|
Martial Movies, TV and More
By: Naruhisa Hoguchi
From the first feature films about Martials Arts, we have learned about history and culture from the Martial World. Continuing with cartoon animation and television, the Martial Arts has been brought to our homes.
| |
Martial Movies
By: Naruhisa Hoguchi
One of the hardest question to answer is what is a Martial Arts movie? How much martial arts has to be in it to qualify? Does it have to have a fighter or martial artist in it? What is the line between an "Action" movie and "Martial Arts" movie?
For example Chuck Norris, some of his films are clearly Martial arts movies while many others are more action with a lot of fighting. Bolo Yueng who is a boby builder, is in many flims and TV shows also.
Then there was the Ninja craze during the 1980's with movies like the Ninja trilogy, which the fight scences are good, the overall acting is bad.
There are many great Martial Artist who became or were involved in many movies such as Steven Seagal and Dolph Lundgren, who made many action films with fighting, but not necessarily about Martial Arts. Then there are others like Mr. Myagi, who is loosely based on a real martial artist.
Obviously not every movie is listed here, it is more of a sample size of the volume of films that are out there. Many pictures did not fit our unlisted criterea, but it is open to add other movies if their case is made.
| |
|
|
|
| Shaw Brothers
Since 1925, Runje, Runme, Runde and Run Run Shaw, produced an amazing amount of Martial Arts films.
They were also the largest film production company in Hong Kong for many years.
I still can't figure out (besides money) what was driving them to make over 1,000 great movies for decades before moving in to television and other media.
They are known for having great martial artist and actors, as well as their attention to detail and film quality.
Their use of vibrant color schemes, music, great sets and locations make these movies exciting to watch.
The Shaw Bros. also developed their own fluid action filming techniques which makes their camera work the best.
The opening title scene battles against an empty colored backdrop is a trademark of renowned director Lau Kar-leung. Also, their signature fight scenes are incredible, and they have the some of the best martial artist talent in all of their films.
In addition, many of the actors also went into other roles of production, putting together the top fight choreographers, writers and directors.
However, the element of greatness which makes their films legendary, is that someone is getting their ass kicked within the first 30 seconds of the movie.
|
|
|
| Mona Fong Yat-wah Li Menglan - Lady Shaw
January 1, 1934 - November 22, 2017
Born Shanghai, Mona was one of the most popular nightclub singers and recording artists in Singapore and Hong Kong in the 1950s.
As a film, television producer and production manager, Fong produced over a hundred films, Including her final movie, Drunken Monkey in 2002.
She has also worked as Deputy Chairman and General Manager of Shaw Brothers Studio and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) and retired in 2012. She married Sir Run Run Shaw.
|
|
Golden Harvest
Also produced many pictures as well. Its founder are producers Raymond Chow and Leonard Ho. They previously worked for the Shaw Brothers.
Golden Harvest produced many films which included Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Donny Yen and many of the Jackie Chan pictures.
|
 |
| 1970 - 2009 |
|
|
 |
| 1971 - 1976 |
|
| Concord Production Inc.
In 1971, Bruce Lee and Raymond Chow founded this production company in Hong Kong. Lee was head of the creative decisions and Chow was in charge of the administration. After Bruce's death in 1973, Linda, Lee's wife, sold his share of the company to Chow in 1976.
|
 |
| Seven Samurai |
|
| Seven Samurai (1954)
Directed, Co-Written by Akira Kurosawa, Starring Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Isao Kimura, Keiko Tsushima, Kokten Kodo, Shinpei Takagi - In 1586, a mountain village of farmers hires seven samurai, to protect their village and fight bandits who vow to return after the harvest to steal their crops.
Temple of the Red Lotus (1965)
Directed by Hsu Tseng-Hung, Starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Chin Ping, Ivy Ling Po, Lo Lieh - A childhood friend, a promised as his bride, an un-honest, and a feud with monks.
Come Drink With Me (1966)
Directed by King Hu, Starring Cheng Pei-pei, Yueh Hua - During the Ming Dynasty, Golden Swallow is a deadly duel dagger tornado of death who joins up with hot women soldiers and a drunken cat to rescue her brother.
Trail of the Broken Blade (1967)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Jimmy Yu Wang, Ping Chin, Chuang Chiao - A fighter renounces his sword, identity & the woman he loves for assassinating a corrupt official responsible for his father's death is forced out from his undercover existence and back to the way of the blade.
The Assassin (1967)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Yu Wang, Chiao Chiao, Hsiang Chun Li Yu - A swordsman is betrayed by a jealous rival, but initially seeks a life of simple pleasures until an accidental meeting with another patriot sets him back on the road to bloody, brutal vengeance.
One Armed Swordsman (1967)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Jimmy Wang, Tien Feng - A student’s right arm is cut off by his masters sexy jealous daughter, retires to a farm, invents a new one-armed style of sword fighting, learns of a plot to destroy his school, rushes to save his master, kills the enemy and saves the school, but then returns to his farm with new wife.
|
 |
| Come Drink With Me |
|
|
 |
| One Armed Swordsman |
|
|
Sword of Swords (1968)
Directed by Kang Cheng, Starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Pei Pei Shu, Tien Feng - A blinded swordsman seek revenge on the person who murdered his family and stole the magical sword that protected his country for generations.
The Bells of Death (1968)
Directed by Feng Yeuh, Starring Yi Chang, Ping Chin - A woodcutter exacts revenge on the evildoers who talk shit and call out moves while killing his family.
Golden Swallow (1968)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Cheng Pei-pei, Jimmy Wang Yu, Lo Lieh - Killing, a love triangle and a duel to the death.
Return of the One-Armed Swordsman (1969)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Jimmy Wang, Lisa Chiao Chiao - The One Armed Swordsman emerges from retirement to battle the Eight Kings, a group of evil swordsmen who are hell-bent on conquering the region in this sequel to the One-Armed Swordsman.
Vengeance Is a Golden Blade (1969)
Directed by, Ho Meng-Hua, Starring Chin Ping, Tang Ching - Infidelity, a special sword and a hot chick cut it up with swords and kung fu.
The Flying Dagger (1969)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Lieh Lo, Cheng Pei Pei - A wandering swordsman protects a family from the wrath of the Green Dragon chief. Knife fighting, great color, production and story highlight this film.
|
 |
| Sword of Swords |
|
|
 |
| Return of the One-Armed Swordsman |
|
|
 |
| The Flying Dagger |
|
|
 |
| The Chinese Boxer |
|
| The Chinese Boxer (1970)
Written, Directed and Starring Jimmy Wong Yu, Lo Lieh, Ping Wang - A Chinese boxer takes revenge on murderous Japanese karate thugs who have destroyed a school.
Valley of the Fangs (1970)
Directed by Chang-hwa Jeong, Starring Lo Lieh, Ching Lee, Mei Sheng Fan - A righteous swordsman tries to protect a hero's wife and daughter from a corrupt murderous plans.
Vengeance (1970)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring David Chiang, Lung Ti - In 1920 Peking, drugging, gang rape, and a man who kills the guy who is sleeping with his brother’s wife and she does not even care and has a conversation with while he is dead in her bed. Lots of knife fighting and Judo. Uses Bonds OHMSS music.
|
 |
| Vengeance |
|
|
The New One Armed Swordsman (1971)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Li Ching - A swordsman follows through on a vow to cut off his right arm and retire from fighting if he ever loses a match, but circumstances lead him back into fighting. His best friend is killed by a group of thugs, and must avenge this needless death.
Lady with a Sword (1971)
Directed by Pao-Shu Kao, Starring Lily Ho - A young woman tries to find villains responsible for her sister's death, but is shocked to discover that her fiancé is one of them - complete, with a kid fighting!
Deadly Duo (1971)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Ti Lung, David Chiang - Seek to rescue a captured prince through lots of killing!
Duel For Gold (1971)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Ivy Po, Lo Lieh, Chin Han, Wang Ping, Tsung Hua, Chen Chun - Men and women betray and outwit each other during their quest for millions of taels of gold in a vault.
Duel of Fists (1971)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring David Chiang, Ti Lung - An engineer who goes to Thailand to find his long-lost half-brother, who is a Muay Thai boxer.
King Eagle (1971)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Ti Lung, Sing Chen - Expert martial artist tries to stay neutral, as factions vie for power, he is forced to side with the hot chick. Distracting subtitles ruin this movie.
The Big Boss (1971) aka Fists of Fury
Written by and Starring Bruce Lee - A worker avenges his murdered relatives, killed by their gangster boss.
|
 |
| The New One Armed Swordsman |
|
|
 |
| Duel For Gold |
|
|
 |
| The Big Boss |
|
|
 |
| The Delightful Forest |
|
| The Delightful Forest (1972)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Ti Lung, Tien Ching, Chu Mu - The legendary fighter Wu Song is sent to prison in Meng province after murdering his sister-in-law and her lover. There he meets with a prison officer, who saved him from the baton punishment required for new prisoners. Wu learns that Shih's restaurant named the "Delightful Forest" has been occupied by Chiang Chung and now he seeks his revenge.
