Kung Fu 101
"A Guide To Kung Fu Movies"
[Made US$12-million total] - June ?, 1973; for most American movie-goers, would experience a new kind of filmmaking, one that would revolutionize the way films [and fighting] would change. The Kung Fu Genre, is like no other. As a hobby, it is looked down upon, by almost every other hobbist in the world. Even Stamp Collecting and Comicbook Collecting are considered, more popular. But, if there is NO hobby that has secured a place in modern history, like the kung-fu film.
To most young (male) Americans, Kung Fu films replaced Westerns, as our main source of entertainment.
After Thunder Kick (1974), Sonny Chiba's films started appearing, as both actors were Goju-ryu stylists.
RAW & RUGGED - "Basher Films" were like watching a Bar-room brawl in a (Cowboy) Western.
Distribution of Kung-fu films around the world - (1972) started ?
Films were often, made at a "Production-line" pace, using the same actors, locations, and reworked storylines over and over, for years.
The Ultimate Flashback
To me, watching these films is like having a Time Machine, which I can use to take me back to the time I intially saw the film and special moments that accured during that time. This gives each film, its' own unique significance. Theaters have been torn down, many people have moved away from the old neighborhood, and some of the friends we used to hang out with at the theaters, have passed on.
Some of my fondest moments were sitting in the "Downtown Theater", which was off of Government and Joachim street in Mobile Alabama. I would often go on Sundays, because it was much quietier than Mondays (which was $1-nite). I'd always check Friday's paper to see what would be playing, then decide which day I'd go. Though, I had a number of friends, it was obvious (especially now!!) that I had a much deeper love for these films than they did. Yet, little did I know, that there were hundreds (maybe millions) around the world, who also, shared the same love of Kung-fu movies. Even women loved these films.
Obessessed? Yeah, you could say that. It's truly a hobby, that is as vast as the films that were released. While, you'll keep hearing me say - "Kung Fu Genre", a more approiate name would be "Martial-arts Genre", but, the fact that the films labeled by many names (Kung Fu, Karate , Chop-sockey, etc) Kung Fu was by far, the most popular.
BANNER ON SITE - "Looks like you need a Lesson!!" (pic of Kuan Feng from 5 Super Fighters speaking)
"If a Pictures's worth a "Thousand words", then what's a thousand pictures?" - A Million reasons to read this
To most young (male) Americans, Kung Fu films replaced Westerns, as our main source of entertainment.
After Thunder Kick (1974), Sonny Chiba's films started appearing, as both actors were Goju-ryu stylists.
RAW & RUGGED - "Basher Films" were like watching a Bar-room brawl in a (Cowboy) Western.
Distribution of Kung-fu films around the world - (1972) started ?
Films were often, made at a "Production-line" pace, using the same actors, locations, and reworked storylines over and over, for years.
The Ultimate Flashback
To me, watching these films is like having a Time Machine, which I can use to take me back to the time I intially saw the film and special moments that accured during that time. This gives each film, its' own unique significance. Theaters have been torn down, many people have moved away from the old neighborhood, and some of the friends we used to hang out with at the theaters, have passed on.
Some of my fondest moments were sitting in the "Downtown Theater", which was off of Government and Joachim street in Mobile Alabama. I would often go on Sundays, because it was much quietier than Mondays (which was $1-nite). I'd always check Friday's paper to see what would be playing, then decide which day I'd go. Though, I had a number of friends, it was obvious (especially now!!) that I had a much deeper love for these films than they did. Yet, little did I know, that there were hundreds (maybe millions) around the world, who also, shared the same love of Kung-fu movies. Even women loved these films.
Obessessed? Yeah, you could say that. It's truly a hobby, that is as vast as the films that were released. While, you'll keep hearing me say - "Kung Fu Genre", a more approiate name would be "Martial-arts Genre", but, the fact that the films labeled by many names (Kung Fu, Karate , Chop-sockey, etc) Kung Fu was by far, the most popular.
BANNER ON SITE - "Looks like you need a Lesson!!" (pic of Kuan Feng from 5 Super Fighters speaking)
"If a Pictures's worth a "Thousand words", then what's a thousand pictures?" - A Million reasons to read this
The Genre began for Americans in (1973), which meant, that they had almost (3) years worth of films, that could be released to the USA. Not to mention the various Swordplay films, that were also released - Fearless Fighters/Shanghai Killers, etc...
