The 10 Best Martial Arts Film Presentations of the 1970s

The 1970s represent a supreme period in the context of martial arts films. Although these films were released as early as the 1920s, this decade effectively put the genre on the map and brought it popularity with some of the best martial arts film performances of all time. The love for martial arts cinema continued in the following years, with successful releases such as The Karate Kid, that caused such an impact that it justified a Karate Kid sequel 40 years later.

Undoubtedly, The most legendary figure of this period was Bruce Lee. As a pioneer of cinematic martial arts, Lee’s performances were so good that they produced a new subgenre known as Bruceploitation films, which aimed to emulate his style. While he is certainly a household name in this decade and beyond martial arts films, there are several other standout performances from the 1970s that significantly affected the genre.

10

Chiang Sheng

Five Deadly Poisons (1978)

Five deadly poisons is a certified martial arts cult classic from the 1970s. It was a product of and one of the best films of the Shaw Brothers Studio, the most acclaimed kung fu production company of all time. The film tells the story of a dying kung fu master who sends his last student to track down his five previous students. Chiang Sheng portrays Yang Tieh, the sixth student, who sets out on a mission to confront students considered bad.

There are several noteworthy performances in this film, but Sheng’s is unique. Although it’s a bit exaggerated, the choreography behind his fighting technique is well done. Above all, it demonstrates its diversity. Throughout the plot, Sheng has to face opponents who employ different animal-based fighting styles.: The Centipede, the Snake, the Scorpion, the Lizard and the Frog. As such, he has to adapt his style to account for his enemies’ weaknesses, and this is reflected in his combat.

9

Chuck Norris

The Way of the Dragon (1972)

Even the mention of Chuck Norris’ name is powerful enough to strike fear into people’s hearts. He is a true icon of the genre and a living legend in the world of fighting. Even with such a successful career, his initial performance alongside Bruce Lee is one of his best. Although it was only his second film Norris’ role as Colt in The Way of the Dragon brought him to the martial arts scene.

Although Lee was the spectacle of this film, Norris’ presence stands out, even with his limited screen time. In one of the most famous confrontations in cinema history, Lee (Tang Lung) and Norris (Colt) face off at the Coliseum. During the epic showdown, Norris shows off a variety of impressive moves, solidifying his legendary performance. The fight was so iconic that there is speculation whether Norris and Lee fought in real life.

8

Lo Lieh

Shaolin Executioners (1977)

When it comes to martial arts films from the 1970s, Lo Lieh’s name comes up a lot. Born in Indonesia and raised in Hong Kong, Lieh spent years honing his fighting skills. Although he appeared in many films throughout the decade, including Boxer King (1972) and White Lotus Clan (1980), Lieh’s performance in Shaolin executioners take the cake.

In the film, Lieh plays Pai Mei, an evil priest who ends up facing Hong Hsi-Kuan (Chen Kuan-Tai). Without a doubt, Lieh’s best scene comes in the film’s final moments. During his fight with Kuan-Tai, his aura is unparalleled. It’s not so much about the complexity or speed of his techniques, but simply how invincible Lieh seems. For most of the fight, he predicts his opponent’s movements and uses them against him. Even when he is grabbed in the face, he is not intimidated.

7

David Chiang

The New One-Armed Swordsman (1971)

David Chiang made a name for himself in the 60s and 70s for his collaborations with Shaw Brothers Studio. He is an experienced martial artist, actor, and director who has carved out a huge space in the general genre. He is known for many films, but his presence in One-armed swordsman the franchise reigns supreme.

Of his many films, Chiang gives his most iconic performance in The new one-armed swordsmanand it certainly stands out in the world of martial arts films.

In the film, Chiang, playing Lei Li, seeks revenge. After losing his arm at the beginning of the film, he continues throughout the plot, fighting with just one hand. While this is a repeated concept, Chiang executes it best. His performance feels so natural that it seems like he’s more effective fighting this way. It’s particularly impressive when it comes to the choreography of the swordplay and how Chiang executes it so masterfully.

6

Gordon Liu

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Gordon Liu is considered one of the most ruthless martial arts movie stars. Although he was already famous at the end of the 20th century, he became even more popular when he played Johnny Mo and Master Pai Mei in the film Kill Bill franchise. Much earlier, in another collaboration with the Shaw Brothers, Liu doesn’t hold back The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.

