The 10 Best Kung Fu Movies of the 1990s

The 90s saw the mainstream rise of martial artist actors like Jet Li and Jackie Chan, resulting in some of the best kung fu films to be released in the decade. TThe introduction of such stars and films brought increased interest in the genre and influenced a variety of American films.included The matrix.

After the Bruce Lee-led revival of the genre in the 1970s and some truly great kung fu movies in the 1980s, the 1990s remained the Golden Age. Jackie Chan, Danny Yen and Jet Li dominated, as well as Michelle Yeoh, as Eastern and Western audiences were captivated by death-defying combat sequences that (mostly) ignored the rise of CGIand the supernatural elements of Wuxi movies. Challenging the idea that great martial arts often comes at the cost of narrative storytelling, the best kung fu movies of the 1990s balance compelling stories with stunning hand-to-hand combat and charismatic heroes.

10

Last Hero in China (1993)

A classic folk hero is placed in a humorous mess

Wong Fei-hung is a Chinese folk hero portrayed many times in films and television shows, including by prolific martial arts movie star Jet Li in both the Once upon a time in China Film series and again in Last hero in China. The last film – in which Wong accidentally opens a new kung fu school next door to a brothel – Takes more of a comedic approach to the character to great effect. It never takes itself too seriously, but Lee’s more serious performance cuts through the absurdity.

To compound his situation, Wong is targeted by a local general who wants to close the school, leading to some entertaining confrontations that blend comedy and violence. Last hero in China is derivative of Once upon a time in ChinaAnd because the film nails its humorous tone, it’s often seen as a successful parody of the franchise. The fight between Jet Li and Gordon Liu stands out as one of his finest moments, thanks to exceptional fight choreography. And while it’s something different from what audiences might expect from Lee’s movies, it’s no poorer for it.

9

Armor of God II: Operation Condor (1991)

Asian Hawk returns in search of gold

As the follow-up to what was once the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong, Armor of God II: Operation Condor Sees the return of Jackie Chan as his famous character Asian Hawk. The first Armor of God Film was recognized as a funnier, stunt-heavy version of Indiana Jones. The sequel draws more comparisons to the American franchise with its plot, which follows Chan’s character Jackie through the Sahara Desert as he searches for gold.

Despite suffering a serious injury while filming the first Armor of God Film, the action did not stop in the sequel. Like many of Chan’s works, Operation Condor Features some incredible action scenes performed by the actor and his stunt team. unfortunately, Operation Condor was the last great film in the franchise as it was followed by CZ12Which lacks the critical martial arts and stunts that made the previous films, and Chan as an action star, so beloved.

8

The Matrix (1999)

A hacker’s reality comes crashing down when he discovers a world-changing secret

Unlike the other great kung fu movies of the 1990s, The matrix is not made in Hong Kong and immediately embraces more of the fantastic elements that the grounded genre consciously avoids. It’s not really Supernatural, and certainly isn’t a Wuxia clone, though The Wachowskis made The matrix An ode to the martial arts movies they’d clearly embraced In their formative journey. As a high-concept that explores the nature of reality, it is very story driven, but when the action sequences come, they are exceptional.

For the purists, Neo’s Gun Fu may break the golden rule of kung fu combat scenes, The presence and influence of Chinese choreographer and director Yuen Woo-ping presents The matrix Impressive credentials Which are absolutely delivered on. Keanu Reeves’ Neo is a perfect reflection of kung fu hero archetypes, with a very modern name, and he loses nothing by being in an American production.

7

Iron Monkey (1993)

A local man hunts down a masked hero who takes from the rich

in Iron MonkeyDanny Yen acts as the protagonist tasked with capturing the titular masked martial artist who has been causing trouble for the wealthy local community. Part of that Iron Monkey Is widely praised by audiences in Hong Kong is because of The film’s commentary on the class divide And the help oppressed communities get only because of the Iron Monkey.

unfortunately, Iron Monkey was altered when it was released to American audiences. Iron MonkeyThe political and historical context, as the film also acts as a fictional retelling of Wong Fei-Hung’s childhood, are removed from the film. Still, because of his universally understood use of action and Yen’s strong leading performance, Iron Monkey became the 11th-highest-grossing foreign film in the United States in the year it was released.

