Most audiences know Yuen Woo-ping as the influential martial arts choreographer behind films such as The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonbut Yuen has also directed some incredible films. Yuen got his directing career off to a strong start thanks to Jackie Chan films Snake in the shadow of the eagle and Drunk Master. The combination of comedy and action seen in the films would continue to appear throughout Yuen’s career, as he continued to collaborate with famous martial arts actors such as Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, and Michelle Yeoh.
Yuen is an undeniable talent, putting together some of the most famous action scenes in Hong Kong and Hollywood films. However, Yuen is also known as one of the best martial arts directors of all time. His experience as a choreographer lent itself well to Yuen’s work as a director. Yuen was able to create countless innovative action sequences that are not only technically sharp but also visually stunning.
10
The Miracle Fighters (1982)
A deliciously chaotic martial arts fantasy
Made apparent when examining his filmography, Yuen is not afraid to dabble in comedy and The miracle fighters it might just be one of his most absurd films. The miracle fighters begins with a Manchu soldier kidnapping the emperor’s son and escaping the palace with a target on his back. However, The film’s simple premise evolves into a sprawling narrative featuring eccentric characters involved in multiple conflicts.
The miracle fighters it can be difficult to follow at times, and the film is often best enjoyed when the audience gives in to all of its slapstick humor. Scattered throughout the film are fantasy elements, which appear in the action scenes. Although the fight choreography isn’t as concerned with technique as other martial arts films, the sequences are creative and keep the audience engaged – even when it’s difficult to identify what’s happening.
9
The True Legend (2010)
Yuen Woo-ping’s return to directing
After driving Tai Chi boxer In 1996, Yuen took a break from directing. During this time, Yuen served as a fight choreographer in films such as The Matrix, Kill Billand Fearless. Yuen returned to directing in 2010 with True Legend. The martial arts film is set in 1860s China and begins with a battle between Su Can (Vincent Zhao) and his brother Yuan Lie (Andy On).
However, this conflict is resolved early in the film, and the remainder finds Su in a fight against dangerous fighters. The decision to extend the film beyond its gripping primary conflict left many fans and critics disappointed with Yuen’s film. However, the direction, particularly during the fast-paced action scenes, proves that Yuen is still well equipped. The fight scenes are inventive and feature a variety of combat styles, implementing the use of swords and fists.
8
Legend of a Fighter (1982)
The Story of Martial Artist Huo Yuanjia
Many martial arts films are inspired by real-life stories and Legend of a fighter is one of them. Legend of a fighter is based on the story of Huo Yuanjia, with the famous Chinese martial artist being played by Bryan Leung. The film’s story follows Leung’s character learning kung fu, against his father’s wishes, from his academic tutor. Years later, the two meet again in a consequential confrontation. Legend of a fighter It is not without moments of humorbut the film is still serious.
The personal drama and tension in Legend of a fighter It’s not strong enough to stand on its own, but it lends itself well to the film’s action scenes. When the film’s two main characters come together and realize the true nature of their combative relationship, the tension builds and explodes in a fun final battle.
7
Battleship (1981)
A masked criminal wreaks havoc
On paper, one can assume Battleshipmulti-gender conflict wouldn’t work. The film has the excitement of a horror film, the absurdity of a comedy and the impressive action sequences expected of a martial arts film. However, everything comes together perfectly thanks to Yuen’s direction and the cast’s committed performances. Battleship follows a laundryman (Yuen Biao) who is determined to defeat a powerful fugitive known as the White Tiger.
What appears to be an engaging revenge story at the beginning of the film quickly turns into a chaotic game of cat and mouse. between Yuen Biao’s character and the White Tiger. Battleship is not as focused as Yuen’s other films, often relying on non-stop slapstick humor and fight scenes to move the film forward. However, there is no denying the film’s ability to entertain.
6
Master Z: The Legacy of Ip Man (2018)
A spin-off of the famous Ip Man films
While Master Z: Legacy of Ip Man deviates from the original execution of Ip Man films in terms of story, the quality of the action remains the same. Acting as a spin-off of Ip Man films, Master Z tells the story of Cheung Tin-chi (Max Zhang) trying to lead a normal life before being brought back to a life of struggle. The narrative is quite familiar, but Zhang is a strong leader in Master Zbringing emotion and energy to the film.
