Miscellaneous Elements
Fedora hats were worn in many films starting aroung '71/'72 - Furious Slaughter, etc... - signified that a stranger had importance.
Ku Feng has a Bullet-proof garment (in Killer Clans), but bullets haven't been made yet !!
Music
Whenever something drastic is about to happen, certain music is played.
Films that showcase this:
Deformities
Wheneever there is something wrong with someone's face, it is usuall, covered up, by a silk cloth. It can be a burn, birthmark, or horrible bruise. Either way, the person feels, that to show it, will mean that they will be rejected by whomever sees that side of their face (especially, if their like the person).
Films that showcase this:
The Side-Kick
Sidekicks, were just that, fun to have around you, but, if (when) trouble reared it's ugly head, you knew that you could count on them, to have your back. Yet, as in most Kung-fu films, Sidekicks, had a 50/50 survival-rate (30/70 in Chang's films). They, were (easily) the film's Sacrificial Lambs, especially, in the "2-on-1" fight scenes. If there was gonna be one survivor, is wasn't going to be the Sidekick. Yet, martyrs, had some of the best roles, in Chang's films.
70's Hat Wearing (Caps & Fedoras)
The film Fury Of The Blackbelt, featured all the villains wearing Fedoras, of various colors.
Films that showcase this
Cigarette Holders (Upper Class Wannabes)
Films that showcase this
Clans
The Eagle and the Tiger, are the most used symbols by Clans in martial-arts films.
"Live By The Sword, Die By The Sword"
Not all Clans were bad, but there was always some type or friction going on between them. Clans were the precursors of what we know today, as Gangs. Once, you were in a clan, it became your life. If, your clan was to meet another clan at a certain place to fight, everyone had to go. The only exceptions were, when the leader sent his top man, instead of going himself. The only time that this might happen, is if the leader was sick or badly injured, from a previous fight.
Yet, they differed from the gangs displayed in kung-fu films. Those gangs, usually, consisted of (3 - 5) members, whereas, clans could range in the hundreds. Most clans, also, had some type of carving or statue (used to represent), sitting, standing, or hanging at their headquaters. These headquaters, were more of a hideout, where they could conduct their meetings in secret, away from the general public. Common hideouts could be a fort, a cave, or an old temple. This was the base of their operation and no one, who wasn't a member, could enter (unless, they were a captured prisoner).
Often, each member of a clan, was an expert, with a certain weapon. It was his skill, with this weapon, that helped to distinguish him, from his other comrades. When a job called for a specific skill or type of person, it was the ones, noted for their unique skill, that was called upon. In the event, that a fighter, becomes an ex-member, the others had to take precautions in deaing with him (and his weapon of choice). One of the most difficult aspects of their job, was having to fight a former member.
This was because, they knew enough about their clan, to not only escape from them -- but, could become a potential threat to them (by knowing everything, from where their hideout was, to their day-to-day operations). Unless, they were a member for life, it was best to silence all ex-members, than to suffer the consequences later. Regardless, of how friendly you were to another member of your clan, you were expected to be able to kill him, without giving it a second thought, if he betrayed the gang.
Codes Of Conduct (Clan Rules)
Within the various Clans, certain things were a Must, and to disobey them, would mean anything, from being severely punished, to a slow and agonizng death.
Types Of Clans
Chang Cheh & The Venoms
Sun Chung/Chu Yuan
Clothing
Living In Ancient Times - (Basic Necessities)
Medical Treatment
Often seen in umerous kung-fu films, where someone has been injured and needs some form of medical assistance. In these films, the word medicine, is pronounced (Med'-cine) and depending on who needs it, you'll hear them constantly yelling for it. Those with severe (internal) injuries, could (often) be seen, coughing up Blood. Depending on how badly they're injured, one of these, will be prescribed to ease their pain.These, usually, come in (5) forms:
Acupuncture -
Herbal Mixture - If a fighter has been badly bruised Internally by a severe blow, he may be given a mixture of herbs to drink. For cuts and stab wounds, the herbs might be crushed into a mixture, that will be applied in a Paste-form to the wound, and tightly wrapped.
Herbal Patch - might be used to cover a small spot like a Band-Aid, but, it will almost, always, have some type of medicine applied under it. These are used with what would seem to be smaller bruises or to cover an open wound.
