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14 Martial Arts Movies Every Guy Should See

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Few things are as delectably enjoyable as martial arts films. You can turn most on half way through and still get glued to your couch. You coast along with the plot (as awful as it can be at times) eagerly anticipating the next fight scene. Great martial arts flicks, however, combine awesome combat with a story that actually makes it worth the down time between roundhouse kicks. Here are 14 every guys should see.

Ip Man

The fight scenes in Ip Man are so devastatingly awesome, you’ll want to start training in Wing Chun as soon as the credits roll. Bruce Lee’s mentor, as played by Donnie Yen, is soft-spoken, kind, and insanely badass when it comes to combat. Ip Man is not just a watch-worthy flick because of the great fight scenes, but it’s also an

interesting historical look at the world Ip Man lived in and what life was like in 1930’s Southern China. Plus, any dude who trained Bruce Lee must be pretty decent, right? Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix Instant Netflix DVD

Hero

For as awesome as Jet Li is, a lot of his films fall short for us. Hero is one major exception (along with Once Upon a Time in China). The first thing you’ll notice about Hero is the sheer beauty of it. Not just the choreographed fight scenes, but just the overall look. It’s stunning. In fact, it’s the only time we can recall watching a plethora of arrows fly towards someone’s cranium and thinking how beautiful it is. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

Enter the Dragon

Not including any Bruce Lee movies on this list would be ridiculous. While some might argue that The Chinese Connection should be the choice, we just can’t not choose Enter the Dragon. Is it the greatest story ever told? No. Does it feature Bruce Lee destroying a substantial series of evil-doers? Yes. For that alone, it’s just awesome. Amazon iTunesNetflix DVD

Ong-Bak

Some of the kicks in Ong-Bak will leave you checking your own jaw to see if it got shattered to pieces from some sort of weird osmosis. The film, which mostly showcases Muay Thai, is the standout project from the incredible Tony Jaa, and definitetly worth a watch. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix Instant Netflix DVD

Brotherhood of the Wolf

When you think French movies, you think passionate romances, artsy flicks that go over your head, and plenty of baguettes. You don’t think martial arts. And while Brotherhood of the Wolf isn’t a straight-up martial arts movie (it isn’t a straight-up any kind of movie, actually), it is a serious piece of entertainment. It’s one of those movies you just put on and enjoy without letting your brain get to wrapped up in what’s going on. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before and it’s damn entertaining. Netflix DVD

13 Assassins

The scheming and strategy, the David vs. Goliath aspect, and the kickass battles make 13 Assassins a treat for samurai fans. Actually, it’s a treat for movie fans in general, because, unlike some martial arts films, there’s actually some grandiose scope aside from the standard action scenes. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix Instant Netflix DVD

The Man From Nowhere

It can be challenging at times to determine what is and what isn’t a true martial arts movie. Like, what do you do when lots of the action involves gun fights but there is still martial arts involved? While The Man from Nowhere walks that fine line, we put it on this list for two good reasons: 1) It’s unbelievably awesome, and 2) The fight scene with the eyeball in a jar. That’s all we’ll say. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix Instant Netflix DVD

Kung Fu Hustle

Martial arts movies don’t always have to be dead serious, in fact, they don’t always have to be serious at all. Kung Fu Hustle won’t be confused for a Bruce Lee epic, but it’s definitely a must watch. It’s so absurdly ridiculous that you almost miss how awesome the fighting is. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

Once Upon a Time in China

The first in a trilogy, Once Upon a Time in China really introduced many to the skills of Jet Li. It also happens to combine incredible fight scenes with a large-scale story that will keep you interested for the 2+ hours. Netflix DVD

Kill Bill Vol. 1

No subtitles! Okay, watching Kill Bill Vol 1 is not pleasurable just because you don’t have do any reading, it just happens to be a kickass martial arts flick from a dude who knows a thing or two about violence on film. It’s one of the few films with a female protagonist and the only film on this list that involves sick moves with a nonstick frying pan. iTunes Netflix DVD

Iron Monkey

Think of Iron Monkey as Robin Hood without the goofy tights. An unknown hero steals from the rich, only he doesn’t challenge enemies to archery contests, he just beats the crap out of them. The fighting is choreographed by the same dude who worked on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Matrix, plus, it’s got Donnie Yen in it, which is always a positive. iTunes Netflix DVD

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The fame of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is warranted. Ang Lee’s epic is visually stunning. It feels like you’re watching a kickass fairy tale meant for adults. Oh, and there’s tree fighting. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

The Legend of Drunken Master

Finally a Jackie Chan movie for the list. Not only that, but a Jackie Chan movie where he gains his fighting ability by drinking. The script writes itself! The film features some of the funniest/coolest fight scenes you’ll ever see. Just don’t pound Maker’s Mark and try to fight after watching it. Netflix DVD

Seven Samurai

This list wouldn’t be complete without the movie many consider the greatest martial arts/samurai film of all time. It’s a movie that spawned so many remakes and offshoots, that you just know without watching it that it will be good. Well, it is good, and, in fact, far, far better than good. Don’t let the black and white and subtitles stop you from watching this masterpiece. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

Top 20 Martial Arts Films of All TimePosted By creid On December 10, 2012 @ 4:00 am In Martial Art Movies | 7 Comments

Twenty-first century kung fu [1] film fans are more aware and appreciative of good movies than their ancestors ever were. There are three main reason for this: the mainstream success of Chinese-language martial arts films such as Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Zhang Yimou’s Hero and House of Flying Daggers in the West; the use of stylized Hong Kong action in Hollywood blockbusters; and the international success of Jackie Chan [2], Jet Li [3], Michelle Yeoh and their cohorts.

