Throughout the history of cinema, some visual treasures remain buried beneath the glitz and glamor of mainstream Hollywood. Many Asian martial arts movies remain tucked away in the shadowy corners of film history. However, today, we are dusting off those reels, grabbing our nunchucks, and going back in time to uncover some iconic yet often forgotten Asian martial arts films.
Asian martial arts movies usually blend intricate choreography, breathtaking stunts, and more action in one film than most moviegoers experience across several cinema visits. Although Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee successfully transitioned from Asian cinema to Hollywood and inspired many MMA athletes who regularly feature in the best UFC bets to make online to take up combat sports, those success stories are few and far between. Why is that the case?
The answer to that question seems as elusive as the Grand Master martial artist hidden away in the mountains. Limited international distribution, language barriers, cultural differences, and the dominance of Western cinema all contribute to the neglect of these cinematic wonders. However, for the next few minutes, we are stepping back in time and spotlighting some hidden wonders of the Asian martial arts movie world.
Come Drink With Me (1966) – A Rare Female Protagonist
Director King Hu made waves in the wuxia genre during the 1960s, and Come Drink With Me is one of his classic films. Sadly, it often gets overshadowed by later wuxia epics, but now you know about it, perhaps you can give it some love.
Come Drink With Me showcases some superb swordplay, which is worth watching the movie for on its own, but also a strong, independent female protagonist, a rarity for the time. Most martial arts films feature a dominant male protagonist, but Hu opted for a female, and the result is superb.
Cheng Pei-pei stars as Golden Swallow, a fearless warrior on a mission to rescue her kidnapped brother. Pei-pei shines in her role, blending grace with martial arts prowess. There is an elegant dance of swords throughout the film’s running time, which is a testament to the artistry of Hong Kong cinema during this era.
Dragon Inn (1967) – A Wuxia Classic Ahead of Its Time
The Swinging Sixties brought us musical icons like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, and the Kinks, but it was also the era that Dragon Inn burst onto the Asian martial arts movie scene. Directed by King Hu, Dragon Inn is a Taiwanese wuxia masterpiece. The choreography is incredible, allowing Hu to produce a visual feast that laid the groundwork for future martial arts epics.
The narrative unfolds as a power-hungry eunuch seeks to eliminate the children of a political rival by sending assassins to the remote Dragon Inn. Of course, the Dragon Inn later becomes an intense battleground with fights to the death.
The film combines the use of then-groundbreaking wire-fu, stunning set pieces, and intricate swordplay throughout. Toss into the mix a compelling narrative, and you have all the ingredients for a truly great martial arts movie. Sadly, Dragon Inn remains largely unknown to the casual moviegoer.
Five Element Ninjas (1982) – A Martial Arts Extravaganza
We go from the Swinging Sixties to the 1980s, 1982 to be exact, when Five Element Ninjas hit silver screens across Asia. Some martial arts films are over the top by their very nature, but Five Element Ninjas takes things to a whole new outlandish level.
Legendary director Chang Cheh had a vision for Five Element Ninjas, one that left audiences open-mouthed, and it is fair to say Cheh succeeded. As the film’s name suggests, it features ninjas with elemental powers. Some of those abilities include wielding fire and manipulating water. Those ninjas engage in battles that push the boundaries of imagination in a flamboyant style yet to be replicated.
Five Element Ninjas is perfect for martial arts fans seeking a departure from other movies’ more grounded and serious tones. The film pushed the boundaries of what martial arts cinema could achieve.
Iron Monkey (1993) – A Swashbuckling Spectacle of Martial Arts
Iron Monkey (1993) was a critical success. Yet, it never took off in the Western world, which is an incredible shame because anyone with even the remotest interest in martial arts deserves to see this movie. If you combined jaw-dropping kung fu with Robin Hood, you would create something like Iron Monkey!
The film follows a masked hero called Iron Monkey, who robs from the corrupt rich to aid the poor in feudal China. It’s a charming film that combines doses of humor with high-flying stunts.
This Hong Kong classic blends martial arts with a swashbuckling narrative. We should applaud director Yuen Woo-ping and the now-defunct Shaw Brothers for creating a dazzling display of gravity-defying stunts and acrobatic fight choreography; Iron Monkey is a sight to behold.
Celebrating Diversity in Martial Arts Cinema
It is evident that the neglect of the four films mentioned above is not a reflection of their quality but rather a consequence of the broader cinematic landscape. Language and cultural differences should not be barriers to appreciation and enjoyment. They should be an invitation to explore global cinema’s rich and diverse world.
Platforms like City On Fire provide a rallying point for enthusiasts and a stage for hidden gems to enter the spotlight. In a world saturated with sequels and reboots, the unexplored realm of Asian martial arts cinema offers a breath of fresh air. The four films in this article are cultural artifacts waiting and wanting to be celebrated and shared.
So, grab your popcorn, open your heart, and let the hidden world of Asian martial arts films unfold before you. You never know; you may embark on an exhilarating journey into the unknown.
