Crazy Monkey

Crazy Monkey, also known as Sleeping Fist, is a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts comedy directed by Yuen Woo-ping. It emerged during a period when the kung fu genre was transitioning from serious revenge epics toward the comedic, lighthearted style popularized by Jackie Chan. The film follows the character of a young, talented fighter who finds an unlikely mentor in a beggar, blending traditional Shaolin techniques with physical humor and eccentric choreography.

The film is defined by its focus on the 'Sleeping Fist' style of combat, a niche technique that emphasizes fluidity and unorthodox movement. Yuen Woo-ping, who would later achieve international fame for his choreography in The Matrix, utilized the film to showcase complex, character-driven fighting sequences that required both acrobatic precision and sharp comedic timing from the cast, which included Simon Yuen in a quintessential mentor role.