The 90s saw the rise of martial artist actors like Jet Li and Jackie Chan into the mainstream, resulting in some of the best kung fu films of the decade. The introduction of such stars and films increased interest in the genre and influenced various American films.including matrix. As fans of Hong Kong cinema, the Wachowskis asked famed martial arts director Yuen Wu-ping to help them with the film’s fight choreography.
Chan himself has had quite an impact on kung fu films. In the late 70s, Chan was one of the leading actors in kung fu comedies, which revived interest in the genre over the next decade. Chan and Lee are just a few who started working in Hong Kong cinema before moving to American films after their success. As a result, the best kung fu films of the decade came from Hong Kong, but featured many familiar faces that are well-known to American audiences, such as Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh.
10 Rapid Fire (1992)
A young man is trying to take down drug lords
As the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee proved that he was as skilled a martial artist as he was an actor. in Rapid fire. In the 90s film, Lee played Jack Lowe, a college student who finds himself targeted by law enforcement and the mafia after witnessing a murder. In addition to Lee’s connection to martial arts through his father, Rapid fire Also paying homage to Jackie Chan’s filmography During its fight sequence.
Rapid fire It has fast action throughout and is well choreographed by Jeff Imada, a famous martial artist who has worked in numerous films. Mortal Kombat And Lee’s last film, the crow. However, more than that, Lee was able to show his talent as a charismatic actor. Granted, his on-screen presence was minimal before his unexpected death, but Rapid fire It provided a solid look at what the rest of Lee’s career might look like.
9 Last Hero in China (1993)
A classic folk hero is put into a ridiculous mess
Wong Fei-hung is a Chinese folk hero who has been portrayed numerous times in films and TV shows. One of the people who have played the role of famous martial artist is Jet Li, in most cases Once Upon a Time in China Film series and again in The last hero in China. The later film has a much more comedic approach to the character. In the film, Wong accidentally opens a new school of kung fu next to a brothel.
To make matters worse, Wong is targeted by a local general who wants to shut down the school. D Adverse predicament The last hero in China Make for some equally hilarious and violent confrontations. The last hero in China its derivative Once Upon a Time in ChinaAnd because the film nails its comedic tone, it’s often seen as a successful parody of the franchise.
8 Armor of God II: Operation Condor (1991)
The Asian hawk is back in search of gold
As a follow-up to what was once the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong, Armor of God II: Operation Condor It also sees the return of Jackie Chan as his famous character Asian Hawk. the first Armor of God The film was recognized as a fun, stunt-heavy version Indiana Jones. The sequel draws more parallels in its plot to the American franchise, which follows Chan’s character Jackie through the Sahara desert as he searches for gold.
Despite a serious suffering Hurt while taking the first photo Armor of God Film, the action didn’t stop at the sequel. Like many of Chan’s works, Operation Condor There are some incredible action scenes performed by the actor and his stunt team. unfortunately, Operation Condor It followed as the last great film in the franchise CZ12Which lacked the important martial arts and stunts that made the previous films, and Chan as an action star, so beloved.
7 Iron Monkey (1993)
A local man takes a masked hero from the rich
In Iron MonkeyDonnie Yen stars as the protagonist tasked with capturing a top masked martial artist who is causing trouble for a wealthy local community. why part Iron Monkey Widely appreciated by Hong Kong audiences as the film’s commentary on class division and the help oppressed communities receive only because of Iron Monkey.
unfortunately, Iron Monkey Changes were made when it was released to American audiences. Iron MonkeyIts political and historical context, as the film serves as a fictional reenactment of Wong Fei-hong’s childhood, was removed from the film. Nevertheless, due to the universally understood use of karma and the strong leading performance of the yen, Iron Monkey It became the 11th-highest-grossing foreign film in the United States the year it was released.
6 Wing Chun (1994)
A local businessman encounters a group of bandits
Returning to acting in the early 90s, one of Michelle Yeoh’s first roles was Wing Chun. In the film directed by one Dr Best martial arts director of all time, Yuen Woo-ping, Yeh plays the title character living a double life as he encounters bandits visiting his village, while also working at a tofu shop. Yeo is joined by some of Hong Kong’s most recognizable actors, including Cheng Pei-Pei and Donnie Yen.
