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John Sham

John Sham

Actor and producer · Born January 1, 1952 (74) · Enping, Jiangmen, China

John Shum Kin-Fun (Chinese: 岑建勳) is a Hong Kong actor and film producer. His English name is sometimes written as John Sham. Whilst known primarily for his comedic acting roles in Hong Kong cinema, he also spent time as a political activist. He is easily recognisable from his spectacles and curly hair.

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
January 1, 1952 (74)
From
Enping, Jiangmen, China
Works as
Actor and producer
Titles
35 on MovieCove · 81 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 31% in 30 days

What are John Sham's films like?

Across their 23 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Action14 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 68th percentile
: browse their Action movies
Comedy3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 51st percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Drama3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 88th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
38%
Morality
23%
Self
17%
Power
10%
Survival
9%
Society
3%
Friendship8 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love7 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice5 titles, browse their movies with this themeComing of age3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRevenge2 titles, browse their movies with this themeLoyalty3 titles, browse their movies with this themeSacrifice3 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 23 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 11 · Serious 4 · Dark 8

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 6 · Stylized 9 · Heightened 8

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 4 · Charged 13 · Intense 6

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 7 · Shifting 12 · Whiplash 4

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 8 · Some laughs 7 · Funny 8

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 9 · Even-paced 10 · Relentless 4

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 11 · Engaged 11 · Full focus 1

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 11 · Affecting 5 · Heavy 7

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 18 · Open-ended 5 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

3 analyzed roles

Usually the Hero: 2 of 3 analyzed roles.

Hero
2 of 3
Trickster
1 of 3

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Thrilling
10
Tense
9
Joyful
7
Warm
7
Melancholic
6
Other
23

How their films linger

Fun11 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good10 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteDevastating4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 2 with a twist

  • Happy10
  • Bittersweet10
  • Tragic3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch John Sham's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 19 of their 35 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (8).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for John Sham's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

81 credits, 35 with a MovieCove page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • Papa(2024)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Where the Wind Blows(2022)

    Executive Producer

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • A Complicated Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Steven

  • A Simple Life(2011)

    as Guest at Premiere

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • Confucius(2010)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films

  • Echoes of the Rainbow(2010)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Bodyguards and Assassins(2009)

    as Chun's Father

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Jackie Chan Presents: Wushu(2008)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • Mr. Cinema (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Luk Yau

  • The Rape of Nanking(2007)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • McDull, the Alumni (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Medical Professor

  • New Police Story(2004)

    as Eric Chow

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • The Miracle Box (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    as Dr Fan

  • Three(2002)

    as Photographer (segment "Going Home")

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Three: Going Home (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Photographer

  • 星空下的傾情 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 13 episodes · Actor

  • Guns of Dragon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Yip

  • Lucky Encounter (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    as Master Lionhead

  • Sisters of the World Unite (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Actor

  • The Banquet(1991)

    Producer · as Curly

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • King of Chess (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    as Ching Ling

  • Double Impact(1991)

    as Hong Kong Marine Police

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Thousand Pieces of Gold(1990)

    Executive Producer

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Curry and Pepper(1990)

    as Chin Wontons

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • Eight Taels of Gold (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Presenter · Producer

  • Mr. Sunshine (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Presenter · as Store manager

  • Seven Warriors(1989)

    Presenter · Producer

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Miracles: The Canton Godfather(1989)

    as Daily Sun Reporter

    Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films

  • My Heart Is That Eternal Rose(1989)

    Executive Producer

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Little Cop (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Drug Seller

  • Celebrity Talk Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Show 1 episode · as 岑建勋

  • Pedicab Driver(1989)

    as Master 5

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • Edge of Darkness (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Chu Kar-Mann

  • Painted Faces(1988)

    as Stagehand

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • 18 Times (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as David So

  • Starry Is the Night (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Actor

  • King of Stanley Market (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Presenter · Producer

  • I Love Maria(1988)

    Producer · as Curly

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • The Eighth Happiness(1988)

    as Audience member (cameo)

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Fury (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Producer

