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REAL MARTIAL ARTS FILMS

Nov 26, 2009

by woopak_the_thrill
posted in ASIANatomy

What is a martial arts film? A martial arts film is a film that does not only display martial arts action sequences but rather one that uses the beauty and brings the philosophy of martial arts. Just because you see Jason Statham doing kicks and cool moves in "The Transporter" OR Van Damme doing moves in "Hard Target" means it is a pure martial arts movie…but rather it is an action movie that uses martial arts in the action scenes. A real martial arts movie channels its story around the concept of martial arts, failing that, exhibits the beauty of martial arts. Most REAL martial arts movies come from Asia; China most definitely, Japan and even South Korea. Hey, even Thailand and Vietnam had gotten into the mix. I will include only the more modern martial arts movies in this list and save the classic ones for later.

Jet Li's Fearless (2006)

Jet Li's Fearless (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

Jet Li as the legendary Huo Yuan Jia, the director's cut is the dramatization of the life of the legendary Chinese national hero.

See the full review, "Jet Li's Last Martial Arts Film Is Restored, Re-Edited And Released In All Its Glory!".

Fighter in the Wind

Based on the life of Choi Bae-Dul, the legendary fighter who was proclaimed "Toughest Man in the World" by the New York Times

See the full review, ""TOUGHEST MAN in the World"...Quoted by the New York Times, 1961".

Kung Fu Hustle

Stephen Chow's breakout hit that combines the spirit and mysticism of martial arts with slapstick humor.

See the full review, "Genre-Bending Gangster "Pulp", Slapstick Humor and Spectacular Kung Fu Action in One Package!".

ARAHAN: Urban Martial Arts Action

Martial Arts Fantasy that Combines the philosophy of Martial Arts and its mystic qualties
See the full review, "South Korean Martial Arts Actioner Channels "Kung Fu Hustle" and "Bulletproof Monk"".

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Count_Orlok_22 March 16, 2010

Cool list. I think you'll have to turn it into a series though, because there are so many great films to choose from!

woopak_the_thrill March 16, 2010

I'm working on my top WUXIA films list for trashie...

Count_Orlok_22 March 16, 2010

Let me know if you do one for mixed martial arts or Kung Fu. I could probably do one just on Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. I'll have to put that down on my endless to-do list. ; P

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