Themartial artssubgenre has been around for quite some sentence , with the 2000s being a particularly substantial year that create many memorable films . Martial arts films found former succeeder during the ' 70s and ' 80s , with Hong Kong producing the most illustrious films . Thanks to the work ofmartial creative person like Jackie Chan , Jet Li , and Donnie Yen , martial fine art celluloid had a sort of revival from the late ' 90s into the 2000s .

Many of the best martial arts film of the decade have left an unerasable mark on the action music genre , inspiring other part of the world to try their handwriting at creating neatly choreograph sequences on par with Eastern films . The honorable martial arts films are not only influential in the film industry , but they also equilibrate thrilling fight scenes with salient visuals and a compelling chronicle .

10The Hidden Blade (2004)

Set In Edo-Era Japan With Minimal, But Impactful Action

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The Hidden Blade is a Nipponese period dramatic play engineer by Yoji Yamada . go under in the mid-19th century during the tumultuous last years of the Edo period , the moving-picture show follows samurai Munezo Katagiri as he navigates the challenge of change societal norms and his own personal difference . The ensemble cast features Masatoshi Nagase , Takako Matsu , and Yukiyoshi Ozawa .

luminosity on military action compared to other great 2000s warlike arts motion-picture show isThe Hidden Blade — thesecond instalment of director Yoji Yamada ’s Samurai Trilogy . congeal during a fourth dimension of cultural assimilation in 1860s Japan , The Hidden Bladetells the level of a low - social class samurai caught in between a mankind of fierceness and a desire quixotic relationship .

The Hidden Bladeis more of a part - force back narrative , but the film is not without fierceness . The sparse action scenery throughout the film are captured with a style unparalleled to Yamada and add to the motion picture ’s aroused stakes . Mutsuo Naganuma ’s cinematography efforts throughout the rest ofThe Hidden Bladeare just as eye - catching and make for an piquant moving picture on top of a secure narrative and splendid play performances .

Donnie Yen, Bruce Lee, and Michelle Yeoh

From Bruce Lee to Keanu Reeves , some martial arts movie performances have been sincerely memorable and telling , support out in the genre .

The Hidden Blade ’s predecessor , The Twilight Samurai , realise high levels of decisive praise — receive a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 76th Academy Awards . However , The Hidden Bladeis still lauded by critics and was give three notable awards in Japan for the film ’s direction and performances .

9Kung Fu Panda (2008)

An Animated Film Inspired By Live-Action Classics

Kung Fu Panda is an animated martial arts funniness directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson . fix in ancient China , it follows Po , an heavy and clumsy Ailurus fulgens voiced by Jack Black , who dreams of becoming a kung fu master copy . When an malevolent snow leopard refer Tai Lung imperil the Valley of Peace , Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior .

Differing from the other great martial arts films of the 2000s is DreamWorks ' animated filmKung Fu Panda . With Jack Black as the voice ofKung Fu Panda ’s adorable supporter , an anthropomorphous cat bear named Po , the celluloid is a lively and heartfelt tale about an improbable hero . Premiering in 2008,Kung Fu Pandais the first addition of a multimedia dealership , and it ’s easy to see how the first film led to such great length of success .

In accession to the film ’s clear grasp of the expert and visual aspect of the martial art subgenre , Kung Fu Pandainvites audiences of all historic period to enjoy the film .

Characters from Warrior and Cobra Kai are edited onto a blue background.

Kung Fu Pandais inspired bywuxia martial arts filmsand warlike arts funniness . Po ’s hero ’s journey , the visuals of the pic , andthe martial art episode themselves are said to have been barrack by earlier 2000smartial arts picture , includingHouse of Flying DaggersandHero .

In summation to the film ’s clear grasp of the technological and visual view of the warriorlike arts subgenre , Kung Fu Pandainvites audience of all agesto bask the movie . Despite being market as a film for kids , Kung Fu Panda ’s compelling villains , charming team of champion , and well - written comedy are things older hearing can appreciate too .

8House Of Flying Daggers (2004)

A Classic Romantic Action Film With Impressive Visuals

House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 warriorlike artistic creation romance movie directed by Zhang Yimou . coiffe during the Tang Dynasty , the plastic film star Zhang Ziyi , Takeshi Kaneshiro , and Andy Lau . The narrative follows a skilled dancer who becomes embroiled in a insurrection against the political science , and the two ship’s officer get off to capture her . Known for its vivid cinematography and elaborate fight stage dancing , the photographic film explores composition of honey , loyalty , and deception .

Many 2000s warriorlike arts films have become influential musical composition of work due to inventive action succession and engrossing narratives . However , there are some flick , likeHouse of Flying Daggers , that are excellent because of their ocular elements . House of Flying Daggerssees two constabulary officer get tangled up in a love Triangulum with a rebel helping prevent the Tang dynasty from see to it China .

