History of Martial Arts Films
The first martial arts film began in Hong Kong, China, in the early 1900s. During this time, western cultures influences were predominant in the country causing a decline in traditional value and practices. As a result, early cinematic was artificial and held inauthentic elements depicting sword sorcerers as characters wielding magical abilities such as flying through the air. In 1928, The Burning of the Red Lotus Monastery was the first major success in this genre of film. However, the cinematic changed drastically over the years, expressing a better quality of acting with the traditional martial arts, and the addition of sound.
Wong Fei Hong Films
Known as a legendary folk hero, Wong Fei Hong died in 1924. However this famous martial artist and doctor's memory lives on long after his death through films. Approximately 62 films of Wong Fei Hong were produced from 1949 to 1959. These Cantonese films helped created the need for martial arts instructors in the production process, while also promoting, documenting and preserving the authentic Chinese martial arts forms. Wong Fei Hong films used genuine weapons and the proper use of martial arts forms, while portraying moralistic messages and righteous values.
Wu Xia Pian
Wu Xia Pian , also known as Wuxia, were the next popular style martial arts films from the 1960 to 1980. These types of martial arts films were often set in ancient China that portrayed a lot of violent sword play, dishonor and chivalry. The heroes of these genres were no lords, nor did they serve them or were noble militants. They were the underdogs fighting for the underdogs of lower class Chinese society. They set out to right the wrongs that were done by the oppressor.
Mandarin Films
In the 1960s, Mandarin martial arts filmmakers, originally based in Shanghai region, moved over to Hong Kong and took over the Hong Kong Cantonese movie industry. The Mandarin filmmakers did not like the glorified violence of the Wu Xia Pian films, and instead moved toward a more romantic tone in martial arts. The Mandarin filmmakers rose to the challenge by successfully incorporating special effects. Around this same time, the Japanese Samurai influence came about in the movie, "Magnificent Trio."
Kung Fu Films
When people mention kung fu films, most naturally think of actor Bruce Lee, and rightly so. In the 1970s, these films brought out a more authentic and credible form of martial arts. The themes of these films focused more on vindication, training and victory, pushed the film industry toward unarmed combat rather than the sword play in earlier martial arts films. Most of the film directors were unfamiliar with martial arts techniques, and therefore required assistance from martial arts instructors. With the success of the Bruce Lee films, Chinese martial arts films started on an international rise.
Current Films
Martial arts films of today still use the authentic martial arts forms. However, a new theme has been added to the martial arts films. With the introduction of Jackie Chan, comedy was added to these martial arts films in the late 1970s. Jackie Chan movies were deeply rooted in the style of classic kung fu, however, he also added a comedy element that has transformed the genre into several mainstream movie hits.