The Deadly Knives (1972)
Directed by Chang Il-Ho, Starring Li Ching, Yun Ling, Lily Li - Love, conflict between 2 families, refusal to sell property and plotting, using deceit, betrayal and ultimately bloody violence to get what they want.
Thunderbolt Fist (1972)
Directed by Chang Il-Ho, Starring Chuan Yuan, Wang Chin-Feng - A vicious Japanese judo expert sets out to prove Chinese are "the sick people of Asia" by killing all the best martial artists in corrupt, dangerous tournaments.
The Angry Guest (1972) aka Kung-Fu Killers
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chang Cheh, Ching Li - 2 brothers battle a gang of Japanese martial artists who has killed their mother and kidnapped one of their girlfriends.
The Black Tavern (1972)
Directed by Wing-Cho Yip, Starring Shih Szu, Li Tung - An official who just received a big bribe is traveling the country, thieves, villains and murderers are now hot on his trail and a bloody battle commences.
The 14 Amazons (1972)
Directed by Cheng Kang, Starring Ivy Ling Po, Lisa Lu, Lily Ho, Yueh Hua - The story is about the female generals of the Yang Family that plot revenge against the enemy who killed the men of their clan.
|
 |
| Thunderbolt Fist |
|
|
 |
| The 14 Amazons |
|
|
 |
| Fist of Fury |
|
| Fist of Fury (1972) aka The Chinese Connection
Directed by Lo Wei, Starring Bruce Lee - A student fights against foreign aggression and avenges the death of his master.
Boxer From Shantung (1972)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Chen Kuan-tai, Ching Li, David Chiang - The rise and fall of the life of crime and prize fighting for $20.00!
The Lizard (1972)
Directed by Yuen Chor, Starring Connie Chan, Lo Lieh - Modern martial arts in the early 1900's.
Man Of Iron (1972)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Kuan Tai Chen, Ching Li - All he did was win some money gambling from a gang leader’s son, but that's enough for them to want obsessive revenge culminating in an incredible climatic fight which everyone dies!
Way of the Dragon (1972) aka Return of the Dragon
Directed, Written, Produced, Starring Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Bob Wall - A fighter travels to help a relative from the mafia.
|
|
|
 |
| Way of the Dragon |
|
|
Five Fingers of Death (1973)
aka King Boxer, Number One Fist in the World
Directed by Jeong Chang-hwa, Starring Lo Lieh, Wang Ping, Wang Chin-Feng, Tien Feng - Lo Lieh is a hero for the first time is this tale of love, betrayal, revenge, plucking eyeballs out of skulls, and a martial arts tournament in the quest to be King Boxer.
The Blood Brothers (1973)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring David Chiang, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chu Mu - A vicious despot embarks upon a violent reign of terror, with horrific results for the oppressed populace. A number of highly skilled kung fu experts join forces in an effort to overturn the tyrant in this blood-soaked martial arts adventure.
Cub Tiger From Kwangtung (1973)
Directed by Chu Mu, Starring Jackie Chan, Tien Feng - Secretly training in martial arts, determined for revenge, and a fight with an extortion ring that's putting the squeeze on his uncle's restaurant.
The Pirate (1973)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Ti Lung, David Chiang - A swashbuckling kung-fu saga of obligation, revenge and misguided loyalties and respect.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
Directed by Robert Clouse, Bruce Lee, Starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Shih Kien, Bolo Yeung, Bob Wall, Samo Hung - A man receives an invitation to compete in a martial arts tournament, finds out that it is involved with prostitution and drug trafficking agrees to go undercover to stop it.
|
 |
| Five Fingers of Death |
|
|
 |
| Enter the Dragon |
|
|
 |
| Heroes Two |
|
|
Heroes Two (1974)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Alexander Fu Sheng, Chen Kuan Tai - Heroes Two begins with the burning of the Shaolin Temple, and chronicles the efforts of Fong Sai Yuk and Hung Si Kuan as they combat the forces of oppression –the Manchu’s, fighting alongside the Chinese revolutionaries.
Men From the Monastery (1974) aka Disciples of Death
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Chen Kuan-tai, Alexander Fu Sheng, Kong Do - Everything here is bigger, badder, and more epic than in the this sequel to Heroes Two.
Yellow Faced Tiger (1974) aka Slaughter in San Francisco, Chuck Norris Vs. The Karate Cop, Karate Cop
Directed by Lo Wei, Produced by Raymond Chow, Starring Wong Tao, Sylvia Chang, Chuck Norris - A young police officer stands up to a drug lord, corruption and revenge.
Five Shaolin Masters (1974)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Fight Choreography by Lau Kar Leung, Starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Fu Sheng, Chen Kuan-tai - 5 patriots return to Shaolin temple ruins to perfect their kung fu and take revenge for their destroyed temple and dead comrades by Qing soldiers.
Black Belt Jones (1974)
Directed by Robert Clouse, Starring Jim Kelly, Gloria Hendry - The Mafia, a local drug dealer, a karate school and a mission to "clobber the mob".
The Savage Five (1974) aka The Savage 5
Directed by Chang Cheh - Starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan-tai, Danny Lee, Wong Chung - A teacher and chef who rescue a hot chick, seek revenge on the gang who killed their traveling companions and left her for dead.
Game of Death (1974)
Directed, Written and Starring Bruce Lee, Dan Inosanto, Kareem Abdul Jabbar - An actor is shot by gangsters, fakes his death, has plastic surgery and seeks revenge. This is Bruce's last movie in which he died during the making of this film.
|
 |
| Black Belt Jones |
|
|
 |
| Game of Death |
|
|
The Flying Guillotine (1975)
Directed by Ho Meng-Hua, Starring Kuan Tai Chen, Feng Ku, Hung Wei - Haven’t you always thought the guillotine would be infinitely more badass if it was on a chain and could take guys out from 300 feet away? Emperor Yung Cheng agrees and so does his army that will use it to remove limbs and decapitate literally dozens of men.
Marco Polo (1975) aka Four Assassins
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Tong Yim Chaan, Philip Kwok Tsui, Shih Szu, Lo Dik, Gordon Liu, Leung Kar-Yan, Wang Lung-Wei, Lee Tung-Chun, Carter Wong, Richard Harrison - 4 friends learn kung fu to avenge the death of their friend against the Mongolian army.
Lady of the Law (1975)
Directed Shen Chiang and Hsiao Yung, Starring Shih Szu, Lo Lieh, Chang Pei-shan - Avenging a father’s death, and a vigilante who's partnered with the local authorities in the dispensing of justice.
Shaolin Martial Arts (1975)
Directed by Cheh Chang, Starring Fu Sheng, Gordon Liu, Kuan-Chun Chi - When the Manchu’s send soldiers to destroy the Shaolin Temple, students use their Shaolin styles to defend the school.
All Men Are Brothers (1975) aka Seven Soldiers of Kung Fu
Directed by Chang Cheh Starring, David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan-tai, Wong Chung, Danny Lee, Bolo Yeung - A story based on the Chinese classical novel Water Margin.
Disciples of Shaolin (1975) aka Invincible One
Director by Chang Cheh, Starring Alexander Fu-Sheng, Chi Kuan-chi - Brothers take jobs at a textile factory where a disciple of the Shaolin Temple warns them about a rival Manchu clan, who run another nearby mill that want to take them over.
|
 |
| The Flying Guilotine |
|
|
 |
| Lady of the Law |
|
|
 |
| Disciples of Shaolin |
|
|
 |
| Dirty Ho |
|
|
Dirty Ho (1976)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung, Starring Gordon Liu, Wong Yue - Great music, hot girls, and an unusual feature is having a Manchu character as the film's hero, instead of the villain who "Just wants to surround myself with paintings, wine and kung-fu", flashes his Chop and gets the Jewelry and the girls, yells at some guy who almost breaks a vase "Be careful, this is Ming" , rocks a serious mustache, secretly takes on monkey fighters, blade shoes, and uses some hot chick as a Kung-Fu puppet. Calls someone’s Kung-Fu style a "Funny Style, that's his".
Challenge of the Masters (1976)
Directed by Lau Kar-Leung, Starring Gordon Liu, Chen Kuan-Tai, Lily Li, Lau Kar-leung, Kara Hui - After his father refuses to teach his son kung fu and he is constantly being beaten by rival students, he must train with another master to avenge the evils being done by the rival school.
