Date of Birth: April 29, 1932
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: January 14, 1997
Biography
King Hu was a pioneering Chinese film director and screenwriter, best known for his work in the wuxia (martial heroes) genre. Born in Beijing, China, King Hu moved to Hong Kong in 1949, where he began his film career as an actor. He eventually transitioned to directing and gained international acclaim for his innovative and artistic approach to martial arts cinema. His most famous works include “Come Drink with Me” (1966), “Dragon Inn” (1967), and “A Touch of Zen” (1971), the latter of which won the Technical Grand Prize at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival. King Hu’s films are celebrated for their intricate choreography, poetic storytelling, and stunning cinematography, influencing generations of filmmakers.
5 Interesting Facts about King Hu
1. King Hu was originally an actor before transitioning to directing.
2. His film “A Touch of Zen” was the first Chinese-language film to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival.
3. He introduced innovative editing techniques and elaborate set designs to wuxia films.
4. “Dragon Inn” was so influential that it was remade several times, with the 1992 version becoming a classic in its own right.
5. King Hu was also a talented painter and often contributed to the art direction of his films.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from King Hu
1. “Cinema is a visual poetry; every frame should be a painting.”
2. “Martial arts films are not just about fighting; they are about the spirit and philosophy behind the actions.”
3. “A director must understand the rhythm of a film, much like a conductor understands the rhythm of a symphony.”
4. “Innovation in film comes from understanding tradition and then breaking it.”
5. “The essence of wuxia is not in the swordplay, but in the moral code and the quest for justice.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, King Hu’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
King Hu did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [King Hu on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0399334/
2. [King Hu on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Hu
3. [Cannes Film Festival – A Touch of Zen](https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/a-touch-of-zen
4. [The Criterion Collection: A Touch of Zen](https://www.criterion.com/films/28764-a-touch-of-zen
5. [Dragon Inn (1967 – Movie Review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/dragon-inn-1967
