The American Martial Arts Film


Book Description

"This history of American martial arts films, from major features to direct-to-video releases, begins with an overview of the martial arts in America, then moves on to discuss early trend-setting movies; the influence of Chinese kung fu film imports; martial arts on television; the explosive growth of the genre in the 80s; and recent releases, trends, and the direction of English-language martial arts movies. There is a selected filmography of 300 movies."--BOOK JACKET.







Great Martial Arts Movies


Book Description

Meyers offers an "up-to-date, authoritative kick-butt book" detailing the best movies and where to find them. Color photos.




American Shaolin


Book Description

Bill Bryson meets Bruce Lee in this raucously funny story of one scrawny American’s quest to become a kung fu master at China’s legendary Shaolin Temple. Growing up a ninety-pound weakling tormented by bullies in the schoolyards of Kansas, young Matthew Polly dreamed of one day journeying to the Shaolin Temple in China to become the toughest fighter in the world, like Caine in his favorite 1970s TV series, Kung Fu. While in college, Matthew decided the time had come to pursue this quixotic dream before it was too late. Much to the dismay of his parents, he dropped out of Princeton to spend two years training with the legendary sect of monks who invented kung fu and Zen Buddhism. Expecting to find an isolated citadel populated by supernatural ascetics that he’d seen in countless badly dubbed chop-socky flicks, Matthew instead discovered a tacky tourist trap run by Communist party hacks. But the dedicated monks still trained in the rigorous age-old fighting forms—some even practicing the “iron kung fu” discipline, in which intensive training can make various body parts virtually indestructible (even the crotch). As Matthew grew in his knowledge of China and kung fu skill, he would come to represent the Temple in challenge matches and international competitions, and ultimately the monks would accept their new American initiate as close to one of their own as any Westerner had ever become. Laced with humor and illuminated by cultural insight, American Shaolin is an unforgettable coming-of-age tale of one young man’s journey into the ancient art of kung fu—and a funny and poignant portrait of a rapidly changing China.




Kung Fu Cult Masters


Book Description

Chinese Martial Arts films have captured audiences' imaginations around the world. In this wide-ranging study, Hunt looks at the mythic allure of the Shaolin Temple, the 'Clones' of Bruce Lee, gender-bending swordswomen, and the knockabout comedy of Sammo Hung, bringing new insights to a hugely popular and yet critically neglected genre. 12 photos.




Film Genre 2000


Book Description

New essays by prominent film scholars address recent developments in American genre filmmaking.




Chasing Dragons


Book Description

From post-World War Two Japan, to contemporary Hong Kong, the martial arts film remains one of cinema's most enduring and popular genres. 'Chasing Dragons' traces the form's origins and shows how the genre has adapted to changing social and political climates to satisfy the demands of an increasingly international audience.




American and Chinese-Language Cinemas


Book Description

Critics frequently describe the influence of "America," through Hollywood and other cultural industries, as a form of cultural imperialism. This unidirectional model of interaction does not address, however, the counter-flows of Chinese-language films into the American film market or the influence of Chinese filmmakers, film stars, and aesthetics in Hollywood. The aim of this collection is to (re)consider the complex dynamics of transnational cultural flows between American and Chinese-language film industries. The goal is to bring a more historical perspective to the subject, focusing as much on the Hollywood influence on early Shanghai or postwar Hong Kong films as on the intensifying flows between American and Chinese-language cinemas in recent decades. Contributors emphasize the processes of appropriation and reception involved in transnational cultural practices, examining film production, distribution, and reception.




No Regrets


Book Description

Whether you are a martial artist, a historian, an avid reader of biographies or just looking for a humorous, interesting read, Fisher's work offers a true look at the life and times of a an American martial artist. Born in the middle of the Great Depression, his recollections of life and experiences, wrapped around a lifelong love of combat and martial arts training is truly fascinating. The work is peppered with many amusing anecdotes and memories and a view of American life in that wonderful period of the late 20th century in America. His colorful life ranged across the United States and to many foreign countries as he pursued his passion for martial arts and brought him into contact with many interesting characters, some of them quite well known to most readers. At the time of this writing he continues to teach and practice at his school in the mountain ski resort town of Big Bear Lake, California. Many well-known martial artists visit him frequently. He offers training in self defense, mixed martial arts for present-day UFC and WEC fighters, as well as boxing, kick boxing and the traditional martial arts. Settle in for an unusual experience as Fisher shares his life and stories with you. Read about: ? The making of the "Karate Kid" from the man who was the Tournament Consultant responsible for creating the tournament scenes for the film. ? The formation of the TPA, the Tournament Promoters Association. ? The adventures of the first American martial artist in mainland China in 1975. ? The experience of the saving of the half-American Vietnamese orphans during the fall of Saigon. ? The producer of many years of Ed Parker's Internationals ? Dozens of hilarious inside stories including many famous martial artists.




Martial Arts Movies


Book Description

Explores martial arts movies, weaving together history, culture, geography and politics.