Welcome to my world of film and art. Please enjoy my film articles and use them to study about film and add them to your movie watching list to enjoy. You will find articles on film history, different genres of film and a few film related articles on the arts.
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!
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.
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!"
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.
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.
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!
Long before the onslaught of superheroes over the past decade, these characters had been making their way onto the small screen through adaptations of comic books as far back as the 1950's. Many of these television shows did not give us lasting substance to hang on to. A few of the good ones became hits ("The Incredible Hulk" and "Batman") and remain part of our pop culture. For example, the 90's classic "Lois and Clark" allowed us to get to know real people and connect with them.
But unfolding now, the new superheroes have brought us their human side and we can enjoy them even more. They are real people and are sensitive as well as interested in relationships with normal humans.
MARVEL made a deal with Netflix in 2015. Netflix announced at the Television Critics Association summer meeting that it would be rolling out a new Marvel superhero series every six months. The first to be released was 13 episodes of "Daredevil."
Daredevil is played by Boardwalk Empire's Charlie Cox. The character first appeared on Marvel pages in 1964. After being blinded by a radioactive substance as a child. Matt Murdock's other senses became enhanced. He takes to the streets at night to serve justice for "Hell's Kitchen" in New York. His day job is being a lawyer with his old college friend, Foggy, played by Elden Henson. Rosario Dawson plays a nurse friend who tries to patch him up after his fighting bouts and is a love interest.
"Foggy" (photo below)
Vincent D'Onofrio makes a shocking appearance as Wilson Fisk, a bald business man from Hell's Kitchen. He captures the sensitive side of this character who has a very aggressive and bullish personality. I did not recognize him!
Of course, Daredevil has to be a daredevil and mess with him....well you have to watch the show to see what happens! The first few episodes of Daredevil are slow and show us his world of isolation and darkness with night scenes and displays of his skills as a fighter. Be patient because it pays off to keep watching and things get rolling. Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page) is the blonde secretary for the law office and is a daredevil herself as she tries to get to the bottom of things in Hells Kitchen!
"Daredevil" was nominated for 5 Prime Time Emmy's and had 5 wins and 24 nominations.
Jon Bernthal joins the "Daredevil" series as The Punisher. He is one of our favorites from "The Walking Dead." He is perfect for the character. A violent, intense superhero who has lost everything. Matt Murdock and "Foggy" take his case and defend him with Karen helping them. It gets interesting!
This week a new series "The Punisher" was released. The show is very well done. It shows what he was doing during the time the team was first getting together. Jon Bernthal does some exceptional acting.
"LUKE CAGE" surprised me with an elaborate style of filming.
A cross between Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee with beautiful set designs and lighting keeping the shots in a surreal comic book style. It starts out in a barber shop with Luke Cage and his friends. He is sweeping the floor and keeping a low profile. I was immediately drawn in by the colorful setting and natural dialogue.
The Harlem nightclub where the Kingpin has his office is a set designers perfection with blue and yellow lighting and great music in the background. This first episode maintains this high standard of set design, lighting, music and acting revealing this world to us at a steady pace and sets everything up for a great series! First Class. . .two thumbs up from me.
Luke Cage is played by Mike Colter. When a sabotaged experiment gives him super strength and unbreakable skin, he is attempts to rebuild his life in Harlem and fight for his city. We have been watching Season 2 of Luke Cage and it maintains the same quality filming as the first one. You will not be disappointed! Streaming on Netflix.
"IRON FIST" played by Finn Jones is a martial artist and the most foreign of Netflix's heroes, coming from the extradimensional city of K'un Lun. Full of superhuman energy and impeccable training Iron Fist is Danny Rand by day and uses his chi to control his own strength and those of others.
