All 20 Michael Liu Movies
Dive into the world of cinematic brilliance with our latest roundup of movies, featuring Michael Liu’s stellar collection of films. From captivating dramas to heart-pounding action flicks, this article delves into the best of Michael Liu’s movie career, providing you with an unparalleled viewing experience.
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1. If Tomorrow Comes (1971)
“If Tomorrow Comes, “ a 1971 drama starring Patty Duke and Frank Michael Liu, intertwines love and war in the early days of World War Two. Set against the backdrop of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the film follows the story of a young white Californian girl and her new Japanese-American husband, whose recent marriage they must keep a well-guarded secret due to mounting racial and political tensions.
2. Hangup (1974)
In the brutal world of the inner city, where the line between good and evil blurs, a rookie cop finds himself on a dangerous mission. The rookie, a member of the undercover narcotics squad, is tasked with chasing down a ruthless pusher/killer, one who has claimed countless lives with his strychnine-laced products. However, the cop’s tenacity takes a turn when he discovers he is falling for the very junkie who knows the kingpin’s whereabouts. Driven by the need to save both the junkie and the city from the deadly stranglehold of the drug trade, the cop embarks on a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. “Hangup, “ an action-packed drama directed by Henry Hathaway, weaves a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of the ruthless underbelly of the city.
3. The Chadwick Family (1974)
The Chadwick Family, released in 1974, follows the story of a father who unexpectedly finds himself in charge of a unique and unconventional family unit. Consisting of his son, three daughters, two sons-in-law, and his youngest daughter’s Chinese boyfriend, these eclectic characters navigate the complexities of family relationships in this heartfelt drama. Directed by David Lowell Rich and written by John Gay and David Victor, The Chadwick Family delves into the challenges and joys of blended families, showcasing the strength and resilience of its characters. Starring Fred MacMurray, Kathleen Maguire, and Darleen Carr, this timeless film offers a refreshing take on the traditional family dynamic.
4. Aloha Means Goodbye (1974)
“Aloha Means Goodbye” (1974), a heart-wrenching drama, follows the story of Maddy, a young woman struggling with a rare blood disease. Already facing the challenges of terminal illness, her battles are further complicated when a cold-hearted doctor, seeking a heart-transplant donor, targets her as his next victim.
5. The Hostage Heart (1977)
The Hostage Heart is a gripping 1977 thriller that takes the audience on a heart-stopping journey. In this film, a multimillionaire undergoes emergency heart surgery, only to find himself in the middle of a dangerous hostage situation. Terrorists take over the operating room, demanding a ransom of $10 million, turning a routine surgery into a brutal battle for survival.
6. Code Name: Diamond Head (1977)
In 1977, “Code Name: Diamond Head” brought the world a thrilling action-packed adventure starring Roy Thinnes as a Hawaii-based government counter-intelligence agent. With a runtime of just 1 hour and 18 minutes, this movie packs a punch with its compelling storyline and fast-paced action sequences.
7. Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen (1981)
“Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen” is a 1981 mystery-comedy film directed by Clive Donner and starring Peter Ustinov as the renowned detective Charlie Chan. The story unfolds as Chan is brought in to help the San Francisco Police Department investigate a series of bizarre murders. Along for the ride is his clumsy and often intrusive grandson Lee, played by Lee Grant. Adding intrigue to the enigmatic deaths is the suggestion that none other than the legendary Dragon Queen could be behind it all. As Chan and his grandson navigate this twisted path of mystery, viewers are treated to a dose of 1980s-era suspense and wit, with unexpected surprises lurking just around the corner. This film, notable for its nine-word title, is a part of the iconic Charlie Chan series and is sure to entertain fans of classic detective stories and tongue-in-cheek humor alike. Catch Charlie Chan as he unravels yet another intricate web of crime and deception in “Charlie Chan and the Curse of the Dragon Queen! “
8. Forced Vengeance (1982)
Forced Vengeance, released in 1982, is an action-packed and thrilling movie featuring martial arts and a strong sense of crime. Directed by James Fargo and written by Franklin Thompson and James Fargo, the film follows the life of a casino security guard who is forced into the world of violence when the Hong Kong mob threatens the lives of his friends.
9. Wo ai tai kong ren (1988)
“Wo ai tai kong ren”, directed by Clara Law and written by Eddie Ling-Ching Fong, is a poignant Hong Kong drama released in 1991. With a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes, this heartfelt film offers a riveting exploration of the complexities of love and relationships.
