Patrick Tse Passes Away at 89! A 70-Year Cinematic Legacy and Best Actor Win for 'Twilight'

Hong Kong's iconic star 'Fourth Brother' Patrick Tse has passed away at the age of 89. His son Nicholas Tse, who was preparing for a concert tour in China, has urgently and quietly returned to Hong Kong, while his daughter Joyce Shieh, residing in Canada, is also expected to return for the funeral. The siblings jointly confirmed their father's passing on Instagram this afternoon, writing: 'He peacefully completed a wonderful and fulfilling life.' Patrick Tse's film career spanned decades, evolving from a Cantonese film heartthrob and martial arts hero to a respected veteran actor in his later years, leaving behind numerous classic works. This article compiles 10 must-watch films by Patrick Tse, offering a retrospective of this legendary star's cinematic brilliance.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 1. 'Murder Case 999' (1956) Reporter Ling Wan偶然 encounters a nervous young woman named Hsieh Hsiao-chin. The next day, he learns her stepfather was murdered on a farm, and she becomes the prime suspect. As Ling Wan investigates deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy involving forced marriage, inheritance disputes, and a carefully orchestrated frame-up. The real culprit turns out to be someone else. Patrick Tse plays the truth-seeking reporter with calmness and chivalry. This detective film is considered a key work that launched his rise to fame.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 2. 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly' (1960) Patrick Tse plays Wu Chu-tsai, a poor and unemployed man who repeatedly fails in life, even attempting suicide multiple times—only to survive by accident. He later reunites with his old classmate Chou Jih-ching. Two men with completely different personalities and worldviews begin living together and struggling to survive, both falling for a tutor named Tang Hsiao-ying. They alternately compete for her affection and sabotage each other, yet remain by each other's side during hard times, turning the struggles of ordinary people into a bittersweet tale of brotherhood.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 3. 'The Love Eterne' (1960) Adapted from Jin Yong's novel of the same name, Patrick Tse plays Yang Guo, who lost his parents at a young age and has a rebellious, defiant personality. Yang Guo eventually joins the Ancient Tomb Sect and becomes a disciple of Little Dragon Maiden. As they spend time together, their relationship transcends that of master and student, but societal norms, martial arts feuds, and a series of misunderstandings force them apart. This four-part Cantonese martial arts film series allowed Patrick Tse to vividly portray Yang Guo's intelligence, rebellion, and deep emotion, making him an iconic early screen portrayal of the character.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 4. 'Playboy' (1964) Patrick Tse plays Kam Ka-po, a wealthy playboy who lives extravagantly, relying on his father's money to thrive in romantic and social circles. But when his father suddenly cuts off his allowance, his relationship with his girlfriend crumbles along with his finances. To comply with his father's demand to bring a fiancée home, he hires a woman named Chou Hsuan to pretend to be his partner—only for the fake relationship to gradually turn real. The film wraps financial and emotional trials in a romantic comedy, fully showcasing Patrick Tse's charming, humorous, and slightly rebellious screen presence.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 5. 'A Better Tomorrow' (1967) Patrick Tse plays Li Cho-hsiung, a man released from prison who resolves to leave his criminal past behind and start anew, but dares not let his younger brother know about his incarceration. A former gang leader threatens his brother's safety to force his compliance, while societal discrimination and triad entanglements make it difficult for him to truly return to normal life. To protect his brother, he ultimately takes the blame and pays a heavy price once again. This film is not the same story as John Woo's 1986 version, but rather a socially realistic drama focusing on the struggles of ex-convicts and brotherly loyalty.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 6. 'The Window' (1968) Patrick Tse plays Yip Siu-jai, a pickpocket who makes a living through theft. He偶然 meets Lu Lu-ming, a kind and innocent blind woman. After Lu-ming's father passes away, she loses her only support. As Yip accompanies and cares for her, he experiences trust for the first time and begins to reflect on his criminal life. However, his past does not easily let go, and their relationship must face obstacles from reality and identity. The film portrays a seemingly impossible love story, capturing a prodigal son's gradual return to conscience.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 7. 'The Purple Storm' (1968) Patrick Tse plays Lin Man-sheng, a talented but perpetually unrecognized composer. With the support of his lover Lei-erh and her father, he endures for years before finally achieving fame through the opera 'The Purple Storm.' After fame, he becomes increasingly obsessed with applause and luxury, and develops feelings for a star named Purple Swallow who admires his talent, betraying Lei-erh who stood by him all along. Only after family tragedy strikes does he realize what he has lost in pursuit of success. The film weaves together love, fame, and human weakness, allowing Patrick Tse to portray the selfishness and regret beneath a prodigal son's glamorous exterior.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 8. 'Eight Heroes' (1971) A corrupt official, Hsiao Cheng-chun, colludes with foreign enemies, frames eight loyal generals, steals their achievements, and kills them one by one. Years later, the generals' descendants are scattered across different regions—some even grow up near their enemies—until their true identities and the past injustice are gradually revealed, prompting them to unite for revenge. Each possesses unique martial arts and weapons, launching an assault on the enemy's mansion through layers of ambushes. Amid a star-studded cast, Patrick Tse continues his suave heroic image, representing one of the early large-scale Hong Kong martial arts action films.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 9. 'The Gambling Master vs. the Gambling Tyrant' (1981) Patrick Tse plays Lo Sz-hoi, the legendary 'Gambling Master,' who, at the request of intelligence agent Kuo Sheng, teams up with a young gambling prodigy Lei Lik to infiltrate casinos and investigate a Japanese spy known as the 'Gambling Tyrant' and an important list. As they set traps through card games, they must also guard against various fraudsters and assassins. Initially believing tycoon Chang Lieh to be the mastermind, they ultimately discover the real Gambling Tyrant has been hiding among them all along. The film blends gambling, espionage, and consecutive plot twists, with Patrick Tse's seasoned demeanor and commanding presence becoming the classic archetype for Hong Kong's 'Gambling Master' genre.

Patrick Tse's Classic Film 10. 'Twilight' (2021) Patrick Tse plays Tin Lap-chau, a former assassin famed for his knife skills, who lives a forgotten life in old age with two former partners. The trio reassembles to accept commissions from elderly clients suffering from pain and loneliness, helping them end their lives—akin to 'Elder Angels' serving the aged. When a pregnant teenager requests to die, Tin gradually forms a grandfather-granddaughter bond with her and reconsiders the meaning of life. With restrained and poignant performance, Patrick Tse won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor for this film, marking a monumental chapter in his long cinematic career.

If choosing only three films as an introduction, start with 'Murder Case 999' to understand young Patrick Tse, 'A Better Tomorrow' to appreciate his dramatic depth, and 'Twilight' to experience his mature acting and the weight of time.