5 top films from Tony Leung Ka-fai – the only star to win a Hong Kong Film Award for best actor in 4 different decades

Tony Leung Ka-fai is one of Hong Kong’s most decorated actors. He is the only man ever to have won best actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards in four consecutive decades: in 1983 for Reign Behind a Curtain, in 1992 for 92 Legendary La Rose Noire, in 2005 for Election and in 2012 for Cold War. With such longevity and talent, it’s no surprise that Leung remains an icon for fans of regional cinema.

The actor celebrates his 62nd birthday on February 1. In case you’re unfamiliar with “Big Tony” – “Little Tony” being Leung Chiu-wai – here are five essential films of his that you shouldn’t miss.

Prison on Fire (1987)

Later in his career Leung became largely associated with steely, domineering characters (more of those later in this list), which makes this early role of his particularly memorable. Leung plays Lo Ka Yiu, a timid and remorseful prisoner who befriends the more fiery and indignant inmate, Chung Tin Ching (Chow Yun-fat). The two friends watch each other’s back and guard each other against all the threats on the inside.

New Dragon Gate Inn (1992)

Leung is just one big name in this star-studded wuxia movie that also features Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin and Donnie Yen. Leung is Chow Wai-on, a Ming dynasty general and rival to Tsao Siu-yan (Yen), a eunuch eager to usurp power for himself. Their rivalry plays out in the deserts of western China and features some of the most creative sword fights of any Hong Kong movie.

Dumplings (2004)

Originally a short film for the Three… Extremes anthology, Dumplings was swiftly expanded into a feature-length film later that year. The story revolves around a married couple, Mr and Mrs Li, Tony Leung Ka-fai and Miriam Yeung, respectively. Mrs Li worries she is losing her husband to a younger, more attractive masseuse. Dumplings made with a sinister ingredient promise the solution to all her problems. The participants’ indifference to their heinous actions is the film’s real horror.

Election (2005)

One of Leung’s most memorable roles came in this, one of director Johnnie To’s most accomplished films. Leung plays Big D, one of two triad bosses looking to seize control of the Wo Sing Society, which is looking to appoint a new chairman. Leung is on fine form throughout as a manic gangster determined to do whatever it takes to seize the top spot. An expertly made film, with a kicker of an ending, Election remains one of the best Hong Kong movies of this century.

Cold War (2012)