In my opinion, one of the most underrated actors in Hong Kong cinema was the multi-talented Frankie Chan. Not only is he a director, actor, and action choreographer, but he’s also a writer, producer, and even a composer. Also, the 80’s was a special time for action cinema. It gave birth to some of the cheesiest flicks ever as well as some of the most grim films ever. Even though cheesy ninja flicks were being made in this period, this was also the decade where people were starting to create more thoughtful stories in action movies thanks to filmmakers like Tsui Hark, John Woo, and Ringo Lam (among others). Though the 80’s was a time for cheesy flicks and intense films, Frankie Chan presented an odd film that was somehow both.
Frankie Chan’s Burning Ambition was evidently a product of its time. This movie’s about a rich father (Roy Chiao) who gives possession of his business to his youngest son played by Simon Yam. Simon Yam’s jealous brother (Michael Miu) and his power-hungry step-father (O Chun Hung) decide to work together to take over his business. O Chun Hung kills Roy Chiao and plans to kill Simon Yam next. Assassins are hired to kill O Chun Hung, so he calls upon his son (Frankie Chan) to protect him. Once Frankie Chan learns about his dad’s true intentions, he must decide who he’ll fight for.
Frankie Chan’s Burning Ambition was evidently a product of its time. This movie’s about a rich father (Roy Chiao) who gives possession of his business to his youngest son played by Simon Yam. Simon Yam’s jealous brother (Michael Miu) and his power-hungry step-father (O Chun Hung) decide to work together to take over his business. O Chun Hung kills Roy Chiao and plans to kill Simon Yam next. Assassins are hired to kill O Chun Hung, so he calls upon his son (Frankie Chan) to protect him. Once Frankie Chan learns about his dad’s true intentions, he must decide who he’ll fight for.
After watching this movie, I was surprised that this movie hasn’t gotten more attention or even a readily available DVD release. As mentioned earlier, this movie is certainly a product of its time. It has the noticeably cheesy music that you’d hear from other action movies from the time as well as some really corny and sometimes nonsensical dialogue. Simply put, this movie is actually kinda laughable in true 80’s style fraught with 80’s action movie tropes. There’s some unintentional humor to behold in Burning Ambition, but there’s even some surprisingly good intentional jokes, even during some of the more serious scenes.
But the thing that prevents this movie from being any other 80’s action movie is that it actually has a dark and intense story. It's not an utterly bleak film, but this movie doesn't really end with a big action finale, but instead, it's a really shocking scene where the characters mainly just talk wit not much fighting. A lot of the characters are anti-heroes in this movie without even knowing it. All of O Chun Hung’s children are protecting him because he’s their dad without knowing why there are assassins trying to kill him. You really feel bad for all of these guys. Everyone seems to be justified in their actions or you can at least understand their motives. All of these characters don’t have the greatest character development though. All of Frankie Chan’s friends are pretty one-dimensional, but the other protagonists make up for it.
But the thing that prevents this movie from being any other 80’s action movie is that it actually has a dark and intense story. It's not an utterly bleak film, but this movie doesn't really end with a big action finale, but instead, it's a really shocking scene where the characters mainly just talk wit not much fighting. A lot of the characters are anti-heroes in this movie without even knowing it. All of O Chun Hung’s children are protecting him because he’s their dad without knowing why there are assassins trying to kill him. You really feel bad for all of these guys. Everyone seems to be justified in their actions or you can at least understand their motives. All of these characters don’t have the greatest character development though. All of Frankie Chan’s friends are pretty one-dimensional, but the other protagonists make up for it.
The best aspect of this movie has to be the action. There are so many exhilarating action highlights with creative choreography and excellent stunts throughout this movie. One of the earlier fight scenes in the movie has Yukari Oshima and Kara Hui trying to protect O Chun Hung from a mob while barefoot. The fight scene towards the middle at the amusement park is easily the highlight of the film. It features many different fights with different weapons. All of the fights are incredibly inventive. And with such a great story, the fight scenes are really made more exciting and intense.
I love how this movie has cheesy 80’s action movie tropes, an engrossing story, and amazing fight scenes all in one. It’s especially interesting when this movie gets really dark. This movie can be arguably uneven at times. Some scenes where a main character dies could be followed by a funny scene. During one scene, a character dies while there is a joke being told. These scenes feel out of place at times but they somehow don’t take away from the impact of the movie. Despite it being uneven, it's still exciting and intriguing. And that’s partially what I feel makes this movie so unique.
I love how this movie has cheesy 80’s action movie tropes, an engrossing story, and amazing fight scenes all in one. It’s especially interesting when this movie gets really dark. This movie can be arguably uneven at times. Some scenes where a main character dies could be followed by a funny scene. During one scene, a character dies while there is a joke being told. These scenes feel out of place at times but they somehow don’t take away from the impact of the movie. Despite it being uneven, it's still exciting and intriguing. And that’s partially what I feel makes this movie so unique.
Burning Ambition combines an intriguing story with some outstanding action set-pieces to earn a spot in any action movie fan’s collection. Burning Ambition is a very distinct movie thanks to its entertaining 80’s tropes and for its excellent action and story. It’s probably one of the most underrated Hong Kong movies that I can think of. The inavailability of this film on home-video is truly criminal. But still, if you ever have the chance to watch this movie (legally, I hope), don’t let the opportunity pass.
Images from HKMDb and HK Cinemagic
Images from HKMDb and HK Cinemagic