  • People's Hero (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Executive Producer · Producer

  • Goodbye Darling (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Choi Sum

  • An Autumn's Tale(1987)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Warlords of the Golden Triangle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Narrator

  • The Wrong Couples (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Producer

  • Dynamite Fighters(1987)

    Producer · Second Unit Director

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Sapporo Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Producer

  • Final Victory (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Producer

  • The Goofy Gang (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Yacht Repairman [cameo]

  • Legacy of Rage(1986)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films

  • Brotherhood (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Producer

  • Kiss Me Goodbye (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Producer

  • Pom Pom Strikes Back (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Producer · as Beethoven

  • Passion (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Producer

  • Royal Warriors(1986)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • The Lunatics (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Producer · as Dr. Shum

  • Where's Officer Tuba?(1986)

    as Photographer

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all films

  • From Here to Prosperity (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Audience at Magic Show

  • It's a Drink! It's a Bomb! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Lion Head

  • Yes, Madam!(1985)

    Producer · as Strepsil

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • The Island (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Teacher Cheung

  • Mr. Boo Meets Pom Pom (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Beethoven

  • Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars(1985)

    as Wormgrass

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • Welcome (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Executive Producer

  • Night Caller (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Executive Producer

  • Friendly Ghost (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Father Ngai

  • Hong Kong 1941 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Producer

  • Double Trouble (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Production Supervisor · as Merlin Yau

  • Wheels on Meals(1984)

    as Mental Patient (Laughing)

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all films

  • Long Arm of the Law(1984)

    Production Coordinator

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • The Return of Pom Pom (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    as Beethoven

  • Pom Pom(1984)

    as Beethoven / Johnny

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • Mad Mission 3: Our Man from Bond Street(1984)

    as Police Chief

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • Winners & Sinners(1983)

    as Curly

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Gun Is Law (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Actor

  • Happy Sixteen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Actor

  • To Hell with the Devil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as Mr. Fong

  • Charlie's Bubble (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Production Consultant · Actor

  • Sealed with a Kiss (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • All the Wrong Clues for the Right Solution(1981)

    as Piano Player in Bar

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films

  • Dangerous Encounters of the First Kind(1980)

    as Interpol Officer

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

Career shape

Star power in the 93rd percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 78 titles from 1980 to 2024; peak year 1984.

Biggest box office

Confucius (2010)

$4.5M worldwide

Highest rated

An Autumn's Tale (1987)

Midcredits 94th

Most popular right now

Wheels on Meals (1984)

Film career

19802024

Peak 1984 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1980Screen debut· Dangerous Encounters of the First Kind
  • 1985Career best· Yes, Madam!

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting55 of 78: 48 only acting, 7 with another role · typical Midcredits score67thProducing26 of 78: 18 only producing, 8 with another role · typical Midcredits score50thOther crew8 of 78: 1 only other crew, 7 with another role

78 titles, 11 with more than one role — acting and producing overlap on 4 of them.

By decade

1980s57 · 37 acting · 26 crew1990s9 · 8 acting · 2 crew2000s8 · 7 acting · 1 crew2010s2 · acting2020s2 · 1 acting · 1 crew

Billing

usually 9th · top billed in 0% of 14 roles
8090

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do John Sham's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 67th percentile, the median of all 35; across their 23 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 70th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

70thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 23

Approval · how many liked their films

61stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 23

Reach · how many have seen their films

70thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 23

Midcredits score across 35 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up14
  • 50th to 74th10
  • 25th to 49th11

Shape of the crowd

18 of their 35 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved2
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser18
  • Broadly Agreed5
  • Mixed9

Most divisive · producer

The Rape of Nanking (2007)

84th percentile spread · 23% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

A Simple Life (2011)

Midcredits 95th · 84% liked

Reviewers score the acting 71/100 in their films, across 23 reviewed titles; fans 79, detractors 53. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does John Sham work with?

People who share at least 2 of John Sham's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Sammo Kam-Bo Hung shares the most, 8.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Cinematographers and editors

Producers

Mixed roles