This series starts out with Danny returning to New York after being missing for 14 years. There was an airplane crash and only he survived to be raised by monks Kinda like a Cinderella story, Danny has two evil brothers who run the family enterprise and don't believe this barefoot street person is their brother! Met by rejection and snobs Danny hangs out in the park and keeps trying to connect with his old life as a child. I was impressed by Finn Jones acting and the way the story and awesome acting and writing kept me watching. It was dramatic and I was concerned when he was admitted to a mental institution because the brothers thought he wanted their business empire and their money. Just when I was getting depressed, the story takes a turn toward the end of the second episode and things start looking up. . .thank goodness! No spoilers! Go watch this one.
"JESSICA JONES" is played by Krysten Ritter of Breaking Bad. Like Daredevil, Jessica became superhuman as the result of a childhood mishap; having been exposed to chemicals in a car accident, she gained extraordinary strength and near invincibility, as well as the ability to fly.
Jones has a fairly uneventful superhero career until she
intervenes in a disturbance at a restaurant involving Zebediah
Killgrave, the Purple Man, played by David Tennant. He uses his power of mind control to place Jones under his command, psychologically torturing her and forcing her to aid his criminal schemes. David Tennant gives an impressive performance acting as Killgrave!
She has given up her life as a super hero saving the world and has become a private investigator. Jessica Jones Season 2 stays interesting and gets really wound up to a 10! Her dark story leads her to some thriller episodes that are intense and scary!! Watch Season 2 on NetFlix!
"THE DEFENDERS"
Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist join forces to take on common enemies as a sinister conspiracy threatens New York City as their paths cross in the series called "The Defenders."
I have to mention Stan Lee who keeps reinventing the heroes and is the master mind behind them. We thank him for keeping this going strong all these years so we can enjoy Marvel comic book heroes! Stan Lee . . . an American
comic -book writer, editor, and publisher, who was formerly executive
vice president and publisher of Marvel Comics. He created Spider-Man,
the Hulk, Doctor Strange, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, Thor,
the X-Men, and many other characters.
On July16, 2017, Lee (born December 28, 1922 in New York City) was
named a Disney Legend, a hall of fame program that recognizes
individuals who have made an extraordinary and integral contribution the
The Walt Disney Company.
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We automatically send you a PDF file of "film noir" movies both classic and newer ones with information on each one. Free approx. 7 pages of information. We did the work for you. Add these to your movie watching list.
P.S.S. You might also be interested in these blogs:
"The Mist" (2007) Director: Frank Darabont Writers: Darabont and Stephen King
A freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives as the fog and creepy things settle in! A good interpretation of Stephen King. A great cast! Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden
"Children of the Corn" (1984) Director: Fritz Kiersch; Writers: Stephen King and George Goldsmith; Starring: Peter Horton, Linda Hamilton, R.G. Armstrong
Peter Horton and Linda Hamilton play a young couple who get trapped in a remote town where a cult of children who believe everyone over the age of 18
must be killed. The couple are driving around and around on these country roads as someone is changing the direction signs? They end up getting lost and they are running out of gas. The incidents that happen draw them into a group of killer kids. Great late night flick with the laid back atmosphere of a spook- EEEEE adventure.
REMEMBER "The Cable Guy" (1996) Directed by: Ben Stiller Starring Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, Leslie Mann, Jack Black
A lonely and disturbed cable guy who was raised on television just wants a new friend, but his target, a designer (Matthew Broderick) rejects him, with bad consequences. Jim Carrey took this character to another level! The critics did not like this film. They were used to Carrey being the happy-go-lucky dumb guy in his other films. It had an initial short-term negative affect on his career. However "The Cable Guy" was a great financial success worldwide grossing $102 million worldwide!
CHUCKY MOVIES -Chucky is the antagonist of the Child's Play horror film series. Chucky is a doll inhabited by a notorious serial killer. He constantly tries to transfer his soul from the doll to a human body. The character has become one of the most recognizable horror icons often mentioned alongside Freddy Krueger. In 1999, the Chucky character was nominated for the MTV award for Best Villian for the film "Bride of Chucky." He was created by writer-director Tom Holland and is portrayed and voiced by Brad Dourif in both live-action and voice-over. The Chucky films are now available from Universal in a complete 7-movie Collection Blue-Ray. You might also find these streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon or other live streams. Look for: "Curse of Chucky"; "Seed of Chucky"; "Bride of Chucky"; Cult of Chucky"
"IT" (2017) Released Sept. 2017 - In theaters Now! Directed by: Andy Muschietti Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard
A group of bullied kids band together when a demon, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children. This demon emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town's children. If you are not scared of clowns, watch this movie and you will be!