A young man watches, helplessly, as his parents are murdered, right before his eyes. Yet, by some saving grace, his life is spared (possibly because of his youth) and now, he has no one. By chance, he meets someone, who has been trained in some form of mysterious fighting art, that allow him to protect himself, even when fighting a dozens men at a time.
He, eventually, decides to teach the young man how to take care of himself, while becoming a "father-figure" and a friend to him. The the training is tough, but, youth perseveres and becomes an excellent fighter, capable of self-preservation. Now, armed with a set of good values and a moral code (bestowed to him by his teacher), he sets out to find the people responsible for his parents murder and take revenge....
Sound familiar? This could describe hundreds (thousands) of Kung-fu films, and each with their own imprint. During the early 70's, these types of films gained such popularity with kids and adults, that Hong Kong and Taiwan began mass-producing them. They had made enough of them from 1970-72, that when they began distribution to the United States, they would ship many of their older films first. Once they saw that they could make money in various countries around the world, the "flood-gates" opened and Asian films became just as popular as Asian food, here in America.
*** Golden Harvest, having just established their studio at this time, became one of the first studios to ship films, that were actually closer to the time they were initialy made.
Fan Or Fanatic
What makes a Fanatic? One, who could watch these films over and over again, never tiring from each scene shown (at times, rewinding them, repeatedly).
With the resurgence of martial-arts films, many people have begin to seek out a number of films from the past, hoping to learn as much as they could or find elusive titles. Being a fan for over (33) years, I've seen my share of films. I've also learned a great deal about these films and since knowledge is only good if it's helpful, I decided to make a page for those who seek help in this area.
Millions of people know about these films, but few wouldn't have a clue, where to start. While it's true, that most know about Bruce Lee, there is so much more to the genre than Lee and Jackie Chan. Hopefully, these pages will help you to learn alot more about the world of kung-fu movies and the different aspects, that so many films have to offer. These sections will give you example of how you would spot certain elements and what to look for within these films.
I have also added a Glossary Of Terms, that will help you learn the lingo and familiarize you with as many aspects about these movies as possible. I will also list certain films to watch, to help you learn more about the subject that is being discussed. Being new to Kung-fu movies doesn't have to be difficult and with this information to guide you (hopefully) it won't be hard at all. Though, this section is geared towards Newbies, even those so-called Experts of the genre, might find this information helpful as well.
The Beginning
I see, said the Blindman...
To many Americans, the martial-arts genre really began in 1973, with the release of the Shaw Brothers film 5 Fingers Of Death in America. But, few realize that the short lived series - Longstreet (starring James Franciscus), gave Americans a look at the beginning of what would become the start of a new genre. The first episode, entitled: "The Way of the Intercepting Fist" - helped to re-introduced Bruce Lee to the masses.
Formerly, Kato from the Green Hornet, Lee (now) got the chance to show the principles of his art - Jeet Kune Do [Chinese translation = The Way of the Intercepting Fist] to the American people. Having just completed his first feature film - The Big Boss in Asia, thanks to his friend (and student) Stirling Silliphant, he helped Lee maintain a high-profile in the States, as his career was about to sky-rocket in Asia.
Silliphant, wrote the part of Li Tsung, specifically, for Lee. During this time, Lee was (also) in talks for his own American show, entitled - The Warrior. After much discussion, studio executives felt that because of Lee's heavy Asian accent, Americans might not be willing to except an Asian lead in a U.S. television series. They passed on him as the series star and settled on a white American actor, David Carradine, to portray an Asian character. This Longstreet episode, aired September 16, 1971; a full 5-months and 8-days before the pilot episode of show Kung Fu would premiere on U.S. televisions.
*** Ironically, Lee was in the midst of filming The Big Boss, in Thailand during this time.
Snatch the Pebble from my hand...
Kung Fu and Roots used the same music ?
Men Of The Dragon (1974)
+++ Though Kwan Tak-hing, Sek Yin-tsi, Lam Kar-sing propounded the Shaolin name, their kung fu had nothing to do with that school. The development of kung fu had to await stars like Bruce Lee, Chan Kwun-tai, Alexander Fu, etc.
