Leon Hunt

'An extremely insightful and fully comprehensive work...Hunt pursues several original directions ensuring that this book will be an indispensable reference work for anyone seriously interested in this stimulating movement in film history.'-Tony Williams, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

From the balletic intensity of Bruce Lee to the gravity-defying swordplay of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the Chinese martial arts film has captured audiences' imaginations around the world, while absorbing influences ranging from Beijing Opera to computer games. Its global impact can be seen in the Hollywood crossover of stars like Jackie Chan and Hong Kong-influenced films like The Matrix.

This wide-ranging study looks at the mythic allure of the Shaolin Temple, the 'Clones' of Bruce Lee, gender-bending swordswomen and the knockabout comedy of Sammo Hung, bringing new insights to a hugely popular and yet critically neglected genre. In addition, it considers the impact of new technologies on a genre focussed on physical performance, from the 'wire fu' of Jet Li to the digital 'stars' of console games like Tekken. Films discussed include both popular and cult classics such as Games of Death, Fist of Legend, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Drunken Master.

Leon Hunt is Senior Lecturer in Film and Television Studies at Brunel University. He is the author of British Low Culture: From Safari Suits to Sexpliotation (Routledge 1998).

Contents

List of illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Once upon a time in China
1 Wicked shapes/Wicked lies: Performance and 'authenticity' in Hong Kong martial arts films
2 Burning paradise: The myth of the Shaolin Temple
3 Exit the dragon, enter the 'shadow': Game of Death, The Clones of Bruce Lee and other posthumous adventures
4 Fat dragons and drunken masters: Kung fu comedy
5 The lady is the boss? Hidden dragons and 'deadly China dolls'
6 Last hero in China? Jet Li and the 'New wave' Kung Fu films
7 Transnational dragons and 'Asian weapons: Kung fu and the Hong Kong diaspora
8 'I know kung fu!': Martial arts in the age of digital reproduction
Postrscript: Kung fu reloaded and updated
Notes
Filmography
Bibliography
Index… (altro)