![]() The film finds Chan’s character, Kevin Chan, trying to protect a witness preparing to testify against an untouchable crime boss. Every challenge that our hero endures offers not just a physical lesson, but intellectual and emotional growth as well. While the film’s fight scenes are amazing, it is the philosophical depth of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin that sets the it apart from others in the genre. The titular 36th chamber refers to the final level of training that San Te must master before returning to confront the man who ruined his idyllic past life. His thoughts turn to revenge and he joins Shaolin monks, undergoing rigorous mental and physical training. San Te (Liu Chia-Hui/Gordon Liu) narrowly escapes invading Manchu soldiers with his life. When a DVD version of 36th Chamber of Shaolin hit American shores in 2007, thanks to the now disgraced Weinstein Company, mass US audiences reconfirmed what aficionados had long thought to be true: 36th Chamber is among the best kung fu movies of all time.Īlso known as Master Killer and Shaolin Master, 36th Chamber of Shaolin features some of the best martial arts ever captured on film inside of a story that exemplifies the kung fu genre. ![]() Luckily for us, the film certainly deserves the reputation. It’s a shame that Bruce Lee died at just 32 years old, but it is a gift that a marriage of his unique talents and a film to showcase them was possible before his untimely death.Įditor’s Note: Thanks in no small part to the Wu-Tang Clan, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin has become perhaps the most well-known kung fu movie in the west. Clouse was known as a genre director who could elevate his material, and he does so with garish grace, using Gilbert Hubbs’ sumptuous photography and James Wong Sun’s lush art direction to their fullest. Bruce Lee staged all of the action sequences, and his emotional connection to them is unparalleled in his career. If the material sounds familiar or even arch, Lee and Clouse elevate it to the level of mastery. Oh, and wouldn’t you know it, Lee is going to have to face off against the massive baddie who killed his sister. Our hero must not only investigate the man’s crimes, but win a massive martial arts contest being held on his palatial island estate. The villain, Shih Kien, is as dastardly an evildoer as you could imagine, trafficking in opium and slaves. Five Fingers of DeathĮnter the Dragon is clear in its morality and earnest almost to the point of camp, but that makes the film that much more charming. Scroll on to see our selection of the best kung fu movies by year. Interest in the genre has only grown in recent years among the street culture crowd as celebrated figures like Kendrick Lamar have taken on kung fu personas, and brands like Supreme have worked with the most important creators in the industry. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to call these films violent, but when kung fu movies are at their best, the violence transcends to a level of physical beauty that is unlike anything else ever captured on the big screen. Perhaps most importantly, these films offer some of the most intricate and impressive fight sequences ever filmed. But, a deep dive into Hong Kong martial arts films will also yield a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture, Asian history, and the evolution of action film. Of course, if you want to learn more about the great stars of Chinese kung fu, Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, these films will give you that exposure. ![]() The late Bruce Lee in particular captured America’s imagination, as his intense, powerful skill captivated audiences following his untimely death at the age of 32. Though kung fu movies feel so familiar to modern audiences, it wasn’t until the 1970s that kung fu movies really made their way to the United States and Americans fell in love with Chinese martial arts films. ![]() Modern action films like The Matrix and Kill Bill rely on many of the same styles and principles of martial arts that many Americans first saw in the films of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Kung fu has become essential to American cinema.
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