Learn even more martial arts movie trivia with this FREE Guide!Our Bruce Lee Movies List: Little-Known Trivia From Bruce Lee’s Pictures [4].

Because of their current status in the American martial arts community, Black Belt asked me to devise a list of the top 20 martial arts movies [5] of all time. The result is this article. Movies were included based on their impact on martial arts cinema, as well as their choreography.

Before jumping into the list, however, I’ll note a few honorable mentions:

Crouching Tiger for giving small-town America a view of the wu xia world of martial arts films

Kung Fu vs. Yoga for … well, you just can’t ignore a guy who’s capable of whipping his right leg up across his back and kicking over his left shoulder to strike the face of a man standing in front of him

Magnificent Butcher for what’s arguably Sammo Hung’s best fight performance The Sword of Doom for being the best samurai film ever made Once Upon a Time in China for resurrecting the legend of Huang Fei-hung, for defining Jet

Li and for introducing the world to the “Hong Kong kick” Armor of Gods for featuring in its final fight four of Jackie Chan’s skinny Chinese stuntmen

doubling four large-bosomed black women. You’ve got to love it.

Martial Arts Movie #20 – One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

[6]

One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

At a time when musicals and romances overshadowed action films and women ruled the Hong Kong silver screen, legendary director Chang Cheh burst onto the scene with One-Armed Swordsman. This riveting revenge thriller, filled with themes of heroic bloodshed and violence, reversed the Cantonese and Mandarin starlet-entrenched cinematic trends. It was also a pivotal transition between wu xia movies and kung fu films, and it introduced the world to the stoically charismatic Jimmy Wong Yu.

Martial Arts Movie #19 – Ong-Bak (2003)

[7]

Ong-Bak (2003)

This Thai Film Festival award winner starring Tony Jaa [8] (Robin Shou’s stunt double in Mortal Kombat [9]: Annihilation) is not only the first martial arts flick to feature a highly stylized version of Thai kickboxing, but the bone-crunching stunts and full-contact body attacks are also a noncomedic throwback to Jackie Chan’s films from the mid-1980s. It hurts to watch this movie, but it brings back great memories of why we used to love Hong Kong action.

Martial Arts Movie #18 – Legend of the Fox (1979)

[10]

Legend of the Fox (1979)

After acclaimed director Chang Cheh made The Five Venoms (1978), he made 18 other films with the same actors, in which each took turns being the villain, the hero and the fight choreographer. Any of those 18 movies could occupy this spot, but Legend of the Fox gets the nod for its far-out, ultra-intricate pugilistic scenes and weapon sequences, as well as its strict adherence to the true brotherhood that’s supposed to exist among martial artists — even those who are adversaries. Chang is one of the very few martial arts directors who consistently captured this spirit.

Martial Arts Movie #17 – Three Evil Masters (1980)

[11]

Three Evil Masters (1980)

Although Masters stars the legendary Chen Kuan-tai, fans are in for a real treat with the film debut of Yuen Tak playing the downtrodden kung fu student Ko Chien. Yuen is Jackie Chan’s kung fu classmate, and according to fellow classmate Corey Yuen, Yuen Tak’s kung fu skills are considered the best among the “Seven Little Fortunes.” The final fights are sharply intense and brilliantly staged, especially the weapons battle between Yuen Tak and Shaw Brothers perennial villain Wang Lung-wei.

Martial Arts Movie #16 – Prodigal Son (1981)

[12]

Prodigal Son (1981)

Directed by Sammo Hung, this learn-martial-arts-for-revenge film is considered the best wing chun [13] movie ever. Although it stars Hung and Yuen Biao, it’s the ambiguous, stalwart performance of and use of wing chun by the late Lam Ching-ying that steal the show as he effortlessly glides through each fight scene like an Olympic ice skater. Lam’s female opera-character performance is also outstanding.

Martial Arts Movie #15 – The Shaolin Temple (1980)

[14]

The Shaolin Temple (1980)

Based on a semi-true story of how Shaolin [15] monks rescued the first emperor of the Tang dynasty, The Shaolin Temple was not only Jet Li’s cinematic debut but also the first martial arts epic made in mainland China since the Communist takeover. The film was instrumental in introducing wushu to film fans around the world. However, its most important impact was the reinstatement of the cultural value and historicity of Shaolin Temple.