Ointments - this is usually, used, in conjunction with an Herbal Patch or alone, vigorously rubbed onto the bruised area. When used by itself, it's like a Sauve (think Vick's Vapor Rub or Ben-Gay) and rubbed on the injured location.
Laxatives - are normally used, when someone is trying to 'get back' at another person (grudge) or to remove them out of their way, so that they can enter a place or building. The person will be so preoccupied with trying to get to the toilet, that they won't be able to fight (properly) or stop whatever's going on around them.
Bandages - are the most commonly used, of all medical treatments on the screen. To see anyone with bandages on, we automatically assume that they're in pain (many use this as a ruse). Yet, the way we see most people with bandages on, always, looks the same. There're, basically, (3) ways we see bandages wrapped in these films.
Films that showcase this:
Villains usually find their foes, after they've been injured. They'll often have their henchmen scout the local Medicine shops, paying particular attention, to people getting special herbs and mixtures, used to treat servere wounds or internal bleeding.
Off-The-Wall Humor
Bad Teeth
One thing most will notice in many of these films is, Asia surely needed a good Dentist back during these times. Rotten teeth, misssing teeth, Bucked-teeth and the like, were evident in a number of films. While, they could enhance the look of a Character-actor, most villains, hardly ever, had prominent teeth problems (for their roles).
Films that showcase this:
Dirty Feet (and smelling it)
Films that showcase this:
Farting (flatulence) - (Usually in somone's face)
Films that showcase this:
Spitting - (Spitting in somone's face)
Films that showcase this:
Peeing - (Peeing in somone's mouth)
Films that showcase this:
Scat Jokes - (Shit Jokes)
Films that showcase this:
Hairy Moles
While, it's one thing to have a big mole on your face, it seems worse when that same mole had a long hair sticking out from it. As disgusting as it looked, many films, actually, played this up for fun. This wasn't just for men, as some women sported these moles, usually, they were fat women and the wife of some poor guy fellow.
Women, were also featured with a big darkened spot, covering half their face, which they hid behind a cloth or fan. But, it was the moles, that seemed to receive the most outrageous looks as it was, just so, in your face. Most, would think that those who had these moles on their face would at least, try to cut the hair sticking from it.
Films that showcase this:
Miscellaneous Pastimes
Cricket Fights
Many films will show a group of men huddled together around a table, looking like their trying to keep warm, but, what they're really doing is Gambling. Just when you wonder What they're betting on, the camera pans into the crowd and zooms in on a bowl, that has two "Crickets" battling it out. Betting on insects is a past-time that started in the 12th century and is still practiced today.
According to Chinese superstition, anyone who kills a cricket, will have bad luck, so they let the crickets fight each other. This way, the losing cricket, is the unlucky one. They were kept in small cages, as pets by some or for the music they made. In preparation for a contest, the crickets would be starved (making them more aggressive). The owner of a prize-winning cricket, was held in high regards by locals. It is said, that this was a sport that, many of China's earliest Emperors, were fond of.
Films that showcase this:
*** Note: There is, actually, documentation of people committing suicide, because their cricket was lost or got injured during a contest. The sport of Cricket Fighting is so popular, that they have an actual chapter for it in Beijing [Association for Cricket Fighting]. They sponsor National tournaments, using video cameras to zoom in on the action. They, also, show the fights on a number of television sets, so viewers can see the action, without having to look over someone's shoulder, like in the olddays.
Playing Chess
A mere pasttime to most older men in these films, they're usually playing and witnesses a crime or something that comes back to haunt them later. In the Mystery Of Chess-Boxing, the game of Chess is used to signify the movements of the fighters. The old fighter here, has hidden his strategy for fighting, in his Chess moves.
Films that showcase this:
Cock Fights
Dog Fights
Voyeurs
Peeping Through Windows
In Asia, long before they started using glass for windows, they were using these Paper materials that most could just poke a hole through, in order to see inside. In kung-fu films, we'd see someone trying to spy or someone else and they'd lick (wet) their finger and poke a hole in the window-covering. Whether, it was peeping at a female or trying to get a better view of those that were talking, these windows didn't leave much to the imagination.
To make matters even worse, darts, knives, even sword thrusts, were easy to do in order to kill someone on the other side of these windows. For those, who were listening, their shadows, usually, gave them away. There always seemed to be some form of light on both sides to the walls, making it easier, to see anyone trying to eavsdrop on someone's conversations, by another person.
