The legendary Yuen Siu-fai auditioned to be an actor at age seven and acted in his first film Honour thy Father and Mother in 1953. Time flies, 70 years have passed in a blink and ‘Little Fai’ of yesteryear is ‘Big Brother Fai’ of today. He may look very different from when he was seven, but his devotion to art remains the same while his artistry has become more profound, nourished by the rich experience of an eventful life and years of refined practice. Big Brother Fai not only continues to perform on stage but is also active in the teaching podium, wholeheartedly persisting with the ideals of his mentor, the opera master Mak Bing-wing, passing on to younger generations the art and legacy of Cantonese opera. 

2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the advent of Yuen’s brilliant career on film and stage. The Hong Kong Film Archive is celebrating this remarkable milestone by presenting a special programme featuring five of his most accomplished films. The lineup includes four films made when he was a child actor: Story of Father and Son (1954), a Union Film production co-starring Cheung Wood-yau; the fantasy films How Nazha Rescued His Mother from the Snake Mountain (1960) and Seven Fights with Nine Tail Fox (1964), in which the tender-aged Yuen showcases his endearing charm; and Torrents of Spring (Cantonese dubbed version) (1960), a rare MP & GI Mandarin film for the renowned Cantonese-opera star. Rounding up the bill is the momentous The Legend of Lee Heung Kwan (1990), the last Cantonese-opera film made in Hong Kong, directed by the venerable Chor Yuen and starring the opera diva Hung Sin Nui. 

This is a programme that captures Yuen in his many splendours, from child prodigy to accomplished veteran, putting his heart into every facet of his work. A vivid testament to a dedicated artist with a lot of hearts.

Special thanks to: Prof Yuen Siu-fai, Ms Barbara Tang, Benny Leung@studio-m.hk and Michael CW Chiu

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.