In the film, Liu’s character is trained by monks at a Shaolin temple, and the application of his technique is impeccable. The fight scenes are not very long and Liu’s performance offers a more holistic presentation of the kung fu style. The training scenes are especially captivating, demonstrating how your moves translate into real battles. Overall, it’s an excellent film and Liu’s presence only makes it better.

5

Jackie Chan

Drunk Master (1978)

Jackie Chan, a man who needs no introduction, brought energy to the martial arts genre that few could. Although he appeared as a stuntman in collaborations alongside Bruce Lee, he only began starring roles in the late 1970s. Without a doubt, one of his most impressive performances comes from playing Wong Fei Hung in The Drunk Master. This film presents an interesting example for the genre, as it is comical, but its acting is stellar.

As he drinks rice wine and embodies the legendary drunken boxing style, Chan’s mad athleticism shines through. His techniques in the film have real roots in the history of kung fu. Drunk style aims to imitate the behavior of a drunk individual, emphasizing fluidity and fake movements. Chan clarifies this combat method in a comical way, but that doesn’t detract from its magnificence. Although it seems impractical, he poses a real threat, making Chan’s actions all the more genius.

4

Bruce Lee

Fist of Fury (1972)

Bruce Lee is truly the pioneer of the cinematic world of martial arts. It effectively introduced the kung fu movie formula into the modern era in an epic way. Although his career was unfortunately short-lived, he delivered several of the genre’s most impressive performances. For example, Lee’s greatness in Fist of Fury it’s a combination of his combat prowess and how he is portrayed in the film.

Every punch, kick and elbow Lee throws Fist of Fury looks real and audible. His mannerisms only add to the experience as he screams during his movements. This was also one of the first films in which Lee demonstrated his unparalleled skill with the nunchuck. The fight scene in the dojo best sums up his on-screen personality. As he swings the weapon around his body at high speed, his opponents look at him in horror, and for good reason.

3

Angela Mao

The Raging River (1971)

Angela Mao comes from a background of opera performers and first became familiar with martial arts at a Peking Opera school. Considering THE Angry River it was her first film, she came out swinging, showcasing her combat proficiency in illustrious fashion. It may not be his most popular or critically acclaimed film, but its powerful presence is undeniable.

His performance in this film is notable for several reasons, but perhaps the most important is that he demonstrates a spectacle of sword fighting techniques never seen before. It’s not just about her combat, but Mao shows strong emotions during his on-screen time in The Angry River, which is a testament to his acting ability. While the pacing of this film may be a little odd, Mao raises the bar for martial arts film actresses who would follow her.

2

Jimmy Wang Yu

The Hammer of God (1970)

Often considered Bruce Lee’s rival, Jimmy Wang Yu was a stone-cold assassin in martial arts cinema. The Hammer of Godalso known as The Chinese boxerfollows Lei Ming, played by Wang Yu, as he searches for the attackers who killed his master and destroyed his school. The Hammer of God It is considered one of the best films in the history of martial artsand for good reason.

Considering Wang Yu’s ruthless fighting style, shown in his one-hit sword attacks in Golden Swallow (1968), he is considerably tamer in this film. However, this does not diminish the magnitude of its performance. The cinematography in this film complements Wang Yu’s combat scenes very well. As he spins through the air and hits multiple opponents at once, the camera follows him in a way that makes the action personal. Their white masks and gloves make their image in the film even more iconic.

1

Bruce Lee

Enter the Dragon (1973)

Although it was his penultimate project Enter the dragon turned Lee into an international star. On lists of the greatest martial arts films of all time, this film often takes the top spot. This wouldn’t have been the case if it weren’t for Lee’s groundbreaking performance. There are so many noteworthy fights in Enter the dragon It’s hard to pick one that proves why this is the most legendary cinematic fighting display ever seen.

Lee does everything right in this film. From the tension to the bone-crushing contact, it feels like a martial art in its purest form. The unique fight choreography is the icing on the cake. Lee sets up a kung fu clinic, performing moves that have never been seen before, while their fight in the hall of mirrors ties everything together. It’s a simple, one-on-one match, but the acting and setting make the experience special and engaging. Lee’s role in Enter the dragon It’s everything a martial arts performance should be.