On February 22, 1972, this series gave people around the world, their first look at the Shaolin Temple and its' teachings. As a youth, Kwai Chang-Caine learned not only techniques, but the Philosophy behind the training, that he was recieving at the temple. Through his sessions under the tutulage of Master Po, a senior Shaolin monk (who happened to be Blind), viewers also became students, as we simultaneously learned as Caine learned.
The show was excellent, in terms of the knowledge (Philosophy) that it imparted on the viewers, but lacked the structured training seen in Shaolin Temple films shot almost (2) years later from director Chang Cheh. The series lasted until 1975, but the training sequences seemed inferior to Hong Kong's, where these elements were (by then) common.
Compare Lee's Enter The Dragon (shot during this period, in 1973) and we see (3) important things:
- How much he had evolved. In less than (2) years (he had already became a Superstar and died)
- How much television (Kung Fu series) lacked, as far as true martial-arts were concerned
- Just how wrong they were by denying Lee this role (especially, since he had a hand in helping to pitch the show to the network).
For what it's worth, the show had an enormous fanbase and made a star out of David Carradine. It was seen around the world and was a show that millions wished would have been repeated in "reruns" a long time ago. Serious fans couldn't wait for this series to finally make it's way on to DVD, as it was a big part of their childhood.
This show preceded films like Stranger & The Gunfighter or Fists Of Shanghai Joe, both, being the predecessors of Once Upon A Time In China & America and Shanghai Noon, All were similiar in many ways, but the main premise - "an Asian martial-artist in the Old West" - was the same. Except for the mock violence, the show was a solid rating winner for it's time-slot. Carradine would later admit, that he never studied Martial-arts and wanted to pursue other acting ventures, not wanting to be known for just the one role.
The Hong Kong Connection
They Come To America
During 1969, Hong Kong began experimenting with the use of Unarmed Combat in films. This would open up a new genre and one the would stand the test of time. While the "Swordplay" genre would continue to flourish, films depicting the deadly art of "Kung Fu", made its' way to the forefront. The actors liked the fact that they didn't have to wear the "Hair-pieces" glued or secured to their head (making it even easier for audiences to recognize their favorite stars).
And while Swordplay films were limited in the various sword methods, Kung Fu had hundreds of styles and movements that could be utilized and performed in films. The studios began training their actors in Martial Arts, particularly, those that could easily be adapted for the screen. Even directors who had never thought of directing such films, began to try their hand at this new art form. When Bruce Lee hit the screen in his first kung-fu film, actors had to "step-up" their training as the market was now becoming a stepping-stone to full-fledged career.
While this new genre had caught on in Asia, Americans were just about to becoming exposed to the art of Kung Fu, through the medium of television. And, as our fascination with the martial-arts grew, we began to find out that, this phenomenon wasn't just igniting a "craze" in the United States, but the entire world. Soon everyone was grabbing their local newspaper every Friday, just to see where the newest films were being shown.
During 1969, Hong Kong began experimenting with the use of Unarmed Combat in films. This would open up a new genre and one the would stand the test of time. While the "Swordplay" genre would continue to flourish, films depicting the deadly art of "Kung Fu", made its' way to the forefront. The actors liked the fact that they didn't have to wear the "Hair-pieces" glued or secured to their head (making it even easier for audiences to recognize their favorite stars).
And while Swordplay films were limited in the various sword methods, Kung Fu had hundreds of styles and movements that could be utilized and performed in films. The studios began training their actors in Martial Arts, particularly, those that could easily be adapted for the screen. Even directors who had never thought of directing such films, began to try their hand at this new art form. When Bruce Lee hit the screen in his first kung-fu film, actors had to "step-up" their training as the market was now becoming a stepping-stone to full-fledged career.
While this new genre had caught on in Asia, Americans were just about to becoming exposed to the art of Kung Fu, through the medium of television. And, as our fascination with the martial-arts grew, we began to find out that, this phenomenon wasn't just igniting a "craze" in the United States, but the entire world. Soon everyone was grabbing their local newspaper every Friday, just to see where the newest films were being shown.
