Even the most ardent film fans may find martial arts movies to be a challenging realm to enter. The beginning points are well-known: Enter the Dragon, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Kill Bill, and a few Jackie Chan films. However, diving any deeper than that might be scary. Beginning in the 1970s, the Hong Kong film industry produced hundreds of movies packed with mind-bending action scenes and planned battle sequences. Sifting through the must-sees may be highly challenging, not only because many of them are difficult to locate. More than other genres, martial arts films are distinguished by the actors’ visual details and physical abilities. Often, you only know what’s worth viewing once you watch it.
What are Martial Arts Movies?
Martial arts movies are a kind of film that focuses on the practice and methods of different martial arts disciplines. These films often contain dramatic action scenes, elaborate fight choreography, and expert martial artists demonstrating their fighting abilities. Martial arts films started in East Asia, mainly in China, Hong Kong, and Japan, and have since acquired global acclaim.
The genre has a long history, producing numerous memorable films and great martial artists. Early martial arts films often integrated aspects of traditional folklore, historical events, and cultural tales. These movies included martial arts forms such as kung fu, karate, taekwondo, judo, and more.
Also Watch > Sports Movies
Types of Martial Arts Movies
There are several types or subgenres of martial arts movies, each with its own distinct characteristics and themes. Here are some of the common types of martial arts movies:
Traditional Kung Fu
This subgenre focuses on Chinese martial arts, particularly styles like Wing Chun, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Tai Chi. These movies often depict the training and philosophy behind these styles and showcase breathtaking fight choreography.
Wuxia
Wuxia films are rooted in Chinese literature and folklore, featuring martial arts experts with superhuman abilities. They often include fantasy elements, with characters flying through the air, performing gravity-defying stunts, and wielding supernatural weapons. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” is a famous example of a wuxia film.
Historical Epics
These martial arts movies are set in specific historical periods and often draw inspiration from real-life events or legendary figures. They combine martial arts action with historical storytelling, showcasing battles, political intrigue, and the cultural context of the time. Films like the “Ip Man” series, based on the life of Wing Chun master Ip Man, fall into this category.
Modern Action
This subgenre includes martial arts films set in contemporary times, often featuring urban environments, crime stories, and vigilante justice. They may incorporate elements of other genres, such as crime thrillers or espionage, and showcase fast-paced, close-quarters combat. Movies like “The Raid” series and “John Wick” exemplify this kind of films.
Fantasy and Supernatural
This subgenre combines martial arts action with elements of fantasy, mythology, or the supernatural. It often involves characters with extraordinary powers or encounters with magical beings. Movies like “Hero” and “The Monkey King” series showcase this blend of movies.
Martial arts movies continue to attract viewers with their thrilling action, fascinating characters, and the artistry involved in displaying various martial arts forms. They have greatly influenced popular culture and motivated numerous others to seek martial arts training. Follow Vumoo for more!