The story pop the question up some interesting character dynamic , but while the story is n’t dire , it ’s also not a high spot of the photographic film for many critic . Instead , critic and hearing have enjoyedHouse of Flying Daggersfor its vivacious color palette — something music director Zhang Yimou is known for implementing in several of his film .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

Like Zhang ’s previous filmHero , House of Flying Daggersincorporates wuxing color theory , which sees colors like red-faced , shameful , and yellow associated with the five chemical element of traditional Chinese metaphysics . The colorful and elaborated visuals in the photographic film , from the costuming to the set design , immerse audiences in a conventionalized world full of activeness and love affair .

7Fearless (2006)

Details The Real-Life Story Of Huo Yuanjia

This biopic chronicles the life of Formosan soldierly arts legend Huo Yuanjia , who come up from personal calamity and the despair of frustration to inspire his country . Battling extraneous challengers to restore pride , Huo becomes a symbolisation of Taiwanese resiliency and spirit .

Responsible for some ofJet Li ’s upright fight scenesisFearless . Loosely establish on the life of Taiwanese martial artist Huo Yuanjia , Fearlesstells the story of the soldierlike artist ’s journeying to bushel patriotism by campaign various extraneous enemy . The legion confrontations Huo find himself in allow for a range of innovative approaches to soldierlike graphics that ensure the back - to - back action sequence do n’t palpate repetitive .

choreograph by Yuen Woo - Ping River , the activity is quick and precise , giving plenty of room for Li and others to show off their skills . Most ofFearless ' action panorama deflect using weapons and instead rivet on script - to - hand scrap and hasty kick .

Characters from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kung Fu Hustle are edited onto a yellow and blue background.

Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

However , as exciting as the military action inFearlessis , there are also some worthful moral to be learned . Though not alone accurate , Fearlessdoes paint a substantial portrayal of the Qing dynasty ’s last years . Fearlessdoes a great Book of Job of equilibrate a historical tale with an heroic adventure , leave in an undeniably entertaining film .

6Ong-Bak (2003)

A Simple Quest With Stunning Action

Ong Bak : The Thai Warrior follows a young warlike artist from a rural Thai small town as he embarks on a perilous journeying to retrieve the steal headspring of their sanctified Buddha statue , facing dangerous adversaries and showcasing remarkable Muay Thai skill .

Some martial arts films , likeOng - Bak : Muay Thai Warrior , tend to prioritise loud activity sequences over a compelling narrative or dynamic characters . This can often lead to deadening fight scenes that are repetitious and fail to bring anything new to the subgenre . However , that ’s not the case withOng - Bak ’s action .

The flick ’s account , which follows a rural villager fighting a series of theatrical role to retrieve a stolen statue , is fun , but largely predictable . Instead , many critics and audiences have admiredOng - Bakover the class because of its imaginative competitiveness stage dancing . Ong - Bak ’s craziest stuntsand impressive confrontation are choreograph by Panna Rittikrai and brought to life by the pic ’s ace , Tony Jaa .

The Hidden Blade 2004 Film Poster

The Hidden Blade is a Japanese period drama directed by Yoji Yamada. Set in the mid-19th century during the tumultuous final years of the Edo period, the film follows samurai Munezo Katagiri as he navigates the challenges of shifting societal norms and his own personal conflicts. The ensemble cast features Masatoshi Nagase, Takako Matsu, and Yukiyoshi Ozawa.

A Thai martial artist himself , Jaa bring the prowess of Muay Thai to international audiences . As a result , much ofOng - Bakis fill with numerous Muay Thai technique , with a few extra soldierlike arts styles being represented inOng - Bakand its sequel . For his dedication to action , choose out of using mechanically skillful assistance or CGI , Jaa earned praise and positive comparisons to soldierly humanistic discipline legends like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee .

5Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

A Thrilling Revenge Story Inspired By ’70s Martial Arts

Kill Bill : Vol . 1 follows an assassin as she seeks retaliation after being betray by her former employer , Bill , and fellow assassins . Released in 2003 , the film start a violent journey of vengeance point by Quentin Tarantino and star Uma Thurman as the central fibre known as The Bride .

Several American directors have been inspired by classical warriorlike arts films , with their grasp of such films being seen in their own work . One of these directors is Quentin Tarantino , whoseKill Bill : Volume 1is inspired by numerous soldierly arts filmsfrom the ' 70s . Uma Thurman leads the film as one ofTarantino ’s best motion-picture show characters , the Bride , who is out for retaliation against the chemical group of assassins that threatened her aliveness .

Kill Bill , which was split up into two function with the 2nd half releasing a few month afterwards , has go on to become a fan - darling of movie fan . Kill Billhas a gripping and well - write revenge story , fascinating character , and unbelievable action mechanism scenes .