Films that showcase this:
Witnesses (to crimes)
As the old saying goes - "Dead Men, Tell No Tales", and it was probably a villain, that came up with this line (right before they killed someone, who witnessed his evil deed). Most villains never want to leave any incriminating evidence behind, especially the talking kind (people) and they made sure to cover their tracks. Yet, most never knew that witnesses are there, until they've raped, robbed, or murdered someone. By then, it's too late for both of them (once each knows they've been seen).
They're quick-thinking, might get them out of the predicament, but with some, their downfall was their greed, that usually, got them killed. By promising not to tell what they've seen or knew, witnesses (later) turn into Black-mailers -- trying to cash-in on their "dirty little" secrets. Leave it to the even quicker thinking villains, who had already decided (in advance), what they planned on doing with their new partner.
Films that showcase this:
Sexual Assault
?
Men Dressed Like Women
?
Films that showcase this:
The Market Place
Another area that's frequented by just about everyone coming through town at some point. Here, you can find everything from fresh fruit, to fresh fish. There's always, someone being cheated (or thinks they've been) and you can always find so smart-aleck kids, trying to swipe something to eat, without paying for it.
Local thugs can be found, shaking down the various shop-owners for their monthly Protection Money, or destroying their goods, when they're late or don't have all their money. Fruits or snacks may often be taken and passed around by members of their gang, knowing that the shop-owner won't cause a fuss (even if he objects to their actions). They suffer in silence, because they don't want to cause themselves any additional trouble.
Others try to just do as they're told and try to keep calm, because they know that, when fights break out in these areas, no one's shop is safe from harm or destruction. In this way, they will still have goods to sell so that when the next month rolls around, they'll have their fees ready and won't incur any problems with the thugs who come to collect it.
Films that showcase this:
Children In Film
Orphans
Children In Kung-fu Films
Most kids in kung-fu films were used as a type of Comic relief, more often, than not. Only a few would go on to display some type of martial-arts skill. We'd mostly see them stealing fruit (mainly Bananas, where the peels were later used to make someone fall), buns, or being used as a Picket-pocket by someone else.
When they get into fights, they are beaten just like adults (by adults), with no blows spared. They usually were befriended by the Hero, who would eventually end up in a trap because of them. While trying to rescue them, someone almost always gets killed, but regardless of who, the kid would have seen the Error-of-his-Ways by the end of the film.
The Killing Of Kids
They've been killing kids as far back aas Biblical times (Christ, Moses, Abraham, etc...). When they died, it was usually, by an accident of some sort. Yet, most had never seen it done in films -- on purpose, until kung-fu films, became the norm.
Children were considered dispensable (regardless their age) and mainly annoyed those in power. If they were not related in some way, it made it even easier to dispose of them. Some of these films, showed the evil side of tyrants and fanatical leaders, by the killing of kids. While these acts were as vicious as can be, they set the stage to show just how evil some people were.
In the Emperor And His Brother, a father has to adhere to the Clan's rule and kill his on grandchild (?) because he unknowingly helped their enemies. What made the scene even more heart-tugging was that everyone in the room, knew he was about to die (except him).
One of the most vicious scenes in a kung-fu film was in The Karate Killers. While questioning a woman as to the whereabouts of her husband, when she doesn't answer him, the Ching offical takes his pipe and spears her newborn straight through it's crib, then puts the bloody pipe back in his mouth !!
While all films didn't showcase acts as vile as this, many showed just how uncompassionate people were, to kids. There were numerous films where kids showed some skill in fighting, but never enough to defeat the main villain. Most would usually toy with them, until they couldn't take it anymore.
It was nothing for thugs to kick and beat kids. At the beginning of The Victim, we see kung-fu wannabe Choy I-Fan slapping the hell out of a kid, because he bumped into him, causing his bird to fly away.
While in Dumb Boxer, we see a little boy getting constantly kicked because he was stealing to get money for medicine for his ailing mother. Yet, one of the most vile scences was shown in the film Thundering Mantis, where a young kid was tortured and finally skewered with a hot branding iron, just for being a friend of the hero.
Films that showcase this:
Odd Movie Characteristics
Revealed Secret Techniques
Films that showcase this:
You Just Missed Them
Where someone who has just killed or beat someone up, is just leaving, when, not less than (5) seconds (in the scene), we see somebody else arriving, just missing the culprits. One would think that each would have seen the other and came back to confront the person that just returned.
