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Chinese cinema offers a plethora of options to keep viewers entertained for a substantial duration. What sets their approach to the action genre apart is its departure from the usual reliance on extravagant explosions and CGI-heavy spectacles. Many of the finest action films originating from the Chinese entertainment industry exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, transforming them into true works of art. Frequently drawing from their rich folklore, Chinese creators use a combination of action and reality to present stunning action sequences.
Creating a ranking of the best action films from China can be a challenging task, especially for those well-versed in the vast array of offerings from this industry. However, this list aims to provide a starting point for individuals who may not be familiar with Chinese cinema. Once you delve into this cinematic world, it’s easy to become captivated by the immense talent and the ability to seamlessly blend genres, resulting in films that feel organic and engaging.
Here, we present some of the most outstanding Chinese action movies ever made.
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10 of the Best Chinese Action Movies of All Time
Hard Boiled (1992)
When you delve into the realm of Chinese action cinema, it becomes evident that John Woo has a vast catalog of exceptional offerings. His ability to depict action on screen is unmatched, and this talent has been honed over many years. While most Western audiences are familiar with his Hollywood productions, there is a treasure trove of his early works worth exploring.
“Hard Boiled” revolves around the story of a hotheaded police officer who tragically loses his partner to the Triads. Driven by a desire for revenge, he forms an alliance with an undercover agent and is willing to employ any means necessary to settle the score. Notably, this film is one of John Woo’s numerous collaborations with the talented actor Chow Yun-Fat. One scene that truly stands out is the intense hospital shootout, notable for being filmed in a single take from multiple angles.
Kung-Fu Hustle (2004)
Many struggle to incorporate humor into action films seamlessly, avoiding it from feeling intrusive or irritating – a criticism sometimes aimed at Marvel. However, Stephen Chow effortlessly achieves this balance, making you wish he would explore action films more. A true multi-talent, as a writer, director, producer, and actor, he takes the lead role in Kung-Fu Hustle. The movie revolves around Sing, a not-so-bright con artist attempting to impersonate a gangster, only to find himself in a clash with the real gang. His clumsiness sparks turmoil in the entire community, where a group of ancient warriors is trying to live peacefully.
My Beloved Bodyguard (2016)
In the realm of action films, it’s often challenging to seamlessly integrate humor without it coming across as intrusive or annoying, a critique that has occasionally been directed at Marvel. However, Stephen Chow masterfully strikes this delicate balance, leaving you wishing he would delve deeper into the world of action movies. As a true polymath in the entertainment industry, taking on roles as a writer, director, producer, and actor, he assumes the lead character in Kung-Fu Hustle. The film’s narrative revolves around Sing, a not particularly brilliant con artist endeavoring to impersonate a gangster, only to inadvertently embroil himself in a confrontation with the real gang. His bumbling antics set off a chain of events that disrupt the entire community, where a cohort of ancient warriors is striving to maintain a peaceful existence.
Ip Man (2008)
“Ip Man, the inaugural installment of a film series helmed by director Wilson Yip, chronicles the life of a renowned Wing Chun grandmaster and Bruce Lee’s mentor. This collaborative project brought together some of China’s most skilled martial artists, uniting them in a single cinematic experience. With a cast that includes Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, and Fan Siu-wong, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Second Sino-Japanese War, where Ip and his family are compelled to leave their opulent residence, forcing the master to toil in a coal mine to support his loved ones. Frustrated by the injustices inflicted by the invading Japanese forces, Ip employs his martial prowess to demonstrate the supremacy of Wing Chun over Karate.”
Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
China has a rich tradition of action films that draw inspiration from its abundant folklore. These movies often pay tribute to legendary figures and put a fresh spin on their stories. “Once Upon a Time in China,” the first installment of a film series featuring Jet Li, is a prime example. Directed and written by Tsui Hark, it tells the life tale of Wong Fei-hung, a skilled martial artist and healer. The movie delves into the unjust treaties imposed on China during the early 19th century and Wong’s determination to aid those oppressed by foreign invaders who forced them into labor.