The Shaolin Avengers (1976)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Alexander Fu-Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Hui Lou Chien - A famous story of Romance, heroism, the Shaolin Temple's betrayal by the White-Browed Hermit and revenge.
The New Shaolin Boxers (1976)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Alexander Fu Sheng, Shan Mao, Philip Kwok - A carriage driver finds love, death and plays the same drinking game, which Jackie Chan plays in Shanghai Noon.
Killer Clans (1976)
Directed by Yuen Chor, Starring Fei Ai, Kwok-Kwan Chan, Shen Chan - When the daughter of a Chinese gang leader falls for the son of a rival gangster, bloodshed soon follows. Features elaborate costume designs and art direction, spectacular sets and several picturesque outdoor fight scenes.
Dragon Missile (1976)
Directed by Ho Meng-Hua, Starring Lo Lieh - It’s hard to say if there are more double-crosses or severed limbs due to razor sharp boomerangs as kung-fu killers try to get their hands on a special elixir, and his dragon blade might only be stopped by a woman with knives for fingernails.
|
 |
| The Shaolin Avengers |
|
|
 |
| Dragon Missile |
|
|
 |
| Web of Death |
|
| Web of Death (1976)
Directed by Yuen Chor, Starring Hua Yueh, Lieh Lo - A sci-fi fantasy horror Kung-fu world comes complete with a sword fighting tournament and a plot to regain a powerful ancient artifact, as assorted heroes and renegade Clan members must work together.
Tiger and Crane Fist (1976)
Directed by Jimmy Wang, Starring Jimmy Wang, Lung Fei, Phillip Kwok - The Chinese Tiger and Crane martial arts schools find they must work together to defeat Lung Fei, the near invincible lackey for the Japanese occupational forces.
New Fist of Fury (1976)
Directed by Lo Wei, Starring Jackie Chan, Nora Miao, Sing Chen - A man sets out to avenge the murder of his grandfather's death leading to a final confrontation with a Japanese Karate master.
Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976)
Directed, Written and Starring Jimmy Wang, Philip Kwok - After his students are killed by the One Armed Boxer, a vengeful and blind Kung Fu expert travels to a village where a martial arts contest is being held and vows to behead every one armed man he comes across. A direct sequel to One Armed Boxer, it also serves as an unofficial sequel to Flying Guillotine.
The One-Armed Swordsmen (1976)
Directed by Jimmy Wang, David Chiang, Starring Jimmy Wang, David Chiang, Lo Lieh - One-armed knights, who aren't inclined to make any permanent alliances and a girl's teacher killed by a one-armed swordsman in front of her, raises suspicion among all one-armed swordsmen that pass by the village.
Shaolin Temple (1976) aka Death Chambers
Directed by Chang Cheh, with an all-star cast featuring the second generation of Shaw stars, David Chiang, Ti Lung, Fu Sheng and the introduction of the Venoms. Time is not on their side as the Qing scheme to destroy Shaolin. Rebellion, Secrets, traitors, treachery, and an ensuing all-out battle massacre at Shaolin Temple. The film is a prequel to Five Shaolin Masters.
|
 |
| Master of the Flying Guillotine |
|
|
 |
| Shaolin Temple |
|
|
Executioners From Shaolin (1977)
Director Lau Kar-leung, Starring Chen Kuan-tai, Li-Li Li, Wong Yue, Lo Lieh, Gordon Liu - A swift kick in the junk isn’t enough to take down the evil historical figure of Pai Mei, founder of Pai Mei kung fu whose “internal control” allows him to turn his crotch into a deadly weapon. This film is a multi-generational story of revenge pitting the disciples of Shaolin temple, which will need to combine feminine Crane Style and masculine Tiger style to defeat him.
Death Duel (1977)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Derek Yee, Ling Yun, Candice Yu, Lo Lieh, Ti Lung, David Chiang - The greatest sword master of the day fights evil, saves damsels in distress, and duels rival swordsmen to the death. Sub titles ruin this movie.
Magnificent Wanderers (1977)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring David Chiang, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun - A millionaire, a rebel movement, 3 con-artists who relish the chance to show off their fighting skills, and a plan to destroy a major munitions depot.
Return of the Chinese Boxer (1977)
Directed by Jimmy Wang, Starring Jimmy Wang, Fei Lung - A Chinese boxer returns to take revenge on a gang of Japanese ninjitsu experts.
|
 |
| Executioners From Shaolin |
|
|
 |
| Magnificent Wanderers |
|
|
The Sentimental Swordsman (1977)
Directed by Chor Yue, Starring Ti Lung, Derek Yee, Ching Li, Yueh Hua, Fan Mei-sheng, Ku Feng - Due to his own extreme ideals, a famed swordsman has lost everyone dear to him, a rival swordsman, overwhelming pride, alcohol, a highly prized 'gold armor shirt', a hidden agenda, and framed for a series of crimes he didn't commit and a disguised figure whose identity has long proved elusive to the martial world. The film is based on a Gu Long novel.
Fist of Fury II (1977) aka Chinese Connection 2
Directed by Iksan Lahardi and Tso-nam Lee, Starring Bruce Li, Lo Lieh - After mourning his brother's death, he avenges his brother by killing the Japanese.
Black Samurai (1977)
Directed by Al Adamson, Starring Jim Kelly - An agent must to save a girl, a secret for a new weapon, drug dealing and Voodoo ritual murders.
Clans Of Intrigue (1977)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Ti Lung, Lee Ching - Heaven's One Holy Water, a series of murders, a mistress and an investigation into the case. Adapted from Fragrance in the Sea of Blood of Gu Long's Chu Liuxiang novel series.
|
 |
| The Sentimental Swordsman |
|
|
 |
| Clans Of Intrigue |
|
|
 |
| Clan of Amazons |
|
| Clan of Amazons (1978)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Tony Liu, Fei Ai, Kwok Kuen Chan - Stealing treasures, blinding victims and an all-woman Clan of the Red Shoes. A film adapted from Xiuhua Dadao of Gu Long's Lu Xiaofeng novel series.
The Proud Youth (1978)
Directed by Sun Chung, Staring Wong Yue, Shih Szu, Michael Chan, Ling Yun - A tale of conflicting clans, a mysterious song and blossoming love as well as sudden death.
5 Superfighters (1978)
Directed by Mar Lo, Starring Chiu-Sing Hau, Siu-Hung Leung, Austin Wai - Students and their teachers are beaten up badly by a man who proclaims himself ''a corrector of bad kung-fu.''
Legend of the Bat (1978) aka Clans of Intrigue 2
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Ti Lung, Yun Ling - A shipwreck, murder and a mysterious place where anyone can buy anything he desires, as long as he has money.
Five Deadly Venoms (1978)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring the Venom Mob - The youngest disciple at a martial arts school is ordered to eliminate associates. The dying master of the powerful Poison Clan dispatches his last pupil, Yang Tieh, on a crucial mission. Worried that the skills he has taught are being used to evil ends, he orders Yan to trace a retired colleague and warn him that the fortune he amassed from the clan's activities is under threat from 5 of his former pupils, all experts their own lethal combat style. Yan must discover the whereabouts and true identities of these masked warriors.
|
 |
| 5 Superfighters |
|
|
 |
| Five Deadly Venoms |
|
|
 |
| Drunken Master |
|
| Drunken Master (1978)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, Starring Jackie Chan, Yuen Siu-tien, Hwang Jang Lee - A mischievous boy must learn Drunken Fist Kung Fu to stop an assassin.
The Vengeful Beauty (1978)
Directed by Meng Hua Ho, Starring Lo Lieh, Chen Ping, Norman Chu - An assassin secretly working for the Emperor is caught by local security forces, the killing of every witness including the prison interrogator and his family to keep the assassins a secret, a death hunt and rivals for the love of a hot chick.
Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, Starring Jackie Chan, Hwang Jang Lee, Yuen Siu Tien - Eagle Claw society has eliminated every martial art style except for the last practitioner of the Snake Fist, Grandmaster Pai Cheng-Tien, who trains an orphan to fight.
36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) aka The Master Killer and Shaolin Master Killer
Directed by Lau Kar-leung, Starring Gordon Liu, Liu Chia-Hui, Lieh Lo, Yu Yang - A gentle ethics scholar until his family and friends are brutally slaughtered by Manchu troops, vows revenge, ventures to the Shaolin temple hoping to become a martial arts killing machine. After passing through 35 chambers learning the finer points of kung-fu through grueling and excruciating tests and proves to be the best student in Shaolin history, mastering the training in 5 years. He is cast out of the temple for wanting to teach his skills to the masses, then assembles a team of fighters and sets out to get revenge.
|
|
|
 |
| 36th Chamber of Shaolin |
|
|
 |
| Avenging Eagle |
|
| The Avenging Eagle (1978)
Directed by Sun Chung, Starring Alexander Fu Sheng, Lung Ti, Ku Feng - A personal army of orphans, murderous raids, and revenge climax in the final battle in which the Eagle Clan Chief is defeated and the spirits of the murdered can rest in peace.
