Description:
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, while absorbing influences ranging from Beijing Opera to computer games. Hunt looks at the mythic allure of the Shaolin Temple, the 'Clones' of Bruce Lee, gender-bending swordswomen, and the knockabout comedy of Sammo Hung. He considers the impact of new technologies on a genre focused 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 like Game of Death, Fist of Legend, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Drunken Master.
Review Quotes: " "Kung Fu Cult Masters" is set to become an essential text... [and] Hunt has made an unparalleled contribution to kung fu film analysis." -- "Senses of Cinema"