The Bare-Footed Kid

The Bare-Footed Kid (released in the Philippines as Professional Fighter) is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Johnnie To and starring Aaron Kwok, Maggie Cheung, Ti Lung and Jacklyn Wu. The film is a remake of the 1975 film, Disciples of Shaolin, which was directed by Chang Cheh.

Plot

After the death of his father, the poor and illiterate Kwan Fung-yiu (Aaron Kwok) goes out to the provincial capital to seek refuge from Tuen Ching-wan (Ti Lung), a friend of his deceased father, and works in a dye factory, the "Four Seasons Weaver". The political situation in the capital is tense. With his superior identity as a Manchurian, Hak Wo-po (Kenneth Tsang), owner of the "Tin Lung Spinner", dominates the city and set up a gambling den where he sends his workers to fight with workers of "Four Seasons Weave". The newly appointed magistrate Yuen Tin-yau (Cheung Siu-fai) and his instructor Mr. Wah (Paul Chun) want to eradicate Hak, but they do not have enough evidence to bring him to justice. Later, Tin-yau meets Pak Siu-kwan (Maggie Cheung), the owner of "Four Seasons Weaver" and Wah's daughter Lin (Jacklyn Wu). Then it was revealed that Tuen was a fugitive who changed his name and hid in the dye factory to avoid arrest and developed affection towards Pak. Fung-yiu and Lin also develops a mutual bond after an incident.

"Tin Lung Spinners" had always been inferior to "Four Seasons Weaver". Feeling vengeful, Hak sets "Four Seasons Weave" on fire to vent his anger. Fung-yiu, who is witless, dazed and confused, gets up to the fighting arena, and was lured by Hak where he kills his friend's father. Fung-yiu had fallen further and further into a quagmire of confusion. He also reveals Tuen's past identity as a killer and Tuen is wanted by officials. Yuen Tin-yau's discerning eyes can tell greatness from Fung-yiu, and they work together to defeat the "Dragon Place". However, Tuen was ambushed by Hak where he swallowed poison and shot to death by millions of arrows. Fung-yiu hurried off to save Tuen, but it was too late by then.

Cast

Music

Theme song

"The Expression After Speaking" (留下句號的面容)
- Composer: William Wu
- Lyricist: Siu Mei
- Singer: Aaron Kwok

Insert theme

"Wait for Your Return" (等你回來)
- Composer: William Wu
- Lyricist: Siu Mei
- Singer: Cass Phang

Release

The Bare-Footed Kid was released in Hong Kong on 3 April 1993. In the Philippines, the film was released as Professional Fighter by South Cinema Films on 21 April 1994, with actor Aaron Kwok credited as "Alexander Fu Sheng Jr."

Critical response

The Bare-Footed Kid received generally positive reviews. Ard Vijn of Twitch Film writes "it's not a classic by any means but it's a fun movie that definitely has its moments. Fans of either Aaron Kwok, Ti Lung or Maggie Cheung won't be disappointed." Mark Polland of Kung Fu Cinema rated it 4 out of 5 stars and writes The Bare-Footed Kid is a thoughtful kung fu film with an unusually strong story that winningly delivers a message that strength and fighting ability are useless without morality and sound judgment. Andrew Saroch of Far East Films also rated film 4 out of 5 stars and writes "while not as good as Disciples of Shaolin, Bare-Footed Kid is an excellent film and like its inspiration, operates of a number of levels."