Shaolin Hand Lock (1978)
Directed by Ho Meng Hua, Starring Lo Lieh, David Chiang, Chen Ping - Li Bai is the creator and master of the 'Shi Zi So Hou Shou' (which basically is ' Throat Locking Hand', otherwise known as 'Shaolin Hand Lock') who passes down the skill to his children Cheng Ying and Meng Ping who avenge his death.
The Flying Guillotine 2 (1978) aka Palace Carnage
Directed by Cheng Kang, Starring Lieh Lo, Lung Ti - When a new development to counter Flying Guillotines attacks, word reaches the Emperor, who is more bloodthirsty than ever, has the creator make a new deadlier version and trains a squad of female assassins to use it. A gang of rebels trying to overthrow the evil tyrant creates a new counter-weapon to defeat this new Guillotine.
Crippled Avengers (1978) aka Mortal Combat
and Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Chen Kuan Tai and 4 members of the Venom Mob. A group of townsfolk who learn martial arts seeks revenge after being crippled by the evil Tu Tin-To, a martial arts master, and his son, a man with a chip on his shoulder and iron arms who dishes out debilitating punishments on everyone in his way. Everyone dies, except for 3 people!
Shaolin Mantis (1978)
Directed by Lau Kar-Leung, Starring David Chiang, Lily Li - Everyone dies when a student is recruited to infiltrate the Ming loyalist rebellious Tien clan. Not even marrying into the clan can save them.
|
 |
| Crippled Avengers |
|
|
 |
| Shaolin Mantis |
|
|
Heroes of the East (1979) aka Challenge of the Ninja, Shaolin vs. Ninja, Shaolin Challenges Ninja
Directed by Lau Kar-Leung, Starring Gordon Liu, Yasuaki Kurata, Cheng Kang-yeh, Chan Lung - A Chinese Kung-Fu master must salvage his honor after inadvertently insulting the family of his new Japanese bride by dueling 7 Japanese expert fighters.
Life Gamble (1979) aka Life Combat
Directed by Chang Cheh, Written by Chang Cheh and I Kuang, Starring the Venom Mob, Kara Hui, Alexander Fu Sheng, Phillip Kwok and a bunch of hot chicks - A tale of a simple blacksmith who is entangled in a life and death struggle between swordsmen, thieves, con artists, a beautiful seductress, a servant with a deadly whip, an assassin with a golden hairpin, an iron-fisted villain on a murderous rampage, and a ruthless gambler with seemingly unlimited funds!
Shaolin Rescuers (1979) aka Avenging Warriors of Shaolin
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring the Venom Mob, Jason Pai Piao - Chun Ah-Chin is a local bean curd maker who uses the mantis style and likes to spar with his friend Ying Cha-Po, a waiter who can use anything as a weapon, particularly a bowl and a pair of chopsticks. Although the two both work menial jobs with which they are unhappy, they dream of becoming great heroes and dying for noble causes.
The Proud Twins (1979)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Alexander Fu-Sheng, Ng Wai-kwok - A fighter meets his twin brother while searching for the truth about his father's death - adapted from Gu Long's novel Juedai Shuangjiao.
The Kid with the Golden Arm (1979)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring the Venom Mob, Wei Pai - Government agents battle thieves. Says "I'll join your gang on 3 conditions" 1. I am the Leader 2. All old members must be killed 3. Ummm.. No, nevermind!
|
 |
| Hereos of the East |
|
|
 |
| Shaolin Rescuers |
|
|
 |
| The Kid with the Golden Arm |
|
|
A Force of One (1979)
Directed by Paul Aaron, Starring Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace - When undercover narcotics officers are targeted by a killer, police recruit a Karate champion to bring the murderers to justice.
Fist of Fury III (1979) aka Chinese Connection 3
Directed by Lee Tso Nam, Starring Bruce Li, Ku Feng, Bruce Tong Yim-Chaan, Chow Siu-Loi - Avenging a death, a frame for murder, a jail break, and a final confrontation with Japanese occupiers.
Circle Of Iron (1979) aka The Silent Flute
Co-written by Bruce Lee, Starring David Carradine, Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, Christopher Lee, Anthony de Longis - A young martial artist on an adventure, encountering other martial artists in battle, and an aging blind man who will show him the true meaning of martial arts and life.
The Kung-Fu Instructor (1979)
Directed by Sun Chueng, Starring Ti Lung, Wang Yu - Centuries old feuds, training with the Bo-staff will help clear him of murder.
Monkey Kung Fu (1979) aka Stroke of Death
Directed by John Law Ma, Starring Hau Chiu-Sing, Ching Siu-Tung - A fighter learns monkey kung fu from an old master through countless bloody encounters.
Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979)
Directed and Starring Lau Kar-Leung, Lo Lieh, Kara Hui - Kung Fu master Chen is tricked and his hands crippled by the villainous gangster and brothel-keeper Tuen, who also forces his sister into prostitution. No longer able to fight, he becomes a lowly street entertainer, with his monkey Ah Mao - Until his monkey is killed.
Shaolin Abbot (1979) aka Abbot Of Shaolin, Slice Of Death
Directed by Ho Meng Hua, Starring David Chiang, Lo Lieh - The rebellion against the Qing’s Priest Pai Mei.
|
 |
| A Force of One |
|
|
 |
| The Kung-Fu Instructor |
|
|
 |
| Shaolin Abbott |
|
|
 |
| Clan of the White Lotus |
|
| Clan of the White Lotus (1980) aka Fists of the White Lotus
Directed by Lo Lieh, Action Choreography by Lau Kar-Leung, Starring Lo Lieh, Gordon Liu, Kara Hui - The powerful Priest White Lotus engages a vengeful hero that trains Kung Fu with a hot chick and paper dummies.
Heroes Shed No Tears (1980)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Alexander Fu Sheng, Derek Yee - An expert swordsman with an unusual weapon, the fabled 'Teardrop Sword', the so-called 'Unbeatable' Sze-ma Chao-chun and a lavish ceremony disrupted by an assassination.
Flag Of Iron (1980) Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring the Venom Mob - The master of the Iron Flag Clan is murdered by a mysterious assassin who admits to killing, but was tricked by the Chow Feng Clan who hired him, takes revenge with the Iron Flag Clan.
The Young Master (1980)
Directed, written, Starring Jackie Chan - A failed competition, a lost brother, martial arts mayhem and mistaken identity silliness.
The Kid with a Tattoo (1980) aka Claw of the Eagle Directed by Sun Chung, Starring Wong Yue, Wang Lung Wei, Yuen Hua, Yuan Pin - A kid on a mission of justice.
The Octagon (1980)
Directed by Erik Carson, Starring Chuck Norris, Tadashi Yamashita, Lee Van Cleef - A martial artist must stop a group trained in Ninjitsu by his half-brother, who wants to create a worldwide training camp for terrorist.
|
 |
| The Octagon |
|
|
|
|
 |
| Ten Tigers of Kwangtung |
|
|
Ten Tigers of Kwangtung (1980)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring Ti Lung, Fu Sheng, Wei Pai, Philip Kwok, Lo Mang - A group of Kung Fu masters combine forces to extract revenge on Manchu forces.
Rendezvous With Death (1980)
Directed by Chung Sun, Starring Yue Wong, Kuan Tai Chen, Hsiu-Chun Lin - A young fighter gets a job to deliver a box which he is not allowed to know the contents of, but will be paid a fortune once it’s delivered.
My Young Auntie (1980) aka Fangs of The Tigress
Directed by Lau Kar Leung, Starring Kara Hui, Hsiao Ho, Wang Lung Wei, Gordon Liu - A young female martial-arts champion, an elderly landowner and the stolen deed to his property.
The Master (1980)
Directed by Tony Liu, Starring Chen Kwan Tai, Wang Lung Wai - A downtrodden Kung Fu student saves the life of a Kung-Fu master who is being stalked by 3 killers.
Coward Bastard (1980)
Directed by Kwei Chih-Hung - An obnoxious restaurant delivery boy causing trouble with some local bad guys for the cook who secretly knows Kung Fu, eventually learning some techniques and finally, with the cook, confronting the bad guys.
Return to the 36th Chamber (1980) aka Return of the Master Killer
Directed by Liu Chia-Liang, Starring Gordon Liu, Wang Lung Wei - An imposter monk, challenges a tyrannical mill owner using a new style called 'Roof Top Kung Fu'.
|
 |
| My Young Auntie |
|
|
 |
| Return to the 36th Chamber |
|
|
Return of the Sentimental Swordsman (1981)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Staring Lung Ti, Fu Sheng, Lo Lieh, Kara Hui - An old man bangs the guy’s girl, and she likes it, when he is confronted, the old man throws him into a pile of girls saying you want this one or this one, pours wine is his mouth. Lots of hot chicks in this movie about a renowned swordsman’s attempts to quit his aggressive ways but is drawn back in when searching for his friend who was kidnapped by warriors in this sequel.
