The “Martial” Arts
Programmed by: Cyrus Westerlund
The martial art of kung fu is exactly that, an art. It is a form of movement that requires grace and coordination with room for improvisation and creativity. It is also a cultural art, one that is tied to Chinese history and folklore, that has also grown to become a multicultural form of expression. The “martial arts film,” a subgenre which grew out of the classic Chinese genre of Wuxia, meaning “martial arts and chivalry,” is one of cinema’s most iconic and beloved forms of action movies. From its Wuxia roots, depicting Chinese folklore epics, to creating international action stars such as Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, this series aims at being a slight historiography of the subgenre, while also showing how the genre has adapted over the years to becoming a multicultural phenomenon. The series also showcases the incredible stunt work in many of these films, demonstrating how action can be choreographed with fluidity akin to a musical number and highlighting the artistry of hand-to-hand combat. More than anything, all of these films will show the audience just how fun it is to watch fists fly.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
Robert Clouse · 102m · 35mm
Talented martial artist instructor Lee is approached by a British intelligence officer who recruits him for an undercover mission to investigate Han, a crime lord and former student of Lee’s temple. Arriving at Han’s private island, Lee is thrust into a dangerous martial arts tournament filled with rough ‘n’ tumble characters. A smash hit, as well as Bruce Lee’s final role, Enter The Dragon is a send-off to one of cinema’s most singular martial artists.
Thursday, January 9th 7:00 PM
Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Tsui Hark · 134m · 35mm
A sprawling action epic blockbuster and a poignant celebration of Chinese cultural identity, Once Upon a Time in China follows Jet Li as folk hero Wong Fei-hung, a doctor and martial artists, as he and his ragtag band of disciples fight off encroaching British and American imperialists in 19th-century China. Filmmaker Tsui Hark carefully balances action, comedy, and melodrama with the changing times, depicting the beginning of the end for Imperial China
Print courtesy of the Academy Film Archive.
Thursday, January 16th 7:00 PM
Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Stephen Chow · 99m · DCP
Small-time goons Sing and Bone want to join the notorious Axe Gang who wreak havoc on 1940s Shanghai. In an attempt to obtain street cred they try to shake down the residents of Pigsty Alley, only to realize the slum is protected by legendary martial artists who they square off against. Indebted as much to Looney Tunes as to Wuxia martial arts films, Kung Fu Hustle is a riotously funny martial arts comedy that maxes out on both laughs and excitement.
Thursday, January 23rd 7:00 PM
Drunken Master (1978)
Yuen Woo-Ping · 111m · DCP
The mischievous Wong Fei-hung is sent to learn martial arts from Beggar So, a master known for his “Drunken Fist” fighting style — as well as for crippling students during training. Reluctant at first, Wong commits to becoming a master after crossing paths with notorious killer Yim Tit-sam. Drunken Master propelled Jackie Chan to stardom in China, exemplifying his knack for impressive feats of stunt work and sensibility for side-splitting slapstick.
Thursday, February 6th 7:00 PM
The Grandmaster (2013)
Wong Kar-Wai · 130m · DCP
This tale of the life of Ip Man (Tony Leung) follows the mythic martial artist and teacher of Bruce Lee — as well as Gong Er (Zhang Ziyi), daughter of a fellow grandmaster — whose life is fractured by the Second Sino-Japanese War. Over the years the two are hounded by tragedy, and Gong Er follows a path of vengeance after her father is killed. Wong sets the yearning of In The Mood For Love to martial combat, crafting a one-of-a-kind action melodrama.
Thursday, February 13rd 7:00 PM
Shanghai Noon (2000)
Tom Dey · 110m · DCP
When the bumbling but skilled member of the Chinese Imperial Guard, Chon Wang, fails to stop the abduction of Princess Pei-Pei, he trails her captors from the Forbidden City to the frontiers of Nevada. There he collides with Roy O’Bannon, a scrappy outlaw abandoned by his gang. Starring Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson, the two heroes become an unlikely pair who team up to save the princess in this fusion of Far East and Wild West.
Thursday, February 20th 7:00 PM
The Last Dragon (1985)
Michael Schultz · 109m · DCP
A young Black martial artist from Harlem, who dreams of becoming like his hero Bruce Lee, embarks on a journey to learn “The Glow,” a mysterious power only known by true martial arts masters. His journey is complicated when he crosses paths with the villainous Sho’nuff, who also seeks this power. Schultz celebrates the cross-cultural pollination of martial arts cinema brought to Black audiences in a wonderfully campy mirage of kung fu and Blaxploitation.
Thursday, February 27th 7:00 PM
New York Ninja (2021)
Kurtis Spieler, John Liu · 92m · DCP
John Liu, a news station sound tech, finds out that his pregnant wife was murdered by a street gang. Unsatisfied with the police’s efforts, he becomes a vigilante ninja to get his revenge. Liu, the star and filmmaker, left the film unfinished in 1984, only for it to be salvaged by Kurtis Spieler. Rewritten, re-edited, redubbed, and equipped with a perfectly synthy score by Voyag3r, New York Ninja is a bonafide 80s action romp, the last of its kind.