"Creep Show" (1982) An anthology which tells five terrifying tales based on the E.C. and D.C. horror comic books of the 1950's. Director: George A. Romero Writer: Stephen King (screen play)
Starring: Hal Holbrook, Leslie Nielsen, Adrienne Barbeau, Ted Danson, Fritz Weaver, E.G. Marshall and Stephen King as his first film acting debut
The five stories are "Father's Day" "The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill" "Something to Tide You Over" "The Crate" "They're creeping up on you."
The film was shot in Pittsburg and Monroeville, a suburb of Pittsburg where Romero leased an old boys academy (Penn Hall) to build extensive sets for the film. This fill earned $21,028,755 in the US.
"THE DEAD ZONE" (1983) Director: David Cronenburg Starring: Christopher Walken, Brook Adams, Tom Skerritt, Martin Sheen, Herbert Lom
Christopher Walken gives one of his best performances as Johnny Smith, a school teacher who gains the ability to touch someone and see their future as a result of a car accident indused coma. This ability leads him to a senatorial candidate, Martin Sheen (who will be elected president and blow the whole world up.)
There are many types of horror movies and monsters such as ghosts, aliens, vampires, zombies, psycho humans and the list goes on. Sometimes these genres cross over and a film could be listed for example as (horror-science fiction-alien invasion) or a (horror-dark comedy) film.
Since these monsters and aliens are included in several genres, I have added a few links you might find interesting:
Of course, I ran out of space to add more so I added to the bottom of this page!
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Do you believe in Aliens? Some individuals claim they have been abducted by them. Do you believe them? Would you be friendly to them? Do you perceive them as being mean? The following writers and directors take us on a journey into worlds unknown and use their skill to spark our imagination and materialize our dreams.
K-PAX (2001)
Directed by: Ian Softley (2001) Starring: Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack
Writers: Gene Brewer (novel) Charles Leavitt (screenplay)
Prot (Kevin Spacey) believes that he is from another planet called K-PAX. He has all the credentials and is very convincing! Tested by the scientists, he has all the right answers that only a genius would know. Jeff Bridges, who plays his doctor, tries to help him connect with Earth; so to speak. I was drawn in immediately and was totally entertained by this Alien - or is he? This film is a drama rated PG-13 (streaming on Netflix)
"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977) Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, Cary Guffey and Francois Truffaut. It tells the story of Roy Neary, an everyday blue-collar worker in Indiana, whose life changes after an encounter with unidentified flying object (UFO.) Roger Ebert gave this movie 4 stars and the updated version by Spielberg 4 stars. This year was the 40th anniversary for this film and a special anniversary edition was released.
"PAUL" (2011) Director: Greg Mottola; Writers: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost; Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen (as voice of Paul), Mia Stallard - This movie is rated R because of some of the language and conversations.
Two British comic book geeks traveling across the U.S. specifically Area 51 pick up a hitchhiker named Paul. A true to life Alien joins them on their roadtrip! This little guy makes the road trip an adventure to remember! He has an attitude and enjoys being one of the guys. I was so impressed by Paul that I made one for our vendor shows (see green alien below.) Customers loved taking their photo with Paul. Note: I have never seen a Simon Pegg movie that I did not like. Check out "Shaun of the Dead" (streaming on Showtime) and "Hot Fuzz" (streaming on Netflix.) These two also starred in another science fiction movie "The World's End."