Martial Arts Movie #14 – Drunken Master (1978)

[16]

Drunken Master (1978)

It’s considered the vehicle that launched Jackie Chan on the path to superstardom. When Golden Harvest realized Jackie Chan couldn’t, wouldn’t and shouldn’t be the next Bruce Lee, they teamed him up with director Yuen Woo-ping to create the first film to show drunken kung fu [1], which was taught to Jackie Chan by Yuen’s father, Yuen Xiao-tian. The senior Yuen also played Jackie Chan’s beggar teacher in the movie. Kung fu comedy was secured.

Go behind the scenes of Bruce Lee’s final film with this FREE download!Bruce Lee Movies: The Making of Enter the Dragon [17].

Martial Arts Movie #13 – The Blade (1993)

[18]

The Blade (1993)

Although not well-received by Hong Kong audiences, Tsui Hark’s visceral retelling of One-Armed Swordsman is an engaging, violent, revenge-begetting-revenge story starring the enigmatic Zhao Wen-zhuo (the man who replaced Jet Li in Tsui’s Once Upon a Time in China films) battling the maniacal Xiong Xin-xin. Fight director Yuen Bing’s action is a dazzling display of clanging swords, swirling flames, billowing smoke and gut-wrenching sequences of flesh hacking and whacking that will leave you breathless.

Martial Arts Movie #12 – Zu: Warriors From Magic Mountain (1982)

[19]

Zu: Warriors From Magic Mountain (1982)

This movie started the “fant-Asia” film craze, a mixture of horror, fantasy and science fiction with over-the-top martial arts action. It also initiated the now-prominent “wire-fu” action as created by Hong Kong’s Ching Siu-tung. Zu gracefully intertwines Chinese myth, brilliant special effects and comic-book action. It’s a roller coaster of magic, giant world-protector deities, killer poltergeists and supernatural heroes sporting phenomenal fighting skills.

Martial Arts Movie #11 – Moon Warriors (1993)

[20]

Moon Warriors (1993)

Ching Siu-tung is renowned for making non-martial artists look like the best fighters and swordsmen in the history of mankind. That skill is never more evident than in Moon Warriors, a film filled with Canto-pop stars such as Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung and Andy Lau. Ching works steel slashing into pure magic, and just when you think Hong Kong movies can’t get any more outrageous, there’s a fight scene featuring a real killer whale.

Martial Arts Movie #10 – Police Story (1985)

[21]

Police Story (1985)

Just when Hong Kong martial arts movies were all beginning to look the same, Jackie Chan came along with Police Story. It gave the industry a face-lift by creating a whole new style of martial arts movies called wu da pian — a genre that mixed contemporary themes, fast-paced choreography, and the most dangerous and amazing stunts ever put on film. With no wires, no doubles and no holding back, Police Story cemented Jackie Chan as one of the world’s greatest stuntmen.

Martial Arts Movie #9 – Tai-Chi Master [22] (1993)

[23]

Tai-Chi Master (1993)

Although Jet Li will be remembered mostly for portraying folk hero Wong Fei-hung in the Once Upon a Time in China series, it’s his role as tai chi founder Chang San-feng (also spelled Zhang San-feng) in Tai-Chi Master that flaunts his best fighting performance to date. Directed by Yuen Woo-ping and featuring some superb fighting from Michelle Yeoh, this movie would have done much better a few years earlier because at the time of its release, the style of film had run its course.

Martial Arts Movie #8 – Martial Club (1980)

[24]

Martial Club (1980)

Liu Chia-liang — whose first directed film Spiritual Boxer (1978) started the kung fu-comedy genre — helmed Martial Club, which stars Gordon Liu Chia-hui as Huang Fei-hong and includes a rare appearance by Wang Lung-wei as a nonvillain. The final conflict involving those two — which takes place within the confines of a 3-foot-wide alley and without wires — beautifully depicts the effectiveness of hung gar kung fu in tight spaces. This fight inspired Jet Li’s bathroom battle sequence in his latest film, Unleashed.

Martial Arts Movie #7 – Duel to the Death (1983)

[25]

Duel to the Death (1983)

Directed by the father of wire-fu, Ching Siu-tung, this film blurs the line between the real and the supernatural. The villains are ninja who seem neither human nor poltergeist. Ching’s swordplay action is said by some to have honed decapitation into a fine art and by others to have plunged human vegematics to the depths of beauteous slaughter. No one has ever done a ninja film that comes close to this one.

Martial Arts Movie #6 – Swordsman II (1992)

[26]

Swordsman II (1992)

Starring Jet Li as the title character, this mesmerizing film from director Ching Siu-tung gave “creative carnage” a new meaning while raising the sword-and-sorcery genre from the hollows of selfish individualism. It pays homage to the classic Chinese swordplay epics of yesteryear with imaginative special effects, meticulously choreographed fight scenes and acrobatics that defy the laws of gravity. It’s a fine example of a movie that combines entertainment with spiritual substance, in which good battles evil and high-vaulting villains distinguish themselves as champions of the lowly. Ching’s Swordsman I and Swordsman III were also popular.

