2. The Protector – Guardian (2005)
3. Hoàng Phi Hồng (1991)
Dragon's Legacy is a Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Tu Khac, released in 1991. For those who love Hong Kong martial arts cinema, Lý Liên Kiệt is undoubtedly a familiar name, and this film is a must-watch. It came out at the peak of Lý's career, showcasing both his beauty and martial arts skills. Therefore, this can be considered the most remarkable film in Lý Liên Kiệt's acting career.
The film tells the story of the life of the Chinese martial artist Hoàng Phi Hồng. Dragon's Legacy in 1991 depicts the late Qing Dynasty in China when Western powers were tearing apart the once prosperous Chinese land. They tempted the Chinese people, especially women, to Western countries with promises of a better life, suddenly becoming wealthy and blinding many. The movie serves the audience a visually stunning martial arts feast with numerous twists and turns for Bảo Chi Lâm and its owner.
Director: Tu Khac
Cast: Lý Liên Kiệt, Quan Chi Lâm, Nguyên Bưu, Trương Học Hữu, Trịnh Tắc Sĩ, Nhâm Thế Quan
IMDb Score: 7.4
Tomatometer Score: 88%
Audience Rating: 88%
4. Martial Symphony (2006)
Martial Symphony is set in the Qing Dynasty (China) and revolves around the life of Hoắc Nguyên Giáp - a man who used his martial arts skills and dignity to uplift the spirit of patriotism and resist foreign invaders.
This Chinese martial arts film, starring martial arts superstar Lý Liên Kiệt as Hoắc Nguyên Giáp, tells the story of the military commander of China. From a young age, he dreamed of following in his father's footsteps and becoming a martial arts master in China. Despite facing many hardships and challenges, Nguyên Giáp ultimately fulfills his dream. However, a series of events take him away for a while, providing him with a life-changing lesson. When a martial arts competition is organized, his talent shines, and he has the honor of representing his country. With spectacular kung fu performances, an intriguing plot, and captivating developments, the Chinese martial arts film Martial Symphony easily garnered positive reviews and admiration from both critics and audiences.
Director: Ronny Yu
Cast: Lý Liên Kiệt, Nakamura, Betty Sun
IMDb Score: 7.6
5. Masterful Kung Fu (2004)
This is an action-packed and humorous martial arts film that gained immense popularity in China upon its release. Alongside intense martial arts sequences, the comedic actions and dialogues provided maximum entertainment for viewers. With natural performances and a captivating storyline, Masterful Kung Fu achieved numerous notable awards such as Best Cinematography, Sound, Visual Effects, and Outstanding Editing at the 2004 Golden Statue Awards.
Masterful Kung Fu is set in Chinese society during the 1940s, a turbulent time with people's lives threatened by gangs. The most formidable is the Axe Gang led by the ruthless Sum. He is ruthless, bloodthirsty, passionate about killing, and robbing the people. Wherever Sum's gang goes, they spread terror among the people. Only the impoverished Pigsty area remains untouched because it's too poor. However, it nurtures extraordinary Kung Fu masters. When a confrontation occurs, Sum's gang is decisively defeated.
What unfolds in the rest of the film? Can the people triumph, and will the notorious Sum redeem himself? Discover the answers by watching the film Masterful Kung Fu.
Director: Stephen Chow
Cast: Stephen Chow, Nguyen Thu, Nguyen Hoa
IMDb Score: 7.7
Tomatometer Score: 90%
Audience Rating: 89%
6. Yamada: Samurai of Ayothaya (2010)
Yamada: Samurai of Ayothaya is based on a true historical figure, Yamada Nagamasa, a Japanese explorer who arrived in Ayothaya in the 16th century and became a soldier in the army of King Naresuan. After the battle in Myanmar, Ayothaya is not at peace as a mysterious group terrorizes and plunders the city. Yamada pursues them and discovers that these men are rebellious samurai from Japan. Now, he must battle his fellow countrymen.
Following the conflict with the Burmese army, Yamada Nagamasa continues to fight against the mysterious group wreaking havoc and terror. Through investigation, Yamada Nagamasa uncovers that this group is, in fact, Japanese samurai. Will Yamada Nagamasa emerge victorious? Watch the movie to find out.
