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Alexander Fu Sheng: Biography of the Chinatown Kid
Although overshadowed by Bruce Lee's adulation and Jackie Chan's longevity in the pantheon of martial arts film actors, another superstar enjoyed a brief yet prolific career on the Hong Kong silver screen. A charismatic performer known for his impish nature, ingenuous ways, and physical adroitness, Alexander Fu Sheng was beloved worldwide. Starting his career in 1971, Fu Sheng advanced through the ranks of Shaw Brothers Studio to become one of Southeast Asia’s most treasured celebrities. His juvenile and playful flairs were in stark contrast to the studio’s leading men and turned Alex into an international sensation. Fu Sheng’s popularity was peaking when a wrong turn proved fatal in a 1983 motor vehicle accident. He was 28-years-old. “Alexander Fu Biography of the Chinatown Kid” goes beyond the customary film reviews and rehashing of old tales. It provides unique insight by those who knew and worked alongside the actor. Each of Alex’s forty-three finished movies are examined, providing behind-the-scenes tales, biographical background on the filmmakers and co-stars, and the history of the films’ source materials. Unfinished projects are also revealed, his family, marriage and impending divorce are explored, and we read in Alex’s own words his thoughts about his fame and what the future might bring. You’ve read the books about Bruce and Jackie. Now, its Alex’s time.
341 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 3, 2020
My favorite era from any studio in the world is 1970s Shaw Brothers, and this biography doubles as a history of that studio's martial arts movies output. Details the era better than any prior book. Alexander Fu Sheng was arguably the most charismatic actor of the decade and to have a book about his tragically short life is appreciated. Only minor quibble, and an editor should have caught this, is referring to actor David Chiang by his screen name, real English name and Chinese name in different chapters. If you watched Black Belt Theater on tv in the 1980s or were lucky enough to see these films in theaters, this is an essential read.
January 1, 2021
EXCELLENT ENDEAVOR & ENJOYABLE BIO!!!
How do you know when a biography is good?
When it is so well written and interesting that it furthers your interest in the subject person; so that, if they’re a writer, you want to read more of their books, or if they’re a film star, you want to see more of the movies they appeared in.
I love a good biography, and without question this is a fantastic endeavor. Meticulously researched and footnoted in its presentation, Brady lays not just Fu Sheng’s life, but that of his paternal and maternal families. That is part and par for the course with any good bio. It’s just good groundwork and roots the subject in reality. And Fu Sheng comes across as one of those loveable, mischievous rapscallions that every family dynamic includes. He just needed a favorable venue to focus that energy, and luckily for fans of the martial arts film genre, he found it.
Brady’s attention to detail is, to me, quite phenomenal. As a reader, you get not only an in-depth look into Fu Sheng’s life, but included are a mini-history of the inception and formation of Shaw Brothers Studios, and a wealth of mini-bios of the Chinese directors, choreographers, and film stars that Fu Sheng worked with. Brady takes you through the stages of Fu Sheng’s career, the relationships he developed with some of his directors and costars, the blossoming of his newfound stardom, unfortunate mishaps on set, the rigors of fame and stardom, and finally a wholly unexpected and tragic ending. At the same time, Brady writes to make the person Fu Sheng was ring true with plenty of asides to his humanity, humbleness, and humor, as well as his anger, discouragement, and frustration at times within the film industry. Also included are comments and testimonies of those who worked with him and knew him best. This biography doesn’t make Fu Sheng out to be a perfect person, but honestly depicts the person that he was.
Additionally, Brady concludes by giving the reader a breakdown of Fu Sheng’s filmography from his beginning appearances as only an extra, to supporting roles, to leading man, to projects he started but sadly would never finish.
As a martial arts film fan myself, I honestly have never been enamored of Fu Sheng. I’ve seen a handful of his movies, and there is not denying his screen presence. He only ever impressed me in a couple of his roles. However, now I feel compelled to see some of his films that I’ve ignored for years. Why? Because this biography has stoked that fire of interest in me, and that’s what a good biography does.
How do you know when a biography is good?
When it is so well written and interesting that it furthers your interest in the subject person; so that, if they’re a writer, you want to read more of their books, or if they’re a film star, you want to see more of the movies they appeared in.
I love a good biography, and without question this is a fantastic endeavor. Meticulously researched and footnoted in its presentation, Brady lays not just Fu Sheng’s life, but that of his paternal and maternal families. That is part and par for the course with any good bio. It’s just good groundwork and roots the subject in reality. And Fu Sheng comes across as one of those loveable, mischievous rapscallions that every family dynamic includes. He just needed a favorable venue to focus that energy, and luckily for fans of the martial arts film genre, he found it.
Brady’s attention to detail is, to me, quite phenomenal. As a reader, you get not only an in-depth look into Fu Sheng’s life, but included are a mini-history of the inception and formation of Shaw Brothers Studios, and a wealth of mini-bios of the Chinese directors, choreographers, and film stars that Fu Sheng worked with. Brady takes you through the stages of Fu Sheng’s career, the relationships he developed with some of his directors and costars, the blossoming of his newfound stardom, unfortunate mishaps on set, the rigors of fame and stardom, and finally a wholly unexpected and tragic ending. At the same time, Brady writes to make the person Fu Sheng was ring true with plenty of asides to his humanity, humbleness, and humor, as well as his anger, discouragement, and frustration at times within the film industry. Also included are comments and testimonies of those who worked with him and knew him best. This biography doesn’t make Fu Sheng out to be a perfect person, but honestly depicts the person that he was.
Additionally, Brady concludes by giving the reader a breakdown of Fu Sheng’s filmography from his beginning appearances as only an extra, to supporting roles, to leading man, to projects he started but sadly would never finish.
As a martial arts film fan myself, I honestly have never been enamored of Fu Sheng. I’ve seen a handful of his movies, and there is not denying his screen presence. He only ever impressed me in a couple of his roles. However, now I feel compelled to see some of his films that I’ve ignored for years. Why? Because this biography has stoked that fire of interest in me, and that’s what a good biography does.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews