Gangster Movies

What is your favorite gangster movie?

Why?  What does it take to make a great mobster film?

In this article I will present to you some of my favorites.

 "King of New York" (1990) Director: Abel Ferrara  Starring:  Christopher Walken, David Caruso, Laurence Fishbourne

If you are a Christopher Walken fan, you will enjoy this movie. As you know, he is a talented dancer. Did you know he took a few lessons from Gene Kelley? See him bust some moves in this video:

 

Plot of "King of New York": a drug kingpin is released from prison and seeks to take control of the criminal underworld in order to give back to the community. IMDB rated this film 7.0. I would rate it higher because I love the night shots and dark atmosphere the director created. These actors are some of my favorites. I did not list the rest of the cast, but supporting actors were carefully chosen to anchor the story.  How about two thumbs up from me? 

 

"American Gangster" (2007) Directed by Ridley Scott   Starring:Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Plot:  An outcast New York City cop (Russell Crowe) is charged with bringing down Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) whose real life inspired this biographical film.

How can you have a bad movie with Ridley Scott directing Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe?  Read an interesting take on this movie by Roger Ebert. He gives it 4 stars! Click this link:  https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/american-gangster-2007  

"Prizzis Honor" (1985) Director:  John Huston   Starring: Jack Nicholson, Kathleen Turner and Anjelica Huston   Roger Ebert gave it 3 1/2 stars

Roger Ebert, "This is the most bizarre comedy in many a month, a movie so dark, so cynical and so funny that perhaps only Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner could have kept straight faces during the love scenes.  They do.  They play two professional Mafia killers who meet, fall in love, marry, and find out that the mob may not be big enough for both of them." Read more of Ebert's review here http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/prizzis-honor-1985

 

"The Cotton Club"  (1984)  Directed by:  Francis Ford Coppola   Starring:  Richard Gere, Gregory Hines, Diane Lane

Who knew? That Richard Gere is a musician? This film is a successful mafia musical. Filled with talent and suspense, Coppola pulled it off. There are too many bad movie musicals! I started not to watch it because of the bad musical films with similar names. I was pleasantly surprised by the great music and talent, I enjoyed Gregory Hines tap dancing and Richard Gere's musical numbers. This is all happening while there is a war between the Irish and Italian mobs.

 https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-cotton-club-1984

Read the insightful review by Roger Ebert. click link above.

Roger Ebert comments:   "After all the rumors, all the negative publicity, all the stories of fights on the set and backstage intrigue and imminent bankruptcy, Francis Ford Coppola's "The Cotton Club" is, quite simply, a wonderful movie. It has the confidence and momentum of a movie where every shot was premeditated -- and even if we know that wasn't the case, and this was one of the most troubled productions in recent movie history, what difference does that make when the result is so entertaining?

"Scarface" (1983) Director:  Brian De Palma  Writer: Oliver Stone  Starring: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer    Plot: In Miami 1980 a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed. 

After all these years, this film has its own following. Who hasn't tried to talk like Tony Montana (Al Pacino) while being questioned by the authorities near the beginning of the movie?  

AT THE TOP OF EVERY LIST IS . . . "The Godfather" (1972) by Francis Ford Coppola   Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan

and "The Godfather Part II" (1974) Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton 

Click here to see several films that I left off such as films by Martin Scorsese (the mobster master film maker) and newer ones from Quentin Tarantino

http://www.flickchart.com/Charts.aspx?genre=Gangster+Film&perpage=50

Thank you for visiting my film blog. Be sure and follow us for the latest blogs and news. Nelda 

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Exploitation "B" Films

What is an exploitation film?

As I explore this juicy subject, I will share with you so we can recognize them and add them to our movie watching list!

Jack Hill is a name to remember.  He was the pioneer of the 70's Exploitation Movies. He discovered Pam Grier and she starred in his movie  "Coffy" (1973) written and directed by Jack Hill. The story is about a black female vigilante played by Pam Grier. What a women hero! She was a powerhouse and no-nonsense woman.

 

Foxy Brown" also featured Pam Grier and was Quentin Tarantino's inspiration for his third film, "Jackie Brown", which starred Pam Grier. Her character is tough, fierce and does not pull any punches in these roles.

Click this link for a complete review of "Jackie Brown" by Siskel&Ebert. They got it!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=11dUo8tbeyQ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrchDWbuAlE 

 

 

 

"Switchblade Sisters"

Check out the video above and hear Tarantino read  part of this script. This movie is a 1975 action and exploitation film detailing the lives of high school-aged female gang members. It was directed by Jack Hill and stars Joanne Nail, Robbie Lee and Monica Gayle. This film is also known as "The Jezebels."

Quentin Tarantino re-released this film in 1996 under his Rolling Thunder Pictures label. This version of the film features a commentary by both Hill and Tarantino. The film's tagline is "So Easy to Kill, So Hard to Love."

Jack Hill allegedly interviewed real-life female gang members before filming "Switchblade Sisters" in order to give small details an air of authenticity. He has stated that "Switchblade Sisters" was broadly influenced by William Shakespeare's "Othello."

 

What is a grind house?

A grind house is an American term for a theater that mainly shows exploitation films.

Why are they called "B" movies?

 An Exploitation film is a film that attempts to succeed financially by exploiting current trends and niche genres. Many were considered lower quality than block buster films because of the not-so well-known stars and the fact that they are were made with a low budget; thus called "B" movies.

 

"Walkers, Zombies, Zs"

 Zombie exploitation. . zombie and horror movies are included in the list of film exploitation. Some of these movies such as "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), set trends and became historically important. Scores of zombie movies have been made since Romero's "Night of the Living Dead." He recently received his star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame."  Read more about this by clicking this link to my blog about zombies    http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/walkers-zombies-zs.html

 

"The Undead" was directed by Roger Corman known as "The King of the B Movies." Also known as "The Pope of Pop Cinema." He is known as a trailblazer in the world of independent film.

A documentary "Corman's World: Exploit's of a Hollywood Rebel" directed by Alex Stapleton premiered at Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals in 2011.  He gave a start to many young film directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, John Sayles, and James Cameron. Corman was highly influential in the New Hollywood film making movement of the 1960's and 70's. His list of films and credits is long. Corman's colorful career is an interesting read!

Chambara exploitation. . . In the 1970's a non-traditional style of samurai film achieved some popularity in Japan. It became known as chambara (the clash of swords.) "Kill Bill" series by Tarantino is a prominent American tribute to this genre.  Its origins can be traced as far back as Akira Kurosawa, whose films feature moral grayness and exaggerated violence, but the genre is mostly associated with the 1970's samurai.  These films feature revenge-driven antiheroes, nudity, sex scenes, swordplay, and blood. Read more about Akira Kurosawa in this blog  http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema.html

MORE ABOUT THE MAKING OF THESE "B" FILMS

The individual film-maker was given a certain budget and had the freedom to put his own vision into the film as long as he included the producer's suggested elements. For example, it could be requested to have 3 action scenes, a nudity scene, a certain amount of violence, a love scene, a requested number of sword battle scenes. 

Movies included many different subjects and genres:  crooked cops, gangsters, women in prison, bank heists, motorcycle gangs, blaxploitation and kung fu films.

  

Clint Eastwood got his big screen start in Spaghetti Westerns!

Spaghetti Westerns exploitation films include Robert Rodriguez films "Desperado" and "El Mariachi."  Read more about this on my blog called "Spaghetti Westerns"   click here: http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2016/08/spaghetti-westerns.html  

Thanks for letting me share with you my study of exploitation movies!  Have fun chilling out with these cool vibes!  Nelda

Here is a link to check out best 70's exploitation-movies. You will see some of your favorites listed here! If the list doesn't come up just enter in search at top left and the article will come up when you visit www.ranker.com  Great list!https://www.ranker.com/list/best-70s-exploitation-movies/ranker-film?ref=dshare&source=emshare

 

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For more information and study:

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AMC  http://www.filmsite.org

Roger Ebert  http://www.rogerebert.com

Leprechaun Movies

Leprechaun Movies

Leprechaun films are very frightening!  I pictured this little fellow in green pants and gold shoe buckles as a bit mischievous; but upon researching the films about them, I found out they are horrible brats! 

"Leprechaun" (1993) Directed by: Mark Jones  Starring:  Warwick Davis, Ken  Olandt, Mark Holton, Jennifer Aniston  

This was the first movie I checked out on my Leprechaun adventure. I was surprised to see Jennifer Aniston in the film! She did an excellent job making her debut in this film.  This was before the famous "Friends" TV show.

 

Warwick Davis steals the show as the Leprechaun! What a convincing leprechaun!  Warwick himself regretted playing the part until there were 5 sequels - now he loves being a Leprechaun. This surprise independent movie became a hit with its own following. This is a fun movie to start your Leprechaun hunt with! I think rated PG-13.

  

"Leprechaun 2" (1994) Director:  Rodman Fiender  Starring: Charlie Heath, Warwick Davis, Shevonne Durkin, Sandy Baron 

A thousand years this leprechaun (Warwick Davis) has been looking for a bride.

On his one thousandth birthday, an evil leprechaun selects the descendant of his slaves to have as his bride, leaving it up to the girls' boyfriend to save her. The story takes us to LA and a horror tour on a bus with tourists. Gets interesting! Scary adventure as the tour guide gets involved with the Leprechaun! 

 

 "Leprechaun 3" (1995) Directed by: Brian Trenchard Smith  Starring:  Warwick Davis, John Gatins, Lee Armstrong, John Demitta, Michael Callian, Caroline Williams  

 He's back! This time in Las Vegas!  The terror beings in a pawn shop. A young college student is on his way to Los Angeles when he stops in Vegas to check it out.  (You should never stop in Vegas on the way to somewhere else....lol)

Here he accidentally gets involved with a magician, a beautiful girl and a Leprechaun. Fast moving story about a Leprechaun adventure in Las Vegas. The actors pull this wild story off for us.    

 

 

"Leprechaun 4:  In Space (1997) Director:  Brian Trenchard-Smith  Starring:  Brent Jasmer, Warwick Davis, Debra Dunning, Jessica Collins, Guy Siner 

The Leprechaun is in space to woo a beautiful princess who is impressed with his gold and wants to get it from him. He is never referred to as a leprechaun but is referred to as an "alien", "monster", "bastard" or some combination thereof.

 

 

 "Leprechaun 5: In the Hood" (2000) Starring:  Warwick Davis, Ice T, A.T. Montgomery Directed by:  Rob Spera

When aspiring hip-hop performers Butch (Red Grant), Postmaster P(A.T. Montgomery) and Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nail) cross record Producer Mack Daddy (Ice-T) their grudge against him leads to their own peril. After they break into Mack daddy's home and swipe an ancient medallion from a grotesque statue. Grant Postmaster P. and Stray Bullet try to get a demo made for the Las Vegas contest, they end up on a magical journey with IceT and a Leprechaun and his secrets.  I have to give this movie kudos for not being lazy and doing a great job on this story.  Never a dull moment or a lack of creativity! Too funny. I give it thumbs up. Warwick says this is favorite of the series. 

 "Leprechaun: Back 2 The Hood" (1994) Directed by:  Steven Ayromlooi

Starring: Tangi Miller, Warwick Davis, Laz Honso

He is back in the hood and seeking revenge.  when a group of friends discover his treasure, they soon find out they've unleashed a can of demon and don't listen to the advice of a wise psychic. I have not watched this one yet!

 

"Leprechaun Origins" (2014)  Directed by:  

Starring:  Dylan Hornswoggale Postl as the Leprechaun, Stephanie Bennett, Andrew Dunbar, Melissa Roxburgh, Brendan Fletcher, Gary Chalk

Backpacking through Ireland, two unsuspecting young couples discover a town's chilling secret when resident's offer them a ride to start a hike. This was one of my favorites of the Leprechaun films; however, I did miss Warwick Davis not being the Leprechaun. An adult horror mystery that kept my attention and was a thriller! Good writing, good camera work, good acting -- thumbs up from me -- kept me on the edge of my seat! 

 

Warwick Ashley Davis (born February 3, 1970) is an English actor, television presenter, writer, director and producer. 

Warwick's grandmother heard a radio announcement calling for people under 4 feet in height to try out for Star Wars:  Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983).  She took him then 2 foot and 11 inches tall., to the audition.  He was originally cast as a background Ewok, but his role was expanded during filming as he impressed the filmmakers, and when Kenny Baker fell ill, Warwick was chosen to take his place in the key role of the first Ewok met by Princess Leia. 

He portrayed Wicket Wysrti Warrick the Ewok in three films:  "Star Wars:  Episode VI"  "Return of the Jedi" (1983); "The Ewok Adventure" (1984) and "Ewoks: The Battle for Endor" (1985). He was cast as the body of Marvin the paranoid android in "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" (2005), while Marvin's voice was provided by Alan Rickman. Both actors played in the Harry Potter film series.   His name is pronounced "Warrick" He had the leading role in "Willow". He is one of Hollywood's shortest leading men at 3 feet 6 inches. 

 

 Thank you for letting us share our Leprechaun adventure in movies! Have fun on your own adventure and don't take these too seriously! Watch in advance before sharing with family, they are in "horror" genre and most of them rated R. Check them out and enjoy!  Nelda

  For more study these are great sites:

IMDB             http://www.imdb.com

Criterion        http://www.criterion.com

RogerEbert    http://www.rogerebert.com

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Defining the 80's Movies

Defining the Eighties Movies

As I was putting this blog together, I took a break to read news headlines. And there it was. An article from FOX about the Ronald Regan era. The title is "Will Rise of the Reagan Baby Generation Mean a Return to Optimism?" by:  Peggy Grande 

Today is Ronald Regan's birthday, 2-6-2018. . . ."as president, Ronald Regan showed us how to dream big dreams.  To imagine a flourishing economy, to imagine renewed strength and patriotism.  To picture a world free of political tyrants and communist regimes. far-fetched? Perhaps, yet when that was the end goal, any steps taken in that direction were steps in the right direction."

"She goes on to mention that from the formative years, Reagan Babies were fed a healthy diet of optimism, of clarity of vision, and voice, and were raised to believe that anything was possible." to read more of this article click this link:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/02/06/will-rise-reagan-baby-generation-mean-return-to-american-optimism.html

  

TAKING A LOOK AT THE MOVIES FROM THE 80'S

Film makers during 80's were able to lighten-up and have fun with their movies and did not always have to have practical or serious reasons to make them.  An example is "Mannequin" directed by: Michael Gottlieb starring:  Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrell  

A young artist, searching for his vocation, makes a mannequin so perfect he falls in love with it.  Finding the mannequin in a store window, he gets a job there and his creation comes to life.

 

Have you noticed the essential "naked scene"

   All 80's movies have the nonsense naked scene where a woman takes off her top or all her clothes and runs around naked for a few minutes for no reason.  Did they just do this for fun?  I heard that the foreign investors paid the film makers more money for the scene to be included in the movie. You will notice that the dialogue is running along smoothly then, "wha lah" it pops up?    

An example is "Trading Places" (1983) with Eddie Murphy and Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy  Directed by: John Landis    plot:  a snobbish investor and a wily street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by tow callous millionaires.

  

Why does the fish aquarium always get hit?

Fish aquariums were a big thing in the 80's. Recently, I saw the fish tank bust in "FX"  (1986) starring: Bryan Brown and Bryan Dennehy Directed by:  Robert Mandrel   "FX" is Hollywood shorthand for special effects such as bullet holes, gaping wounds, fake shotgun blasts and severed limbs. This movie dazzles us with all kinds of special effects.

 

Roger Ebert comments, "A movie special effects man is hired to fake a real-life mob killing for a witness protection plan, but finds his own life in danger. Bryan Brown (who was Tom Cruise mentor in "Cocktails") plays the special effects man and his Australian accent reminds us that he was not brought up to automatically trust the U.S. government in all matters." read more of Ebert's review of this fast moving, action movie! at this link:   Ebert gave it 31/2 stars.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/fx-1986 

"FX2" is a continuation of the first one! Just as entertaining! These FX films are too much fun and and should be added to you 80's movie watching list.

 

John Hughes (Feb 18, 1950 to Aug 16, 2009) wrote and directed several movies dealing with the issues of teenagers. The free, laid-back time period of the 80's was perfect for teens to be able to talk and hang out with others as they dealt with life. Some of the films he wrote and directed are: 

(1984) "Sixteen Candles"; (1984)"Breakfast Club"

(1986) "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"; (1986) "Pretty in Pink"

(1987) "Some Kind of Wonderful"

BREAKFAST CLUB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Hughes used these feel good movies to explore more complex issues with teenagers. In our times, you don't see many movies like this because they would not be a box office hit like these films were. 

Hughes is credited with launching the careers of numerous actors including:  Michael Keaton, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Bill Paxton, Matthew Broderick, McCaulay Culkin and the "Brat Pack" 

 

 

Conclusion to "Defining the 80's" 

It was a positive time, there were jobs, places to live, friends to talk and listen, fun fashion. The government was not  dysfunctional and global warning was not as a problem. I hope the "Regan Babies" do bring some positive vibes back to us!

 

 

Thank you for letting me share with you!  Be on the lookout!  For More 80s. . ."Defining the 80's Movies" - Part II   that will include sharing about the "Brat Pack" and Action Heroes and Comedians!! Nelda

 

 

 

 

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IMDB          http://www.imdb.com

Rogerebert  http://www.rogerebert.com

AMC           http://www.filmsite.org

Irish Movies

In this article, I will cover a variety of Irish films. Irish history was often filled with war and violence as they fought for freedom.  Their free spirit is still with them today in their music, acting, and all the ways they present themselves to the world. Charming, tough and proud are the Irish people.


"Gangs of New York" (2002) Director:  Martin Scorsese, Starring:  Daniel-Day Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, and Leonardo DiCaprio

 

In 1863, Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to the "Five Points" area of New York seeking revenge against the butcher who killed his father. This area of New York is not structured into a city; but is an area full of immigrants camping out and forming gangs. War is going on between the Irish and the local Italian gangs who feel the territory is theirs. Confusion, fighting, looting and lawlessness  prevail. 

"Circle of Friends" (1995) Directed by Pat O'Connor, Starring: Chris O'Donnell and Minnie Driver
Set in 1950's Ireland, the story focuses on Benny and Eve as they enter student life at University College Dublin. Here they interact with friends where the lines of  love and friendship become blurred.  This is a well loved classic film that gave Minnie Driver and Chris O'Donnel their debut on the big screen.

"Calvary" (2014) Directed by: John Michael McDonagh, Starring Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'dowd, Kelly Reilly

After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him. 

. . ."In this character, we get a real man who has lived life, knows pain, has flaws but is a shining light of integrity, morality and compassion. Brendan Gleeson is fabulous in his portrayal of Fr James who is asked to make the ultimate sacrifice as the good man laying down his life for the sins of others." Review by Rev Eamonn-donaghy (paraphrased)

 "The Commitments" (1991) Directed by Alan Parker, Starring:  Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball  

Roger Ebert review. . . "is a loud, rollicking, comic extravaganza about a rock band from the poorest precincts of North Dublin that decides to play soul music. The organizer of the band is the lean, ingenious Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), whose suggestion is greeted with puzzlement by his friends. They like soul music, yes, but they don’t particularly identify with it. Rabbitte’s logic is persuasive: “The Irish are the blacks of Europe. Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland. North Dubliners are the blacks of Dublin.”

. . . the movie is filled with life and energy, and the music is honest."

  

"Albert Nobbs" (2012) Directed by: Rodrigo Garcia, Starring: Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs and Mia Wasikowska as Helen

In 19th century Ireland, a shy butler (Albert Nobbs) played by Glenn Close hides an incredible secret.  She is really not a man. Terrified that someone will discover her identity, Albert keeps a very low profile. She needed the butler job and women were not encouraged to have independence in this time period. Close won a academy award nomination for this movie.

 "Michael Collins" (1996) Directed by: Neil Jordan, Starring:  Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn

Liam Nelson plays the Irish Republican Army's inspired strategist and military leader who fought the British Empire and invented techniques of guerilla warfare that shaped battles all over the world. 

This character performed with zest and conviction won Liam Nelson an oscar.

  

 

  

 

"The Departed" (2007)

Directed by Martin Scorsese,

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen and Ray Winstone

Taking place in Irish Boston, two men are trying to live public lives that are opposites of their true realities. Keeps you on edge as you wonder how far will they go? Great actors and great writing. Never a boring moment. I give it two thumbs up!   

"The Boondock Saints" (1999) Directed by Troy Duffy, Starring Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus (from The Walking Dead)

Two Irish brothers accidentally kill mafia thugs. When they turn themselves in; they are released as heroes.  Then they think they are called  by God and start killing mafia gang members one by one. Willem Dafoe plays the detective trying to figure out the killings, but the closer he comes to catching them the more he thinks they are doing the right thing. A sequel with these same brothers was also made called "The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day" (2009)

"Kill the Irishman" (2011) Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, Starring:  Ray Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer

This is a biographical crime film (alternately known as "Bulletproof Gangster") based on the life of Irish-American gangster Danny Greene, and was adapted from the book "To Kill the Irishman:  The War that Crippled the Mafia" by Rick Porrello.

This film gives us an inside look at the war between the Italian mafia and the Irish mafia in the 70's in Cleveland.  History tells us that over the summer of 1976 there were 36 bombs planted in the heart of Cleveland while a turf war raged between the Italians and the Irish.

 "State of Grace" (1990) Directed by Phil Joanou, Starring:  Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright, John Torturro, Burgess Meredith

The movie opens with a reunion. Terry (Sean Penn), who used to live in the neighborhood, has been on the road for a few years. Now he is back in town and meeting Jackie (his best friend).  

What a cast! I would watch this one just for these actors. They play Irish-American gangsters who operate in Hell's Kitchen of New York City.

 

"The Cotton Club" (1984) Directed by Frances Ford Copella, Starring:  Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Gregory Hines

This movie was a pleasant surprise for me!
 I almost did not watch it because there are so many films with similar names of this time period that are not good. This movie pulled off Italian and Irish mob stories and at the same time shows us the entertainment community. It is not a musical, but contains many excellent performances by singers, dancers and musicians. Richard Gere is a musician and entertains us with coronet numbers and Gregory Hines performs tap dance numbers. Gets 4 stars from me! Give it a watch!

The Cotton Club was a famous night club in Harlem. The story follows the people that visited the club, those that ran it, and is peppered with the Jazz music that made it so famous.

 

 For further study and reviews:

IMDB                           http://www.imdb.com

CRITERION               http://www.criterion.com

AMC                            http://www.filmsite.org 

 ROGER EBERT        http://www.rogerebert.com

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Martial Art Movies

In this blog, I will share with you a few of my favorite martial artists and movies that are filmed in a way to clearly view them as they demonstrate their martial art skills.  

JET LI'S STORY:  He was born in Beijing, China April 26, 1963.  Li was eight years old when his talent for Wushu was noticed as he practiced at a school summer course. He then attended a non-sparring wushu event which led to joining the Beijing Wushu Team which did a martial art display at all the games. 