Zhang is compelling as an artist, both emotionally and physically. The action sequences are reminiscent of the best fight scenes in the Ip Man films. Each scene is more exciting and creative than the last, ensuring the audience’s interest throughout the entire process.
5
Wing Chun (1994)
An ordinary businesswoman fights violent thugs
Michelle Yeoh leads Wing Chun as the titular protagonist who trains to become a skilled martial artist to defend herself and protect her village. Yeoh’s character, Yim Wing-chun, is also a famous figure cited as the first master of the martial arts style for which she is named. Like Wing Chun, some of Yeoh’s best fight scenes can be found in the filmwith the actress proving, once again, to be a talented athletic performer.
In addition to his technical achievements, Wing Chun It’s also an incredibly fun film. Most action scenes are performed with wires, but traditional hand-to-hand combat and weapons are also used. Mixed with Wing Chun’The fight choreography has comedic and romantic elements. Yeoh is bubbly and charming on screen and is well praised by her co-stars, especially Donnie Yen.
4
The Magnificent Butcher (1979)
Inspired by iconic Chinese martial artists
Made to replicate some of the fanfare and success that came with Yuen’s Drunk Master, The Magnificent Butcher starring Sammo Hung is almost as successful. The Magnificent Butcher is inspired by the story of the famous Wong Fei-hung and one of his students, Lam Sai-wing (Hung). Supporting Hung in the film are Kwan Tak-hing as Wong and Fan Mei-sheng as another Chinese folk hero, Beggar So. The story isn’t entirely convincing, but the film remains one of the best martial arts comedies.
The action, as seen in several of Yuen’s films, is excellent and masterfully captured, as Hung’s character is seen perfecting his martial arts skills throughout the film. Hung gives one of his best performances in the filmfinding itself in a sweet spot in the middle The Magnificent ButcherThe mix of comedy and high-energy action scenes.
3
Tai Chi Master (1993)
Former friends compete with each other
Jet Li and Chin Siu Ho star Tai Chi Master like two Shaolin monks studying martial arts. The two are expelled and leave the temple, adopting very different approaches to martial arts. Michelle Yeoh also makes an appearance in Tai Chi Master in a supporting role. Like Yuen’s other works, the fight sequences are captivating, and it’s in Tai Chi Master where Yuen exaggerates his creativity in these scenes.
Many wires are used throughout the film to perform gravity-defying martial arts moves. Still, as extravagant as the fight scenes are, they are grounded in the film’s narrative, especially the conflict between Jet Li and Chin Siu Ho’s characters. The final confrontation between the former friends is full of exciting tension and highlights the different skills developed by the martial artist fighters.
2
Iron Monkey (1993)
A fictionalized version of Wong Fei-hung’s life
Reminiscent of the famous character Robin Hood, the titular martial artist in Iron Monkey takes from the rich to support the poor and oppressed. For those living in the latter groups, he is a hero, but the powerful and wealthy community is desperate for him to be captured, ceasing his activity forever. Iron Monkey is also a fictional story that revolves around folk hero Wong Fei-hung (Angie Tsang) and his father (Donnie Yen).
Implementing the use of wires, Iron MonkeyThe action isn’t realistic, but it’s fascinating as the characters propel themselves from one corner of the room to another in one swift movement. However, Iron Monkey has an equally engaging plot. Secret identities and thought-provoking themes about class division keep the film from being an unconvincing martial arts compilation. Iron Monkey It showcases Yuen’s skills as a filmmaker and is among the best martial arts films of the 90s.
1
Drunk Master (1978)
The martial arts comedy that launched Jackie Chan’s career
Famous martial artist Wong Fei-hung has been portrayed numerous times in films, most notably by Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Of the two, Chan was the first to play Wong, leading the martial arts comedy Drunk Master. Featuring Yuen Siu-Tin as Beggar So, Drunk Master tells a fictional story about Wong learning the ways of drunken boxing from So. Drunk Master is one of the most influential martial arts comediescombining slapstick sequences and precisely choreographed martial arts.
Yuen and Chan previously collaborated on Snake in the shadow of the eaglebut it was Drunk Master which established the action star as a true powerhouse. The mix of eye-catching martial arts choreography and comedic moments on top of a simple plot continued to be seen in Chan and Yuen’s filmographies. There is no denying the influence Drunk Master. As only the second film directed by Yuen Drunk Master it was a favorable preview of a celebrated career for the director.