Most audiences know Yuen Woo-ping as the influential martial arts choreographer behind films likeThe MatrixandCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but Yuen has also directed some incredible films as well.Yuen began his directing career with a strong start thanks to the Jackie Chan filmsSnake in the Eagle’s ShadowandDrunken Master. The combination of comedy and action seen in the films would continue to pop up throughout Yuen’s career as he continued to collaborate with celebrated martial arts actors like Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, and Michelle Yeoh.
Yuen is an undeniable talent, putting together some of the most famous action scenes in both Hong Kong and Hollywood films. Yet, Yuen is also referred to as one ofthe best martial arts directors of all time. His background as a choreographer has lent itself well to Yuen’s job as a director. Yuen has been able to create numerous innovative action sequences that are not only technically sharp but are visually striking as well.
Made apparent by scanning his filmography, Yuen isn’t afraid to lean into comedy andThe Miracle Fightersmight just be one of his most absurd films.The Miracle Fightersbegins with a Manchu soldier kidnapping the emperor’s son and escaping the palace with a target on his back.
Yuen isn’t afraid to lean into comedy andThe Miracle Fightersmight just be one of his most absurd films.
However, the simple premise of the film evolves into a narrative that’s all over the place, featuringeccentric characters engaged in multiple conflicts.The Miracle Fighterscan be difficult to follow along with at times, and the film is often best enjoyed when audiences give in to all of its slapstick humor.
Sprinkled throughout the film are elements of fantasy, which make their way into the action scenes. While the fight choreography isn’t as concerned with technique as other martial arts films,the sequences are creative and keep audiences engaged— even when it’s difficult to pinpoint what’s happening.
After directingTai Chi Boxerin 1996, Yuen took a break from directing.During this time, Yuen acted as the fight choreographer for films likeThe Matrix,Kill Bill, andFearless. Yuen returned to directing in 2010 withTrue Legend. The martial arts film is set in 1860s China and begins with a battle between Su Can (Vincent Zhao) and his brother Yuan Lie (Andy On).
However, this conflict is resolved somewhat early on in the film, and the remainder sees Su in a fight against dangerous wrestlers. The decision to extend the film beyond its engaging primary conflict left many fans and critics disappointed with Yuen’s film. However, the direction, particularly during the rapid action scenes, proves Yuen’s still well-equipped.The fight scenes are inventiveand display a range of combat styles, implementing the use of both swords and fists.
Severalmartial arts films are inspired by real-life stories, andLegend of a Fighteris one of them.Legend of a Fighteris based on Huo Yuanjia’s story, with the famous Chinese martial artist being portrayed by Bryan Leung. The story in the film follows Leung’s character learning kung fu, against his father’s wishes, from his academic tutor.
10 Martial Arts Movies That Have Great Stories Along With Excellent Action
Martial arts movies are often dismissed as simple action fare, but a few of them truly push the boundaries of narrative excellence as well.
Years later, the two reunite in a consequential confrontation.Legend of a Fighteris not without humorous moments, but the film is still mostly serious. The personal drama and tension inLegend of a Fighterisn’t strong enough to hold up on its own, but it does lend itself well to the film’s action scenes. When the film’s two main characters reunite down the line and realize the true nature of their combative relationship, tension builds and explodes in an entertaining final battle.
On paper, one might assumeDreadnaught’s clashing of multiple genres wouldn’t work. The film has the thrills of a horror film, the absurdity of a comedy, and the stunning action sequences expected of a martial arts film. Yet, it all ties together neatly thanks to Yuen’s direction and the committed performances from the cast.Dreadnaughtfollows a laundry man (Yuen Biao) who is determined to defeat a powerful fugitive known as White Tiger.
What appears to be an absorbing story of revenge at the film’s start quickly turns into a chaotic cat-and-mouse gamebetween Yuen Biao’s character and White Tiger.Dreadnaughtisn’t as focused as Yuen’s other films, often relying on nonstop slapstick humor and fight scenes to push the movie ahead. However, there’s no denying the film’s ability to entertain.
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy
Cast
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy is a martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping. It follows Cheung Tin-chi (Max Zhang) after his defeat by Ip Man, as he attempts to lead a quiet life. However, he is pulled back into the world of martial arts to fight new adversaries. The film also features notable performances by Dave Bautista and Michelle Yeoh, expanding the Ip Man universe with high-octane action and intricate fight choreography.
WhileMaster Z: Ip Man Legacydiverts from the original run ofIp Manfilmsin terms of its story, the quality of action remains the same. Acting as a spin-off of theIp Manfilms,Master Ztells the story of Cheung Tin-chi (Max Zhang) trying to lead a normal life before eventually being brought back to a life of fighting. The narrative is largely familiar, butZhang is a strong lead inMaster Z, bringing excitement and energy to the film.
Zhang is compelling as a performer, in both the emotional and physical sense. The action sequences are reminiscent of thebest fight scenes in theIp Manmovies.Each scene is more thrilling and creative than the one before, ensuring to keep audiences interested the whole way through.
Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a 1994 martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping, featuring Michelle Yeoh as the titular character, a skilled fighter who defends her village from bandits while managing her tofu business. Donnie Yen co-stars, adding depth to this action-packed narrative set during the Ming Dynasty. Themes of gender roles and empowerment are prevalent, as Wing Chun challenges societal norms with her formidable combat skills.
Michelle Yeoh leadsWing Chunas the titular protagonist who trains to become a skillful martial artist to defend herself and protect her village. Yeoh’s character, Yim Wing-chun, is also a famous figure cited as the first master of the martial arts style from which she earned her name.As Wing Chun, some ofYeoh’s best fight scenescan be found in the film, with the actress proving, yet again, to be a talented athletic performer.
In addition to its technical accomplishments,Wing Chunis also an incredibly fun film. A majority of the action scenes are executed with wires, but traditional hand-to-hand combat and weaponry are also used. Mixed withWing Chun’s fight choreography are comedic and romantic elements. Yeoh is lively and charming on screen and is complimented well by her co-stars, most notably Donnie Yen.
Made to replicate some of the fanfare and success that came with Yuen’sDrunken Master,The Magnificent Butcherstarring Sammo Hungis nearly as successful.The Magnificent Butcherisinspired by the story of the famous Wong Fei-hung and one of his students, Lam Sai-wing(Hung). Supporting Hung in the film are Kwan Tak-hing as Wong and Fan Mei-sheng as another Chinese folk hero, Beggar So. The story isn’t entirely compelling, but the film remains one ofthe best martial arts comedies.
The action, as seen in several of Yuen’s films, is top-notch and masterfully captured, as Hung’s character is seen perfecting his martial arts skills throughout the film. Hung delivers one of his best performances in the film, finding himself to be in a sweet spot amidstThe Magnificent Butcher’sblend of comedy and high-energy action scenes.
Tai Chi Master
Two friends grow up together in the Shaolin Temple and become great fighters. However, they end up running away from the temple because of their unruly attitudes. Having to live outside the temple, the two friends adapt to the new reality, the financial problems and the tyranny of the exploitative government.
Jet Li and Chin Siu Ho star inTai Chi Masteras two Shaolin monks studying martial arts. The two get expelled and leave the temple, adopting widely different approaches to martial arts. Michelle Yeoh also makes an appearance inTai Chi Masterin a supporting role. Like Yuen’s other work,the fight sequences are captivating, and it’s inTai Chi Masterwhere Yuen goes over the top with creativity in these scenes.
Plenty of wirework is used throughout the film to pull off gravity-defying martial arts moves. Still, as extravagant as the fight scenes are, they are grounded by the film’s narrative, especially the conflict between Jet Li and Chin Siu Ho’s characters. The final confrontation between the former friends is full of exciting tension and highlights the different skills developed by the clashing martial artists.
Iron Monkey
Iron Monkey is a Hong Kong martial arts film set in a corrupt Chinese village, where a masked bandit known as Iron Monkey robs the rich to aid the poor. The story unfolds as a traveling physician is coerced by the local governor into capturing the elusive bandit.
Reminiscent of the famous Robin Hood character, the titular martial artist inIron Monkeytakes from the rich to provide for the poor and oppressed. To those who live within the latter groups, he’s a hero, but the powerful and rich community is desperate to have him captured, ceasing his activity forever.
Iron Monkeyis also a fictionalized story that centers around folk hero Wong Fei-hung (Angie Tsang) and his father (Donnie Yen).Implementing the use of wires,Iron Monkey’s action isn’t realistic but is rivetingas characters propel themselves from one corner of the room to another in a swift motion.
Iron Monkeyhas a Rotten Tomatoes critics' score of 91%.
However,Iron Monkeyhas just as engaging of a plot. Secret identities and thought-provoking themes about class division prevent the film from being an unconvincing martial arts compilation.Iron Monkeyshows off Yuen’s skills as a filmmaker and is among thebest martial arts films of the ’90s.
Drunken Master
Drunken Master is a martial arts film featuring Jackie Chan as a mischievous young man who is sent to train under a rigorously unorthodox old beggar. Released in 1978, it follows his journey to mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style amidst comedic and action-packed encounters.
Famous martial artistWong Fei-hung has been portrayed in filmsnumerous times, most notably by Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Of the two, Chan was the first to play Wong, leading the martial arts comedyDrunken Master. Featuring Yuen Siu-Tin as Beggar So,Drunken Mastertells a fictionalized story about Wong learning the ways of drunken boxing from So.
Drunken Masteris one of the most influential martial arts comedies, combining slapstick sequences and precisely choreographed martial arts.
Drunken Masteris one of the most influential martial arts comedies, combining slapstick sequences and precisely choreographed martial arts. Yuen and Chan previously collaborated onSnake in the Eagle’s Shadow, but it wasDrunken Masterthat cemented the action star as a true powerhouse.
Themix of eye-catching martial arts choreography and comedic momentson top of a simple plot continued to be seen throughout both Chan and Yuen’s filmographies. There’s no denying the influence ofDrunken Master. As only the second film Yuen directed,Drunken Masterwas a favorable preview of a celebrated career for the director.