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Reign of Assassins (2010)
In the backdrop of the Ming Dynasty, our tale revolves around the legendary warrior Michelle Yeoh, who takes on the role of a remarkable martial artist. This story draws inspiration from the legendary Indian Buddhist monk Bodhi, who held Kung Fu in high regard as an art form.
During this time, the notorious Dark Stone gang is the most ruthless group of criminals, and they are given a task by a Prime Minister. Their mission is to retrieve the mummified remains of Bodhi. To execute this mission, the gang dispatches their top assassin, Drizzle, a formidable female warrior. However, her encounter with a monk leads to a transformative moment. The monk persuades Drizzle to relinquish her violent ways and embrace a life of peace.
Drizzle heeds the monk’s counsel and embarks on a journey of personal transformation, both physically and spiritually. She leaves behind her life as an assassin. But her past catches up with her when the vengeful Dark Stone gang tracks her down, seeking retribution for her failure in the mission.
Police Story (1985)
A comprehensive list of top Chinese action movies would be incomplete without the inclusion of Jackie Chan. He is widely revered as a national treasure in his home country, and many of his most remarkable contributions are tailored for his domestic audience. One of his seminal works is “Police Story,” which holds a special place in Chan’s heart as it represents his triple role as a writer, director, and actor. This film serves as the cornerstone of a seven-part movie series. The storyline revolves around the life of the virtuous police officer, Chan Ka-Ku, who finds himself tasked with safeguarding a woman who has taken on the risky role of an informant against the formidable Triads. As the plot unfolds, Chan Ka-Ku uncovers the unsettling truth of corruption within his own department, compounded by his false implication in the murder of a fellow officer. Fueled by his commitment to protect the woman, he’s willing to go to great lengths, even if it means bending or breaking the law.
Fist of Legend (1994)
“Fist of Legend” is a remake of the 1972 Bruce Lee film “Fist of Fury,” but it distinguishes itself by enhancing the action sequences, thanks to the remarkable choreography by Yuen Woo-ping and the charismatic performance of Jet Li. The movie revolves around Chen Zhen, a dedicated martial artist studying in Kyoto, Japan. When he learns that his master has been killed in a duel, Chen Zhen returns to his hometown to uncover the truth behind his master’s death. After confronting and easily defeating his master’s killer, Chen Zhen suspects foul play. This leads to a clash between him and the students who continue to follow the teachings of Huo Ting-An, his late master, causing tensions and conflicts among them.
Kung Fu Killer (2014)
One notable aspect of Chinese action stars is their remarkable productivity. For instance, Donnie Yen takes on a leading role in “Kung Fu Killer,” a movie helmed by director Teddy Chan. The plot revolves around Hahou Mou, a martial arts instructor who ends up behind bars after a fatal street brawl. Upon his release, he discovers that a series of killings is targeting his former adversaries, all of whom are martial arts experts like himself. To put an end to the spree of murders orchestrated by a man named Fung Yu-Sau, Mou joins forces with police officer Luk Yuen-Sum, embarking on a mission to apprehend Yu-Sau.
Hero (2002)
Very few filmmakers have achieved what Yi-Mou Zhang accomplished with his 2002 film, “Hero.” It not only boasts a captivating plot and exceptional martial arts sequences but also stands out for its visually stunning cinematography, thanks to the talented work of cinematographer Christopher Doyle. The movie tells a fictionalized tale of the events that led to the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty.
The film follows a nameless assassin, portrayed by Jet Li, who earns the emperor’s admiration by defeating the top three opposing assassins. Each segment of the story is presented in a distinct color palette, and the ultimate revelation is a deeply emotional moment. Quentin Tarantino was such a fervent admirer of “Hero” that he supported its theatrical release for Western audiences, establishing it as one of the most significant Chinese action films in cinematic history.
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