Enter the Ninja (1981)
Starring Franco Nero, Susan George, Christopher George, and Sho Kosugi - A veteran completes his Ninjutsu training in Japan, goes to visit his friends at their farm, finds out they are being harassed by a wealthy CEO to get their property because there is oil on their land.
Shaolin Drunken Monkey (1981)
Directors Kim Jung-Yong, Starring Elton Chong - The Silver Eagle has declared that he is the best fighter, and he is going to kill all other good fighters.
Shaolin Prince (1981) aka Iron Fingers of Death, A Slice of Death - Directed by Chia Tang, Starring Ti Lung, Derek Yee and Jason Pai Piao, Jason Wong - Corrupt Shaolin monks, 3 Holy Fools and lots of ridicules fights happen when 2 princes are separated at birth unite to battle corrupt family members.
|
 |
| Return of the Sentimental Swordsman |
|
|
 |
| Shaolin Prince |
|
|
 |
| Masked Avengers |
|
| Masked Avengers (1982)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Produced by Mona Fong, Starring Philip Kwok, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Chu Ko, Chin Siu-Ho, Wang Li - A Masked Gang of hired killers have been terrorizing the countryside, with brutality, raping and pillaging. A martial arts expert and leader of a protective escort service is hired to find the them and end their reign of terror. Along the way they encounter a former chief of the gang who assists the team them. The final confrontation leads to an all-out battle at the Masked Gang's secret lair.
Dragon Lord (1982)
Directed, written, Starring Jackie Chan, Tien Feng - A martial arts student, pursuing a girl, gets involved in the affairs of a gang of art thieves.
The Treasure Hunters (1982)
aka Master of Disaster
Directed by Lau Kar-Leung, Starring Alexander Fu-Sheng, Gorden Liu, Chang Chan-Peng - Tricking an important official of his wares, on the run from the law, the search for the fabled forbidden treasure of Chan Po Chu, a small band of kung fu fighting monks and the ruthless Lord Mo with his deadly female cohort.
My Rebellious Son (1982)
Directed by Sun Chung, Starring Fei Ai, Shen Chan, Alexander Fu-Sheng - Different martial arts experts fight against the Japanese intruders.
Five Element Ninja (1982)
Directed by Cheng Chen, Starring Cheng Tien Chi, Lo Meng, Lung Tung-Sheng, Wang Li, Michael Chan, Yu Tai Pei- A tale of vengeance, betrayal, and ambition against the backdrop of ninja martial skills and arts. When his school is destroyed and his colleagues all slaughtered by supreme ninja Cheng Yun and his 5 Element Ninjas, Tsiau Chin Hau sets out to take his revenge. So he studies the secrets of the ninja under the guidance of teacher Yan Yong Fe. Thus armed, Chin and his cohorts challenge the element ninjas in a climactic battle to the death!
|
 |
| The Treasure Hunters |
|
|
 |
| Five Element Ninja |
|
|
|
House of Traps
| House of Traps (1982)
Directed by Chang Cheh, Starring the Venom Mob - When a corrupt prince arranges for the theft of a highly valuable jade antique, the emperor dispatches his best men to retrieve it. The only problem is that the prince has hidden the antique in the infamous 'house of traps' from which no man has ever made it out alive - based on the 19th-century novel The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants.
Perils of the Sentimental Swordsman (1982)
Directed by Chor Yuen, Starring Ti Lung, Lo Lieh, Teng Wei-hao - A failed assassination attempt, sinister Mountain Manor, and a plan to eliminate evil.
Forced Vengeance (1982)
Starring Chuck Norris - When the owner and proprietor of the Lucky Dragon casino in Hong Kong refuses to let mobsters take over his business he and his family are hit. Dragon's chief of security, goes looking for the head of the syndicate to exact revenge for the murder of his employer, friend and mentor.
Legendary Weapons of China (1982)
aka Legendary Weapons of Kung Fu
Directed by Lau Kar-Leung, Starring Fu Sheng, Lee Shao Hwa, Gordon Liu - As the title of the film suggests, a great variety of fights take place involving the legendary weapons during the late Qing Dynasty when Empress Dowager Cixi dispatches her agents to various factions of the Boxer Rebellion in order find supernatural martial artists that are invulnerable to western bullets. When one of the leaders of these groups disbands his forces, assassins from the remaining factions are sent out to kill him for his apparent treason.
|
|
Forced Vengeance
|
|
Legendary Weapons of China
|
The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1983)
aka the Invincible Pole Fighters, Invincible Pole Fighter
Directed by Lau Kar-leung, Starring Gordon Liu, Kara Hui, Alexander Fu Sheng (his last film) - The film is based on the Generals of the Yang Family legends. With help from the treacherous Song dynasty general, the Liao dynasty army succeeds in trapping the loyalist, all were killed or captured in the ambush, except for the son who escaped to a monastery, training in spears and a pole, eventually developing the unique eight diagram pole fighting technique. Now he must break Buddhist vows which include to not kill and not be bothered by worldly affairs, to save his sister and exact his revenge.
Revenge of the Ninja (1983)
Starring Sho Kosugi - A ninja trying to protect his only son from ruthless gangsters.
Shaolin Intruders (1983)
Directed by Tong Gaai, Starring Derek Lee, Jason Pai Piao, Liu Yu-Po - Elaborate fight on top a tower of benches, murder, suicide, and quartering ensue when 2 fighters investigate the killings of high profile leaders at the Shaolin Temple. Their totally hot friend is accused of involvement in the attacks, but she is also a traitor.
Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
Starring Chuck Norris, David Carradine - A ranger, the boss, a bad guy, a hot widow, the young partner and a fight at the end.
The Lady Assassin (1983)
Directed by Chin Ku Lu, Starring Norman Chu, Leanne Liu, Tony Liu, Jason Pai Piao - A villainous prince plots to proclaim himself as emperor, when in power he fails to keep his promise to Han loyalists and turns against those that helped him.
The Lady is the Boss (1983)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung, Starring Kara Hui, Lau Kar Leung, Gordon Liu, Hsiao Ho, Robert Mak - The current teacher of a kung fu school, 1980’s people not interested in "old school" kung fu anymore, the sexy daughter of the school’s master gets in trouble with a local gang, and the old teacher is forced to rescue her and teach the thugs a lesson.
|
 |
| The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter |
|
|
 |
| Lone Wolf McQuade |
|
|
 |
| The Lady is the Boss |
|
|
 |
| The Karate Kid |
|
|
The Karate Kid (1984)
Starring Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita - A teenager must learn life lessons and karate from an old martial arts master who agrees to help teach him to defeat his rivals.
Revenge of the Drunken Master (1984)
Director by Godfrey Ho, Starring Johnny Chan, Eagle Han, Bruce Cheung - Accidentally discovering the operations of the Blood Ninja gangsters, a young man masters the Drunk Fist and proceeds to fight against forces, vowing to kill him.
Drunken Tai Chi (1984)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, Starring Donnie Yen, Yuen Cheung-yan - 2 brothers, an assassin, and a puppeteer.
Opium and the Kung-Fu Master (1984)
Directed by Tang Chia, Starring Ti Lung, Shen Chan, Kuan Tai Chen - A Kung Fu master finds out an opium den is destroying the town he lives in, and vows to put an end to it, but first he must defeat his own addiction to the drug.
The Warrior and the Sorceress (1984)
Directed by John Broderick, Starring David Carradine, María Socas, Anthony De Longis - 2 rival warlords battle over a wellspring, a beautiful sorceress and a mercenary taking advantage of the situation, highlighted by extensive nudity and violence!
Ninja III: The Domination (1984)
Starring Sho Kosugi, Lucinda Dickey - An aerobics teacher is possessed by an evil spirit of a dead ninja who seeks revenge uses her body to carry out his mission. The only way the evil spirit will leave her body is through combat with another ninja.
|
 |
| Opium and the Kung-Fu Master |
|
|
 |
| Ninja III: The Domination |
|
|
Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1985)
Written, Directed and Choreographed by Lau Kar-leung, Starring Hou Hsiao, Gordon Liu, Lau Kar-Leung - Troublemaking Fong Sai Yuk retreats to a Shaolin temple after offending a Manchu lord with his arrogance and wants to shut down the 36th Chamber and to try to wipe out all its disciples.
