Product Description

The late 60s and 70s saw a massive surge in the release of martial arts films, spawning a cult following which is still growing. This essential guide explores up to 20 seminal films in detail, with particular focus on recurring themes, directors, and stars. Each chapter covers a different branch of the genre from Hong Kong Legends such as Once Upon a Time in China and Enter the Dragon, to Modern Asian Classics like House of the Flying Daggers to the incursion into Hollywood in films such as The Karate Kid and The Matrix. The development of the genre from 1920s China to the present is traced with analysis and explanations of the different martial arts seen in these films in an entertaining guide to the vast array of martial arts movies and their role in modern cinema.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40102 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-08
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Synopsis
Twenty definitive films and TV series are examined -from the genre's beginnings in 1920s China through the global popularity of Enter the Dragon to modern Asian classic Hero - along with their influence on Hollywood blockbusters like The Matrix. Discussing a full range of actors and directors, from the traditional Bruce Lee and King Hu to contemporary masters Chow Yun Fat and John Woo and focusing on the common themes of the movies, fighting styles, set-piece martial battles and rigorous training sequences, Martial Arts places the films within the development of the genre and discusses what it is that sets them apart.

About the Author
PTJ Rance is a journalist and editor who has written on a wide variety of subjects. She is a student of White Crane kung fu and fanatical about all types of martial arts films.

Customer Reviews

A good introduction
A good introduction to Kung Fu cinema (and indeed TV)...excellent for anyone just setting out on their investigation of this huge genre. Focusing on landmark films and showing how they relate to the genre and the trends within it. A really enjoyable read - lots of humour and some great trivia to keep longer term fans amused too. Make this your first Kung Fu Cinema book if you're new to the genre and you'll soon find your path made easier. I'd strongly recommend you then invest in a copy of Videohound's Dragon: Asian Action & Cult Flicks - this is second to none as a guide to Hong Kong cinema.
Buddha's Name Be Praised!

the best in kung fu films
The author conducts an informative and balanced study of the development of kung fu and other martial arts in the world of film, by taking an iconic or important film and giving the reader all the information (and more!) that they could possibly want. Humorous, knowledgeable (the author is a student of white crane kung fu) and packed with star biographies, trivia and technical info as well, a definite read for anyone who wants to know which kick-flick to watch.

Amazing read
The book is written very well... The author deals with the subject in a very thorough but readable way.. there is a lot of added humour and she also knows her stuff when talking about the different martial arts involved. It is a great addition to any martial art or film enthusiast's library.