The Hong Kong movie industry has been affected by the ongoing coronavirus restrictions. Many people have lost stability and income due to the pandemic. Film production has also been suspended.
The 40th Hong Kong Film Awards, Hong Kong’s rendering of the Oscars of Hollywood, was held earlier in July at Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Center after several delays during the pandemic.
Prelude of laughs
Throughout his 40-year acting career, Michael has made plenty of cinematic accomplishments. He, along with his younger brothers, Stanley Hui, Sam Hui, and Ricky Hui, was the first-brother act in Hong Kong. The Hui brothers were eventually crowned as pioneers in comedy and music productions. Many older Hongkongers would agree that they grew up with their movies or music, a traditional Canto art lost after the 90s.
Michael Hui has been a director, producer, actor, and screenwriter since the 1970s. Michael, Sam, and Ricky were regulars in breaking box-office records for almost two decades, starting in the 1970s.
Michael first entered the scene in 1972 as a TV actor. Michael was invited onto the silver screen by cinema mogul Run Run Shaw.
Michael joined Shaw’s Production the same year for the movie “The Warlord.” He made his first appearance in “The Warlord” as a satirical comedy actor. His movie debut earned over HK$3 million (US$380,000), the third best-selling film in 1972.
Michael was the first actor in Cantonese movies to address social affairs and the rich-poor rift with humor. His films contrasted lower-income citizens with the wealthy in the city.
His younger brother Sam Hui would later become the God of songs. Sam would write music about society and mirrored his love and hope for Hong Kong. The public was given a sense of the comfort they needed amid hardship and societal issues.
If the Hui Brothers starred in a movie together, that would be guaranteed to break box office records.
During his acceptance speech, Michael first thanked his three brothers, Stanley (2nd), Ricky (3rd), and the youngest, Sam. “For many years, they have been the backbone of my support system. Without a word or hesitation.” He smiled.
He reminisced about what his little brother, the late Ricky Hui, would say publicly to mock him for his tough character, “Of course, no one dares to say anything. Michael is a stubborn, mean little smart ass. He doesn’t listen, so just let him talk.”
Michael, when talking about Ricky, was full of humility, “Ricky has gone to heaven. But I know he is here with me tonight, in spirit.”
He continued to affirm his late brother’s support while looking up to the sky, “Everything you said, Ricky, all the criticism you gave me was right. I really could not have done this without you. I know you are here tonight and watching over me. I miss you so much. I appreciate you. I love you. This award mostly belongs to you.”
The Hui’s Legend
The four Hui brothers were born in Guangzhou in the 1950s but later moved to Hong Kong. They finished their education in the colonial academy system.While Stanley remained behind the scene, the other three “were destined” to be on screen, as some citizens said.
After Sam and Michael graduated from university, they joined Ricky on the movie screen.
From there, the three Hui Brothers were on the path to stardom and impacted Hongkongers’ life.
They became accustomed to breaking box office records from 1972 onward.
“Games Gamblers Play” was the first movie Michael partnered with his brother Sam Hui as an actor, screenwriter, and director.
“Games Gamblers Play” earned US$140 million, making history the most successful movie since Hong Kong became a trading port.
This Hui Brother’s film made the highest-grossing movie revenue and defeated Bruce Lee’s at the time.
In 1974, Michael founded his own film company, the Hui Film Company, with the film “Golden Harvest” together with his brothers Ricky and Sam. Between 1974 and 2000, he created more than 20 comedy films.