Martial Arts Movie #5 – Come Drink With Me (1965)

[27]

Come Drink With Me (1965)

This classic directed by the legendary King Hu stars kung fu’s first screen queen, Cheng Pei-pei. She plays the mysterious swordswoman Golden Swallow, who tries to free a kidnapped official held in a Buddhist monastery. It set new standards for martial arts movies as its 20-year-old star became the most renowned kung fu heroine in martial arts cinema history. With fight direction by Hang Ying-jie (the big boss in Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss), Come Drink With Me inspired Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which is why Ang Lee insisted on casting Cheng as the treacherous Jade Fox.

Martial Arts Movie #4 – Legendary Weapons of China (1982)

[28]

Legendary Weapons of China (1982)

The best pure martial arts director of all time, Liu Chia-liang stars and directs himself as Lei Gong, a Chinese boxer who quits an evil sect of martial artists who think they can stop bullets from Western guns. The final 10-minute fight between the 50-year-old Liu and his real brother, Liu Chia-rong, features the most outstanding and authentic Chinese weapons choreography in the history of the genre. Each weapon is clearly demonstrated in one continuous scene that you wish would never end.

Martial Arts Movie #3 – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1977)

[29]

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1977)

Liu Chia-liang directs his adoptive brother, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, as an anti-Ching-dynasty rebel in the first Shaolin film to reveal the secret training methods of the temple. This award-winning work changed the direction of all subsequent Shaolin movies as it chronicled Gordon Liu Chia-hui’s character as it changes from a simple-minded, unskilled fighter into one of Shaolin’s greatest real-life heroes, monk San Te. The 36th Chamber also signaled the start of a new genre of martial arts films known as guo shu pian, which was solidified by The Five Venoms.

Martial Arts Movie #2 – The Chinese Connection (1972)

[30]

The Chinese Connection (1972)

Bruce Lee [31] rocketed into superstardom with this movie. It sparked a tidal wave of nationalism among the world’s Chinese population as its hero single-handedly defeats the shadow of Japanese domination. Loosely based on the real-life death of the legendary martial artist Huo Yuan-chia, the scene in which Bruce Lee kicks seven opponents in one unedited shot in a Japanese karate school altered the direction of fight choreography forever.

Martial Arts Movie #1 – Drunken Master II (1994)

[32]

Drunken Master II (1994)

Jackie Chan reprises his portrayal of the legendary Huang Fei-hung in this sequel, which far surpasses the 1978 original. He battles traitors smuggling Chinese historical artifacts into the hands of the British. The final brawl with Ken Lo in the warehouse and the spear-and-sword fight with 60-year-old actor/director Liu Chia-liang under a train once and for all show why Jackie Chan is the best when it comes to using his environment in cinematic battles.

About the Author:Dr. Craig D. Reid [33] is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Movies of the 1970s: 500+ Films Loaded With Action, Weapons and Warriors [34].

Article printed from Black Belt: http://www.blackbeltmag.com

URL to article: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts-entertainment/martial-art-movies/top-20-martial-arts-films-of-all-time/

Cinema's Best Martial Arts Movies

As Kung Fu Panda 2 kicks into theaters this extended weekend, we rank the best, most kick-ass reviewed martial arts of all time.

MRQE Metric

1

Seven Samurai (1954)

Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Yoshio Inaba, Seiji Miyaguchi, Minoru Chiaki

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Synopsis: Akira Kurosawa's epic tale concerns honor and duty during a time when the old traditional order is breaking down. The film opens with master samura... [MORE]

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96

MRQE Metric

2

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Cast: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Lung Sihung

Director: Ang Lee

Synopsis: Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee took a break from making Western period dramas to fashion this wild and woolly martial arts spectacular featuring speci... [MORE]

Rate it!

85

3

Akira (1988)

Cast: Mitsuo Iwara, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Taro Ishida

Director: Katsuhiro Otomo

Synopsis: One of the most influential examples of anime, Akira is based on the manga (comic book) by Katsuhiro Otomo. The story is set in the post-apocalypti... [MORE]

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84

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4

Hero (2002)

Cast: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung, Chen Daoming, Donnie Yen

Director: Zhang Yimou

Synopsis: Hero is two-time Academy Award nominee Zhang Yimou's directorial attempt at exploring the concept of a Chinese hero. During the peak of their Warri... [MORE]

Rate it!

83

5

The Matrix (1999)

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Hugo Weaving

Director: Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski

Synopsis: What if virtual reality wasn't just for fun, but was being used to imprison you? That's the dilemma that faces mild-mannered computer jockey Thomas... [MORE]

Rate it!

79

MRQE Metric

6

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

Cast: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Gordon Liu

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Synopsis: Quentin Tarantino's sprawling homage to action films of both the East and the West reaches its conclusion in this continuation of 2003's ultra-viol... [MORE]

Rate it!

