The influence of the Chinese Martial Art Films

The influence of the Chinese Martial Art Films
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The influence of the Chinese Martial Art Films
The Chinese martial arts refers to a system of single combat. In most cases, it involves hand-to-hand fighting by spiritual and physical perfection (Mainland, 2010). Martial arts, like many other things in China, is based on Chinese philosophy. Chinese martial arts dates back in the third millennium B.C. During this time; Emperor Huangdi developed the theory and practice of conducting combat (Encyclopedia.com, 2018). Chinese martial arts is not just hand-to-hand fighting. It also involves the knowledge of the weak points of the opponent to make it easy to immobilize him or her. This one is one of the most challenging in Chinese martial arts because apart from physical strength, it also entails the knowledge of medicine and philosophy. The film industry has been essential in the propagating for movies on the Chinese martial arts. These films have enabled the world to appreciate Chinese culture and philosophy. This paper will analyze how the Chinese martial art films have influenced the world.
History of the Chinese Martial Art Films
The 1920s
The Chinese film industry was formed after the turn of the century. At this time, the traditional values were under siege because of the Western culture. At the same time, interest in authentic martial arts was declining (Kei, Chu & Foerster, 2001). The Chinese martial arts films date back to this time with the advancement of the Shanghai film companies. The movies were based on ancient Chinese culture and included more of Chinese folklore. The films also featured fantastical and supernatural aspects like spirits and beasts.
1930s-1950s
In the early 1930s, the Kuomintang government banned martial arts films. The government claimed that the genre promoted feudalism and superstition. The ban continued until the 1980s.
Meanwhile, the Shanghai film companies decided to relocate to Hong Kong, which was a British colony at the time (Aranburu, 2017). In Hong Kong, the censorship on the martial art movie did not apply. The companies soon introduced Mandarin-language martial art films to the Hong Kong audiences.
The 1960s
Post World War II, the concept of globalization began. With this, the Chinese martial art styles, especially Wing Chun began gaining popularity all over the world (Wu & Chan, 2007). In the 1970s, the American filmmakers embraced Chinese martial arts passionately. Jung Fu became a household name, thanks to Lee Jun-fan (professionally known as Bruce Lee). Bruce Lee thrilled audiences across the world which popularized the Chinese martial art films worldwide. Bruce Lee made teenagers and young people sign up for Kung Fu classes to learn about the Chinese martial arts (Chung, 2007). Soon, Kung Fu became a significant acting style for a majority of the Hollywood blockbusters starring white actors.
The 1970s to date
Bruce Lee died suddenly in 1973 and in the same year Hong Kong was in a recession due to the stock market crash. During this time, audiences in Hong Kong shifted to favoring comedies and satires. Hence, Kung Fu comedy became a popular genre leading to the rise of actors like Jackie Chan. In recent times, ...