The Last Dragon (1985)
Starring Taimak Guarriello, Vanity, Ernie Reyes Jr. - A wanna be Bruce Lee saves a hot chick and defeats Sho-nuff, the Shogun of Harlem.
American Ninja (1985)
Starring Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Tadashi Yamashita - An army conscript launches a surprise attack on the Black Star Order camp.
Gymkata (1985)
Starring Kurt Thomas - An undercover agent uses gymnastics with martial arts to enter a deadly competition in Parmistan to install a US satellite monitoring station.
|
 |
| Disciples of the 36th Chamber |
|
|
 |
| Gymkata |
|
|
 |
| Martial Arts of Shaolin |
|
|
Martial Arts of Shaolin (1986)
Director Lau Kar-leung, Starring Jet Li - An attempted assassination, an arranged marriage and silly music. This is towards the end of what we know as Shaw Brothers films as major changes followed the release of this movie.
The Karate Kid, Part II (1986)
Starring Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita - Daniel accompanies Miyagi on a trip back to Okinawa, where he is reunited with loved ones, and is challenged by an old adversary in a fight to the death.
Legacy of Rage (1986)
Starring Brandon Lee - A regular guy, a drug dealing best friend and revenge.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Directed by John Carpenter, Starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, James Hong - A story of the mysterious underworld beneath San Francisco’s Chinatown blended with Chinese legend and lore and a mixture of real history, about an ancient sorcerer, a hot Asian woman with green eyes and a centuries old curse.
|
 |
| Big Trouble in Little China |
|
|
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987)
Starring Michael Dudikoff, Steve James - 2 Rangers ordered to find missing Marines, which they discover are being brainwashed to join on army of assassins.
Above the Law (1988)
Starring Steven Seagal - A detective, CIA agents, drug dealings, assassinations and Aikido, yeah.
BloodSport (1988)
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bolo Yeung - Army Captain Frank Dux trained in the ways of ninjutsu, honors his mentor by taking the place of his in the illegal martial-arts tournament known as the Kumite in Hong Kong.
|
 |
| BloodSport |
|
|
 |
| Kickboxer |
|
| Kickboxer (1989)
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Alexio - Revenge, drunkin’ dancing, the splits and kickboxing.
American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt (1989)
Starring David Bradley, Steve James, Michelle Chan - A deadly virus, biological warfare, and an army of genetically-engineered ninja clones led by a female ninja.
The Karate Kid, Part III (1989)
Starring Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Robyn Lively, Thomas Ian Griffith Martin Kove - Kreese is seeking revenge on Daniel and Miyagi with the help of a ruthless martial artist.
Bloodfist (1989)
Directed by Terence H. Winkless, Starring Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Billy Blanks - A dojo sensei travels to Manila to avenge his professional kickboxer brother, who was murdered after a fight.
Best of the Best (1989)
Starring Eric Roberts, James Earl Jones, Christopher Penn, Phillip Rhee, Sally Kirkland - Americans facing a Korean team in a taekwondo tournament along with moral conflicts, adversity, and the meaning of life.
Blind Fury (1989)
Starring Rutger Hauer, Sho Kosugi, Randall "Tex" Cobb - Loosely based, modernized silly version of “Zatoichi Challenged".
|
 |
| Blind Fury |
|
|
Marked for Death (1990)
Starring Steven Seagal - Aikido, Voodoo, do this film right with drug dealing gangs, reggae and revenge.
American Ninja 4: The Annihilation (1990)
Starring Michael Dudikoff, David Bradley, James Booth - New CIA missions, a secret Ninja Army, terrorists, and a suitcase full of nukes, all for $50 million dollars!
Delta Force 2: The Columbian Connection (1990)
Starring Chuck Norris - Kicks his way through this sequel.
Hard to Kill (1990)
Starring Steven Seagal, Kelly Le Brock, Brancombe Richmond - Murder, comas, blackmail, political corruption and revenge taken to the bank... The blood bank.
Lionheart (1990)
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme - A legionnaire enters an underground fighting circuit to raise money for his brother's family.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Starring Cory Feldman, Ernie Reyes Jr., Elias Koteas, Judith Hoag - Live action moive, based on the comic book characters
|
 |
| Marked for Death |
|
|
 |
| TMNT |
|
|
 |
| Showdown in Little Tokyo |
|
| Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991)
Starring Dolph Lundgren, Brandon Lee - 2 police officers are assigned to L.A.'s Little Tokyo, to break up criminal activity.
Kickboxer 2 (1991)
Starring Sasha Mitchell - The first Kickboxer sequel, about murder, money and revenge.
Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Directed by Tsui Hark, Starring Jet Li - Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung in late 19th century China.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)
Resuming from the events of the last film, The Shredder learns the secret behind the Turtles' mutation, takes back command of the Foot Clan, and seeks revenge on the Turtles.
Double Impact (1991)
Directed by Sheldon Lettich, Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bolo Yeung - Gangs, twin brothers, C4, hostages and a climactic showdown.
|
 |
| Double Impact |
|
|
Rapid Fire (1992)
Starring Brandon Lee, Powers Boothe - Chinese Mafia, drug dealing, a police officer and an art student.
American Samurai (1992)
Starring David Bradley, Mark Dacascos - The ol’ adopted outsider surpasses his stepbrother’s skills and fights him at the end.
New Dragon Gate Inn (1992)
Directed by Raymond Lee, Starring Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Maggie Cheung, Donnie Yen - During the Ming Dynasty, a power-hungry ruthless leader employs an evil sect in his quest to rule China. - A remake of the 1967 film - Dragon Gate.
Once Upon a Time in China II (1992)
Directed by Tsui Hark, Starring Jet Li - In this sequel, martial arts expert Wong Fei-Hung faces a mercenary rival with skills to equal his own.
Under Siege (1992)
Starring Steven Seagal - Large breasts, a Navy Seal, and an ok knife fight.
Shootfighter: Fight to the Death (1992)
Starring Martin Kove, William Zabka, Bolo - 2 friends are tricked into a fight to the death by an evil man; their sensei must step in and save the day.
Sidekicks (1992)
Starring Chuck Norris, Jonathan Brandis - Asthma, day dreams and a martial arts tournament
|
 |
| Rapid Fire |
|
|
 |
| Sidekicks |
|
|
 |
| Iron Monkey |
|
| Iron Monkey (1993)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, Starring Donnie Yen, Yu Rongguang, Jean Wang - A Chinese Robin Hood of sorts steals from the corrupt authorities, gives to the poor, while a martial artist is forced to hunt him down. But a major threat unites them against a traitorous shaolin monk.
American Ninja V (1993)
Starring David Bradley, Lee Reyes, Pat Morita - Game Gear, nerve gas, and the rescue of a girl.
Only the Strong (1993)
Starring Mark Dacascos - Drug dealers take over a school, Capoeira takes them out.
Tai Chi Master (1993) aka Tai-Chi Master and Twin Warriors
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, Produced by Jet Li, Starring Jet Li - 2 ex Shaolin monks, a rebellion and the calm ways of Tai Chi.
Street Fighter (1994)
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme - Loosely based on the video game Street Fighter II.
Drunken Master II (1994)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung, Jackie Chan, Starring Jackie Chan, Ti Lung - A martial artist is caught between respecting his pacifist father's wishes or stopping disrespectful foreigners from stealing precious artifacts. Released in the US as The Legend Of Drunken Master in 2000.
Drunken Master III (1994) aka Drunken Master Killer
Directed by Lau Kar-leung, Starring Andy Lau, Michelle Reis, Willie Chi, Simon Yam, Lau Kar-leung, Adam Cheng, Gordon Liu - A plot to become the Emperor of China, a Jade Ring, abduction, and the secrets of Drunken Boxing.
|
 |
| Street Fighter |
|
|
 |
| Drunken Master II |
|
|
Mortal Kombat (1995)
Starring Robin Shou, Linden Ashby, Bridgette Wilson, Christopher Lambert - In this loose adaptation of the game Mortal Kombat, 3 warriors are guided by a god to combat an evil sorcerer and his forces in a tournament to save Earth.
The Little Drunken Masters (1995) aka Tipsy Chinese Boxing of the Little Children
Directed by Wing Siu, Starring Carman Lee, Willie Chi, Xin Xin Xiong - An evil doer treks to Shaolin Temple with the intention of killing the Little Buddha to become Emperor.
Iron Monkey 2 (1996)
Directed by Chao Lu-jiang, Starring Donnie Yen - Fights a deadly assassin named Tiger Yu and teaming with a band of insurrectionists battling a gang of weapons smugglers. The story in Iron Monkey 2 is not related to Iron Monkey and is not a sequel to that film.
Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite (1996)
Starring Daniel Bernhardt, Pat Morita - Basically the same as the 1st movie - but worse.