78

7

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Cast: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Synopsis: Perhaps the most highly anticipated film of 2003, Kill Bill Vol. 1 marked the return of renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino after a six-year hiatu... [MORE]

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78

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8

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Cast: Stephen Chow, Huang Sheng Yi, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu, Chan Kwok Kwan

Director: Stephen Chow

Synopsis: The work of international superstar Stephen Chow, Kung Fu Hustle is a humorous, special-effects-filled, action-packed martial arts epic set in earl... [MORE]

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77

9

Fist of Legend (1994)

Cast: Jet Li, Chin Siu-hou, Yasuaki Kurata, Ada Choi, Billy Chow

Director: Gordon Chan

Synopsis: Jet Li stars in this historical Hong Kong action film, as Chen Zhen, a Chinese student in Japan in the 1920s. When his master is killed during the ... [MORE]

Rate it!

76

MRQE Metric

10

Enter the Dragon (1973)

Cast: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Shih Kien, Bob Wall

Director: Robert Clouse

Synopsis: One of the most popular kung fu films ever, and perhaps the peak of the famed Bruce Lee's career, Enter the Dragon achieved success by presenting a... [MORE]

Rate it!

75

11

Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

Cast: Jet Li, Biao Yuen, Rosamund Kwan, Jacky Cheung, Steve Tartalia

Director: Tsui Hark

Synopsis: Though generally unknown to Western audiences, Tsui Hark is considered a giant among Asian filmmakers and this exceptional epic, combining hard-hit... [MORE]

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74

MRQE Metric

12

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu

Director: John Stevenson, Mark Osborne

Synopsis: A clumsy panda bear becomes an unlikely kung fu hero when a treacherous enemy spreads chaos throughout the countryside in this animated martial art... [MORE]

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74

13

Ong-bak (2003)

Cast: Tony Jaa, Petchthai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Rungrawee Borrijindakul, Chetwut Wacharakun

Director: Prachya Pinkaew

Rate it!

74

MRQE Metric

14

The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Cheung Chi-Kwong, Ho Wing-Fong, Mark Houghton, Chin Kar Lok

Director: Lau Kar-Leung

Synopsis: Jackie Chan returns in one of his greatest roles in this action-comedy sequel to his 1978 Hong Kong blockbuster Drunken Master. Wong Fei Hong (Chan... [MORE]

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73

15

The Karate Kid (1984)

Cast: Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove

Director: John Avildsen

Synopsis: Newly arrived in California from New Jersey, teenager Daniel (Ralph Macchio) almost immediately runs afoul of karate-trained high school bullies. H... [MORE]

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72

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16

The Crow (1994)

Cast: Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, David Patrick Kelly, Angel David

Director: Alex Proyas

Synopsis: Based on the graphic novel by James O'Barr, this fantasy follows Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), a rock musician who is murdered along with his fiancée,... [MORE]

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72

17

District B13 (2004)

Cast: Cyril Raffaelli, David Belle, Tony D'Amario, Bibi Naceri, Dany Verissimo

Director: Pierre Morel

Synopsis: A nuclear weapon has been stolen by the most powerful gang in Paris' treacherous, walled-in ghetto, and it's up to a determined cop and a vigilante... [MORE]

Rate it!

71

MRQE Metric

18

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Cast: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong

Director: John Carpenter

Synopsis: Playing in a manner that can be conservatively described as larger than life, Kurt Russell plays a macho truck driver who agrees to go to the San F... [MORE]

Rate it!

71

19

Ip Man 2 (2010)

Synopsis: Hong Kong film star Donnie Yen reprises his role as Ip Man in this semi-autobiographical sequel following the adventures of the grand master of Win... [MORE]

Rate it!

71

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20

Ip Man (2008)

Cast: Donnie Yen, Chen Zhihui, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Simon Yam, Calvin Cheng

Director: Wilson Yip

Synopsis: Behind every great man there lies a teacher, and this was certainly true of Bruce Lee, who claimed as his mentor a martial arts expert named Ip Man... [MORE]

Rate it!

71

21

Supercop (1992)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Michelle Khan, Maggie Cheung, Ken Tsang, Yuen Wah

Director: Stanley Tong

Synopsis: Even for viewers who can take or leave martial-arts films, the work of Jackie Chan bears special attention. Chan is quite simply the hardest-workin... [MORE]

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71

MRQE Metric

22

Iron Monkey (1993)

Cast: Yu Rong Guang, Donnie Yen, Tsang Sze-Man, Jean Wang, James Wong

Director: Yuen Woo-Ping

Synopsis: This kung fu classic weaving fact and myth earned a theatrical release in the U.S. from Miramax eight years after it was produced, following a succ... [MORE]

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70

23

Shanghai Noon (2000)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Lucy Liu, Brandon Merrill, Roger Yuan

Director: Tom Dey

Synopsis: Jackie Chan has often played a fish out of water, but he's rarely found himself so far upstream as in this comic adventure, in which he puts his fi... [MORE]

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69

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24

Le Pacte des loups (2001)

Cast: Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel, Emilie Dequenne, Monica Bellucci, Jeremie Renier

Director: Christophe Gans

Synopsis: French legend has it that a creature known as the Beast of Gevaudan -- a huge, wolf-like monster -- was responsible for the violent deaths of over ... [MORE]

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67

25

Fearless (2006)

Cast: Jet Li, Shidou Nakamura, Sun Li, Dong Yong, Hee Ching Paw

Director: Ronny Yu

Synopsis: Fearless opens in Shanghai, China, circa 1910, when wushu master Huo Yuanjia (martial arts superstar Jet Li) prepares to battle one Japanese oppone... [MORE]

Rate it!

