# The Bare-Footed Kid

The Bare-Footed Kid (released in the Philippines as Professional Fighter) is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Johnnie To and starring Aaron Kwok, Maggie Cheung, Ti Lung and Jacklyn Wu. The film is a remake of the 1975 film, Disciples of Shaolin, which was directed by Chang Cheh.

## Plot

After the death of his father, the poor and illiterate Kwan Fung-yiu (Aaron Kwok) goes out to the provincial capital to seek refuge from Tuen Ching-wan (Ti Lung), a friend of his deceased father, and works in a dye factory, the "Four Seasons Weaver". The political situation in the capital is tense. With his superior identity as a Manchurian, Hak Wo-po (Kenneth Tsang), owner of the "Tin Lung Spinner", dominates the city and set up a gambling den where he sends his workers to fight with workers of "Four Seasons Weave". The newly appointed magistrate Yuen Tin-yau (Cheung Siu-fai) and his instructor Mr. Wah (Paul Chun) want to eradicate Hak, but they do not have enough evidence to bring him to justice. Later, Tin-yau meets Pak Siu-kwan (Maggie Cheung), the owner of "Four Seasons Weaver" and Wah's daughter Lin (Jacklyn Wu). Then it was revealed that Tuen was a fugitive who changed his name and hid in the dye factory to avoid arrest and developed affection towards Pak. Fung-yiu and Lin also develops a mutual bond after an incident.
"Tin Lung Spinners" had always been inferior to "Four Seasons Weaver". Feeling vengeful, Hak sets "Four Seasons Weave" on fire to vent his anger. Fung-yiu, who is witless, dazed and confused, gets up to the fighting arena, and was lured by Hak where he kills his friend's father. Fung-yiu had fallen further and further into a quagmire of confusion. He also reveals Tuen's past identity as a killer and Tuen is wanted by officials. Yuen Tin-yau's discerning eyes can tell greatness from Fung-yiu, and they work together to defeat the "Dragon Place". However, Tuen was ambushed by Hak where he swallowed poison and shot to death by millions of arrows. Fung-yiu hurried off to save Tuen, but it was too late by then.

## Cast

* Aaron Kwok as Kwan Fung-yiu
* Ti Lung as Tuen Ching-wan
* Maggie Cheung as Pak Siu-kwan
* Jacklyn Wu as Wah Wong-lin
* Paul Chun as Mr. Wah
* Kenneth Tsang as Hak Wo-po
* Cheung Siu-fai as Magistrate Yuen Tin-yau
* Wong Yat-fei as Kuei
* Tin Ching as Pak's worker
* Wong San as Pak's indebted worker
* Chu Tit-wo as Hung Chun-tin
* Benny Lai as City guard
* Johnny Cheng as City guard
* Yuen Ling-to as Pui
* Cheng Ka-sang as Hak's bodyguard
* Leung Kai-chi as Weaver at Tin Lung Spinners
* Hau Woon-ling as Sam Ku, woman leading bridal march
* Jacky Cheung Chun-hung as Magistrate Yuen's aide
* So Wai-nam as Magistrate Yuen's aide
* Kent Chow as Magistrate Yuen's aide
* Kong Miu-deng as Hak's thug
* Mak Wai-cheung as Hak's thug
* Huang Kai-sen as Hak's thug
* Chan Min-leung as Chan
* Chan Man-hiu as Shoes vendor
* Ng Wui as Cow owner
* Kam Lau as Shop owner
* San Tak-kan as Boat passenger
* Kai Cheung-lung as Boatman
* Adam Chan
* Kwan Yung
* Jameson Lam

## Music
### Theme song

* "The Expression After Speaking" (留下句號的面容)
** Composer: William Wu
** Lyricist: Siu Mei
** Singer: Aaron Kwok

### Insert theme

* "Wait for Your Return" (等你回來)
** Composer: William Wu
** Lyricist: Siu Mei
** Singer: Cass Phang

## Release

The Bare-Footed Kid was released in Hong Kong on 3 April 1993. In the Philippines, the film was released as Professional Fighter by South Cinema Films on 21 April 1994, with actor Aaron Kwok credited as "Alexander Fu Sheng Jr."

### Critical response

The Bare-Footed Kid received generally positive reviews. Ard Vijn of Twitch Film writes "it's not a classic by any means but it's a fun movie that definitely has its moments. Fans of either Aaron Kwok, Ti Lung or Maggie Cheung won't be disappointed." Mark Polland of Kung Fu Cinema rated it 4 out of 5 stars and writes The Bare-Footed Kid is a thoughtful kung fu film with an unusually strong story that winningly delivers a message that strength and fighting ability are useless without morality and sound judgment. Andrew Saroch of Far East Films also rated film 4 out of 5 stars and writes "while not as good as Disciples of Shaolin, Bare-Footed Kid is an excellent film and like its inspiration, operates of a number of levels."

### Box office

The film grossed HK$3,973,198 at the Hong Kong box office during its theatrical run from 3 to 14 April 1993.