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Hey Zog! I heartily recommend the films of actor/director/fight choreographer Sammo Hung Kam Bo, the portly classmate/contemporary of the more well known Jackie Chan. All of Hung's films expertly combine intricate fight choreography and weapons work with goofy comedy, melodrama and (sometimes) brutal violence. Sammo's better known films are (for the most part) readliy available on dvd (even in Region 1) in their original language (or dubbed, if you prefer) in fine quality prints. His best kung-fu films are:

The Iron-Fisted Monk (1978)-his directorial debut set in the Shaolin Temple (uncommon for Sammo)
Enter the Fat Dragon (1978)-unfortunately, this film is only available in "questionable" form and mediocre quality, but Sammo, as a plump country bumpkin who idolizes Bruce Lee is a hoot
The Magnificent Butcher (1979) Sammo and legendary director/choreographer Yuen Woo Ping combine their talents in this modern day extension of the "Wong Fei Hung" legend
The Odd Couple (1979)-Some of the most impressive sword-spear duels commited to celluloid with Lau Kar Wing (brother of celebrated Shaw Brothers filmmaker, Lau Kar Leung)
Warriors Two (1979) -Sammo showcases Korean kicking legend Casanova Wong and Shaw almnus Leung Kar Yan
Knockabout (1980)-Once again, Sammo showcases one of his classmates, the acrobatic Yuen Biao in this Jackie Chan/Drunken Master inspired film
The Victim (1980)-Equal turns charming comedy (in the master-student mode) and brutally violent drama
Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980)-One of the earliest (and best) kung-fu/horror hybrids
The Prodigal Son (1981)-Sammo's masterpiece (focusing on the Wing Chun style of Kung-fu) that garned the equivalent of the Hong Kong oscar

If you're into more "modern day action" as well, than his films "Project A", "Wheels on Meals" "Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars", "Dragons Forever" (all featuring Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao as well), "Eastern Condors" (his version of "The Dirty Dozen") "The Shanghai Express" (a star-studded "Eastern Western") "Pedicab Driver", and "Pantyhose Hero" are all ESSENTIAL viewing

Bryan