Films that showcase this:
Fighting Around Antiques
This is, where a fighter's skill level is tested, beyond the ability, to destroy what he hits. Here, he's trying to fight his opponent, while (being careful), not to break items worth a lot of money. It is a demonstration of a fighter's Control over his body, than that of his opponent. His actions (now), have more to do with the Speed of his movements and the agility, to change them (in mid flight). These unique sparring sessions, are always entertaining, as the viewer is held a in a state of suspenese, waiting to see who will make the first mistake. Things are tossed, held in front of strikes, and put in positions to be destroyed. All of this is going on, while both men are trying to avoid being hit by, lethal blows.
Films that showcase this:
Men Dressed Like Women
Worst Wigs
Cursing -
Films that showcase this:
Fighting Quietly -
Films that showcase this:
? -
Films that showcase this:
? -
Films that showcase this:
Drug Use
Chasing The Dragon (Opium)
Films that showcase this
Kung Fu 101 Glossary Of Terms Chinese Martial Arts Japanese Arts, Etc... Weapons People Bruce Lee The Hero The Teacher The Training The School Shaolin Temple Villains Females Traveling On The Road Money & Valuables Crime & Punishment Death & Dying Motives The Emperor The Japanese Movie Elements Gambling Houses Sex Food & Drink The Showdown East Meets Western Stolen Moments Best Of The Best Kung Fu Marketing Collector's Corner Bootlegs In America What To Watch Kung Fu Quiz
Home I Sitemap I Movie List I Bios Menu I Search I FAQs I
Contact Info
© Beijing Video. All rights reserved.
Fedora hats were worn in many films starting aroung '71/'72 - Furious Slaughter, etc... - signified that a stranger had importance.
Ku Feng has a Bullet-proof garment (in Killer Clans), but bullets haven't been made yet !!
Music
Whenever something drastic is about to happen, certain music is played.
Films that showcase this:
- The Introduction of an Infamous person - Killer From Above - "The killer Sing Fei!! - The Piano (ALL keys smashed)
- Change in Tone - [Discovery of a dead or injured person]
- Funeral
- Marriage
- Transition in technique - 24:06 - Kung Fu Of 8 Drunkards
- Comical scenes - Wu Ma - Kung Fu Of 8 Drunkards
- The Capture
- The Bedroom romp
- The Chase scene
- The Double Cross
- The Training Sequence
- The Finale
Deformities
Wheneever there is something wrong with someone's face, it is usuall, covered up, by a silk cloth. It can be a burn, birthmark, or horrible bruise. Either way, the person feels, that to show it, will mean that they will be rejected by whomever sees that side of their face (especially, if their like the person).
Films that showcase this:
- 60 Sec Assassin
- Challenge Of Death ?
The Side-Kick
Sidekicks, were just that, fun to have around you, but, if (when) trouble reared it's ugly head, you knew that you could count on them, to have your back. Yet, as in most Kung-fu films, Sidekicks, had a 50/50 survival-rate (30/70 in Chang's films). They, were (easily) the film's Sacrificial Lambs, especially, in the "2-on-1" fight scenes. If there was gonna be one survivor, is wasn't going to be the Sidekick. Yet, martyrs, had some of the best roles, in Chang's films.
70's Hat Wearing (Caps & Fedoras)
The film Fury Of The Blackbelt, featured all the villains wearing Fedoras, of various colors.
Films that showcase this
- Naval Commandos
- New Shaolin Boxers
- Marvelous Kung Fu
- Chinese Mack +
- Big Boss 2 (Cheung Nick)
- Killer In White
- Fist Of Vengeance (Chan Wei-Lau)
- 99 Cycling Swords ?
Cigarette Holders (Upper Class Wannabes)
Films that showcase this
- Boxer From Shangtung
- Shanghai 13
- The Young Dragons
Clans
The Eagle and the Tiger, are the most used symbols by Clans in martial-arts films.
"Live By The Sword, Die By The Sword"
Not all Clans were bad, but there was always some type or friction going on between them. Clans were the precursors of what we know today, as Gangs. Once, you were in a clan, it became your life. If, your clan was to meet another clan at a certain place to fight, everyone had to go. The only exceptions were, when the leader sent his top man, instead of going himself. The only time that this might happen, is if the leader was sick or badly injured, from a previous fight.
Yet, they differed from the gangs displayed in kung-fu films. Those gangs, usually, consisted of (3 - 5) members, whereas, clans could range in the hundreds. Most clans, also, had some type of carving or statue (used to represent), sitting, standing, or hanging at their headquaters. These headquaters, were more of a hideout, where they could conduct their meetings in secret, away from the general public. Common hideouts could be a fort, a cave, or an old temple. This was the base of their operation and no one, who wasn't a member, could enter (unless, they were a captured prisoner).
Often, each member of a clan, was an expert, with a certain weapon. It was his skill, with this weapon, that helped to distinguish him, from his other comrades. When a job called for a specific skill or type of person, it was the ones, noted for their unique skill, that was called upon. In the event, that a fighter, becomes an ex-member, the others had to take precautions in deaing with him (and his weapon of choice). One of the most difficult aspects of their job, was having to fight a former member.
This was because, they knew enough about their clan, to not only escape from them -- but, could become a potential threat to them (by knowing everything, from where their hideout was, to their day-to-day operations). Unless, they were a member for life, it was best to silence all ex-members, than to suffer the consequences later. Regardless, of how friendly you were to another member of your clan, you were expected to be able to kill him, without giving it a second thought, if he betrayed the gang.
Codes Of Conduct (Clan Rules)
Within the various Clans, certain things were a Must, and to disobey them, would mean anything, from being severely punished, to a slow and agonizng death.
- You had to fight opposing Clans
- Always help a member of your own clan
- Don't become friendly with other Clans, as it could be a Trap
- Never travel to opposing Clan territories (especially, alone)
- Never (willingly) surrender your weapon
- It's forbidden to have a relationship with someone from another clan
- Never speak of, show, or bring non-members to the secret hideout
- Deserting your clan is punishable by beating, exiled from your clan, or death
- There was NO geting out, to live a peaceful life. Death was the only way out
Types Of Clans
- Eagle Clan
- Tiger Clan
- Poison Clan
- Beggar Clan
- Lotus Clan
- Spear Clan
- Chi Sa Clan/ gang
- Pa Hu Clan
- Roaming Clan
- Golden Sword Clan
Chang Cheh & The Venoms
Sun Chung/Chu Yuan
Clothing
Living In Ancient Times - (Basic Necessities)
- Lights - Candles/Lanterns
- Spoons/Forks (where do we see forks?)/Knives = Spoon? Chopsticks/Knife
- Broom
- Bath = Tub/Basin
- Homes/Huts/Palaces/etc...
- Transportation - Wheelbarrel/Carraige/Rickshaw/Car
Medical Treatment
Often seen in umerous kung-fu films, where someone has been injured and needs some form of medical assistance. In these films, the word medicine, is pronounced (Med'-cine) and depending on who needs it, you'll hear them constantly yelling for it. Those with severe (internal) injuries, could (often) be seen, coughing up Blood. Depending on how badly they're injured, one of these, will be prescribed to ease their pain.These, usually, come in (5) forms:
- Acupuncture
- Bandages
- Ointment
- Laxative
- Hebal Patch
- Herbal Mixture
Acupuncture -
Herbal Mixture - If a fighter has been badly bruised Internally by a severe blow, he may be given a mixture of herbs to drink. For cuts and stab wounds, the herbs might be crushed into a mixture, that will be applied in a Paste-form to the wound, and tightly wrapped.
Herbal Patch - might be used to cover a small spot like a Band-Aid, but, it will almost, always, have some type of medicine applied under it. These are used with what would seem to be smaller bruises or to cover an open wound.
Ointments - this is usually, used, in conjunction with an Herbal Patch or alone, vigorously rubbed onto the bruised area. When used by itself, it's like a Sauve (think Vick's Vapor Rub or Ben-Gay) and rubbed on the injured location.
Laxatives - are normally used, when someone is trying to 'get back' at another person (grudge) or to remove them out of their way, so that they can enter a place or building. The person will be so preoccupied with trying to get to the toilet, that they won't be able to fight (properly) or stop whatever's going on around them.
Bandages - are the most commonly used, of all medical treatments on the screen. To see anyone with bandages on, we automatically assume that they're in pain (many use this as a ruse). Yet, the way we see most people with bandages on, always, looks the same. There're, basically, (3) ways we see bandages wrapped in these films.
