3 Andy Lau action roles that show his talent beyond dramas, as a cop, monk and hit man
In the 2000s, Lau added action star to his CV with roles involving martial arts, guns and gangsters. Three films show his versatility
Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau Tak-wah’s matinee idol looks were a good fit for romances and dramas early in his career, although his frequent roles playing “sensitive” triad gangsters were complemented by action scenes.
We recall the actor-singer’s portrayal of three very different action heroes on screen.
1. Shaolin (2011)
The actor brings some much-needed gravitas to the role of a ruthless warlord who takes shelter in the fabled Shaolin Temple after he is deposed by one of his juniors in a murderous coup.
His character sees the error of his violent ways and converts to Buddhism, although this does not stop him using his new-found Shaolin kung fu techniques to fight his enemies.
Lau plays the role with the intensity of a Method actor – which he is not – and is especially convincing as a villainous general who will even kill his best friend to safeguard his power.