A Fistful of Stances

A Fistful of Stances is a Hong Kong television drama series directed by Lee Tim-shing. It originally aired in 2010 and falls squarely into the martial arts and family saga genres, weaving a rich tapestry of human relationships, generational conflict, honor, and the pursuit of martial prowess. While the series is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the early Republican era, it remains timeless in its exploration of universal themes.

The story revolves around the life of Au-Yeung Wai-Lan (played by Yuen Qiu), a widow and the matriarch of the Au-Yeung family, who is determined to uphold the honor and traditions of their martial arts school. Wai-Lan's husband was a revered martial arts master, and following his death, she takes charge of running the family "poon kuen" (whip-hand kuen or coiling dragon fist), a martial arts style with a storied lineage. With the struggle of being a single mother, coupled with the challenge of maintaining the martial arts lineage, Wai-Lan faces an uphill battle in a male-dominated society where the social and political landscape is rapidly changing.

The series focuses on her four children, each with distinct personalities and paths, and the youngest being Au-Yeung Tung (played by Kevin Cheng), the protagonist of the show. Tung is initially depicted as a playful and not-so-disciplined young man, exhibiting a stark contrast to the solemnity of martial arts tradition. His journey of transformation—from a carefree youth to a responsible adult who respects and masters martial arts—forms the crux of the storyline.

Tung’s siblings, his two brothers and a sister, all have their storylines intricately woven into the main narrative. The eldest brother is Au-Yeung Fung (played by Jacky Heung), expected to bear the burden of family responsibility, while their sister Au-Yeung Yuet (played by Tavia Yeung) deals with the constraints that come with being a woman in early 20th-century Chinese society. Their second brother is Au-Yeung Biu (played by Dominic Lam), whose personal quest and ambitions take him on a journey that diverges substantially from the family’s values.

Conflict arises as the Au-Yeung family's martial arts school comes under threat from rival schools and factions, including practitioners of other martial arts styles and outside forces that aim to exploit the traditional school for their own ambitious ends. The encroachment of Western influence and the internal political strife of China at the time play significant roles in the unfolding drama, as the characters must not only fight external threats but also navigate the complexities within their clan and the wider community.

Within the framework of its martial arts narrative, A Fistful of Stances tackles a number of sociocultural issues, such as the role of women in society, the stark divide between the rich and the poor, the preservation of cultural traditions in a changing world, and the power dynamics at play within families and in the society at large. These elements present themselves through various character arcs and plotlines, providing substance and depth beyond the action scenes.

The practice and mastery of martial arts serve as a metaphor for individual development and the pursuit of excellence. Training sequences and combat display the different martial arts forms, each choreographed to demonstrate the elegance and deadly effectiveness of traditional Chinese martial arts. These sequences also reflect the characters’ emotional states and evolution, as they can only truly master their form through personal growth and overcoming inner turmoil.

Interpersonal relationships form the backbone of the show, with themes of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and loyalty. The bonds between the brothers and their sister, the relationship between mother and children, and the romances that blossom over the course of the series contribute to the emotional resonance that has endeared the show to its viewers.

Production-wise, A Fistful of Stances boasted strong art direction and set design that faithfully reconstructed the era’s ambiance. Authentic costumes, architecture, and props immerse viewers in the 1920s setting, while the writing made sure to include enough historical references to anchor the drama in the real socio-political context of the time.

In conclusion, A Fistful of Stances is a martial arts drama deeply rooted in the fabric of family dynamics and honor. The show successfully blends action, history, and emotional narrative into an engaging saga that resonates with those who appreciate tales of legacy, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of martial arts. The series garnered positive critical acclaim, and with its complex characters and gripping plot, it stands as a testament to Lee Tim-shing’s directorial prowess.