66

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26

Jackie Chan's First Strike (1996)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Jackson Lou, Chen Chun Wu, Bill Tung, Yuri Petrov

Director: Stanley Tong

Synopsis: Ever wondered what a James Bond movie might be like if (a) Bond was from Hong Kong, (b) he was too busy to chase women or drink martinis, and (c) h... [MORE]

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65

27

Danny the Dog (2005)

Cast: Steve Chamberlain, Lauren Bailey, Ben Caswell, Charles Santore, Robert Berger

Director: Darren Shapiro

Rate it!

64

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28

Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976)

Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Kam Kang, Lau Ka Wing, Lung Kun Yee, Wang Lung Wei

Director: Jimmy Wang Yu

Synopsis: When the Manchu dynasty employs the Master of the Flying Guillotine (Kam Kong) in hopes of quelling the resistance stirring within than Han people ... [MORE]

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64

29

The Karate Kid (2010)

Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson, Wenwen Han, Rongguang Yu

Director: Harald Zwart

Synopsis: When a 12-year-old from Detroit moves to China with his mother and incurs the wrath of the class bully at his new school, he makes an unlikely ally... [MORE]

Rate it!

63

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30

Rush Hour (1998)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Elizabeth Pena, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Hsu

Director: Brett Ratner

Synopsis: Brett Ratner directed this action-comedy that found box-office success by teaming Chris Tucker with Jackie Chan -- performing his own stunts as per... [MORE]

Rate it!

62

31

Casshern (2004)

Cast: Yusuke Iseya, Kumiko Aso, Akira Terao, Kanako Higuchi, Fumiyo Kohinata

Director: Kazuaki Kiriya

Rate it!

60

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32

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano, Collin Chou

Director: Rob Minkoff

Synopsis: Legendary martial arts stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li come together onscreen for the first time ever in director Rob Minkoff's time-traveling take on... [MORE]

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59

33

Shanghai Knights (2003)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Fann Wong, Aidan Gillen, Donnie Yen

Director: David Dobkin

Synopsis: East and West team up to take on bad guys in the British Empire in this sequel to the action comedy hit Shanghai Noon. Chon Wang (Jackie Chan), onc... [MORE]

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59

MRQE Metric

34

Rumble in the Bronx (1995)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Francoise Yip, Bill Tung, Kris Lord

Director: Stanley Tong, Tong Kwei Lai

Synopsis: After years as a major star in most of the rest of the world, Jackie Chan finally broke through to stardom in the United States with Rumble in the ... [MORE]

Rate it!

57

35

Undisputed (2002)

Cast: Wesley Snipes, Ving Rhames, Peter Falk, Michael Rooker, Jon Seda

Director: Walter Hill

Synopsis: Director and screenwriter Walter Hill returns to one of his favorite themes -- desperate and violent men using force to escape from an unforgiving ... [MORE]

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53

MRQE Metric

36

Circle of Iron (1978)

Cast: David Carradine, Jeff Cooper, Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, Erica Creer

Director: Richard Moore

Synopsis: This symbol-laden drama explores the inner mythology of martial arts practice and is based on a Bruce Lee story idea. The original screenplay was w... [MORE]

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37

Fist of Fury (1972)

Cast: Bruce Lee, Miao Ker Hsiu, James Tien, Robert Baker, Nora Miao

Director: Lo Wei

Synopsis: One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former schoo... [MORE]

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38

Above the Law (1988)

Cast: Steven Seagal, Henry Silva, Pam Grier, Sharon Stone, Ron Dean

Director: Andrew Davis

Synopsis: Martial arts hero Steven Seagal developed, co-wrote, co-produced, choreographed, and debuted in this thrill ride -- a cop film with more attitude, ... [MORE]

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39

Silent Rage (1982)

Cast: Chuck Norris, Ron Silver, Steven Keats, Toni Kalem, William Finley

Director: Michael Miller

Synopsis: The sheriff of a small Texas town is pitted against a genetically engineered super-villain. [MORE]

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40

Heroes Among Heroes (1993)

Cast: Ng Man Tat, Ying Ng, Yuen Kit, Donnie Yen

Director: Yuen Woo Ping

Synopsis: As officer Lam Che Chu (Fong Pao) and Wong Fei Hong (Yuk Wong) join forces to fight a gang of determined opium smugglers, Beggar So Chen (Kwan Hoi-... [MORE]

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41

Bloodsport (1988)

Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Leah Ayres, Donald Gibb, Norman Burton, Forest Whitaker

Director: Newt Arnold

Synopsis: Jean-Claude Van Damme makes his starring debut in the aptly titled Bloodsport. An American soldier at large in Hong Kong, Van Damme becomes involve... [MORE]

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42

Five Deadly Venoms (1978)

