Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Book
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Choreographed by Yuen Wo-ping
Starring Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi
Ang caps wuxia films with a simple, now obvious, conceit: his characters’ bodies are doing what their hearts cannot.
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Directed by Stephen Chow
Choreographed by Tony Ching Siu-tung
Starring Stephen Chow, Vicky Zhao Wei
A riotous comedy, and a charming showcase of kung fu’s possible contribution to the world.
Hero (2002)
Directed by Zhang Yimou
Choreographed by Tony Ching Siu-tung
Starring Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi, Chen Dao-ming
A cinematic masterwork of color and meaning that accurately compares kung fu to music, calligraphy, art, writing, creativity, and nature.
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Directed by Stephen Chow
Choreographed by Yuen Wo-ping, Sammo Hung
Starring Stephen Chow
Chow’s love letter to kung fu, and kung fu movies (that most westerners haven’t seen).
Sha Po Lang (2005)
Directed by Wilson Yip
Choreographed by Donnie Yen
Starring Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Wu Jing
Donnie adds ground fighting to kung fu’s cinematic arsenal.
Fearless (2006)
Directed by Ronny Yu
Choreographed by Yuen Wo-ping
Starring Jet Li
Jet’s version of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven: putting his previous vengeance-fueled films in context.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Directed by John Stevenson, Mark Osborne
Choreographed by Jen Yuh Nelson, Simon Wells, Rodolphe
Guenoden
Starring Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman
Quite simply, the best American kung fu film of all time (so far). Everything, especially the kung fu, is on the money.
Ip Man (2008)
Directed by Wilson Yip
Choreographed by Sammo Hung
Starring Donnie Yen, Louis Fan
Donnie finds his serene center by playing one of history’s best wing chun teachers.
Red Cliff (2008-2009)
Directed by John Woo
Choreographed by Corey Yuen Kwai
Starring Tony Leung, Kaneshiro Takeshi
Woo can go home again with this epic, kung fu-filled, visualization of one of China’s greatest battles.
Bodyguards and Assassins (2009)
Directed by Teddy Chen
Choreographed by Stephen Tung Wai, Lee Tat-chiu
Starring Donnie Yen, Leon Lai
Brutal, tragic, powerful tale of sacrifice and patriotism.
True Legend (2010)
Directed by Yuen Wo-ping,
Choreographed by Yuen Wo-ping
Starring Vincent Zhao
Fragmented, sure, but brimming with Master Yuen’s kung fu brilliance.
Reign of Assassins (2010)
Directed by Su Chao-pin, John Woo
Choreographed by Stephen Tung Wai
Starring Michelle Yeoh
Woo cements his, and Yeoh’s, comeback with this delightful, period, kung fu Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Shaolin (2010)
Directed by Benny Chan
Choreographed by Corey Yuen Kwai, Yuen Tak
Starring Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Jacky Wu Jing, Jackie Chan
The actual Shaolin Temple gave its blessing, and contributed its expertise, to this tale of might vs. right.
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