Tai Chi Boxer (1996) aka Tai Chi II
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping and Zhang Xinyan, Starring Jacky Wu, Christy Chung, Sibelle Hu - A young Tai Chi master fights opium smugglers with his hair while trying to hook up with a girl.
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
Starring Robin Shou, Talisa Soto, Brian Thompson, Sandra Hess, Irina Pantaeva, Marjean Holden, James Remar - This film sequel picks up where the last film left off, following a band of warriors as they attempt to save Earth, largely based on Mortal Kombat 3.
|
|
|
|
 |
| The Last Samurai |
|
|
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Directed by Ang Lee, Starring Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi and Chang Chen - 2 warriors, a stolen sword, and a hot chick.
Hero (2002)
Directed by Zhang Yimou, Starring Jet Li, Donnie Yen - A defense officer, Nameless, assassinations, and a king wholly obsessed with becoming the first emperor of China.
The Last Samurai (2003)
Directed by Edward Zwick, Starring Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe - The film is inspired by the events of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion as well as other events in Japan during the Meiji Restoration.
Brazilian Brawl (2003)
Starring the Machados, Dan Inosanto, Rikki Rocket - A corrupt town official and his sheriff blow up the farm of Ruben Rocha in order to seize the property. Fortunately, he is the uncle of 5 Jiu Jitsu experts. And boy are they mad and Bad.
Kill Bill - Volume 1 (2003)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Sonny Chiba, Gordon Liu - A Bride seeks revenge against assassins and their leader after they try to kill her and her unborn child.
Kill Bill - Volume 2 (2004)
Directed, Written by Quentin Tarantino, Starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Gordon Liu - The Bride, continues her campaign of revenge on the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and their leader Bill.
|
 |
| Kill Bill - Volume 1 |
|
|
|
|
Fearless (2006)
Directed by Ronny Yu, Starring Jet Li, Anthony De Longis, Jean Claude Leuyer - Loosely based on the life of Huo Yuanjia, a legendary Chinese fighter who has never lost a fight in his whole career, challenges foreign fighters in highly publicized events.
TMNT (2007)
This is the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film made with Computer-Generated Imagery and the first feature film in the franchise in 14 years. The Turtles grow apart after their final defeat of the Shredder, but when strange things are happening as ancient creatures threaten the world and the Turtles must reunite to save it.
Ip Man (2008)
Directed by Wilson Yip, Fight Choreography by Sammo Hung, Starring Donnie Yen - During the Sino-Japanese War in 1937, a martial artist is forced to leave his home and work to support his family, he reluctantly agrees to train others in the art of Wing Chun.
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009)
Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak, Starring Kristin Kreuk, Neal McDonough, Michael Clarke Duncan, Pei-Pei Cheng - When Chun-Li witnesses the kidnapping of her father by wealthy crime lord, she goes on a quest for vengeance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster |
|
| Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster (2010)
Directed by Wilson Yip, Starring Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung - Continuing after the events of the first movie, Ip Man attempts to promote his style of Wing Chun, but faces rivalry from other practitioners, including the local master of a different style.
Wushu Warrior (2010)
Directed by Alain Desrochers, Starring Matt Frewer, Tod Fennell, Amber Goldfarb - Corrupt aristocrat is using the opium trade to enslave the Chinese masses, and it's up to a covert group of trained Wushu Warriors, the Red Lotus Society to end his reign of terror.
True Legend (2010)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, Starring Vincent Zhao, Zhou Xun, Jay Chou, Michelle Yeoh, David Carradine, Cung Le, Gordon Liu - A dream of owning martial arts school, a kidnapping, and a vision of the "Eight Immortals" of Drunken Boxing.
|
|
|
|
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
A Remake of the original 1990 movie.
Ip Man 3 (2015)
Directed by Wilson Yip, Action Choreography by Yuen Woo-ping, Starring Donnie Yen, Mike Tyson, Danny Chan - When a band of gangsters led by a crooked property developer wants to take over a local school, Master Ip is forced to take a stand.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)
The sixth film of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film series and a sequel to the 2014 film.
Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016)
Directed by John Stockwell, Starring Alain Moussi, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dave Bautista, Gina Carano, Georges St-Pierre and Darren Shahlavi - A Remake of the original 1989 movie.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kung Fu
Kung Fu - is a series that follows the adventures of Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine) an orphaned son of an American man, Thomas Henry Caine, and a Chinese woman, Kwai Lin, in mid-19th-century China.
After his maternal grandfather's death, he is accepted for training at a Shaolin Monastery under Master Po and Master Kan, where he grows up to become a Shaolin priest and martial arts expert.
When Caine's beloved mentor and elder, Master Po (who calls his young student "Grasshopper"), is murdered by the Emperor's nephew; an outraged Caine retaliates by killing the nephew. With a price on his head, Caine flees China to the western United States, where he seeks to find his family.
Although it is his intention to avoid notice, Caine's training and sense of social responsibility repeatedly force him out into the open to kick someone’s ass, to fight for justice or protect the underdog. After each such encounter he must move on, both to prevent harm from coming to those he has helped and to avoid capture.
The use of flashbacks to recall specific lessons from the mental and spiritual power that Caine had gained from his rigorous training during his childhood at Shaolin Temple from his teachers, help make this series a success. Kung Fu aired on ABC from October 1972 to April 1975 for a total of 63 episodes.
| |
|
| The Last Ninja
Directed by William A. Graham and Starring Michael Beck, Nancy Kwan, John McMartin, and Mako - This made-for-TV movie which aired on ABC in 1983 as pilot, did not make it into a TV series. The movie is about a successful art dealer who leads a double life as a martial arts warrior, is sought out by law enforcement after terrorists take some scientists hostage. Agent Cosmo, hopes that the ninja's seemingly supernatural skills will help to track down the criminals and serve them justice.
|
The Master
The Master is a ninja-themed action-adventure TV series which follows the andeavors of John Peter McAllister, an aging ninja master and his student Max Keller. Starring Lee Van Cleef and Timothy Van Patten.
This mismatched pair drives around in a custom van, helping people in need along the way. The Master lasted for 13 episodes and aired on NBC from January 20, 1984 to August 31, 1984.
| |
| Sidekicks
An ordinary cop Sergeant Jake Rizzo tutors Ernie Lee, a young boy who insists on helping him in his cases with his mastery of martial arts. Ernie is the last heir of an antique clan of special martial artists, who manages every time to overcome all of the dangerous situations he gets himself into and overwhelms his opponents. Patricia Blake is an officer from the department for protection of minors who must verify Jake is a good tutor for Ernie.
Sidekicks ran for 1 season from September 26, 1986 to June 13, 1987 for 23 episodes and aired on ABC Friday nights at 9pm and then Saturdays at 8pm. It was also a spin-off of the original Walt Disney one-time special, The Last Electric Knight.
|
| Raven
This hour-long action drama features martial arts, adventure, humor, mystery and secret societies, which aired on CBS from June 24, 1992 - April 17, 1993. The show follows Jonathon Raven, a ninjutsu trained former Special Forces agent retires to Hawaii and uses his skills to help those in need while searching for his long-lost son and avoiding assassins sent to kill him by his former associates in the Black Dragon Clan, with help of an eccentric private investigator named Jablonski. Running for 2 seasons and 20 episodes, starring Jeffrey Meek, Lee Majors, Andy Bumatai, Dante Basco.
|
Walker, Texas Ranger
Walker, Texas Ranger - Starring Chuck Norris - is a TV show centered on Sergeant Cordell Walker of the Texas Rangers state-level bureau of investigation who shares the value characteristics of wild west sheriffs and uses Martial arts as the primary tool of law enforcement and occasionally as a tool for Walker and company to reach out to the community.
His partner James "Jimmy" Trivette takess a more modern approach inside the office using computers and cell phones to collate information. Walker also works closely with Alexandra Cahill an Assistant District Attorney. The series was noted for its moralistic style, and they participated in community service. The show aired on CBS in the spring of 1993 consisting of 3 pilot episodes and 8 full seasons followed with new episodes airing from September 25, 1993, to May 19, 2001.
| |
| Martial Law
Martial Law - A TV series starring Sammo Hung and the totally hot Kelly Hu, that aired on CBS from 1998 to 2000 for 44 episodes. - Sammo Law, a Chinese law officer and hand to hand combat instructor from Shanghai, comes to Los Angeles to search for a female undercover cop whom his department lost contact with and track down a a crime boss.
Once there, his temporary mission is turned into an ongoing position which he is partnered with a pair of cops, who together they battle the criminal elements of the city, and his martial arts skills prove to be a big help.
|
Mortal Kombat: Conquest
Many millennia ago, a vicious megalomaniac wanted Earth as part of his growing collection of conquered realms known as Outworld. Mortal Kombat, a tournament, was created in which the fate of the planet is decided in battles between competitors from Earthrealm and Outworld.