6

Wing Chun (1994)

A local business woman faces a group of bandits

Returning to acting in the early ’90s, one of Michelle Yeoh’s first roles back then was in Wing Chan. In this film, directed by one of the best martial arts directors of all time, Yuen Woo-ping, Yeoh plays the titular character who lives a double life as she confronts the bandits who visit her village, while also working at a tofu shop. Alongside Yeoh are some of the most recognizable actors in Hong Kong, including Cheng Pei-pei and Donnie Yen.

The name of the film comes from a style of kung fu that prioritizes proximity between fighters Hand-to-hand combat is used the most. Although there aren’t as many Wing Chan techniques used in the film as martial arts enthusiasts would like, there are still plenty of action scenes for audiences to enjoy. One scene in particular, a final confrontation with Norman Chui’s character, highlights the best of Yeoh’s fighting skills.

5

Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

The retelling of a Chinese folk hero’s story

The first time Jet Li played Wong Fei-Hung was early in his career in Once upon a time in China. The martial arts film is the first of many in the franchise and sees Wong step up to defend his local martial arts school. Lee was given the opportunity to showcase his athleticism and skills Once upon a time in Chinas action scenes, including the memorable confrontation in which his character Wong jumps from a variety of bamboo ladders while fighting his enemy.

Among the endless chain of action scenes in Once upon a time in ChinaThere is also a message about colonization and China’s history as the film is set during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century. The real-life influences on Once upon a time in Chinas story help ground the film And do not allow it to become only a collection of the best kung fu techniques.

4

Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)

Jackie Chan & Michelle Yeoh team up against a drug cartel

Recognized as one of the better installments in the Police Story film series, Police Story 3: Supercop Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, and Bill Tung revisit their roles from the previous films. This time, Chan’s character, Chan Ka-kui, teams up with Jessica Yang, a police officer played by Michelle Yeoh, to shut down a local drug cartel. As co-leads, Chan and Yeo’s energy is incredibly good.

Although there are many moments of laughter in super head, The biggest take away from the film is the action scenes. Combining their love for the genre, the two stars are more fiery than ever. Chan and Yeoh are both known for performing many stunts in their action films super head was no exception. While filming some of their risky scenes, they both had minor injuries, but luckily no one was badly hurt.

3

Rumble in the Bronx (1996)

A Hong Kong police officer finds trouble in New York

Humming in the Bronx is one of the most significant films in Jackie Chan’s career. The action comedy film helped introduce Chan to North American audiences and had a formula that has continued to be used in most of his work to this day – a mix of comedy and attention-grabbing stunts. Set in New York, a Hong Kong police officer travels to the titular city and finds himself in the middle of a fight between motorcycle gangs.

Although there are many films in the martial arts genre that have intricate plots equal to the number of action scenes, Humming in the Bronx is not one of them. The story is standard for an action film, especially one with Chan, then The choreographed stunts are made to do all the work to hold the audience’s attention, and it succeeds in doing so.. The combination of humor and action helps make sure Humming in the Bronx Never loses sight of its main goal of entertaining the audience.

2

Fist Of Legend (1994)

Jet Li transforms into the iconic character of Bruce Lee

A remake of Bruce Lee Fist of Fury, Fist of legend Star Jet Li as a martial artist who digs further into the death of his old master. Rather than aiming for a comedic tone or focusing solely on including as many action scenes as possible, Fist of legend Has a compelling story that highlights the stigma against Lee’s character as a Chinese martial artist.

Still, that’s not to say there aren’t an array of striking action sequences in the film. By the use of his action, Fist of legend Does an excellent job honoring Lee’s legacy. Fist of legends action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping worked with Li to create captivating action scenes with limited wirework. As a result, Lee’s physical talents are on full display and are utterly captivating to watch.

1

Drunken Master II (1993)

Jackie Chan returns in the sequel of his best franchise

Compared to Jet Li’s performance as Wong Fei-hung in Last hero in ChinaJackie Chan also plays a comic version of ​​the famous martial artist in drunk master v. Continuing what is considered to be Chan’s best franchise, drunk master v Elevated everything great about the first film and secured Chan’s place as a breakout actor during that time. As a result of both films, Chan was able to make a name for himself in martial arts films, apart from the legacy of the greats before him..

drunk master v Expertly combines the use of impressive stunt choreography and comedic characters Which would continue to be seen throughout the rest of Chan’s career. Chan understands the significance of a final battle scene and there are many great examples to choose from in his filmography. One of the best final fights in Chan’s movies is in drunk master v When Wong Fei-hang falls on a bed of hot coals.