Martial arts cinema has been a mainstay of the film industry for many years, featuring numerous tales of vengeance, redemption, and honour gracing the silver screen. While these themes have undoubtedly contributed to some iconic films, there are certain storylines that have been overused. Here are the 10 most clichéd plots in martial arts movies.
1. The Revenge Plot
One of the most common narratives in martial arts films is the classic revenge plot. The protagonist is wronged in some way, usually by a villain with nefarious intentions, and spends the rest of the film seeking vengeance. While this storyline can be compelling when executed well, it has become somewhat stale due to its frequent use in the genre.
2. The Underdog Rising to the Top
Another trope that has been overused in martial arts movies is the underdog protagonist who defies the odds to become a master fighter. While this storyline can be inspiring, it has become predictable and lacks the surprise factor it once had.
3. The Tournament Arc
Many martial arts films revolve around a high-stakes tournament where fighters from around the world come together to compete. While these films often feature impressive fight choreography, the predictable structure of the tournament arc has made it a tired plot device in the genre.
4. The Mentor-Student Dynamic
The dynamic between a wise mentor and an eager student is another frequently employed plot in martial arts movies. While this relationship can add depth to the characters, it has become a cliché that many films struggle to bring a fresh perspective to.
5. The Quest for a Legendary Artifact
Martial arts movies often revolve around the quest for a powerful artifact that grants its possessor incredible abilities. While the concept of a mythical object with immense power is intriguing, it has been used so frequently that it has lost its impact.
6. The Hero’s Journey
The classic hero’s journey, with its call to adventure, tests and trials, and ultimate victory, is a narrative structure that has been replicated in countless martial arts films. While this formula can be effective, it has been exhausted to the point of becoming a trope.
7. The Corrupt Master
The corrupt martial arts master who betrays their students or misuses their skills for personal gain is a storyline that has become all too familiar in the genre. While the betrayal of a mentor can add drama to a film, it has become a tired plot point in martial arts movies.
8. The Warring Clans
Many martial arts films centre around the conflict between warring clans or schools of martial arts. While the battles between these factions can be visually stunning, the rivalry between ancient martial arts families has become an overdone theme in the genre.
9. The Fish Out of Water
The fish out of water trope, where a character from a different culture or background must navigate unfamiliar territory, has been a common plot device in martial arts films. While this narrative can be used to explore themes of cultural exchange, it has become a somewhat predictable storyline in the genre.
10. The Betrayed Friend
The betrayal of a close friend or ally is a theme that has been used in countless martial arts movies to create drama and tension. While this plot point can add emotional weight to a film, it has become a trope that many viewers can see coming from a mile away.
In conclusion, while these overdone plots have their merits, their frequent use has led to a sense of predictability in many martial arts films. As the genre continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how filmmakers find new and innovative ways to breathe fresh life into these classic storylines.