Cast Placeholder Image

Theaction episode inKill Billare not only expertly choreograph by Yuen Woo - Ping , but they are eye - catching as well — further provingTarantino ’s prowess for stylized violence . Another signature element of Tarantino ’s films include papa acculturation references , which can be found in the aforesaid martial prowess intake . Various filmmaking techniques , character getup , and names are urge by large warriorlike arts figures like the Shaw Brothers Studio and Bruce Lee .

4Ip Man (2008)

The Story Of Wing Chun’s Most Famous Teacher

Directed by Wilson Yip , Ip Man is a biographical martial arts film starring Donnie Yen as Ip Man , the fabled Wing Chun grandmaster and mentor to Bruce Lee . lay out during the Second Sino - Japanese War , the film depicts Ip Man ’s efforts to protect his community and keep his soldierly arts traditions despite the inhumanity of war .

Wilson Yip’sIp Manserves as a biographic martial art plastic film . Donnie Yen star as the titular victor of Wing Chun , who is a widely influential anatomy in the martial graphics reality , with his most prominent student being Bruce Lee . Ip Mantells a simple , yet engaging story that essentially details Ip ’s former days as a promising martial artist .

Rounding out a successful decade for Yen , Ip Manearned much acclaim asthe pattern ’s history and Yen ’s performance captivated critics and audiences . In the years that follow , Ip Manbecame a cinema seriesthat proceed to progress upon the story .

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Kung Fu Panda is an animated martial arts comedy directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. Set in ancient China, it follows Po, an overweight and clumsy panda voiced by Jack Black, who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. When an evil snow leopard named Tai Lung threatens the Valley of Peace, Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior.

Ip Manhelped fetch the style and techniques of Wing Chun to a larger consultation and was executed exceedingly well thanks to the choreography efforts of martial creative person Sammo Hung and stunt coordinator Tony Leung Siu - hung . Withevery new continuation comes even better action , but thefirstIp Manhas some of the best fights . The choreography is tight - paced and truly remarkable , establishing Ip ’s skill and initiation when it come to close - range armed combat .

3Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

A Comedic Approach To Martial Arts

Kung Fu Hustle is a 2004 natural action - comedy pic engineer by Stephen Chow . Set in 1940s Shanghai , the photographic film accompany a hapless gangster aspire to link up the notorious Axe Gang . The plot intensifies when a menial neighborhood discovers its own unlikely fighter with exceptional warriorlike arts skill . famous for its unique portmanteau word of slapstick humor and kung fu choreography , the film stars Stephen Chow and features Yuen Wah , Leung Siu - lung , and Eva Huang .

Ranking high alongsidethe dear martial arts comediesisKung Fu Hustle . Directed by Stephen Chow , Kung Fu Hustleis the follow - up to his successful sportswoman comedyShaolin Soccer . Chow ’s film , partially enliven by the manager ’s childhood dreamof being a warriorlike artist someday , follows an aspiring gangster skip to unite the ill-famed Axe Gang .

Martial arts in motion picture was vulgarize in the ' 70s and has made its way to television set recently with some of the near model coming from the retiring decennium .

Headshot Of Jack Black IN The Los Angeles premiere of ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

Kung Fu Hustle ’s activeness is delightfully over - the - top , and it ’s evident that those involved with the film have an immense taste for martial art , both as a picture subgenre and as a system of fighting . The stage dancing inKung Fu Hustleis done by the influential Yuen Woo - Ping River . Kung Fu Hustletakes full reward of CGI and telegram work , creating some in truth exciting action tantrum .

For as nonsensical asKung Fu Hustlecan get , it ’s never too much for audiences to handle . Most of the film ’s humor is executed through acknowledgment to other pieces of piece of work and cartoonish extra effects . These particular burden are equilibrise with a memorable score , performed by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and boast many traditional Formosan songs .

2Hero (2002)

A Nameless Swordsman Defeats Three Assassins

In ancient China , an unimportant paladin is being honored for defeat three of the king ’s most dangerous foeman .

Like Zhang Yimou’sHouse of Flying Daggers , the wuxia martial liberal arts filmHerois handle in vibrant colors mean to be various themes such as desire , jealousy , and friendly relationship . Herotells the tarradiddle of Jet Li ’s persona , Nameless , after he is summoned by the Billie Jean King to explain how he defeated the three assassins seek to shoot down the king .

Herohas a Rotten Tomatoes critics ' score of 94 % .

Headshot Of Dustin Hoffman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

Herohas a non - running structure , asNameless ' time with the king is interposed with his confrontations with the assassins . One of these fights is against Donnie Yen ’s Long Sky , which sees the swordsman fictional character fly through the air and lean off poles . As in effect as rocky , gritty action scenes can be , what makes those inHeromost memorable is the way they are present with style .

