any '80s Chan flick.

San Francisco Chronicle by Carla Meyer

Offers a lively but jumbled insider's view of a world of great talent and greater risk.

Variety by Dennis Harvey

An awkward blend of documentary and genre pic.

L.A. Weekly by John Powers

Brave, gifted, haunted and poor, these kids are so heartbreaking that you wish Shou had the good sense to give their lives the attention he lavishes on himself.

Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas

So engaging and illuminating that it is enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with one of cinema's most dynamic forms.

The Hollywood Reporter by Michael Rechtshaffen

An often intriguing documentary, albeit one with wires attached.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer by Sean Axmaker

A loving tribute to Hong Kong stuntmen by one of their own, the directorial debut of stuntman-turned-actor Robin Shou ("Mortal Kombat") is a wince-inducing behind-the-scenes look at the way contemporary Hong Kong action cinema is created.

The A.V. Club by Tasha Robinson

Shou focuses on a meaty subject, and he has an insider's access to the world he's exploring. But his behind-the-scenes film doesn't spend nearly enough time behind the scenes.

Chicago Reader by Ted Shen

Robin Shou frequently cuts to scenes from one of his recent movies, adding to the impression that this is a vanity reel.