 

Renowned coaches Li Jung-fend and Wu Bin made an extra effort to help him develop his skills. Wu Bin even bought groceries for his family as they could not afford to buy meat and he felt it was needed to develop Jet Li's skills. He won his first gold medal at the Wushu Championships at the age of 12. Jet Li said, "My winning caused quite a sensation because I was so young. I was 12 years old and the other two medalists were in their mid to late twenties. I had to stand on top the podium to be seen during the ceremony and I was still shorter than the other contestants."

 

As a result of winning his first championship, he traveled to 45 countries and visited the President of the U.S. Richard M Nixon who asked him to be his bodyguard. Li replied,  "I don't want to protect any individual.  When I grow up I want to defend my one billion Chinese countrymen."

FILMS OF JET LI:

Jet Li starred in his first movie when he was 20 years old. "Shaolin Temple" (1979) which started the 1980's kung-fu boom in mainland China. He relocated to Hong Kong, where he was the biggest star of the early 1990's kung fu boom.

In 2001, Li co-starred with Bridget Fonda in "Kiss of the Dragon" directed by Luc Besson. A critic for the New York Times wrote, "His action sequences are like an oil fire, spilling from one room into the next and lighting the interiors with heat and wreckage.  Mr. Li and his choreographer, Corey Yuen, have a set a new standard for action here." 

Chinese Director Jing Wong worked with Jet on 4 films: (1993) Last Hero in China, (1993) Kung Fu Cult Master, (1994) The New Legend of Shaolin and (1995) High Risk.  

 

Jet Li worked with Chinese Director Tsui Hark on 5 films. (1989) Once Upon a Time China, Once Upon a Time in China 2, Once Upon a Time in China 3 and Black Mask (1996.) 

 

He played both an attempted assassin of the First Emperor of China (Hero 2002) and the First Emperor of China (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor) (2008) A few more of his films are: "Romeo Must Die"(2000) and "Lethal Weapon 4"(1998) This was his first American film and was very successful for him. To see a list of his films go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_Li#Filmography

 

 JET LI'S skills: He trained in wushu for 28 years and picked up much from the thousands of martial art styles he has encountered. Li knows several styles of Wushu. Competing against much older martial artists, he won 15 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the Chinese Wushu Championships. Jet Li's handprint and autograph are on the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong.

Note:  See videos and learn more about many martial art subjects including self-defense at Jet Li's website!

http://www.jetli.com 

 

 JACKIE CHAN

Jackie Chan has "paid his dues." He endured many years of hard work and multiple injuries to establish himself in martial arts cinema especially in his early beginning in Hong Kong. He was born April 7, 1954 in Hong Kong.

 

When he was 7 years old,  his father took a job in Australia and enrolled Jackie in the China Drama Academy so he could learn some skills. Jackie spent the next 10 years there rarely seeing his parents learning acrobatics, martial arts, singing and acting.

Read more of Jackie Chan's biography at his website: http://jackiechan.com

 

He has been in over 150 films and he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He knows many fighting styles but his main style is king fu. Kung Fu is the most ancient self-defense style and it comes from China. Jackie also has a good voice and he sometimes sings the theme songs to his movies; but has not taken the time to establish a singing career. 

These days Jackie would like to show people his other side and be a dramatic actor. "The Foreigner" is a recent film where he got to play a dramatic role. He says, "I have to speak English from my heart and let the tears go down and it's so difficult." He is happy with his performance as it was recognized and has set his sights on more dramatic roles.  "I want to change people’s thoughts," he says. "I am not an action star or action-comedy star anymore, I am an actor. I can do so many things, just like Robert De Niro. I am waiting for the next drama film, so Hollywood—please hire me!"

To read the list of Jackie Chan's films go to his website filmography   http://www.jackiechan.com/filmography.htm

 

BRUCE LEE

He is noted for his roles in five feature-length films; "The Big Boss (1971); "Fist of Fury" (1972); "Way of the Dragon" (1972) directed and written by Lee; "Enter the Dragon (1973); and "The Game of Death" (1978.)

