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In our article, we list the 10 best Kung Fu movies from Hong Kong cinema. Though blockbuster success nor critical acclaim are not the most important factor, their influence on cinema and the visual arts is undeniable. Moreover, they may hae started franchises.
Below, you can read our Top 10 Kung Fu movies from Hong Kong cinema.
10. THE EIGHT DIAGRAM POLE FIGHTER (1984)
At the lowest spot, The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984) deserves the list. Though the Shaw Brothers film is not very popular, it was nevertheless a good introduction to Hong Kong cinema. Importantly, it tells the typical kung fu story of revenger after family death with colorful costumes, righteous heroes and evil queens. Really, it may be some of the most epic productions in the industry during the decade.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the Hong Kong cinema, the Shaw Brothers production and the familiar tropes.
9. PROJECT A (1983)
With Jackie Chan as director and writer, Project A (1983) may be one of the most successful movies of the icon’s career. Importantly, the movie brings another Hong Kong legend, Sammo Hung, and tells the story of three Marines that must stop pirates at the South China Sea. Really, the film showcases some of the best Jackie Chan stuntwork.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the Jackie Chan direction, the popular film and the pop-culture influence.
8. SHAOLIN SOCCER (2001)
Certainly, Shaolin Soccer (2001) is the top-grossing Hong Kong blockbuster. When the movie was released, it received positive reviews. And critic Roger Ebert, found director Stephen Chow’s film to be legendary. Moreover, it has won multiple awards including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Foreign Language film. With action and comedy, the movie brings some good times.
WATCH Shaolin Soccer on Amazon.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the Hong Kong special effects, the blockbuster performance and some of the best action comedy.
7. ZU: WARRIORS FROM THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN (1983)
Certainly, a supernatural fantasy epic directed by Tsui Hark, Zu (1983) marks an innovation in Hong Kong cinema. With improved special effects and wires, the movie introduces the ‘wire fu’ technique that enables actors to perform gravity-defying stunts. In the film, a young hero sets out on a journey to find two powerful swords that are strong enough to defeat evil entities.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the visual spectacle, the wire fu technique and the Hong Kong cinema.
6. KUNG FU HUSTLE (2004)
Though Kung Fu Hustle (2004) is the less popular of Stephen Chow’s films, it makes some important contributions. The kung fu film continues the ‘wuxia’ genre with parody, action, innovation in stuntwork and some serious situations. Moreover, it was successful at the box office. Set in 1940s shantytown China, it tells the story of an underdog who masters the Buddha’s Palm Technique as a kung fu master fights the Axe Gang.
WATCH Kung Fu Hustle.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the critical acclaim, the successful manga adaptation and the low budget.
5. IP MAN (2008)
Perhaps, the best of Hong Kong cinema, IP Man (2008), the first in a trilogy, deserves the list. Loosely based on the life of Bruce Lee’s martial arts teacher, the Hong Kong film won Best Film and Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong film awards. Importantly, it is set in Foshan, China in the 1930s and tells the story of its heroic kung fu master against Japanese occupation. Really, it may be some of the most inspirational movies in the decade.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the Hong Kong cinema, the fight choreography, the loose biography and the political message.
4. POLICE STORY (1985)
With Jackie Chan as director, writer and lead actor, Police Story (1985) may be one of the best movies of the icon’s career. Moreover, the movie won Best Film at the 1986 Hong Kong Film Awards. Importantly, the film tells the story of a police officer who must clear his name after he has been framed for murder by drug gangs. Really, the film showcases some of the most dangerous Jackie Chan stuntwork.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the Jackie Chan direction, the iconic film and the life-and-death stuntwork.
3. FIST OF FURY (1972)
Certainly, Fist of Fury (1972) is Greatest of All Time contender in kung fu films. Perhaps, the film shows Bruce Lee at his most ferocious though it may not be as iconic as other movies at the top of this list.
WATCH Fist of Fury on Amazon.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the Hong Kong nationalism, the blockbuster performance and Bruce Lee’s acting.
2. DRUNKEN MASTER (1978)
Certainly, Drunken Master (1978) marks the height of kung fu in Hong Kong cinema. With a low budget, the movie introduces Jackie Chan as Bruce Lee’s replacement in the industry after the latter’s death. In the film, an irresponsible martial arts student must learn the Drungen Fist style from the vicious master Beggar So.
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the Hong Kong cinema, the height of the period, fight choreography and the action comedy style.
1. WAY OF THE DRAGON (1972)
At the top of this list, is Way of the Dragon (1972). With Bruce Lee as director and lead actor, Lee and Norris are at the heights of their fame and clash in Italy at the Colisseum. Importantly, it tells the story of Bruce Lee who travels to Rome to protect the family restaurant.
WATCH Way of the Dragon .
WHY IT’S ON THIS LIST: And the movie belongs on this list for the critical acclaim, the successful manga adaptation and the low budget.
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LINKS
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Best kung fu movies made in Hong Kong in TimeOut. Hong Kong’s 10 Most Important Martial Arts Movies in culture trip. |