Cast: Chiang Cheh, Sun Chien

Synopsis: Five Deadly Venoms tells the tale of a martial arts master who commands a student to track down some of his other students and get them to stop tho... [MORE]

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43

Billy Jack (1971)

Cast: Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor, Clark Howat, Bert Freed, Julie Webb

Director: Tom Laughlin

Synopsis: Actor/auteur Tom Laughlin created the character of Billy Jack in the motorcycle flick The Born Losers. Wandering Christlike through the Southwest, ... [MORE]

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44

Game of Death (1978)

Cast: Gig Young, Dean Jagger, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hugh O'Brian, Bruce Lee

Director: Robert Clouse

Synopsis: Star Bruce Lee died before this film was completed, thus the producers were forced to pad out the running time with outtakes and alternate shots. T... [MORE]

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45

Five Fingers of Death (1972)

Cast: Lo Lieh, Wang Ping, Nan-kung Hsun, Wang Chin-feng, Tien Feng

Director: Cheng Chang-ho

Synopsis: One of the Shaw Brothers Studios most well-known films, King Boxer was an international success that helped instigate the kung fu craze of the '70s... [MORE]

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46

Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)

Cast: Jackie Chan, Hwang Jang-li, Simon Yuen Siu-tien, Dean Shek

Director: Yuen Woo Ping

Synopsis: Shangkuan I-yun (Hwang Jang-li) has developed the deadly eagle claw style to devastating effect on the follower of the Snake Fist technique, killin... [MORE]

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47

The Way of the Dragon (1972)

Cast: Alexander Lou, Liu Hau Yi

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48Rate it!

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Tai-Chi Master (1993)

Cast: Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Chin Siu-hou, Chin Sui Ho, Fannie Yuen

Director: Woo-ping Yuen

49

Fist of Fury (1972)

Cast: Bruce Lee, Miao Ker Hsiu, James Tien, Robert Baker, Nora Miao

Director: Lo Wei

Synopsis: One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former schoo... [MORE]

Rate it!

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50

Enter the Ninja (1981)

Rate it!

MRQE Metric

Cast: Franco Nero, Susan George, Sho Kosugi, Alex Courtney, Will Hare

Director: Menahem Golan

Synopsis: Cannon Productions' first foray into the martial arts milieu, Enter the Ninja stars Franco Nero. While visiting old pal Frank Landers (Alex Courtne... [MORE]

Best Martial Arts MoviesA Listmania! list by Cedman "Cedman" (GA)

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The list author says: "Some of my favorite martial arts movies of all time. If you like some of my movies on the list I'm sure you"ll enjoy the rest you havent seen."

1. 5 Fingers of Death DVD ~ Lieh Lo

The list author says:

"One of the first Shaw Brothers movies to get a theatrical release in the U.S.

The movie that got me into kung fu movies."

$9.96 Used & New from: $4.32(67 customer reviews)

B00004TJS4 One of the first S

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2. The Legend of Drunken Master DVD ~ Jackie Chan

The list author says:

"My favorite Chan Movie

The last fight sequence is awesome"

$7.99 Used & New from: $0.01(259 customer reviews) | 1 customer

discussion

Create your own Listmania! with this product

3. Duel to the Death DVD ~ Norman Chu

The list author says:

"I found the movie really entertaining. The Wirework in this movie is crazy.

If you enjoy sword fighting and lots of wirework this is your movie."

$28.90 Used & New from: $1.42(47 customer reviews)

B000056VOK My favorite Chan

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4. Blood and Bone DVD ~ Michael Jai White

The list author says:

"A Really good movie"

$7.99 Used & New from: $2.31(74 customer reviews) | 2 customer

discussions

Create your own Listmania! with this product

5. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin DVD ~ Gordon Liu

The list author says:

"A must have for any self respecting kung fu movie collector."

$5.86 Used & New from: $1.86(173 customer reviews) | 3 customer

discussions

Create your own Listmania! with this product

B002FU8JTW A Really good mo

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B000MM0LEG A must have for a

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B001HUWQEK Jet Li's last Wush

6. Jet Li's Fearless [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Jet Li

The list author says:

"Jet Li's last Wushu epic"

$8.49 Used & New from: $4.49(220 customer reviews) | 11 customer

discussions

Create your own Listmania! with this product

7. Master Of The Flying Guillotine (Two-Disc Anniversary Edition) DVD ~ Yu Wang

The list author says:

"Its an old Kung Fu Classic but just an awesome movie period."

$19.08 Used & New from: $14.31(67 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

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B000MM0LF0 My favorite martia

8. The One-Armed Swordsman DVD ~ Jimmy Wang Yu

The list author says:

"My favorite martial arts story."

$11.29 Used & New from: $5.92(25 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

9. Once Upon a Time in China Part 2 DVD ~ Jet Li

$12.99 Used & New from: $1.60(45 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

10. Prodigal Son DVD ~ Frankie Chan

Used & New from: $7.60(48 customer reviews)

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1

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11. Diagram Pole Fighter DVD ~ Lily Li

The list author says:

"This movie is awesome!"