- Moderate Head Inhure - (across the forehead)
- Severe Head Injure - (across the forehead, under the chin, and over the top of the head)
- Arm Injuries - (The arm is put in a sling or a wooden splint is made)
- Seriously injured Hands - (hands are completely wrapped up)
Films that showcase this:
- Dirty Ho
- Thunder Mantis
- Master Killer 2
- Budo Wing
- Hell's Wind Staff
- Legend Of The Fox
- Return Of The Master Killer
Villains usually find their foes, after they've been injured. They'll often have their henchmen scout the local Medicine shops, paying particular attention, to people getting special herbs and mixtures, used to treat servere wounds or internal bleeding.
Off-The-Wall Humor
Bad Teeth
One thing most will notice in many of these films is, Asia surely needed a good Dentist back during these times. Rotten teeth, misssing teeth, Bucked-teeth and the like, were evident in a number of films. While, they could enhance the look of a Character-actor, most villains, hardly ever, had prominent teeth problems (for their roles).
Films that showcase this:
- Goose Boxer
- Warriors 2
- Hands Of Death
- Green Jade Statuette
- Killer In White
- Legend Of A Fighter
- Return Of The Master Killer
Dirty Feet (and smelling it)
Films that showcase this:
- 5 Superfighters
- Fists Of The White Lotus
- Shaolin Challenges Ninja
- Hell's Wind Staff
Farting (flatulence) - (Usually in somone's face)
Films that showcase this:
- Knockabout
- Prodigal Son
- Thundering Mantis - '79 year of the Drunken Mantis Fist
- Return To The 36th Chamber
Spitting - (Spitting in somone's face)
Films that showcase this:
- The Chinese Tiger
- Bruce Lee & I
- Chinese Hercules
- Fury Of The Blackbelt
Peeing - (Peeing in somone's mouth)
Films that showcase this:
- The Sleeping Fist
- The Young Avenger (Wong Yu)
- Incredible Master Beggars
Scat Jokes - (Shit Jokes)
Films that showcase this:
- The 4 Invincibles
- Hell's Wind Staff
- Kung Fu Of 8 Drunkards - guy prentend to relieve himself, only to run away from capturer
- Jade Claw
- Master Killer-2
Hairy Moles
While, it's one thing to have a big mole on your face, it seems worse when that same mole had a long hair sticking out from it. As disgusting as it looked, many films, actually, played this up for fun. This wasn't just for men, as some women sported these moles, usually, they were fat women and the wife of some poor guy fellow.
Women, were also featured with a big darkened spot, covering half their face, which they hid behind a cloth or fan. But, it was the moles, that seemed to receive the most outrageous looks as it was, just so, in your face. Most, would think that those who had these moles on their face would at least, try to cut the hair sticking from it.
Films that showcase this:
- Knockabout
- Eagle's Claw
- Green Jade Statuette
- Mad Monkey Kung Fu
Miscellaneous Pastimes
Cricket Fights
Many films will show a group of men huddled together around a table, looking like their trying to keep warm, but, what they're really doing is Gambling. Just when you wonder What they're betting on, the camera pans into the crowd and zooms in on a bowl, that has two "Crickets" battling it out. Betting on insects is a past-time that started in the 12th century and is still practiced today.
According to Chinese superstition, anyone who kills a cricket, will have bad luck, so they let the crickets fight each other. This way, the losing cricket, is the unlucky one. They were kept in small cages, as pets by some or for the music they made. In preparation for a contest, the crickets would be starved (making them more aggressive). The owner of a prize-winning cricket, was held in high regards by locals. It is said, that this was a sport that, many of China's earliest Emperors, were fond of.
Films that showcase this:
- Prodigal Boxer
- Disciples Of Shaolin
- Killer In White
*** Note: There is, actually, documentation of people committing suicide, because their cricket was lost or got injured during a contest. The sport of Cricket Fighting is so popular, that they have an actual chapter for it in Beijing [Association for Cricket Fighting]. They sponsor National tournaments, using video cameras to zoom in on the action. They, also, show the fights on a number of television sets, so viewers can see the action, without having to look over someone's shoulder, like in the olddays.
