“Hong Kong – Bruce Lee” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by IQRemi.
When it comes to fighting, the ancient martial arts of the East have a certain mystique that captures the imagination.
Although the end goal with any physical confrontation is to render your opponent helpless (or dead), the code by which traditional martial artists live by brings a certain reverence to proceedings. Naturally, this combination of control aggression and power has intrigued filmmakers over the years and led to some impressive cinematic spectacles. In fact, what’s interesting about Asian martial arts movies is that they sit in stark contrast to the battle-based offerings from the West.
“Karate kick at sunrise” (CC BY 2.0) by bluesbb.
A Clash of Styles, from Game of Thrones to Slots
Of course, the last few decades have seen the two styles merge, but it’s fair to say that there are two distinct styles when it comes to fighting on screen. Take the ever-popular Game of Thrones as an example. The average battle scene in the HBO show is a brutal, bloody affair that seems a million miles away from the refined, technique-based showdowns in a traditional martial arts flick such as Enter the Dragon. And, it’s not just on screen where this divide is apparent. Take, for example, the Game of Thrones slot.
Developed by Microgaming, this game is based on the show and features a plethora of images and animations fans will be familiar with. Indeed, as this Game of Thrones slot review notes, the “epic opening score” creates an intensity that captures the spirit of a bloody battle. Contrast this with another online casino game, Bruce Lee slots, where the use of chimes and xylophones creates a much more serene atmosphere.
East vs. West: It’s a Matter of Intent
In essence, whether it’s onscreen, in a game or via some other medium, the main difference between East and West when it comes to the depiction of fights is action. In the case of the former, everything is calm and attacks happen in short bursts. Everything around the battle is still and there’s a level of respect between combatants.
In the case of the latter, everything is more intense and chaotic. Fists are flying in every direction, and anything can happen in a given moment. This is something Game of Thrones captured fantastically well in the Battle of the Bastards (see video above) and, moreover, across the entire franchise. Why is the case? Well, it all stems back to the origin of martial arts. Although Asia isn’t the only place where martial arts evolved from, it is considered the spiritual home thanks to its use as a form of defense.
Martial Arts as a Form of Respect
From China’s Emperor Huang Di using martial arts as a way to defend the kingdom back in 2600 BC, this trend quickly spread across Asia. At the heart of the teachings was the idea that fighting was a way of protecting all that you deem to be sacred (i.e. your kingdom and country). As various arts developed, notions of respect and honor evolved to encompass all those that had devoted their lives to the art. From this, the idea of mastery and perfect technique came into play and that’s what typically separates martial arts from general fighting.
Even though the warriors seen in Game of Thrones had to learn certain skills, their battles could and would be won by any means possible. In contrast, a true warrior martial artist would never use dirty tactics to defeat an opponent. This, for us, is why there’s a clear difference between fights in classics such as 10 Brothers of Shaolin and Game of Thrones. So, would Bruce Lee survive in Game on Thrones? Yes, but only if he abandoned his martial arts training and fought like a Westeros warrior.
