The Shadow Boxing is a “Hopping Vampire” film, a generic form prevalent in Hong Kong from the 1950s until the 1990s. Unlike the former vampire films, this film challenges the convention, and for the first time, we see the magic power of Xiangxi’s Chinese folk culture “driving corpse” being highlighted. This is achieved by showing the Maoshan Taoist ritual of “corpse herding”, fusioned with kung-fu and comedy. Stylistically, the film demonstrates Lau Kar-leung’s kung-fu style and helps define Lau as one of Hong Kong’s most treasured auteurs. The local vampire folklore is used intelligently as a narrative vehicle whilst the film boasts a strong star studded cast, and rich performances with comic appeal. Unquestionably, this film is one of the pioneers within its genre and an inspiration for the later Hong Kong vampire films.

© Licensed by Celestial Pictures Limited. All rights reserved.