Hong Kong action cinema icon Sammo Hung and his son, Timmy Hung (Hung Tin-ming), marked a significant family achievement this week at the “Starlight Gala Premiere Night” for the new film A Step into the Past (also known as G-Forcer), revealing the first-ever joint cinematic endeavor involving all four Hung men since their careers began. The dual appearance at the premiere underscored the familial bonds woven into the fabric of the high-profile adaptation.
Speaking to reporters, the elder Hung – a towering figure in martial arts choreography and directing – shared that while he and third son Jimmy Hung (Hung Tin-cheung) worked behind the scenes, Timmy and Sammy Hung (Hung Tin-chao) took on screen roles. While opportunities for such a unified project were previously scarce, this collaboration holds immense commemorative value. Sammo Hung, known for his self-assured demeanor, playfully admitted that while his sons may struggle to surpass his legacy on screen, “the only thing they beat me in is good looks.”
Action Dynasty: Evaluating Performance and Future Plans
As the film’s action director, Sammo Hung focuses on tailoring fight sequences to match each actor’s capabilities and characteristics. He offered high praise for Timmy Hung’s performance, rating it an impressive 85 out of 100.
“Every actor brings a different kind of surprise,” he noted. He specifically highlighted his long-standing professional relationship with lead actor Louis Koo (Ku Tin-lok). Following their work together on the intense thriller Paradox, Hung no longer needs to second-guess the intricacy of the fight choreography devised for Koo.
The action legend expressed a strong desire for the four Hungs to collaborate again, emphasizing that any future project must be in the action genre. “If our family tries to do romance, nobody will watch,” he quipped, reinforcing the family’s pedigree in martial arts filmmaking.
Grandson Steals the Spotlight, Sparks Three-Generation Dream
The press conference took a heartwarming turn when Timmy Hung’s youngest son, JT, unexpectedly joined his father and grandfather. The energetic youngster readily obliged a request to give his grandfather a loving hug, fueling Sammo Hung’s excitement for a potential three-generation venture.
While excited by the prospect, the patriarch joked about the challenge of directing his grandson. “I worry I wouldn’t dare scold him while filming, but he might make my blood boil!” JT immediately demonstrated his on-screen potential by showcasing a powerful kick, enthusiastically stating his interest in action films because he “wants to hit people.” Timmy Hung clarified that JT is actively developing various interests, including singing and school drama classes, ensuring his children freely pursue their talents.
Cross-Border Living: The Shenzhen Move
The discussion naturally shifted to family dynamics, with the esteemed grandfather voicing a light-hearted complaint that Timmy’s recent permanent move to mainland China has made it more difficult to see his two grandsons and spoil them with treats.
Timmy Hung explained that the move to Shenzhen, just across the border from Hong Kong, was a practical decision driven by career demands. “Both my wife [Janet Chow Ka-wei] and I have predominantly been working in mainland China for the past few years,” he stated. Moving to Shenzhen allows the family to maximize time together without being too geographically isolated from Hong Kong. He lauded his wife’s dedication to their family, adding that he felt compelled to publicly defend her against unfair online criticism due to her considerable sacrifices.
The debut of A Step into the Past, following intensive promotional events, signifies a rare cinematic event where a family dynasty’s behind-the-scenes mastery fully converges with its on-screen presence, guaranteeing a memorable experience for action film enthusiasts.
