Star Runner (2003)
A fierce martial arts tournament film from Hong Kong blending kung fu, Muay Thai, and Pan-Asian action with a star-studded cast.
Star Runner - Movie Information
- Original Title: 少年阿虎
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Daniel Lee
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese, English, Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 27, 2003 (Hong Kong), December 19, 2006 (Canada)
- Alternative Titles: The Kumite (CA), Star Runner (HK), Mahi thriamvou (GR)
- Production Companies: Filmko Pictures, Sil-Metropole Organisation
- Production Countries: South Korea, Hong Kong
Star Runner - Plot
Preparing for the hand-to-hand battle of his life and the title of Champion Star Runner, a headstrong fighter creates a deadly hybrid mix of Thai kickboxing and Chinese kung fu. Get ready for the ultimate Pan-Asian mixed martial arts competition, where anything goes and lives are bought and sold.
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Star Runner - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Daniel Lee
Main Cast
- Vanness Wu
- Kim Hyun-joo
- Shaun Tam Chun-Yin
- Andy On Chi-Kit
- Wong Yau-Nam
- Max Mok Siu-Chung
- Alfred Cheung Kin-Ting
- Gordon Liu Chia-Hui
- Chin Ka-Lok
- Jude Poyer
Star Runner - FAQs
What is Star Runner about?
Star Runner follows a determined young fighter who forges a lethal hybrid fighting style combining Thai kickboxing and Chinese kung fu. He enters the Champion Star Runner tournament, a brutal Pan-Asian martial arts competition where the stakes are life and death and underground power brokers control the outcome.
Who are the main actors in Star Runner?
Star Runner stars Vanness Wu as Bond Cheung, Kim Hyun-joo as Mei Chung, Shaun Tam Chun-Yin as Chris Young, and Andy On Chi-Kit as Tank Wong. The film also features martial arts veterans Gordon Liu Chia-Hui, Chin Ka-Lok, David Chiang Da-Wei, and Ti Lung in supporting roles.
What fighting styles are featured in Star Runner?
Star Runner showcases a fusion of Thai kickboxing (Muay Thai) and traditional Chinese kung fu. The film's central premise revolves around the protagonist developing this deadly hybrid style to compete in a Pan-Asian mixed martial arts tournament, making it a showcase for diverse Asian combat disciplines.
Who directed Star Runner?
Star Runner was directed by Daniel Lee, a Hong Kong filmmaker known for his visually dynamic action productions. Lee brought together a cast spanning Hong Kong, South Korean, and international talent to craft this Pan-Asian martial arts tournament film.
When was Star Runner released?
Star Runner was released on November 27, 2003, in Hong Kong. It later received a Canadian release on December 19, 2006, where it was distributed under the alternative title The Kumite.
What are the alternative titles for Star Runner?
Star Runner is known by several alternative titles depending on the region. In Canada it was released as The Kumite, in Hong Kong it retained the Star Runner title, and in Greece it was distributed as Mahi thriamvou. The original Chinese title is 少年阿虎.
What genre is Star Runner?
Star Runner is an Action and Drama film. It combines the kinetic energy of martial arts tournament cinema with character-driven dramatic storytelling, following a young fighter's personal journey as he prepares for the most dangerous competition of his life.
What are similar movies to Star Runner?
If you enjoyed Star Runner, you might also like Fight Club (1999), Batman Begins (2005), and Django Unchained (2012) for their themes of personal struggle and high-stakes conflict. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) and Back to the Future (1985) are also among editorial recommendations.
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