Kung fu biopic Rise Of The Legend starring Eddie Peng and Sammo Hung opened yesterday. Loong Wai Ting looks at some of the best martial arts films to date.
Yojimbo (1961)
1 - One of the best-known works by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, it tells of a man who arrives in a small town where crime lords are constantly at each other’s throats. Things take a deadly turn when the crime bosses try to recruit the man as bodyguard. The film was well-received in both Japan and the West, with Italian director Sergio Leone remaking a western version in 1964 titled A Fistful Of Dollars starring Clint Eastwood.
Come Drink With Me (1966)
2 - Considered one of the best martial arts films ever made, Come Drink With Me starring Cheng Pei-pei and Yueh Hua is about Golden Swallow who has to rescue her brother after he is taken hostage by bandits. The classic film was selected as the official entry by Hong Kong for the Best Foreign Film category at the 39th Academy Awards. However, it failed to secure a nomination. Rumour had it that maverick director Quentin Tarantino acquired the film’s rights for a remake.
Enter The Dragon (1973)
3 - The film marks Bruce Lee’s last film appearance and was released six days after his death in 1973. It was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry. Among the stuntmen were Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao who have become prominent action stars themselves. Set largely in Hong Kong, it is about a martial artist who is approached by a British intelligence agent to help in an undercover mission.
The Karate Kid (1984)
4 - A commercial success, this American film is about Daniel LaRusso, a high school student who forms an unlikely friendship with the eccentric but kind handyman, Miyagi. The success of the film helped launch Ralph Macchio’s acting career as well as Pat Morita’s, who went on to appear in three subsequent sequels. The 1994 version stars Hilary Swank who plays Miyagi’s new student, Julie Pierce.
Police Story (1985)
5 - The first of the six Police Story film franchise (seven, if you count the 1993 spin-off Police Story 3: Supercop, Once A Cop), the film marks a new beginning for Hong Kong cinemas, particularly for the martial arts genre. Written and directed by Jackie Chan, who also starred in the film, it tells of cop Chan Ka-kui who is tasked to take down Chu Tao, a notorious mafia boss.
Bloodsport (1988)
6 - Based partly on claims made by martial artist Frank Dux, it stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as Dux, who spends his life training and mastering the art of Ninjutsu under Master Tanaka. He has only one goal in mind: To participate in Kumite, the ultimate martial arts tournament. A remake of the film is said to be underway with James McTeigue (V For Vendetta) as director.
Once Upon A Time In China (1991)
7 - The first of the Once Upon A Time In China film franchise, martial arts practitioner-turned-actor Jet Li plays Chinese folk hero, Wong Fei Hung. The film was a major success and was considered a revival of period kung fu films which dominated Hong Kong cinemas in the early 1960s. It won the award for Best Director (Tsui Hark) at the 11th Hong Kong Film Award. Other awards include Best Film Editing by Marco Mak, Best Action Choreography and Best Music.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden
Dragon (2000)
8 - Based on the fourth novel by wuxia novelist, Wang Du Lu, the film is set during the Qing dynasty where Li Mu Bai is a master swordsman. Li, who intends to retire from the kung fu world, instructs Shu Lien to transport his sword known as Green Destiny to be offered to the former’s good friend, Sir Te. The film made wuxia films popular among Western audiences. Its sequel, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Green Destiny is currently in post-production, scheduled for release next year.
Ip Man (2008)
9 - Directed by Wilson Yip, it is based on the life of Wing Chun grandmaster, Yip Man, who was also the late Bruce Lee’s mentor. The film re-ignites interest in kung fu biopics. But making the film was not without controversy. During its production, Chinese director Wong Kar Wai announced plans to make a similar film. Kar Wai planned to call his film The Great Master while Yip’s version was to be titled Grandmaster Ip Man. Both parties eventually settled their dispute with Yip shortening his version to Ip Man while Kar Wai’s version is called The Grandmaster.
The Grandmaster (2013)
10 - The Grandmaster opened to great reaction from fans, with critics pointing out Kar Wai’s over-the-top artistic approach. It opened at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival, exceeding audience expectations. There are three versions of the film, including the “Chinese cut” with a 130-minute runtime and a more linear version that includes explanatory text for American audiences who might be less familiar with the historical aspect of the film.
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