10. My Neighbours Are Phantoms! (1990)
Get ready for an action-packed, supernatural comedy-fantasy with a twist! My Neighbours Are Phantoms! explodes onto the screen in 1990, introducing viewers to this eccentric and sinister world of possessed souls and psychotronic film action. When an unsuspecting pervert unwittingly acquires an evil photograph, his life takes a dark turn. Enter a nosy cop with his equally inquisitive girlfriend, as they unravel the strange situation taking place in their neighborhood.
11. The Gambling Ghost (1991)
“The Gambling Ghost, “ a 1991 Hong Kong action-comedy fantasy film, follows the story of Sammo Hung who portrays three different characters: Fatty, Fatty’s father, and Fatty’s grandfather, Hung Kau. Fatty, a hotel worker yearning for sudden wealth, gets entangled in the gambling world alongside his co-worker, much to his father’s dismay. When Fatty reaches rock bottom, the ghost of his deceased grandfather makes a shocking return to aid him.
12. Bay City Story (1992)
“Bay City Story” is a gripping crime drama that first aired in 1992, created by Stephen Zito. The unsold series pilot centers around two characters: a tenacious TV reporter, played by William Russ, and his loyal assistant, portrayed by Cheryl Pollak. As they dig deep into a local newsroom, they discover a disturbing connection between the tragic murder of a fellow journalist and an enigmatic prostitute.
13. The Mission (1999)
The Mission (1999), known as Cheung foh in its original title, is an action-packed thriller set in the world of Hong Kong’s Triad gangs. Directed by Johnnie To and written by Nai-Hoi Yau, the film follows the story of Triad boss Lung, who narrowly escapes an assassination attempt. To ensure his safety, Lung enlists the help of five skilled killers to serve as his bodyguards.
14. Heroic Duo (2003)
In “Heroic Duo” (2003), tough cop Ken is on a mission to uncover the truth behind a model officer’s criminal act in the police station. His investigation leads him to a noted hypnotist, currently serving a prison sentence, who he believes is the key to solving the case.
15. PTU (2003)
Dive into the adrenaline-fueled, gritty world of PTU, a 2003 Hong Kong crime thriller film directed by Johnnie To. When an obnoxious detective loses his gun to four young thugs, the fate of the city lies in the hands of the P. T. U. , the elite Police Tactical Unit, led by an iron-willed individual determined to take down the culprits and restore order before the break of dawn.
16. Infernal Affairs II (2003)
Journey back to the 1990s Hong Kong underworld in the thrilling prequel, Infernal Affairs II. Two young men, Chan Wing Yan (Edison Chen) and Lau Kin Ming (Shawn Yue), are drawn into dangerous ganglands. Chan, a sharp-witted undercover cop, finds himself navigating a treacherous path inside the triads while Lau embarks on his fearless journey to join the police force. Together, they form an unexpected alliance to face a rival crime boss who has infiltrated both worlds and brought enemies to their doorstep. Written by legendary duo Alan Mak and Felix Chong, and directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, Infernal Affairs II masterfully weaves the enthralling story of loyalty, deception, and the complexities of loyalty. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat in this electrifying, hard-hitting crime drama.
17. Breaking News (2004)
Breaking News, released in 2004, is an action-packed crime drama that takes place in Hong Kong. The film follows a group of police officers as they struggle to redeem themselves after a failed mission to stop a notorious robber gang. To make a comeback, the police decide to embark on a series of high-risk publicity stunts and shootouts, hoping to regain the public’s trust.
18. Eye in the Sky (2007)
“Eye in the Sky” (2007) is a gripping action, crime, and thriller movie set in bustling Hong Kong. It follows the story of Peggy, an undercover rookie police officer, as she delves deep into the world of crime, guided by her wise mentor, Dog-Head. As Peggy navigates the treacherous landscape, she is tasked with taking down a notorious and meticulously organized gang of jewel thieves.
19. Tactical Unit — The Code (2008)
In the action-packed thriller, Tactical Unit — The Code (2008), tensions rise between the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) officers and the Complaints Against Police Officers unit after a security camera exposes members of the PTU brutally assaulting a triad member. The film, directed by Wing-Cheong Law and written by Tin-Shing Yip, stars Simon Yam, Maggie Siu, and Suet Lam. Set in the heart of Hong Kong, this gripping crime drama explores the complex dynamics within law enforcement agencies and delves into the moral dilemmas that arise when the lines between right and wrong become blurred.
20. Accident (2009)
“Accident, “ directed by Soi Cheang, is a suspenseful Hong Kong thriller that takes audiences on a gripping journey. The film stars Louis Koo, Richie Jen, and Stanley Sui-Fan Fung as they navigate through a world of deceit and danger. The plot revolves around a troubled assassin who begins to suspect that an accident involving his team is not a mere coincidence. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he unravels a chilling web of conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything he once believed.
