Martial arts movies are a universal joy of cinema. From Jackie Chan’s hilarious kung fu comedy in ‘Drunken Master’ to the breathtaking elegance of ‘House of Flying Daggers’, here are 10 masterpieces that will sweep you away.
10. Drunken Master (1978)
Jackie Chan’s iconic performance as Wong Fei-hung in ‘Drunken Master’ catapulted him to stardom and introduced the genre of kung fu comedy.
9. Ip Man 2 (2010)
Donnie Yen brings the legendary Wing Chun master to life in ‘Ip Man 2’, showcasing his unfathomable skill and fighting against injustice.
8. House of Flying Daggers (2004)
Zhang Yimou’s ‘House of Flying Daggers’ is a visually stunning wuxia film that combines martial arts with a grand love story.
7. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The ‘Matrix’ franchise features some of the best martial arts sequences ever filmed, including Neo’s epic battles with Seraph and the Agent Smith clones.
6. Peking Opera Blues (1986)
Tsui Hark’s ‘Peking Opera Blues’ is a riotously fun movie that blends gender-bending, political rebellion, and unforgettable fight scenes.
5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Ang Lee’s masterpiece ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ is a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the beauty of sword art and captivating audiences worldwide.
4. A Touch of Zen (1971)
King Hu’s ‘A Touch of Zen’ is a compelling and cutting wuxia film that explores themes of honour, justice, and human nature.
3. Shadow (2018)
Zhang Yimou’s ‘Shadow’ is a visually stunning black-and-white film that paints a battlefield with every sword stroke and features unforgettable umbrella weapon scenes.
2. Hero (2002)
Zhang Yimou’s visually splendid ‘Hero’ tells the story of a nameless man through different perspectives, using vibrant colours to symbolize truth.
1. Green Snake (1993)
Tsui Hark’s ‘Green Snake’ is a fantastical and visually stunning wuxia masterpiece that explores the complexities of love, desire, and redemption.