Martial Art Movies probably got their start in China when the government there outlawed the practice of any fighting arts. The only place it was allowable was in the cinema. The making of these earliest movies was as much for teaching and for the opportunity to practice, as it was for their entertainment value.
As the popularity of kung fu movies grew however, so did the making of these movies purely for entertainment. As they reached Hong Kong, these movies were no longer just watched by the Chinese, but many throughout the world. In the 60`s and 70`s as America and Britain and other countries were becoming more acquainted with Asian culture do in part to the Korean conflict and the Vietnam war, many became more interested in the fighting arts from Asia.
Chuck Norris an American trained in Korean style martial arts became a six time heavy weight champion and started making movies along with running a large martial arts school. Around this same time a very charismatic Bruce Lee made his way on the scene and from that time on, martial art movies have been enjoyed around the world.
In today's martial art movies you will see stunning acrobatic feats, super action that almost doesn't stop from the opening scene to the finally. With super star martial artist such as Stephen Segal, Jet Li and Jackie Chan to movies stars who rely on stunt choreography such as that in the Matrix, those who love this genre, love it all.
Martial arts scenes are finding their way into many films from fighting Ninja turtles to fighting beach chicks in Charlie`s Angels. As these films evolve however, we are seeing their cinematic value grow into not only being visually stimulating, but artistically stunning. We are now also seeing the development in character acting.
That is all well and good and these movies should become as well made and acted as the stunts they preform are executed. But we do want to be careful and remember, most who watch martial art movies do so for the action. We certainly want the other, but not at the expense of high flying, kick some butt and save the girl action.
Mark Mori invites you to check out his latest list of Kick Butt action packed Movies, trailers and coolest fight scenes and encourages you to comment on his blog with your opinions about your favorite Movies, fight scenes and which style you like best at http://www.martialartmovies.org/. Be sure to check out this cool trailer while you`re there at http://www.martialartmovies.org/martial-art-movies/best-martial-art-movies-of-%c2%a02010 Remember to let us know what you like, what you don`t and why.
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