I have often wondered if my theory and feeling about what I think is the best martial arts movie matched everyone else?

BEST MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE

It’s not as if my taste is that weird, or at least I do not think so, but I seem to go for the well choreographed fights more than anything. Not that I’m looking at it as a dancer would, heaven forbid, but what I mean by well choreographed is that it’s believable, it’s not one fighter telegraphing to the other what he’s about to try, the blocks are genuine if you know what I mean? The other reason that I might especially like one movie best is that the storyline was interesting and as a matter of fact it kept my interest up throughout the movie. Thus onward to the first movie in question:

 

NOMINATION FOR “THE CHINESE CONNECTION” AS BEST MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE

 

Granted this was released ages ago in 1972, but it still plays heavily as being deeply representative of a great movie! Of course Bruce Lee stars in the movie as his most heroic and charismatic character possible, but it also highlights Bruce Lee as being lethal. The film is about a student who returns home and discovers that his beloved Kung Fu Master Sifu died under suspicious circumstances. This movie is the first time that we see Bruce’s awesome handling of nunchukas, which as the character Chan he displays a truly indomitable will that will positively awe the audience. Also, as an actor he brings forth a huge range of depth and true emotion. This is definitely raw power at its best, and the unorthodox fighting should absolutely impress you. The word may have become trite and overused but to be honest I found Lee’s performance to be simply electrifying. Some will say that the storyline is very trite and hackneyed, and that may be since most Chinese movies follow a detectable plot often, and in this case it is true, but that will not take away anything from this fabulous movie!

 

 

NOMINATION FOR “POLICE STORY” AS BEST MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE

 

There are many who will be totally surprised to hear that this made it to my short list as best martial arts movie. It was released in 1985 and it stars Jackie Chan, who coincidentally also directed and choreographed it. In the movie he very convincingly plays a framed Hong Kong cop who seeks to clear his besmirched name. Along the way he gets to nab the bad guy and even gets to keep his girlfriend. Trite plot line to be sure, but the storyline is not the highlight of the movie either. First I was very enthused with the typical Jackie Chan humor that is weaved into the movie everywhere, and secondly seeing the “realistic” use of props throughout the movie made me sit on the edge of my seat trying to view what would be utilized next. Many have said this before, but I will repeat it because I believe it, but this movie set the standards for any and all martial arts movies from then onward.

 

I sincerely hope that you agree with those choices. By utilizing both of those movies as a perfect example of what I consider to be the best martial arts movie, I have sought to pick the ones that exemplify all the rawness that such movies must possess.

 

Tagged with: Best Kung Fu Movie • Best Martial Arts Movie

Filed under: Best Kung Fu Movies

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