#and is sooo quoteable

[tenaflyviper]

@grievers-gunblade

Who wouldn't love a good martial arts film now and then? All the various fighting styles are fascinating to watch, not unlike watching a talented dancer or figure skater.

I definitely agree with you on Kung Fu Hustle (2004), as it is visually stunning, wildly imaginitive, and absolutely hilarious. It transcends any cultural barriers, with a simple plot, and a steady pace. Just absolutely brilliant overall.

Obviously, Enter the Dragon (1973)—Bruce Lee’s last film—is the quintessential kung fu film. It was the only film he did in English, serves as the perfect showcase of his talents as a fighter and actor, and it even features Jackie Chan, Biao Yuen, and Sammo Hung in minor roles.

Hmm…to avoid making this post way too long, I’ll put the rest in a bullet list:

Wheals on Meals (1984) – I mentioned Jackie Chan, Bias Yuen, and Sammo Hung above—not just because they've each been in numerous martial arts films on their own, but because they were frequently paired together. This film is the perfect example of why, because these three are reminiscent of The Three Stooges in the best ways. It's also the film they yanked stills of Jackie Chan from in making the rare and notorious Super Famicom game, Hong Kong ‘97.

Although many consider it juvenile, I have a soft spot in my heart for Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002). It was really a labor of love; made with the utmost affection for the kung fu films of the 70’s. The humor can be a little goofy at times (perhaps even cringey), but it has a cult following for a reason. It's just damn funny, and so, sooo quoteable.

The Street Fighter (1974) – This was actually the first film ever to receive an “X” rating for violence, which is what drew me to it during my research of “CAT III” films. In the US, the “X” rating at that time did not denote pornography, but was simply the precursor to today's “NC-17” rating. Unfortunately, pornographic films would self-apply the “X”, resulting in the still-current association of the rating to pornography. Occasionally, the “X” would be used on films that, today, would likely pass with an “R”. Overall, both “X” and “NC-17” merely meant that no one under 18 is allowed, even if accompanied by an adult. The film stars the always-fantastic Sonny Chiba.

Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976) – Jimmy Wang Yu may have been kind of a narcissistic, ethnocentric asshole in real life, but he did turn out a few decent films, including this over-the-top showcase of various martial arts styles. And, of course, there’s that goofy decapitation contraption.

The Way of the Dragon (1972) – Not only was this Bruce Lee's most ambitious and personal film, but it also notable for featuring a true clash of the titans: Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris!!

Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980) – Sammo Hung, hopping jiangshi, and SORCEROR BATTLES! This film typifies the kind of supernatural action comedy that would prove quite popular throughout the 80's and early 90's. It was actually the very first film to take the jiangshi creature from folklore to the big screen.

Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991) – This film is legendary for it's level of gore, particularly the infamous head-smashing scene (which even made it's way into a reoccurring segment of the first season of Comedy Central's The Daily Show). It is also HELLA fun, as well as hella funny.

The Bride with White Hair (1993) – This is another one that often finds itself hand-in-hand with the horror genre due to its supernatural leanings. Western horror fans would come to know director Ronny Yu later for Bride of Chucky (1998) and Freddy vs Jason (2003), but this film is his visual masterpiece.

UNCONVENTIONAL CHOICES:

Versus (2000) – This one's a bit of a genre blender with that incorporates yakuzas and gunplay alongside martial arts and supernatural zombies. It's very stylishly shot and edited, and was greatly inspired by Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead (but not so much as to be derivative).

Mortal Kombat (1995) - Before you judge, you gotta remember that the games were a huge phenomenon when they came out. They had a big impact on the fighting game genre, as well as the gaming industry overall. The film isn't a masterpiece, but it isn't terrible, either. If you like the games, you'll more than likely enjoy the film. As far as games-to-film adaptations go, it's faithful, and it entertains. Also, the soundtrack introduced me to both KMFDM and Gravity Kills.

Kill Bill: Vol 1 (2003) and Kill Bill: Vol 2 (2004) In the same vein as Kung Pow, this was also a project made out of affection for 70's kung fu films. Regardless of how you feel about Tarantino as a person (arguably not a stellar human being), and regardless of how derivative it may be in places, the entire 4-hour saga of Beatrix Kiddo is stylish, exciting, dynamic, and beautifully choreographed.

Ninja Scroll (1993) - This is the original theatrical release of what would later be expanded into a series. It was also one of the top titles released by Manga Video back in the day. It's gruesome, brutal, and definitely not for children, but the animation is exquisitely detailed.

Those are about all I can think of at the moment that I've seen.

[herenya-writes]

@marlinspirkhall tagged me to name 7 comfort films, so here goes in no particular order:

The Princess Bride: this movie is sooo quoteable and just all-around fabulous. Watching it basically makes my week.

Pride and Prejudice: I love this movie. Darcy is a whole mood. Standing in the corner refusing to talk to anyone at the dance? Me too buddy, me too.

Pirates of the Caribbean (the first one): Is there anything better than pirate adventures on the high seas with morally-grey crew mates bound to act by love and fate? No, no there isn’t.

The Lord of the Rings (Return of the King): Glorious. LotR is what I consider to be my first fandom. Watching any of the movies makes me happy, but this one especially. The power of friendship quite literally saves the world, my boy Aragorn gets hitched and takes the throne, Leggy and Gimli yeet to the Undying Lands, it’s great.

Guys and Dolls: I like musicals, and I like Frank Sinatra, and I have a thing for fictional criminals, so. That’s that.

National Treasure (the first one): This movie is great. It’s stupid, but it’s great and I love it.

Tangled: This is quite possibly my favorite Disney movie (Mulan is the other contender) and the Fluffy Duckling scene is the best. I have a dream!!! Also, frying pans.

I’m supposed to tag seven people. If you’ve already been tagged, my bad. @voulezvulcan @matsuorka @mads-rambles @songofages