Born in 1950 in Vietnam, he moved to Hong Kong at a young age. A graduate of the University of Texas, he began his career in television before transitioning to film in the late 1970s. Known for revitalizing Hong Kong cinema, he gained prominence with works like "Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain" and the "Once Upon a Time in China" series. His innovative storytelling and visual style have influenced action and fantasy genres, establishing him as a pivotal figure in Asian cinema.