 

 Lee became an iconic figure known throughout the world, particularly among the Chinese. He is credited with helping the way Asians were presented in American Films. He trained in the art of Wing Chun and later combined his other martial art influences to his style. He dubbed his style Jeet Kune Do which was a mix of kwon do and wing chun.

Born Nov. 27, 1940 Chinatown, San Francisco, CA

Died July 23, 1973 Kowloon, Hong Kong 

 

DONNIE YEN. . .   

was born July 27, 1963 in Guangzhou, China. His family moved to Hong Kong when he was two and then when he was 11 moved to Boston, Mass.  His mother was a kung fu master, named Bow-sim Mark and his father was a newspaper editor and musician. He reached a high level of proficiency as a pianist. His later studies as a director reveal the smooth movements like music in his choreography.

 

A

 

His training began very early, as soon as he could walk by his mother.  He began learning Tai chi and Wushu. Donnie is a multiple time World Washu Tournament champion. Just like Jet Li, he trained with the Beijing Wushu team winning several gold medals.

Donnie Yen knows a variety of martial arts:

Tai-Chi; Chuan, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, Hung Ga, Wrestling, Brazilian Jin-Jitsu, Judo, Wing Chun

 

His fighting style has been filmed in a full-body style where you can see his moves in these three famous films - (2010) IP Man I, (2015) IP Man II, (2016) IP Man III 

  Yip Man and photo of Bruce Lee training with his teacher Yip Man

 

IP Man I    Director: Wilson Yep, Starring Donnie Yen, Martial Arts Choreography: Sammo Hung 

 

IP Man I is based on the life of Bruce Lee's teacher, called Yip Man or IP man (October 1 1893 - December 2, 1972),a grandmaster of Wing Chun and the first to teach it. He had several students who later became martial arts masters. Bruce Lee was one of his most famous students. Above is a photo of Bruce Lee training with him. The film idea originated with other film makers, but the project was dropped so Raymond Wong decided to make IP Man.

 

With full consent from IP's sons, with IP's eldest son being serving as a consultant on the production and appearing in the film, the crew began filming in Shanghai where they recreated the city of Fushon set in the late 1930's and early 1940's. It was filmed in Hong Kong in the Cantonese language. Donnie Yen plays the part of Yip Man.

 

  MY REVIEW: This film gets two thumbs up!  I was immediately impressed with the unique set designs and the original style of filming. Not like any other Asian film I had ever seen. The beauty of timeless simplicity - just enough of everything - but not too much. The set design is filled with plants, antique furniture, and home-like touches such as dining with the guests and conversations with the locals. On top of this, when the film gets rolling, we can clearly see the moves in the fight scenes. 

 

IP Man I and IP Man II follow suit for the same great viewing as the grandmaster takes his martial arts to other regions and interacts with his students. There is a fight scene in IP Man II where Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen fight on top of a loose table top that is original and breathtaking! It happens early in the film so you don't have to wait for it. Check it out!

Note:  There is an IP Man III and now an IP Man IV which are streaming on Netflix   The same director did all of them. I have seen all but the #4 and they were great quality and spirit!

Donnie Yen has starred in many films includin Kung Fu Killer (2014) (2017) Rogue One, Chasing the Dragon (2017) and (2016) Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.  

Too see more of Donnie's films go to this link:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Yen#Filmography 

 CONCLUSION:  This article could go on and on as I am very interested in martial arts. But for now, I will close and hope I have given you some inspiration and great martial art films to enjoy!

 

Thank you for visiting! Nelda

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You might also be interested in these other articles:

Hong Kong Cinema  http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/cinema-of-hong-kong.html

The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-golden-age-of-japanese-cinema.html

Japanese Anime  http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/05/japanese-anime.html

For more study go to these links:

IMBD http://www.imdb.com 

Criterion  http://www.criterion.com 

You Tube  http://www.youtube.com

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