So I've been getting into Chinese Marital Arts films lately.

It was inevitable, I suppose. Chinese Kung Fu films are the estranged siblings of Japanese tokusatsu shows, of which I have a passion.

Of course, I've seen a few in the past, but the only one I can say I loved was the classic 36th Chamber of Shaolin. And after watching that movie again, I figured I'd give the genre a try.

This blog is where I'll be keeping the list of the films I've seen, and the films I plan to see. And next to the title, I'll be giving out stars. Five being perfect, four being awesome, three being OK, two being meh, and one being shit. Both 5 and 1 are scores reserved for films that are exceptionally amazing, or offensively bad.

Also, as some of you will notice, not all of these films are Chinese. Kung Fu films have a certain way about them that's hard to explain, even to people who know what I'm talking about. In order to make this list, a film either has to be a martial arts movie that meets this tone, OR they have to be a martial arts film that focuses on Chinese fighting styles. Preferably both.

1) The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (****)
2) Ip Man (*****)
3) Enter the Dragon (***)
4) Challenge of the Masters (***)
5) Drunken Master (****)
6) Full Moon Scimitar (**)
7) Man of Tai Chi (**)
8) Karate Kid 1884 (****)
9) The Last Dragon (***)
10) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (*****)
11) Kung Fu Panda (*****)
12) Kung Fu Panda 2 (****)

It is actually shocking how well the first Kung Fu Panda film embodies the genre as a whole. The fact that it managed to be a great movie as well is amazing.

Ditto for TMNT.

Comments

[DwarvishPony]

Drunken Master was so good. I need to watch it again.

[Queen of Fools]

4433285

Jackie Chan is always a win.

[Xenoguyver]

If you want a fun kung fu movie, look up "The Super Inframan". It actually took inspiration from Kamen Rider for the movie.

It was made by the Shaw Brothers, who have made a fair number of kung fu movies, and all of them were just pure fun.

[Queen of Fools]

4433292

I've seen it, I own it, and I love it. Easily in my top 30 all time fav films.

I didn't include it in this list because it isn't really a martial arts film. It's a superhero film with martial arts elements.

It was made by the Shaw Brothers, who have made a fair number of kung fu movies,

I know this. What do I look like, a noob?

[Xenoguyver]

4433322

Sorry if I have offended you. Did not know that you knew that already.

[Queen of Fools]

4433335

Relax. You didn't offend.

[Xenoguyver]

4433338

That's a relief. Still, glad that Inframan is one of your all time faves. Too bad it, as far as I know anyway, never kick started a movie series (or at the very LEAST a sequel.) or a tv series.

[grey mane]

If you watch Tai Chi Zero and Tai Chi Hero let me know.

[Crack-Fic Casey]

I can't put to words my love for the Kung Fu Panda series.