Film Genres
Kung-Fu
During the late 60's, directors ventured into a different direction than the, normally, made Swordplay films. These new films delt with Unarmed Combat, where the combatants used their hands and feet to fight with, instead of the sword. As the eras changed, so did the way people fought. Many people didn't carry swords around and in some areas, they were forbidden to have weapons. When those who did have weapons lost, dropped, or didn't have it with them, they (too) had to use their bare-hands. Thus, a new era was born.
The very first kung-fu film to be played in America, was 5 Fingers Of Death, which set records for a foreign film and started a surge of new martial-arts films, to enter the States. This genre brought in all types of kung-fu and karate films out of Asia and introduced many new stars. Soon, various studios began making similar films to be distributed to America and other countries. During the mid 80's when Shaw Bros' closed their studio, the genre died down and many started making Modern films. From 1970 - 1985 were the most pivotal years for Kung-fu films, which included Comedy, Fantasy, and Horror films.
Kung-fu Comedy
Said to have truly started in (1975), with director Liu Chia-Liang's Spiritual Boxer, the comedy element has long, been a part of a number of kung-fu (as well as Swordplay) films. The film Wits To Wits (1973), featured a Kung-fu/Comedy blend (2) years before Liu's film would hit the silver-screen. Bruce, D-Day At Macau is another film, that comes to mind. While, Liu's film showed kung-fu in a comical way that had never been shown before [spoofing things he often argued with Chang Cheh about], yet, it could hardly be considered the start of this genre. Even Bruce Lee's directorial debut - Way Of The Dragon (1972), can easily stake this claim. This early blend of Kung-fu and comedy, was the highest grossing film of (1972), beating his ultra-serious film, The Chinese Connection.
Films that showcase this
- Way Of The Dragon - 12/30/72 [Check films from (1970 - 72) ]
- Back Alley Princess (1972) +
- Wits To Wits - 05/22/74
- Spiritual Boxer - 11/28/75
- Bruce, D-Day At Macau/Little Super Man (10/12/75- 16/12/75) - $ 218,497.30
- Incredible Master Beggars
- Goose Boxer
- Kung Fu Genius
- Snake In The Eagle's Shadow
- Crack Shadow Boxers
- Return To The 36th Chamber
Martial-Art Fantasy
This genre isn't short on imagination, in fact, that's what drives it. Viewers are usually taken on a magical ride filled with an abundance of flying and mystical powers. Fighters defy gravity, sailing thru the air as they engage in mortal combat. Films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and House Of Flying Daggers fall in this category. The martial-arts in these films leaned more to the "Comic Book" type of violence, that would (eventually) take away from the real genre, that got fans hooked in the first place.
People knew that it was possible to be able to punch or kick someone in the face, but the act of Flying, was a totally different story. Fans could take the hero jumping on to a roof, before they'd ever accept him flying through the air like Superman. To be fair, there are a number of fans, who enjoy these films, but it's the "cheesy" effects that they like, not the science of the fighting. It was for this reason, that a lot of films failed at the box-ofice and the genre would, eventually, go into decline.
Films that showcase this
This genre isn't short on imagination, in fact, that's what drives it. Viewers are usually taken on a magical ride filled with an abundance of flying and mystical powers. Fighters defy gravity, sailing thru the air as they engage in mortal combat. Films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and House Of Flying Daggers fall in this category. The martial-arts in these films leaned more to the "Comic Book" type of violence, that would (eventually) take away from the real genre, that got fans hooked in the first place.
People knew that it was possible to be able to punch or kick someone in the face, but the act of Flying, was a totally different story. Fans could take the hero jumping on to a roof, before they'd ever accept him flying through the air like Superman. To be fair, there are a number of fans, who enjoy these films, but it's the "cheesy" effects that they like, not the science of the fighting. It was for this reason, that a lot of films failed at the box-ofice and the genre would, eventually, go into decline.
Films that showcase this
- Na Cha, The Great
- Bastard Swordsman
- Demon Of The Lute
- Buddha's Palms
- Holy Flame Of The Martial World
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Martial-Art Horror
As with any Horror films,this genre deals with the macabre and the evil that people are capable of. From Snakes to Hopping-Ghosts (Mao Shan Magic), these films offer viewers a chance to test their nerve (and stomachs) with some of the most tasteless scenes that you could imagine. The film Affection and The Devil (1974) is actually a fore-runner to many of today's Ghost/Horror films, in Asia.