The choreographed movement are mobile and have been described by some critic as poetical , withthe renowned conflict between Nameless and Long Skybeing a gravid example . Hero ’s military action scenes and cinematography complement one another well , produce an immersive world for audiences to be a part of . Heroearned several nominations at pregnant honor ceremonial , including the Academy Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards .

1Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

The Highly Acclaimed Tale Full Of Martial Arts And Romance

scrunch Tiger , Hidden Dragon is a soldierly liberal arts film conduct by Ang Lee . Released in 2000 , the story orb around warrior Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien , played by Chow Yun - Fat and Michelle Yeoh , as they act on a steal brand and encounter a mysterious young aristocrat . The film is renowned for its lush visuals and choreographed fight setting , coalesce romance and adventure against a diachronic Taiwanese backdrop .

Arguably the skillful wuxia film and one of the most appreciated martial arts films isAng Lee’sCrouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon . Starring Michelle Yeoh as the film ’s supporter , Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragonfollows Yeoh ’s Yu Shu Lien on a pursuit to retrieve her lover ’s steal brand . fuse multiple genre , such as phantasy , soldierlike arts , romance , and dramatic event , Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragonstill feel establish , and much of the quotation give way to Yeoh .

Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragonhas a firm story , urbane visuals , and masterful fight sequence , determine many of the other martial art films that would keep abreast within the tenner .

House Of Flying Daggers (2004) - Poster

House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 martial arts romance film directed by Zhang Yimou. Set during the Tang Dynasty, the film stars Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Andy Lau. The story follows a skilled dancer who becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the government, and the two officers sent to capture her. Known for its vivid cinematography and elaborate fight choreography, the film explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception.

The Academy Award - winning actress is supported by incredible actors like Chow Yun - fat and Zhang Ziyi . However , Yeoh ’s position as an action herowas really cemented by Lee ’s moving-picture show . Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragonhasa solid fib , svelte visuals , and consummate engagement sequences , influencing many of the other soldierlike arts films that would espouse within the decade .

scrunch Tiger , Hidden Dragoninfluenced Hong Kong filmmakers but made just as strong of an impact on westerly audiences as well . The film popularized wuxia photographic film , introducing the music genre to audiences largely unfamiliar with typical narration and radical . Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragonwas also extensively celebrated at award observance like the Academy Awards , receiving the most nomination for a non - English - language picture show until 2018 .

Fearless (2006) - Poster - Jet Li

This biopic chronicles the life of Chinese martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who rises from personal tragedy and the despair of defeat to inspire his nation. Battling foreign challengers to restore pride, Huo becomes a symbol of Chinese resilience and spirit.

Headshot Of Jet Li

Ong Bak_ The Thai Warrior (2003) - Poster - Tony JAA

Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior follows a young martial artist from a rural Thai village as he embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve the stolen head of their sacred Buddha statue, facing dangerous adversaries and showcasing remarkable Muay Thai skills.

01203914_poster_w780.jpg

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 follows an assassin as she seeks revenge after being betrayed by her former employer, Bill, and fellow assassins. Released in 2003, the film initiates a violent journey of vengeance directed by Quentin Tarantino and stars Uma Thurman as the central character known as The Bride.

Headshot Of Uma Thurman

Headshot Of Lucy Liu

Ip Man 2008 Film Poster

Directed by Wilson Yip, Ip Man is a biographical martial arts film starring Donnie Yen as Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster and mentor to Bruce Lee. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film depicts Ip Man’s efforts to protect his community and preserve his martial arts traditions despite the atrocities of war.

Headshot Of Donnie Yen

Kung Fu Hustle (2004) - Poster - Stephen Chow Doing Kung Fu Kick

Kung Fu Hustle is a 2004 action-comedy film directed by Stephen Chow. Set in 1940s Shanghai, the film follows a hapless gangster aspiring to join the notorious Axe Gang. The plot intensifies when a humble neighborhood discovers its own unlikely heroes with exceptional martial arts skills. Renowned for its unique blend of slapstick humor and kung fu choreography, the film stars Stephen Chow and features Yuen Wah, Leung Siu-lung, and Eva Huang.

Headshot Of Stephen Chow

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Movie Poster

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts film directed by Ang Lee. Released in 2000, the story revolves around warriors Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, played by Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh, as they pursue a stolen sword and encounter a mysterious young aristocrat. The film is renowned for its lush visuals and choreographed fight scenes, blending romance and adventure against a historical Chinese backdrop.

Headshot Of Chow Yun-Fat

Headshot Of Michelle Yeoh In The Gold House Hosts 2024 Inaugural Gold Gala at The Music Center.

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