They Might Be Gallants
“Gallants” 2010 - Derek Kwok and Clement Cheng
I’m a big fan of kung fu films. I was partly raised by Jackie Chan and Jet Li, really.
So imagine my surprise — and joy — when I chanced upon this little unknown film that came out last year: Gallants. It stars none of the aforementioned martial arts superstars. What it does have, however, are old school Hong Kong stars who are barely recognisable now that they’re senior citizens. I didn’t even recognise Chen Kuan-Tai until the movie panned across “old photos” and I saw a photo of him in his younger years.
It also stars a still crazy Teddy Robin, whose tiny frame belies his ability to dwarf everyone else on screen.
Gallants isn’t your ordinary martial arts flick. I initially thought it would be all about a loser who learns kung fu and wins the girl, but it isn’t.
If anything, it’s a very charming movie with none of the usual Wong Fei Hung gloss. True, some of the action scenes are breathtaking, but it’s only a couple of minutes before our senior stars are completely out of breath.
Nevertheless, the movie manages to embody the true spirit of kung fu, one that emphasises honour, bravery and loyalty above all. To hell with victory; defeating your inner demons is the greatest triumph of all.
*Possible spoiler* This is the only movie I’ve seen wherein the protagonists join a martial arts tournament but get disqualified. This is not your average Karate Kid. The fight is settled outside the ring; the winner lies on the floor laughing while the loser looms over him, not knowing what just happened. *End spoiler*
Gallants is a good film, although I doubt a lot of people will agree so. It doesn’t fall into any neat genre; it’s difficult to classify.
What it does, though, is honour a well-loved genre, not by attempting to update or glorify it, but perhaps by recognising and embodying its spirit.
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