Bruce Lee stamps his place

Hong Kong Post has just launched a special stamp issue themed on four of Bruce Lee's movies to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the birth of the late martial arts superstar.

A Hong Kong movie star, Lee is practically known to everyone in the world. As overseas fans would also be interested in the stamp set, promotion has been stepped up accordingly.

Some scenes in the four movies - The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon and Game of Death - were shot in Chinatowns with foreigners taking part. The last one is particularly star-studded.

Among Chinese martial arts stars, Lee's image was unique and he carried himself with a special kind of confidence. In an online video clip of Lee auditioning in Hollywood, he looked very young but spoke self-assuredly, and concluded the interview by demonstrating a lightning-fast kung fu kick that left the camera crew stunned.

It's hard to say if he was the best as a fighter. But as for charisma, he certainly was second to none.

The special stamp set and associated philatelic products, including a first-day cover, stamp sheetlets, a mini-pane and a presentation pack, feature a variety of designs. Some carry pictures of Lee in casual wear donning dark sunglasses, exuding a glamorous movie-star air.

Hailed as the Hollywood of the East, Hong Kong has produced numerous superstars. Apart from Lee, who else has an international appeal?

One of them is Connie Chan Po-chu, who commanded a huge fan base at the height of her career as a teen idol, earning her the moniker "Movie-fan Princess."

Chan still performs Cantonese opera from time to time and remains highly popular. So if Hong Kong Post should issue a special stamp set featuring her, it just might create a similar sensation in Chinese communities.

Siu Sai-wo is publisher of Sing Tao Daily