Hong Kong action cinema is one of the universe's greatest gifts to mankind. With jaw-dropping stunts and explosive choreography, these films aren't just action-packed—they're an art form. The genre's larger-than-life spectacle has cemented its place as a driving force in the world of cinema, and Stuntman is a love letter to this unique era.

Stuntman is a tribute to the golden age of 80s and 90s Hong Kong action cinema. Movies like Operation Condor, Police Story, and Hard Boiled wowed audiences worldwide with their balletic fight scenes and death-defying choreography. But behind every high kick, window-shattering punch, and explosive gunfight was a hard-nosed action choreographer and a stunt team willing to risk everything to nail the perfect shot.

Legends like Yuen Woo-ping, Philip Kwok, and Jackie Chan (along with his stunt team) revolutionised how action was filmed. For a while, only a small group of devoted fans in the West were aware of the mind-blowing cinema coming out of Hong Kong. Eventually, films like Rumble in the Bronx and Rush Hour exposed Jackie Chan's extreme stunts to mainstream Western audiences, while The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon showcased the intricate choreography of Hong Kong action to the world stage.

Stuntman pulls back the curtain on this storied era. It follows retired action choreographer Sam Lee (played by the legendary Stephen Tung), who left the industry after a tragic accident left one of his crew paralysed. Coaxed back for one last film, Sam finds the industry has changed dramatically. Wai (Philip Ng), the reigning action star of the new generation, is sceptical of Sam's old-school, risky methods. Meanwhile, Sam's protégé, Lee Sai-long (Terrence Lau), faces his own sacrifices as he tries to live out his dreams on screen.

Sam's journey of reconciling his past with modern filmmaking is a powerful metaphor for the film's broader themes. He struggles to adapt his methods while trying to rebuild the personal life his dedication to cinema left in ruins.

At its core, Stuntman is a tribute to the sheer hard work and risks that these legendary stuntmen endured to deliver some of the most jaw-dropping scenes in cinema history. Before Tom Cruise was leaping from planes and scaling skyscrapers, Jackie Chan was breaking bones jumping from helicopters with little more than willpower to break his fall.

Beyond the action, the film taps into the passion that drives filmmaking. It echoes the sentiment of Whiplash—greatness often demands sacrifice. You can lead a balanced life, or you can pursue greatness, but rarely both.

The film excels in showing the rationale behind these epic stunts. Watching someone get kicked down a flight of stairs, or sweating bullets before taking a massive pratfall, reveals the immense pressure behind every take.

That said, Stuntman occasionally veers into melodrama, with a few scenes feeling a touch over-the-top. Yet, even these moments effectively convey the emotional stakes, particularly in the strained relationship between Sam and his estranged daughter, Cherry (Cecilia Choi).

Ultimately, Stuntman is a fantastic tribute to the craft and dedication behind Hong Kong action cinema. It captures the essence of what made these films so influential, and it reminds us of what we stand to lose if this genre fades away. Sam Lee's impassioned speech about his lifetime commitment to the craft—and the sacrifices he's willing to make to keep it alive—will resonate with any fan of Hong Kong action movies. If you love this genre, Stuntman is a must-watch.