{"id":8197,"date":"2015-12-11T12:08:58","date_gmt":"2015-12-11T17:08:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hardwoodandhollywood.com\/pop-culture-spin\/?p=8197"},"modified":"2015-12-11T12:08:58","modified_gmt":"2015-12-11T17:08:58","slug":"10-best-martial-arts-films-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hardwoodandhollywood.com\/pop-culture-spin\/2015\/12\/11\/10-best-martial-arts-films-time\/","title":{"rendered":"10 of the Best Martial Arts Films Ever"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MartialSome martial arts films generally feature minimal plot lines with most of the focus on the action, while other ones\u00a0showcase complexity and creativity\u00a0to follow the action sequences. Even though martial arts films have been produced worldwide, Hong Kong has dominated the film genre with the rise of Bruce Lee from 1971 until the early 90\u2019s when the genre saw a decline in interest.<\/p>\n

Other\u00a0international figures\u00a0include Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, and Jet Li. Hollywood has taken notice of these films and introduced American audiences to some well known actors such as Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jason Statham, and Wesley Snipes. Below are\u00a010 of the best\u00a0martial arts films ever. They’re placed in no particular order.<\/p>\n

Undisputed 2<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Undisputed
\nAlthough it was a direct-to-DVD release, Undisputed II: Last Man Standing<\/em> is not watched for its interesting plot, however, the film is watched for the good action sequences. These action sequences are performed by the two main stars, Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins, both of whom are martial artists in their own right. Adkins\u2019 character would later go on to star in another sequel, Undisputed III: Redemption<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Bloodsport<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Bloodsport\"
\nIn the film that introduced Jean Claude Van-Damme to the world, this has become a cult classic. It is known for Van Damme\u2019s athletic abilities, specifically a complete split and jump spinning heel kicks. Bloodsport <\/em>is a film that certifies martial arts as blockbuster action cinema.\u00a0It\u00a0has spawned three sequels (none of which starred Van Damme) as well as a remake.<\/p>\n

Kickboxer<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Kickboxer\"
\nKickboxer<\/em> involved Van Damme\u2019s character Kurt Sloane avenging the assault on his brother, who was left paralyzed from the waist down following a match with an aggressive opponent. This film just further seals Van Damme\u2019s status as a martial artist. Kickboxer<\/em> also spawned several sequels with a reboot currently in production.<\/p>\n

The Transporter<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"The
\nJason Statham starred as a driver for hire who transports good with no questions asked. The Transporter<\/em> was inspired by BMW Films The Hire<\/em> series, where Clive Owen starred in a similar role. It may not technically be an martial arts movie, but it has\u00a0ass kicking\u00a0galore and Statham\u00a0needs to be\u00a0somewhere on this list. Statham performed all his own stunts, given his training in Wing Chun kung fu, kickboxing, and karate. There is one scene where Statham\u2019s character tiptoes with bicycle pedals across an oil spill, where he roundhouses every bad guy in his vicinity.<\/p>\n

Man of Tai Chi<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Man
\nMan of Tai Chi<\/em> was Keanu Reeves\u2019 directorial debut. The film is partially inspired by Reeves\u2019 friend, stuntman Tiger Chen; Chen stars as the main character in the film. The film is exactly what you thought it was once you saw who directed it. Reeves said they created their own version of Tai Chi because he didn\u2019t want experts to call them out for mixing styles.<\/p>\n

Hero<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Hero\"
\nHero<\/em> was Jet Li\u2019s return to a film produced by mainland China. The film received favorable reviews with critics, holding a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Hero<\/em> is memorable in that the martial artists demonstrate the proper footwork and accurate counter attacks.<\/p>\n

Above the Law<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Above
\nAbove the Law<\/em> was Steven Seagal\u2019s debut onto the big screen. Because of Seagal\u2019s martial arts background, his character Nico Toscani utilizes flinging people into objects or twisting the body into unusual positions. This film set the standard for most Seagal films: minimal plots and decent action sequences.<\/p>\n

Blood and Bone<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Blood
\nBlood and Bone<\/em> is a direct-to-DVD film and stars several MMA fighters (Bob Sapp, Kimbo Slice, and Gina Carano) and some martial artists (Matt Mullins and Michael Jai White). Although the film lacks a coherent storyline, viewers would watch the film for the orchestrated martial arts stunts. Michael Jai White does a great job in getting consideration as an action star.<\/p>\n

Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Ong-Bak\"
\nOng-Bak<\/em> (also known as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior<\/em> in the US) proved to be Tony Jaa\u2019s breakout role and utilizes Jaa\u2019s Muay-Thai skills as well as his natural acrobatic abilities. The film spawned two prequels: Ong-Bak 2<\/em> and Ong-Bak 3<\/em>. Tony Jaa became a world-famous martial arts star following this film.<\/p>\n

Way of the Dragon<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Way
\nWay of the Dragon<\/em> (also known as Return of the Dragon<\/em> in the US) was written, produced, and\u00a0directed by Bruce Lee. There is one thing viewers will be able to take away from the film: the holy grail of martial arts battles, Bruce Lee versus Chuck Norris (a Chuck Norris joke comes to mind). The film has garnered a rating of 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.<\/p>\n

Although some martial arts films feature minimal plots, the choreographed fight sequences more than make up for it. Some of the most well-known martial artists include Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris, and Bruce Lee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Some martial arts films generally feature minimal plot lines with most of the focus on the action, while other ones\u00a0showcase complexity and creativity\u00a0to follow the action sequences. Even though martial arts films have been produced worldwide, Hong Kong has dominated the film genre with the rise of Bruce Lee from 1971 until the early 90\u2019s<\/p>\n

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