Clifton Ko (; born 6 August 1958) is a Hong Kong film director, actor, producer, and scriptwriter.
Background Clifton Ko graduated from Kwun Tong Maryknoll College, and entered the TV and film industry in late 1970s, first working with director Clifford Choi. In this period, he wrote Choi's No U-Turn (1981) and Teenage Dreamers () (1982), as well as John Woo's comedy Once a Thief (1991). In 1982, Ko entered Raymond Wong's newly founded Cinema City & Films Co., and directed his first film The Happy Ghost in 1984. The film series, like all his major works, is a slapstick comedy with moral teachings, family values, and optimism. Ko, together with the company, is prolific in making "Chinese New Year movies". Important titles include the family comedy series It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World (beginning in 1987); Chicken and Duck Talk, a collaboration with comedian/writer Michael Hui; the ensemble comedy series All's Well, Ends Well (beginning in 1992); and It's a Wonderful Life (1994).
Filmography as director Year TitleAwards2018Dearest AnitaBest Director, 14th Chinese American Film Festival2017All My Goddess2014Wonder MamaOutstanding Film, Chinese American Film Festival2006We Are Family2004Forever YoursIn-Laws, Out-Laws2000Funny BusinessLove ParadoxWinner Takes All1998Ninth Happiness1997Hong Kong AdventureThe Mad PhoenixGolden Horse (nominee), Best Feature Film, Best Director1995The Umbrella StoryParadise Hotel1994One of the Lucky OnesIt's a Wonderful LifeI Will Wait for YouI Have a Date with Spring1993All's Well, Ends Well TooLaughter of the Water Margins1992Summer LoversIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad World TooAll's Well, Ends Well1991The BanquetThe Gambling GhostDaddy, Father and Papa1989Mr. CoconutHow to Be a BillionaireHappy Ghost 4City Squeeze1988It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World 2Chicken and Duck Talk1987It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World1986Devoted to YouPorky's Meatballs1985Happy Ghost II1984Happy GhostMerry Christmas
Personal life During the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill protests and the subsequent imposition of the Hong Kong national security law in 2020, Ko expressed support for the Hong Kong Police Force.
References
Lisa Odham Stokes. Historical Dictionary of Hong Kong Cinema. Scarecrow Press. 2007. Print. . 204–205.
External links
HK cinemagic entry