$6.95 Used & New from: $4.21(40 customer reviews) | 3 customer

discussions

Create your own Listmania! with this product

12. Police Story (Special Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Jackie Chan

$6.20 Used & New from: $1.70(67 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

1

B000F9WEL4 This movie is aw e

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13. Once Upon a Time in China #1 DVD ~ Jet Li

$6.39 Used & New from: $0.01(105 customer reviews) | 1 customer

discussion

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14. Redbelt (+ BD Live) [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Chiwetel Ejiofor

The list author says:

"Just right behind The One Armed swordsmen in the aspect of a good stroy.

If your looking for a good newer martial arts movie this is it."

$14.99 Used & New from: $2.20(75 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

15. Above the Law DVD ~ Yuen Biao

The list author says:

"The most underrated martial arts movie ever. Its insane! also has the best girl

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B001C5LLL4 Just right behind

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B000NVT0RK The most underra

fight ever in a movie."

Used & New from: $13.90(12 customer

reviews)

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16. Iron Monkey DVD ~ Rongguang Yu

The list author says:

"Too me it’s like a pump up version of the once upon a time in china movies. It has the same feel to it.

Chinese Hero saves the day."

$8.84 Used & New from: $0.01(189 customer reviews) | 1

customer discussion

Create your own Listmania! with this product

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17. Tai Chi Master DVD ~ Jet Li

$5.99 Used & New from: $1.37(141 customer reviews) | 1 customer

discussion

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18. Dirty Ho

Used & New from: $2,753.76(11 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

19. Last Hurrah for Chivalry DVD ~ Damian Lau

The list author says:

"It sets the bar for sword play."

$19.95 Used & New from: $5.93(45 customer reviews)

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B000P6R9N0 It sets the bar for

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20. Five Deadly Venoms DVD ~ Sheng Chiang

The list author says:

"Possibly the best cast ever in any martial’s arts movie. But compared to other shaw movies its over rated."

$6.99 Used & New from: $1.45(180 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

21. Ninja Assassin [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Rain

$7.99 Used & New from: $1.60(209 customer reviews) | 2 customer

discussions

Create your own Listmania! with this product

1

B00004TJS2 Possibly the best

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22. Shaolin Vs Lama

$13.51 Used & New from: $8.90(9 customer reviews)

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23. Challenge of The Masters DVD ~ Gordon Liu

$13.93 Used & New from: $8.40(9 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

24. Hero DVD ~ Jet Li

$4.99 Used & New from: $0.01(533 customer reviews) | 1 customer

discussion

Create your own Listmania! with this product

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25. The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Ittoku Kishibe

Used & New from: $18.73(107 customer reviews)

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26. Fist of Legend DVD ~ Jet Li

$14.11 Used & New from: $3.00(371 customer reviews) | 1 customer

discussion

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27. Azumi (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Aya Ueto

The list author says:

"She’s like the female version of the Lone Wolf “Shogun Assassin”"

$34.89 Used & New from: $2.50(62 customer reviews)

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28. Jackie Chan's Project A DVD ~ Jackie Chan

$5.65 Used & New from: $0.01(51 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

29. The Protector (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Tony Jaa

The list author says:

"The movie over does the bone breaking stuff but it is still very entertaining.

Great display of Muay Thai. "Also check out Ong-bak 1&2 if you enjoyed this one""

$3.99 Used & New from: $0.01(117 customer reviews) | 1 customer

discussion

Create your own Listmania! with this product

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30. Fighter In The Wind DVD ~ Yang Dong-Geun Masaya Kato

$29.95 Used & New from: $3.06(11 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

31. Return To The 36th Chamber DVD ~ Gordon Liu

$6.95 Used & New from: $1.65(27 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

32. Chocolate [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Yanin Vismitananda

$11.49 Used & New from: $7.49(139 customer reviews)

B000F75YO0

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33. District B13 DVD ~ Cyril Raffaelli

$7.02 Used & New from: $0.01(111 customer reviews) | 3 customer

discussions

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34. Flash Point DVD ~ Donnie Yen

$15.88 Used & New from: $3.99(47 customer reviews) | 1 customer

discussion

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35. Fatal Contact DVD ~ Jacky Wu

The list author says:

"Unique story with a crazy ending. A really under rated movie."

B000GPPPTK

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$13.70 Used & New from: $2.57(18 customer reviews)

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36. Heroes of the East DVD ~ Gordon Liu

$7.84 Used & New from: $3.84(34 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

37. Invincible Armour DVD ~ Hwang Jang Lee

Used & New from: $7.99(20 customer reviews)

Create your own Listmania! with this product

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6305519471 Bruce Lee is in a

38. Bruce Lee - The Master Collection (Fists of Fury / The Chinese Connection / Return of the Dragon / Game of Death / Bruce Lee: The Legend) DVD ~ Bruce Lee

The list author says:

"Bruce Lee is in a genre by himself. Its really hard to compare his movies to other martial arts movies because not all of his movies are soild gold but at the same time he made martial art movies famous.

Chinese connection and Enter the Dragon are his best films."

Used & New from: $21.46(70 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion