I have been watching and loving Shaw Brothers martial arts films since I was a young girl in the early 1980s. These amazing and awe-inspiring films fed my curiosity of the Chinese culture and her people that I continue to foster to this day so much so that I am researching and saving for a trip to Asia. So when the announcement was made that a famous Hong Kong actor was coming to NYC, a mere 2.5 hours away from my house, I began saving and planning for this journey.
On Saturday, November 11th, My cousin Linda and I had the honor and pleasure of meeting and spending time with Lu Feng, my favorite Hong Kong actor from the late 1970s and 1980s in the town that never sleeps. It was an exciting and mesmerizing one in a lifetime experience. As I write this post, I am still filled with joy, love, honor, respect for this man who has given so much happiness to millions of fans for over 40 years.
When I arrived at the AMC Empire 25 theater for the Urban Action Showcase and Expo, I never in my wildest dreams would have expected what lies ahead of me on this cold, crisp morning in NYC. The excitement was building as the escalator slowly carried me toward my dream of meeting the Centipede, the deadliest of Venoms. Arriving at the table, I see my Fu Sister, Ariel Jade, who was instrumental in making this girl’s dreams come true. I jumped in immediately to help her have a successful day.
After I finished the tasks I was assigned upstairs, I headed downstairs with my other Fu Sister, Renee Taylor, to continue handing out prepaid packages to registered guests. As we are rushing to the elevators we notice the one and only Lu Feng taking pictures with his numerous and grateful fans. I was trembling with excitement on the inside as I handed my phone to James Santi to capture the momentous occasion. I nervously asked Master Cao Feng to take a picture with me and to my surprise, he recognized me from Facebook and embraced me in a tight hug that melted away all the anxiety I had for the day. My heart exploded even more with love for this wonderfully gracious and humble man. The smile on our faces is of that pure joy. Who would have thought that I would have had this personal of an encounter with greatness?
Besides being humble, gracious and kind, Lu Feng is generous and loving beyond compare. After completing my tasks downstairs I returned to Lu Feng’s booth where he was signing autographs and taking pictures with his adoring fans. When the crowd thinned and Lu Feng was catching his breath, I took the opportunity to present him with a gift I brought to thank him for the many years of joy and inspiration he has provided me. I am thankful that the Master liked my gift and was honored to receive my small token of love.To my surprise, he presented me with a gift of his appreciation. He told me he would autograph it later if I wanted. I was shocked that he would give me anything. I was amazed to see a beautiful fan when I opened the gift later. I love seeing Lu Feng in a movie with a cape, Guan Dao or Spear and a fan!
I was able to see some of my favorite movies on the big screen. Invincible Shaolin, Flag of Iron, Masked Avengers, and Rebel Intruders were amazing larger than life. I enjoyed seeing the movies with other fans and hearing their reactions to critical moments. The audible gasps when Bao Shanxiong chest was to be expected. Even though I knew it was coming, it was still painful to watch and brought tears to my eyes. The final fight in Flag of Iron was absolutely GORGEOUS on the big screen. I was mesmerized by Lu Feng and Kuo Chui as the gracefully wielded the large instruments of death! The movies are fantastic on the small screen but if you ever get the chance to see them on the big screen, you have to do it!
On Sunday, November 12th, a few of us at dinner with the living legend at Old Sichuan Restaurant in Chinatown, NYC. My girlfriends, Linda, Bambi, Renee and I met him at his hotel to escort him to the dinner. Lu Feng was so sweet, gracious, humble and charming. He took more pictures, talked with us and autographed more items. He gave a short speech in English thanking everyone for coming to the event and dinner. I was very surprised that he thanked me by name! He said my name correctly which most people can’t do and he spelled it correctly on the fan.
A week after this wonderful weekend I am still smiling and pinching myself! I am so impressed with Lu Feng. This living legend is a real gentleman, a down to earth star to which no one else can compare in my eyes. I am grateful to everyone who put this event together and happy I was able to make memories with so many wonderful people.
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