Tsui Hark, a renowned and innovative filmmaker, made his mark in the cinematic world by creating a plethora of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films. His journey began at a remarkably young age, when he started experimenting with 8mm film at just 13 years old. After completing his education at the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in film, he returned to his hometown of Hong Kong in 1977 and landed a job in television.
Tsui's directorial debut, The Butterfly Murders (1979),garnered widespread attention and praise, marking the beginning of a new era in Hong Kong cinema. Throughout his illustrious career, he has produced and directed numerous successful and critically acclaimed films, including the highly acclaimed and influential A Better Tomorrow (1986),directed by John Woo and starring the iconic Chow Yun-Fat.
In 1984, Tsui co-founded his own production house, Film Workshop, with his wife, Nansun Shi. Initially intended to be a contemporary production company, it went on to become one of the most successful and renowned production companies in Hong Kong, responsible for producing a plethora of classics, including the award-winning Sinnui yauwan (1987).
Tsui is often regarded as the master of kung-fu action films, with his most notable works including Swordsman (1990),Xiao ao jiang hu zhi dong fang bu bai (1991),Dragon Inn (1992),and Once Upon a Time in China (1991). These films not only revolutionized the "wuxia" genre but also set a new standard for filmmaking, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers.
In a remarkable achievement, Tsui Hark has recently become the fourth Chinese film director to join the prestigious board of judges for the 57th Cannes Film Festival in the feature films category this year, solidifying his position as a respected and visionary figure in the film industry.