While, I'm not a big fan of the "Martial-arts/Horror" genre, films like Encounters Of The Spooky Kind, The Dead & The Deadly, and the "Mr. Vampire" series, get high marks, because of the abundance of Kung-fu, displayed in them. I'm an avid Horror fan (Hammer films, etc..), but Asia's mix of Kung-fu & Horror, didn't translate as well, as straight-forward kung-fu action. I understood, what they were trying to do, but pre-90's Asian horror films, just weren't scary (to me).
Films that showcase this
- Blood Reincarnation - '74 - Ting Shan-Si
- Hex
- 9 Demons
- Mr. Vampire
- Black Magic
- Boxer's Omen
- Human Skin Lanterns
Samurai Films
This is the use of the Sword, in films made in Japan. The sword itself is called a Katana and the people that carried them were called Samurai. The phrase was coined to categorize these films which are actually known as Chambara (Japanese Action Genre). Though Chinese sword-styles are hundreds of years old, these films had a great impact upon Hong Kong directors in the early 60's. Such films as Come Drink With Me, Golden Swallow, and the One-Armed Swordsman, evolved from this film genre.
*** I felt that this genre should be included, because it was often found in many storylines that dealt with a number of kung-fu films. Samurai (Japanese), were often used as the other foreigners, who sought to prove superiority against various kung-fu stylists. Many kung-fu fans have found some Samurai-related films, just as interesting, while learning to appreciate another martial-art form. While, not as flamboyant as kung-fu films, Samurai films offer a different perspective to the fighting arts. It, also, gave the viewer an in-depth look at a genre, that helped spur the Swordplay Genre, which (eventually) led to the Kung-fu craze.
Films that showcase this
- Lone Wolf and Cub series
- Zatoichi series
- Broken Sword
- Shogun's Shadow
- Bandits Vs Samurai Squadron
Chinese Swordplay Films
The popularity of Japanese Samurai Films, led Shaw Bros' to pattern their films after these films. This lead to the Chinese version of sword films, which had a smoothier flare about them. Japanese swordplay was straight-forward, with no wasted movements. Samurai kept their strikes, manly, in the neck and torso area. Chinese swordplay, brought with it, movements that were used to manuver a person out of position, in order to send a strike (virtually) anywhere. The use of the Sword in Chinese films made in Hong Kong soon sky-rocketed.
Their popularity led to a new genre in Chinese cinema back in the mid 60's. Director King Hu had helped to establish the genre in its' early stages, later popularizing it in Taiwan. Later, in Hong Kong, director Chu Yuan would take the genre to another level. He would help to bring the novels of Ku Long? and Yu Ling? to life, while going on to make some of the most spectacular Swordplay films around. His use of "Martial World" themes, set to exqusite backgrounds and intriguing characters, help to elevate his name as the leader in such films.
Films that showcase this
The popularity of Japanese Samurai Films, led Shaw Bros' to pattern their films after these films. This lead to the Chinese version of sword films, which had a smoothier flare about them. Japanese swordplay was straight-forward, with no wasted movements. Samurai kept their strikes, manly, in the neck and torso area. Chinese swordplay, brought with it, movements that were used to manuver a person out of position, in order to send a strike (virtually) anywhere. The use of the Sword in Chinese films made in Hong Kong soon sky-rocketed.
Their popularity led to a new genre in Chinese cinema back in the mid 60's. Director King Hu had helped to establish the genre in its' early stages, later popularizing it in Taiwan. Later, in Hong Kong, director Chu Yuan would take the genre to another level. He would help to bring the novels of Ku Long? and Yu Ling? to life, while going on to make some of the most spectacular Swordplay films around. His use of "Martial World" themes, set to exqusite backgrounds and intriguing characters, help to elevate his name as the leader in such films.
Films that showcase this
- Come Drink With Me
- Magic Blade
- One-Armed Swordsman
- A Touch Of Zen
- Killer Clans
- Sentimental Swordsman
Film Studios
Shaw Brothers
The #1 studio for most kung-fu fans. Their storylines and costumed dramas helped to shape kung-fu films in general. The first kung-fu film to premire in America - 5 Fingers Of Death, came from their studio. They made strides in various film genres and produced a number of stars and starlets. Once actors were signed to a multi-year contract, they would lived in dormitory-type apartments on studio grounds and were paid a monthly fee.