This live action television series aired for only 1 season and 22 episodes from October 3, 1998 to May 22, 1999 on TNT. It is based on the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, with a bunch of hot chicks.
| |
|
Who Will Be...The Deadliest Warrior
The Deadliest Warrior has got to be one of my favorite shows. I highly recommend watching this series. It aired on Spike TV from April 7, 2009 - September 14, 2011 for 3 seasons and 33 episodes.
The concept of the program is a great idea which uses information on historical and modern warriors and puts them through a series of both live and computer simulated tests.
The format of the show is very impressive with the use of weapons, strategy, culture and philosophies. The production is really good, and so far the match ups have been fair. The winner is in bold.
|
Season 1
Apache vs. Gladiator
Viking vs. Samurai
Spartan vs. Ninja
Pirate vs. Knight
Yakuza vs. Mafia
Green Beret vs. Spetsnaz
Shaolin Monk vs. Māori Warrior
William Wallace vs. Shaka Zulu
IRA vs. Taliban
| Season 2
SWAT vs. GSG9
Attila the Hun vs. Alexander the Great
Jesse James vs. Al Capone
Aztec Jaguar vs. Zande Warrior
Nazi Waffen-SS vs. Viet Cong
Roman Centurion vs. Rajput Warrior
Somali Pirates vs. Medellín Cartel
Persian Immortal vs. Celt
KGB vs. CIA
Vlad the Impaler vs. Sun Tzu
Ming Warrior vs. French Musketeer
Comanche vs. Mongol
Navy SEAL vs. Israeli Commando
| Season 3
George Washington vs. Napoleon Bonaparte
Joan of Arc vs. William the Conqueror
U.S. Army Rangers vs. North Korean Special Operation Force
Genghis Khan vs. Hannibal
Saddam Hussein vs. Pol Pot
Teddy Roosevelt vs. Lawrence of Arabia
Ivan the Terrible vs. Hernán Cortés
Crazy Horse vs. Pancho Villa
French Foreign Legion vs. Gurkha
Vampire vs. Zombie
|
Kickin' It
Located in a strip mall, the Bobby Wasabi Martial Arts Academy is known as the worst dojo in the under-performing nationwide Bobby Wasabi chain. To improve the dojo's image, a tight knit crew of misfit students lead by Rudy, enlists a new kid Jack to join and help teach them about life, karate and friendship.
All of the members of the dojo follow the Wasabi code: "We swear by the light of the dragon's eye, to be loyal and honest and never say die. Wasabi!" There are always two to three story lines, which the main one teaches a lesson, while the others are basically for comic relief in this Disney XD Original Series airing from June 13, 2011 to March 25, 2015 for 4 seasons.
| |
| |
 |
| the "Phooeymobile" |
|
|
In the Year of the Dragon on Saturday morning September 7, 1974 to December 21, 1974, Hanna-Barbera produced another great show; Hong Kong Phooey (Featuring Scatman Crothers).
For 16 episodes while working at the police station the "mild-mannered " janitor Penrod "Penry" Pooch, overhears “the lovely lassie with the classy chassis" Rosemary the telephone operator, getting calls and explaining crimes to Sergeant Flint. Upon hearing these calls, he transforms himself into the crime-fighting canine Hong Kong Phooey.
With the help of his striped cat Spot, he uses his copy of “The Hong Kong Book of Kung Fu”, a correspondence-course martial-arts instruction handbook to fight crime. Hong Kong Phooey is also equipped with the "Phooeymobile" a vehicle that transforms itself automatically whenever necessary depending on the circumstances
|
Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos
Chuck Norris is a United States government operative with a team known as the Karate Kommandos.
Together, they fight against VULTURE - an organization led by the Claw and his right-hand man Super Ninja. Each episode begins with a live action segment with Norris to explain what is going on, usually at a martial arts studio or gym - and ends with a moral lesson narrated by Chuck.
Created by and starring Chuck Norris as himself, it aired on September 15 through September 19,1986 as a 5-episode mini-series for 1 season as a syndicated program.
|
|
| |
On December 28, 1987, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first cartoon series began.The Ninja Turtles are 4 wise-cracking, pizza-obsessed superheroes who are named after 4 Renaissance Italian artists.
Their master, the great ninja Hamato Yoshi (called Splinter for his board breaking ability) was also mutated into a rat. Sensei Splinter proceeded to train the turtles in the secret art of Ninjutsu.
|
| From their home in sewers of New York City, they fight the forces of evil, battle petty criminals, evil overlords, mutated creatures, and alien invaders and the Foot Clan, lead by the Shredder.
All while attempting to remain hidden from society from their sewer hideout. This series ran until November 2, 1996, when it aired its final episode.
| |
| The Karate Kid
When a miniature shrine with magical powers is taken from its resting place in Okinawa, it is up to Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san to recover it. As Mr. Miyagi obtains leads on the shrine's location in some exotic corner of the world,
Daniel-san with the help of an Okinawan girl Taki Tamurai, follow up on it, and as they search the globe, naturally, the Karatekas encounter several villains who have either obtained or are seeking to obtain the shrine for their own evil purposes creating opportunities to fight their way out of trouble.
After engaging and defeating the villains, Daniel-san comes within inches of retrieving the shrine, only to have it escape from his grasp by random some chance like being swept into the ocean or drifting away after being tied to a bunch of balloons, ensuring that the search will continue into the next episode.
The show aired Saturday mornings on NBC from September 9 to December 16, 1989, for 1 season and 13 episodes
|
Street Fighter the animated television series is based on the Street Fighter video game franchise, which aired from October 21, 1995 through May 14, 1997 for 2 seasons and a total of 26 episodes on USA Network.
Street Fighters are an international undercover peacekeeping force of martial artists from around the world, who often face off against the Shadaloo criminal empire.
The show is closely based on the game Street Fighter II, but also references the events plot elements and characters from the live-action Street Fighter film and the first 2 Street Fighter Alpha games.
|
|
|
Mulan - Is a Walt Disney Feature Animation based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan.
The movie takes place during the Han dynasty in China, where Fa Mulan, daughter of aged warrior Fa Zhou, changes her appearance to a man and takes her father's place during a general conscription to counter a Hun invasion, led by the ruthless Shan Yu.
With the help of a small guardian dragon named Mushu, Mulan defeats Hun leader. The film was released in June of 1998, with a running time of 87 minutes.
|
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm aired on the USA Network for 1 season and 13 episodes from September 21 to December 14, 1996.
The program focused on a group of warriors who operate out of a hidden base and defend Earthrealm from invaders who enter through portals from various dimensions. In addition to their fighting, they also used dragon shaped jets.
The plots shared little relation to any of the video games, besides the characters.
The show is a combination of an alternative sequel to the first Mortal Kombat film and the events of Mortal Kombat 3.
|
|
|
Jackie Chan Adventures is an animated television series starring the adventures of martial arts action film star Jackie Chan. Many of the episodes contain references to other of Chan's actual works. For 95 Episodes, this series ran on The WB, Cartoon Network, and Toon Disney's Jetix for 5 seasons from September 9, 2000 to July 8, 2005.
Amateur archeologist Jackie Chan finds a shield containing a talisman and encounters a criminal organization called The Dark Hand, led by a man called Valmont who serves the sorcerer demon, Shendu. Jackie is initially reluctant to become involved, is recruited as an agent by Captain Black of Section 13 (a secret law enforcement organization) to stop the Dark Hand from acquiring the 12 Talismans.
|
Samurai Jack
This show follows Jack, a time-displaced Samurai, in his quest to travel back in time and defeat the tyrannical demon Aku. The original series premiered August 10, 2001, with a TV movie called ‘The Premiere Movie’ on Cartoon Network. After airing 52 episodes, the original series ran from August 10, 2001 until ending on September 25, 2004.
After 13 years, it was announced that Samurai Jack will air its fifth and final season starting March 11, 2017, on Adult Swim. This program has also won numerous awards, as well as many nominations.
|
|
| Kung Fu Panda Is computer-animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation which premiered June 6, 2008. The sequel, Kung Fu Panda 2, was released on May 26, 2011, (along with the television series Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness premiering on Nickelodeon later that same year, listed below).
A second sequel called Kung Fu Panda 3, was released on January 29, 2016. 4 Short films were also released between 2010 and 2015 as a part of the franchise.
|
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness
Airing on Nickelodeon, this TV series ran from September 19, 2011 to June 29, 2016, for a total of 3 seasons and 80 episodes. Protagonists Po a panda, and the Furious Five, continue to defend the Valley of Peace from villains of different kinds.
All the while, Po makes mistakes, learns lessons, and learns more about the history of kung fu, while meeting other famous kung fu Masters. The series takes place after the first film.
|
|
|
