Coolie (1997 film)

Coolie is a 1997 Hong Kong action film directed by Joe Ma Wai-Ho. The film stars Chin Siu-ho as Ma Kui, a migrant worker who travels to Hong Kong in search of work and a better life. Upon arrival, he faces exploitation, discrimination, and harsh working conditions. He finds himself caught between rival gangs and must use his martial arts skills to protect himself and his friends. The film explores themes of poverty, class struggle, and the challenges faced by immigrants in Hong Kong during that era. While the film is an action movie, it also attempts to portray the hardships and injustices experienced by marginalized laborers. The film's title utilizes a term, "coolie," that carries a deeply problematic and offensive historical weight due to its association with indentured servitude and exploitation.