When they started showing kung-fu films on television back in the early 80's, it was the Shaw Bros' films that were mostly shown. This was yet, another way Americans got to know their work. The studio closed in 1985, but are still widely known and respected by fans around the world. With the remastering of their film library, many can now rediscover countless Shaw Bros' films (many unreleased for years) in their true widescreen format, in immaculate quality.
Cathay Films
Initially, Shaw Brothers chief rival in the film business, they churned out numerous fine films. They also excelled in Dramas and Musicals before delving into the Swordplay genre. Following the death of their owner (Loke), many say, they lost footing and never fully recovered. Most of the older stars from their roster would eventually go to Shaw Brothers.
Before their demise, the studio released the film From The Highway (1970), considered the first authentic Kung-fu film ever made. In their heyday, the studio was one of the most respected film companies in the business and gave countless stars their start in films. Their knack for turning out quality films cannot be overlooked in any genre.
Golden Harvest
Former Shaw Bros' employee Raymond Chow broke away from the studio when it was apparent he would not become a partner at the studio. He established Golden Harveststudios in 1970, aquiring the property of the then defunct Cathay Films. Established Shaw stars such as Jimmy Wang-Yu, as well as, directors Lo Wei, Chang Ching-Ho, and others, left with Chow.
The studio took off, after signing (then unknown), Bruce Lee, to a contract as his films broke box-office records around the world. In the late 70's they signed Jackie Chan, thus cementing their place as one of Hong Kong's top studios. Though Shaw Bros' dominated them with sheer output, Golden Harvest would eventually gain the edge money-wise, because of Chow's keen sense of International marketing and distribution.
Independent Studios
These companies gave stuntmen and up & coming actors, a greater chance to advance their careers much quicker, then places like Shaw Brothers or Golden Harvest (who preferred to work with more established stars). Actors like Cheung Nick, San Kuai, Fong Yeh, and Li Chao; were all given bigger roles by Independant companies, helping them gain more exposure. Chen Sing is one example. He worked at Shaw Brothers, receiving small roles here & there. It seemed to me, the better he got, the smaller his roles became -- films like; The Heroics Ones, New One-Armed Swordsman, and The Deadly Duo. The biggest role he had at the studio, came courtesy of longtime friend, Jimmy Wang-Yu, in The Chinese Boxer. Having taken cues from Wang, he decided to try his hand elsewhere.
Once he left the studio, he became a breakout star in such films as - Kung Fu, The Invisible Fist, The Bloody Fists, The Black List , Kung Fu, The Head-Crusher, The Black Panther, and Shaolin Warrior -- all as the lead Hero (something he could never acheived at Shaw Brothers). Later, Golden Harvest took the chance to sign him by "Per-picture" deals with the films - Iron-Fisted Monk, The Himalayan, The Shaolin Plot, and Naked Comes The Huntress. He later, became one of the most in-demand character actors in the business; rivaled only by the likes of friends - Lo Lieh, Chang Yi, and Jimmy Wang-Yu.
These were the companies that were established by the capital (money) of those who sought to by-pass major studio politics and pressures. They had no conglumerates, backers, or shareholders to deal with. Many had dreams of studio ownership, while others, mostly saw the chance to make a quick profit. Companies would just spring up at the "Drop of a Hat" and basically, anyone with the money could do so. Through these companies, virtual unknowns (actors and stuntmen), found it possible to make a name for themselves, in their quest for stardom.
Everyone [from directors to entrepreneurs], tried their hands at owning their own studio. Having worked for major studios like Shaw Brothers or Golden Harvest, they knew the inner-workings and day-to-day operations of studio-life. This made them a viable part of a system, that they controlled themselves. While, Hong Kong was a thriving place to do business, Taiwan, was the place to make a considerable amount of money, fast. As a result, a great deal of films, were shot in Taiwan.
Independent studios like First Films, Seasonal, and Goldig were a few of the studios that showed staying power, while, other companies quickly folded, just as fast as they had started. Pretty soon, these studios became just as important (if not more), as the major ones. Actors could earn more money or revitalize their careers at these studios a lot easier, than dealing with built-in studio systems, where they couldn't negotiate their salaries and had no input in the films they made.