Andersson
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2013
- Messages
- 75
Seeing as there has been no activity in this part of the forum for nearly 7 months I thought I’d try and get something going.
Since this is a Fantasy (and Science Fiction) forum I think that it would be good to have a thread where we recommend and discuss Wuxia and historical adventure/dramas as these often come pretty close to what we would consider fantasy.
For those unfamiliar with the term Wuxia:
Wuxia, which literally means "martial hero", is a genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuxia
So basically we are talking about martial arts movies in a historical or mythical setting. I’m sure the purists would argue that there’s more to it than that but I prefer to keep it simple which is why I’ve also included historical adventure/dramas since these usually have a similar setting and, more often than not, include a healthy dose of martial arts as well.
I’ll get things going by listing a few of the most obvious ones and then others can add to it. I’m going to link to reviews from http://www.lovehkfilm.com/, a great site that I’ve been using since 2002, but feel free to use other links or just write your own opinion.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/crouching_tiger_hidden_dragon.htm
No comment necessary since it’s the genre’s most well-known movie by far (and a pretty good movie as well). A sequel is coming next year (not directed by And Lee unfortunately).
Hero (2002)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/hero_2002.htm
Almost as well known as the above and, in my opinion, an even better movie.
House of Flying Daggers (2004)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/house_of_flying_daggers.htm
Zhang Yimou’s second effort in the genre (after Hero) which, despite looking wonderful, leaves quite a lot to wish for in terms of story. Still, I have to admit that it has become somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine.
Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/curse_of_the_golden_flower.htm
Zhang Yimou’s third movie in the genre (should we call it a trilogy?). Still beautiful to look at though some may feel that things have gotten a bit out of hand in the costume and set department. Once again the story is a bit weak at times but an amazing performance by Gong Li makes up for a lot of it in my opinion.
Wu Xia (2011)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/wu_xia.html
Obvious inclusion on account of the name if nothing else. Seriously though, a really good movie with a simple story (in a good way) and lots of great action.
I have plenty more to add but I think I should give others a chance to contribute. Hopefully we can get a nice discussion going.
Since this is a Fantasy (and Science Fiction) forum I think that it would be good to have a thread where we recommend and discuss Wuxia and historical adventure/dramas as these often come pretty close to what we would consider fantasy.
For those unfamiliar with the term Wuxia:
Wuxia, which literally means "martial hero", is a genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuxia
So basically we are talking about martial arts movies in a historical or mythical setting. I’m sure the purists would argue that there’s more to it than that but I prefer to keep it simple which is why I’ve also included historical adventure/dramas since these usually have a similar setting and, more often than not, include a healthy dose of martial arts as well.
I’ll get things going by listing a few of the most obvious ones and then others can add to it. I’m going to link to reviews from http://www.lovehkfilm.com/, a great site that I’ve been using since 2002, but feel free to use other links or just write your own opinion.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/crouching_tiger_hidden_dragon.htm
No comment necessary since it’s the genre’s most well-known movie by far (and a pretty good movie as well). A sequel is coming next year (not directed by And Lee unfortunately).
Hero (2002)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/hero_2002.htm
Almost as well known as the above and, in my opinion, an even better movie.
House of Flying Daggers (2004)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/house_of_flying_daggers.htm
Zhang Yimou’s second effort in the genre (after Hero) which, despite looking wonderful, leaves quite a lot to wish for in terms of story. Still, I have to admit that it has become somewhat of a guilty pleasure of mine.
Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/curse_of_the_golden_flower.htm
Zhang Yimou’s third movie in the genre (should we call it a trilogy?). Still beautiful to look at though some may feel that things have gotten a bit out of hand in the costume and set department. Once again the story is a bit weak at times but an amazing performance by Gong Li makes up for a lot of it in my opinion.
Wu Xia (2011)
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/wu_xia.html
Obvious inclusion on account of the name if nothing else. Seriously though, a really good movie with a simple story (in a good way) and lots of great action.
I have plenty more to add but I think I should give others a chance to contribute. Hopefully we can get a nice discussion going.