"The Thing" (1982) directed by: John Carpenter
In remote Antarctica, a group of American research scientists are disturbed by a helicopter shooting at a sled dog. When they take in the dog, it brutally attacks both humans and canines in the camp. They discover that the dog can take take the shape of its victims. Kurt Russell and Richard Dysart lead the camp crew in a desperate battle against the vicious creature before it picks them off, one by one. Note: This movie was not a hit; but over the last 30 years has become a respected classic. It is on every science fiction list that I come across. This remake remains faithful to the original film. The last time I looked, it is streaming on Netflix.
"SLITHER"
Director: James Gunn (2006) Starring: Nathan Fillian, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker.
a small town is taken over by an alien parasite that turns residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters or giant blobs of gunk or hordes of alien slugs. This film is entertaining and utterly disgusting! (Rated "R")
"Slither is old-school gooey, slimy, silly B-movie fun," Claudia Puig, USA Today
"Men in Black" (1987) Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Who says fighting aliens can't be fun? When a giant cockroach from another world arrives on Earth and threatens the entire planet, it's up to agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) and a new recruit Agent J (Will Smith) to stop him. Vincent D'Onofrio gives a bizarre performance in the film. "Men in Black" was a huge hit spawning a cartoon TV show, a sequel in 2002 and a third film in 2012.
"This is a snappy, clever, often funny motion picture that provides the perfect blend of science fiction style action with comic dialogue." James Berardinelli, Reel Views
"The Blob" (1958) Directors: Irvin Yeaworth and Russell S Doughten Starring: Steve McQueen, Aneta Corseaut
A drive-in favorite, this science fiction classic follows teenagers Steve McQueen and his girl (Aneta Corseaut) as they try to protect their hometown from a gelatin alien that engulfs. This film helped launch the careers of McQueen and composer Burt Bacharach, whose title song is just on the film's nice surprises.
"The Blob is yet another terrific 1950's Sci Fi monster flick that is among the best in the genre. This is a genre classic that is a memorable and fun film to watch." Rotten Tomatoes
Did you know Tom Cruise was in an alien sci-fy?
"War of the Worlds" (2005) Directed by: Steven Spielberg Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin and Miranda Otto
Tom Cruise is a dock worker who tries to build a positive relationship with his children when his ex-wife drops them off.
"The War of the Worlds" is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells written around 1898. This novel spawned a half dozen feature films, radio dramas, a record album, comic books, and a television series.
"Dr. Who" is a world of aliens. We all have our favorite Dr. Who as he regenerates into a new body instead of dying when his time is up. Over 36 seasons there have been many of them. Matt Smith is one of my favorites. Dr. Who, a time traveling alien, travels through time and space in a blue tardis. He is probably the most famous Alien of all time.
This is the most non-lazy space show I have sever seen. It is worth taking the time to get to know the Dr. Who world.
See episodes on your BBC Channel
Thank you for visiting! I hope I have inspired you! I have added a list at the bottom of more movies for you to check out!
We would love to keep in touch! I write a one-page newsletter with movie news, latest blog, and a new recipe!
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P.S. You might also be interested in these short blogs listed at the bottom of home page...just click the article you are interested in they are linked
1. "Predator" (1987) Directed by: John Carpenter Starring Arnold Schwarzeneggar Action-Alien-Science Fiction
2."The Faculty" (1998) Directed by: Robert Rodriguez teen movie-science fiction-horror
3. "Dreamcatcher" (2003) Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan starring: Morgan Freeman, Timothy Olyphant
4. "Independence Day" (1996) Directed by: Roland Emmerich starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell Alien invasion-action
5. "Sphere" (1998) Directed by Barry Levinson; Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, Samuel L Jackson Adventure-Alien Invasion-Science Fiction
6. "Village of the Damned" (1960) British film - Directed by: John Carpenter Starring: Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, Linda Kozlowski
7."Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978) Directed by: Philip Kaufman Starring: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Veronica Cartwright, Jeff Goldblum Sci-fy-Horror-Thriller-Alien Invasion
8. "Cowboy & Aliens" (2011) Directed by: Jon Favreau Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde Action-Alien invasion-based on comics