The film’s name comes from a style of kung fu that prioritizes closeness between fighters Hand-to-hand combat is most commonly used. While the film doesn’t use as many Wing Chun techniques as martial arts enthusiasts would like, there are still plenty of action scenes for viewers to enjoy. One scene in particular, highlights a final conflict with Norman Chui’s character Yeh’s best fighting skills.
5 Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
A retelling of the story of a Chinese folk hero
the first time Jet Li played by Wang Fei-hong It was early in his career Once Upon a Time in China. The martial arts film is the first of many in the franchise and sees Wong step in to protect his local martial arts school. He was given the opportunity to showcase his athleticism and skill Once Upon a Time in ChinaIts fight scenes, including memorable confrontations where his character Wong jumps off a variety of bamboo ladders while fighting his enemy.
Between the endless range of action scenes 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. Impact on real life Once Upon a Time in ChinaIts story helps the film ground And don’t let this just be a compilation of the best kung fu techniques.
4 Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)
Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh team up against drug cartels
A good portion of these are recognized police story Film series, Police Story 3: Supercop Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, and Bill Tung reprise their roles from previous films. This time, Chan’s character, Chan Ka-kui, teams up with a police officer, Jessica Yang, played by Michelle Yeoh, to take down a local drug cartel. As co-leads, Chan and Yeh’s energies match incredibly well.
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments though super hitThe biggest takeaway from the film is the action scenes. Combining their love for the genre, the two stars are burning hotter than ever. Both Chan and Yeoh are known for performing many stunts in their action films super hit There was no exception. While filming some of their risky scenes, they both suffered minor injuries, but luckily no one was badly injured.
3 Rumble in the Bronx (1995)
A Hong Kong police officer gets into trouble in New York
Riots in the Bronx one more Notable films in Jackie Chan’s career. The action comedy film helped introduce Chan to North American audiences and has a formula that continues 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.
While there are plenty of films in the martial arts genre that have as many complex plots as there are action scenes, Riots in the Bronx Not one of them. The story is ideal for an action film, especially one starring Chan, so The choreographed stunts are made to do all the work to hold the audience’s attention and it succeeds in doing just that.. Helps ensure coordination of humor and action Riots in the Bronx Never loses sight of the central goal of entertaining the audience.
2 Fist of Legend (1994)
Jet Lee transforms into the iconic character of Bruce Lee
Remake of Bruce Lee Fist of Fury, Fist of Legend Jet Li stars as a martial artist who digs deeper into the death of his old master. Focus entirely on including as many fight scenes as possible, without aiming for a comedic tone. Fist of Legend There is a compelling story that highlights the stigma against Lee’s character as a Chinese martial artist.
Still, that doesn’t mean the film doesn’t have an array of interesting fight sequences By using the verb, Fist of Legend Does an excellent job honoring Lee’s legacy. Fist of LegendIts action choreographer Yuen worked with Wu-ping Lee to create impressive action scenes with limited wirework.. As a result, Lee’s physical prowess is on full display and is completely impressive to watch.
1 Drunken Master II (1993)
Jackie Chan returns for the sequel to his best franchise
Comparable to Jet Li’s performance as Wong Fei-hung in The last hero in ChinaJackie Chan also stars in a comedy version of the famous martial artist Drunken Master II. Continuing what is considered Chan’s best franchise, Drunken Master II Elevated everything about the first film and secured Chan’s place as a breakout actor at the time. As a result of the two films, Chan was able to make a name for himself in martial arts films, which differed from the legacy of the greats before him.
Drunken Master II Skillfully combines impressive stunt choreography and the use of comedic characters that would be seen throughout the rest of Chan’s career. Chan understands the significance of a final battle scene and has many great examples to choose from in his filmography. one Chan’s best final fight in cinema is in Drunken Master II When Wong Fei-hong fell on a bed of hot coals.