Playing Chess
A mere pasttime to most older men in these films, they're usually playing and witnesses a crime or something that comes back to haunt them later. In the Mystery Of Chess-Boxing, the game of Chess is used to signify the movements of the fighters. The old fighter here, has hidden his strategy for fighting, in his Chess moves.
Films that showcase this:
- Magnificent Butcher
- Mystery Of Chess-Boxing
- one-Arm Vs 9-Killers (Human Chess pieces)
Cock Fights
Dog Fights
Voyeurs
Peeping Through Windows
In Asia, long before they started using glass for windows, they were using these Paper materials that most could just poke a hole through, in order to see inside. In kung-fu films, we'd see someone trying to spy or someone else and they'd lick (wet) their finger and poke a hole in the window-covering. Whether, it was peeping at a female or trying to get a better view of those that were talking, these windows didn't leave much to the imagination.
To make matters even worse, darts, knives, even sword thrusts, were easy to do in order to kill someone on the other side of these windows. For those, who were listening, their shadows, usually, gave them away. There always seemed to be some form of light on both sides to the walls, making it easier, to see anyone trying to eavsdrop on someone's conversations, by another person.
Films that showcase this:
Witnesses (to crimes)
As the old saying goes - "Dead Men, Tell No Tales", and it was probably a villain, that came up with this line (right before they killed someone, who witnessed his evil deed). Most villains never want to leave any incriminating evidence behind, especially the talking kind (people) and they made sure to cover their tracks. Yet, most never knew that witnesses are there, until they've raped, robbed, or murdered someone. By then, it's too late for both of them (once each knows they've been seen).
They're quick-thinking, might get them out of the predicament, but with some, their downfall was their greed, that usually, got them killed. By promising not to tell what they've seen or knew, witnesses (later) turn into Black-mailers -- trying to cash-in on their "dirty little" secrets. Leave it to the even quicker thinking villains, who had already decided (in advance), what they planned on doing with their new partner.
Films that showcase this:
- Magnificent Butcher
- Shaolin Handlock
- Buddhist Fist
Sexual Assault
?
Men Dressed Like Women
?
Films that showcase this:
The Market Place
Another area that's frequented by just about everyone coming through town at some point. Here, you can find everything from fresh fruit, to fresh fish. There's always, someone being cheated (or thinks they've been) and you can always find so smart-aleck kids, trying to swipe something to eat, without paying for it.
Local thugs can be found, shaking down the various shop-owners for their monthly Protection Money, or destroying their goods, when they're late or don't have all their money. Fruits or snacks may often be taken and passed around by members of their gang, knowing that the shop-owner won't cause a fuss (even if he objects to their actions). They suffer in silence, because they don't want to cause themselves any additional trouble.
Others try to just do as they're told and try to keep calm, because they know that, when fights break out in these areas, no one's shop is safe from harm or destruction. In this way, they will still have goods to sell so that when the next month rolls around, they'll have their fees ready and won't incur any problems with the thugs who come to collect it.
Films that showcase this:
Children In Film
Orphans
Children In Kung-fu Films
Most kids in kung-fu films were used as a type of Comic relief, more often, than not. Only a few would go on to display some type of martial-arts skill. We'd mostly see them stealing fruit (mainly Bananas, where the peels were later used to make someone fall), buns, or being used as a Picket-pocket by someone else.
When they get into fights, they are beaten just like adults (by adults), with no blows spared. They usually were befriended by the Hero, who would eventually end up in a trap because of them. While trying to rescue them, someone almost always gets killed, but regardless of who, the kid would have seen the Error-of-his-Ways by the end of the film.
- Invincible Sword
- The Karate Killers
- Thundering Mantis
- The Jade Fox
- Sleeping Fist
- Cunning Kids
- The 4 Assassins
- Gambler & His Kung Fu Master
The Killing Of Kids
They've been killing kids as far back aas Biblical times (Christ, Moses, Abraham, etc...). When they died, it was usually, by an accident of some sort. Yet, most had never seen it done in films -- on purpose, until kung-fu films, became the norm.
Children were considered dispensable (regardless their age) and mainly annoyed those in power. If they were not related in some way, it made it even easier to dispose of them. Some of these films, showed the evil side of tyrants and fanatical leaders, by the killing of kids. While these acts were as vicious as can be, they set the stage to show just how evil some people were.
