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Summary
Martial art movies often deliver action sequences that feel wholly outside the realm of realness , however , lashings of these celluloid are rooted in veridical account and base on honest stories . Many martial prowess classic were free-base on the liveliness stories of important fighter aircraft or draw genuine historical events throughout Chinese and Asian history . The real - life basis of these story helped ground the often mystical or fantastical elements of martial arts movies into the veridical globe and add an extra layer of believability to these sinful story .
From productions ofmartial arts movies featuring different stylesby studios like Shaw Brothers to biographies of contemporary figures within the world of martial arts , the picture show that audience may not know were based on dead on target stories vary widely in their themes and concept . While some martial arts movies practice real events as a jumping-off point to tell fictional stories , others carefully told the dependable fib as it occurred . From warring states in Ancient China to a United States Captain lead part in death matches , there were plenty ofmartial art movies found on true stories .
10Executioners from Shaolin (1977)
Based on the historical figure of Pai Mai
Executioners from Shaolin , also calledExecutioners of Deathin North America , was an epical multi - generational story of retaliation featuringdisciples of the Shaolin Temple face off against Pai Mei , the founder of the Pai Mei school of kung fu . Believed to be one of the legendary Five Elders who survived the end of the Shaolin Monastery , Pai Mai , also known as Bak Mei , featured in Quentin Tarantino’sKill Bill Vol . 2 . An epic old - schooltime warlike arts classic , executioner from Shaolinwas free by the fabled Shaw Brothers production company .
9Shaolin Temple (1982)
Based on the Shaolin Monastery and the art of Shaolin Kung Fu
8Bloodsport (1988)
Based on the martial artist Frank Dux
Cast
The tarradiddle of United States Army Captain and ninjitsu practitioner Frank Dux , Bloodsportwas one of Jean - Claude Van Damme ’s first leading theatrical role and assist plunge his life history as a mainstream action movie star . draw Dux taking part in a soldierlike art tournament in Hong Kong that earmark for fight to the dying , the real Dux do as the action choreographer and technical adviser forBloodsport . The picture show was a box office success , and onething audiences may not know aboutBloodsportwas its influence on the development of sundry martial arts and theMortal Combatgame dealership .
7Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Based on the Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung
While the basic premiseof Once Upon a Time in Chinawasbased on the veridical - life-time Chinese martial artist and ethnic music hero Wong Fei - hung , play by Jet Li , at its core the dangerous undertaking in the moving-picture show were fictitious . A Hong Kong pic , Once Upon a Time in Chinafollowed the fabled soldierly creative person Wong as he struggle against extraneous foes during the Qing Dynasty in the previous 19th 100 . The first in a series that include six movies and a tv spin - off , Once Upon a Time in Chinawas a hit due to its real - mankind inspiration and potent fight sequences .
6Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
Based on the life of Bruce Lee
firedrake : The Bruce Lee Storydepicts the life ofmartial artist and pic star Bruce Leefrom his former puerility in Hong Kong , resettlement to the United States , and his eventual career as an icon of martial art picture palace . Rather than a straightforward biopic , music director Rob Cohen introduced element of religious mysticism to give the cinema the intuitive feeling and style of movies Lee himself starred in . Dragon : The Bruce Lee Storyfeatured Jason Scott Lee who bring charm to the lead part and the picture show act as a fitting homage to the unbelievable real life history of its protagonist .
5Hero (2002)
Based on the Warring States Period in ancient China (227 – 221 BC)
Herostarred Jet Li as Nameless , a fictional defense ship’s officer duringthe genuine diachronic period of the Warring States in China between 227 to 221 BC . A polar moment in Chinese history , Herofeatured larger-than-life battle , assassination attempts on the King , and China ’s partition into seven United States Department of State . A sensational optic spectacle of swordsmanship , empire , and purity , at the metre of its releaseHerowas the most expensive Formosan celluloid ever ( viaRoger Ebert ) , as its astonishing especial effects , menstruum - appropriate costume , and masterful stage dancing help it find success both in China and the United States .
4Fearless (2006)
Loosely based on the life of martial artist Huo Yuanjia
Fearlesswas based on the life-time of Huo Yuanjia , an important figure in Formosan martial arts who was also draw on movie inFist of Furyas an learner of Chen Zhen . Portrayed by Jet Li , Fearlessfollowed Huo as he took part in highly advertise fights against foreign foes in catch as such linked to Chinese national pride . Fearlessset was during a time in the early 1900s when there was fear that Chinese acculturation was being wear away by Western imperialism . Featuring a strong mix of real history , incredible fighting chronological sequence , and stunning choreography , Fearlesswas a previous - career highlighting from Li .
3Ip Man (2008)
Based on the life of martial arts grandmaster Ip Man
A biographic soldierlike arts movie based on the teacher of Bruce Lee , Ip Manwas the first in a long - running enfranchisement that flux fact and fiction to presentan entertaining take on the experience of the substantial - life story Ip Man . Depicting Ip Man crusade back against the Japanese invading China in the 1930s , Ip Manhad telling scrap sequences , an engaging story , and a strong performance by Donnie Yen in the title role . The achiever ofIp Manled to three lineal sequels and a spin - offcalledMaster Z : The Ip Man Legacy .
2The Lost Bladesman (2011)
Based on the story of Guan Yu
A diachronic war movie loosely ground on the story of Guan Yu ’s crossing five pass and slaying six generals , The Lost Bladesmanexplored the polite warfare that led to the collapse of the Han Dynastyand the establishment of Shu Han of the Three Kingdoms . An heroic escapade starring Donnie Yen and directed by Felix Chong , The Lost Bladesmanfeatured phenomenal action sequences and a strong narrative rooted in diachronic conflict . have inspiration from the novelRomance of the Three Kingdoms , The Lost Bladesmanwas an ambitious production draw a pivotal moment in Taiwanese account .
1The Grandmaster (2013)
Based on the life account of the important real - life martial artist figure Ip Man , The Grandmasterwas written and directed by the acclaimedIn the Mood for Lovefilmmaker Wong Kar - wai . Full of insightful historical perspective , philosophical depth , and incredible fight sequences , The Grandmasterhelped further cementum Ip Man ’s iconic status within Formosan cinemaafter the already successfulIp Manfilm series . With his signature tune mode , Wong present a extremely atmospheric motion picture that combine the impulses of art - house cinema with a tight - pace action movie .
Sources : Telegraph , Roger Ebert