Director: Nopporn Watin
Cast: Ozeki Seigi, Sorapong Chatree, Thammarot Jaichuen, Winai Kraibutr
IMDb Score: 5.8
7. The Karate Kid (2010)
The Karate Kid is a collaboration between the United States and China, bringing forth a martial arts film with a budget of only 40 million USD. It is a remake of the 1984 film of the same name, featuring the martial arts legend Jackie Chan and young talent Jaden Smith. With intense martial arts battles, humorous situations, and touching teacher-student relationships, the film is deemed suitable for all ages.
Despite its modest budget, the story of the eccentric teacher Mr. Han and the 12-year-old American boy Dre Parker garnered nearly 360 million USD in global revenue. A familiar yet timeless motif, coupled with human values embedded in each scene, elevates The Karate Kid to high acclaim.
Director: Harald Zwart
Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan
IMDb Score: 6.2
Tomatometer Score: 66%
Audience Rating: 67%
8. IP Man – The Legacy (2008 - 2019)
IP Man – The Legacy is a film series spanning from 2008 to 2019 over 11 years, creating the iconic portrayal of Ip Man by Donnie Yen. This martial arts biographical film depicts the life of Ip Man (1893 - 1972), one of the grandmasters of Wing Chun martial arts. The story unfolds from the 1930s, when Ip Man lives in Foshan with his family, until the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War.
Ip Man is the first film based on the life of the martial arts master. The idea to bring his life to the big screen originated in 1998 but faced copyright issues, leading to a delay. Actor and producer Huynh Bach Minh decided to make the film after receiving sponsorship and advice from Ip Man's eldest son, Ip Chun. Bach Minh extensively researched Ip Man's life in the Phat Son region and studied the grandmaster's biography. From these ideas, Bach Minh's son, Huynh Tu Hoan, penned the screenplay.
As a historical and martial arts masterpiece expressing national pride, IP Man – The Legacy showcases breathtaking martial arts sequences, especially in the encounters between Ip Man and the Chinese community leader in the U.S. portrayed by Ngô Việt, and another notable character, the American Customs officer Barton Geddes (Scott Adkins). Despite being over 70 years old, Ip Man continues to display agility and beauty in his martial arts techniques.
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Lam Ka Tung, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung, Fan Siu Wong, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi
9. Mission Impossible: Fallout (2018)
Mission Impossible: Fallout is one of the highly acclaimed American martial arts films of 2018. Both viewers and critics describe the film's quality as 'exceptionally engaging.' This popular action series delivers thrilling action scenes, intense chases, and clever plot twists.
Continuing the story from previous installments, the film revolves around the mission of Ethan Hunt. Secret agent Ethan Hunt finds himself in trouble once again, and 'now the world is at stake.' The suspenseful narrative unfolds through dramatic action sequences, breath-taking aerial encounters, and daring escapes from formidable police forces, leading to confrontations among equally skilled adversaries.
Mission Impossible: Fallout takes the audience on a rollercoaster of suspenseful martial arts action, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. The unpredictable plot twists make it impossible to accurately predict the next developments. The film achieved remarkable success, grossing a total revenue of $501.4 million and securing a spot among the hottest martial arts action films of 2018.
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Cast: Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Tomatometer: 97%
Audience Rating: 88%
10. Furie (2019)
Furie is Vietnam's standout martial arts film, topping the box office at its release. The film received high praise for its natural performances by an outstanding cast. With a dynamic and suspenseful plot, spectacular action sequences, and advanced cinematic effects, Furie easily achieved prestigious awards in the film industry. It won the Golden Lotus Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnam Film Festival and the Golden Kite Award for Best Feature Film.
The movie follows the intense journey of Hai Phượng, a single mother portrayed by Ngô Thanh Vân. Her mission is to rescue her kidnapped daughter, Mai. With only 14 hours to track down the abductors, Hai Phượng faces numerous ruthless gangsters willing to kill anyone in their way. Can she successfully save her daughter?
As she confronts a criminal network involved in child abduction and cross-border organ trafficking, how will she handle the situation? All these challenges are wrapped up in the martial arts film Furie. Your task is simple – explore and find out.
Director: Lê Văn Kiệt
Cast: Ngô Thanh Vân, Mai Cát Vy, Phan Thanh Nhiên
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Tomatometer: 95%
Audience Rating: 82%