In the Emperor And His Brother, a father has to adhere to the Clan's rule and kill his on grandchild (?) because he unknowingly helped their enemies. What made the scene even more heart-tugging was that everyone in the room, knew he was about to die (except him).
One of the most vicious scenes in a kung-fu film was in The Karate Killers. While questioning a woman as to the whereabouts of her husband, when she doesn't answer him, the Ching offical takes his pipe and spears her newborn straight through it's crib, then puts the bloody pipe back in his mouth !!
While all films didn't showcase acts as vile as this, many showed just how uncompassionate people were, to kids. There were numerous films where kids showed some skill in fighting, but never enough to defeat the main villain. Most would usually toy with them, until they couldn't take it anymore.
It was nothing for thugs to kick and beat kids. At the beginning of The Victim, we see kung-fu wannabe Choy I-Fan slapping the hell out of a kid, because he bumped into him, causing his bird to fly away.
While in Dumb Boxer, we see a little boy getting constantly kicked because he was stealing to get money for medicine for his ailing mother. Yet, one of the most vile scences was shown in the film Thundering Mantis, where a young kid was tortured and finally skewered with a hot branding iron, just for being a friend of the hero.
Films that showcase this:
- Boxer From The Temple +
- The Karate Killer
- Cunning Kids
- Shaolin King Boxer
- Thunderbolt Fist
- Flying Guillotines-2
- Thundering Mantis
- Red Dragons Of Shaolin
- Shaolin Temple Against Lama
Odd Movie Characteristics
Revealed Secret Techniques
Films that showcase this:
- Goose Boxer
- Kung Fu Instructor
- Shaolin Handlock
- The Golden Lion *
You Just Missed Them
Where someone who has just killed or beat someone up, is just leaving, when, not less than (5) seconds (in the scene), we see somebody else arriving, just missing the culprits. One would think that each would have seen the other and came back to confront the person that just returned.
Films that showcase this:
- 5 Fingers Of Death
- Knockabout
- The Golden Lion
- Goose Boxer
Fighting Around Antiques
This is, where a fighter's skill level is tested, beyond the ability, to destroy what he hits. Here, he's trying to fight his opponent, while (being careful), not to break items worth a lot of money. It is a demonstration of a fighter's Control over his body, than that of his opponent. His actions (now), have more to do with the Speed of his movements and the agility, to change them (in mid flight). These unique sparring sessions, are always entertaining, as the viewer is held a in a state of suspenese, waiting to see who will make the first mistake. Things are tossed, held in front of strikes, and put in positions to be destroyed. All of this is going on, while both men are trying to avoid being hit by, lethal blows.
Films that showcase this:
- Dirty Ho
- Fists & Guts
- Super Power
- Shaolin Thief
- The Gold Hunters
- The Treasure Hunters
Men Dressed Like Women
- Chan Wai-Lau - as old Woman - Invisible Terrorists
- Eric Tsang - Bolo, The Brute
- Feng Ko-An - Kf vs Yoga
- Tan Tao-Liang - Challenge Of Death
Worst Wigs
- Fearless Duo - Jimmy Liu
- 36 Deadly Styles - Bolo
- Bloody Fists - CKT
- Chinese Connnection - Chen Lung
- Hell's Wind Staff - Meng Hoi
- Rage Of The Master (The Destroyer) - Tien Yeh
Cursing -
Films that showcase this:
- God Damn it!!
- You Bastard
- Son of a Bitch
- That Bloody guy
- You Dirty Rat
Fighting Quietly -
Films that showcase this:
- Fists & Guts
- The Gold Hunters
? -
Films that showcase this:
? -
Films that showcase this:
Drug Use
Chasing The Dragon (Opium)
Films that showcase this
- Opium & The Kung Fu Master
Kung Fu 101 Glossary Of Terms Chinese Martial Arts Japanese Arts, Etc... Weapons People Bruce Lee The Hero The Teacher The Training The School Shaolin Temple Villains Females Traveling On The Road Money & Valuables Crime & Punishment Death & Dying Motives The Emperor The Japanese Movie Elements Gambling Houses Sex Food & Drink The Showdown East Meets Western Stolen Moments Best Of The Best Kung Fu Marketing Collector's Corner Bootlegs In America What To Watch Kung Fu Quiz
Home I Sitemap I Movie List I Bios Menu I Search I FAQs I
Contact Info
© Beijing Video. All rights reserved.