The Bare Footed Kid

"The Bare-Footed Kid" (aka "Chik geuk siu ji") is a classic in its own right, and it is definitely a movie that while was made in 1993 still is very watchable and enjoyable in 2020.

I stumbled upon this movie in the mid-90s given my admiration for Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung, and I doubt I would have stumbled upon the movie back then if I wasn't a fan of her.

The storyline is enjoyable, and it is a fast-paced story with interesting characters. So that combination definitely made for a watchable and entertaining movie. And they had a very impressive cast ensemble together for the movie. Aside from Maggie Cheung, the movie has the likes of Aaron Kwok, Kenneth Tsang and Paul Chun on the list as well, to mention but a few.

I believe that "The Bare-Footed Kid" is a movie that will actually never become old and outdated. It has that quality to it, thanks to director Johnnie To.

My rating for "The Bare-Footed Kid" is a seven out of ten stars. And if you enjoy the classic martial arts movies from Hong Kong (or China) set in this particular era, then "The Bare-Footed Kid" is a movie that you just have to sit down and watch - if you haven't already seen it.

Aaron Kwok is great as the Barefooted Kid. He is a great martial artist, but doesn't know the rules of life. This he will learn from his uncle and a very kind woman who gives him shelter. This uncle is played by Ti Lung, who is even a greater martial artist and has some great scenes where he shows his talents. The story is very melodramatic, which doesn't have to be annoying. I personally like melodrama at some occassions. But if you don't like melodrama you can skip to the action sequences because that is why this movie is made in the first place. The action sequences are divine to watch. They are far superior to the scenes shown in the Matrix. Which prooves, that digital effects are not needed to create explosive wireworks! If there is one typical HK martial arts movie you have to watch then it's this one.

Brilliant kung-fu scenes, loads of melodrama, peculiar footwear symbolism and an unhappy (?) end makes Barefoot Kid an unforgettable film.

One of the silliest subtitles I've seen...

What I like about Johnnie To's movies is that there's always a cute little drama, or a drama, but it's always adorable, it's never just the action, or Kung Fu, like here, this was the least enjoyable of all four I watched, the other three arrested me happily, this one dispersed a lot... Regular...

A faithful, if a somewhat unusual tribute to the Shaw Brothers' golden age, The Bare-Footed Kid offers up a simple yet bittersweet narrative of redemption, a coming-of-age drama through a world of capitalism's corrupting influence, injected with a mixture of fresh faces and veteran Hong Kong performers. Johnnie To mixes in his patterned use of energetic camera movement and skilful with a slice of the 90s new-wave kung fu movement. There's a beautiful chemistry between Ti Lung and Maggie Cheung which adds an extra amount of sentimentality and depth to the film and a gorgeous use of colour sprinkled throughout. The action set pieces choreographed by the legendary Lau Kar-Leung more than deliver, it's ultimately the weak script and miscast lead where the film fails to connect with its punches, yet The Bare-Footed Kid sits within the realm of superb entertainment keeping the door open for more innovative Hong Kong action cinema and Johnnie To's eventual move to what he knows best...