My Favorite Martial Arts Movie

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 3:28 am

I grew up watching movies such as this one, and to this day this has been my favorite martial arts movie of all time. Many people have already seen it or heard of it, it's called Blood Sport. But....I am posting this both for the people who have already seen it and who wish to watch it again but also for those people who haven't seen it yet to post their opinions of it in this thread. So please, relax for awhile and watch it and let us all know what you thought about it.

It's based on a true story so that part is pretty cool. Just make sure to right click with your mouse to switch to full screen mode for maximum satisfaction.

Watch Bloodsport (1988) online | NovaMov - Free and reliable flash video hosting

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 4:13 am

The movie is about the real life story of an American man named Frank W. Dux, who was trained from his youth in the ways of Ninjutsu by a Japanese master of the art, Senzo Tanaka. Primarily to honor his mentor out of gratitude and respect for having been allowed the training in place of Senzo Tanaka's deceased and only son, Dux leaves for Hong Kong to participate in the Kumite — an illegal and underground, freestyle, single-elimination and occasionally deadly full-contact martial arts tournament to which the world's best martial artists are clandestinely invited every five years.

Frank W. Dux states that he was introduced to and trained in Koga Yamabushi "Ninjitsu" by Senzo "Tiger" Tanaka, beginning at age 13. In the 1970s, Dux began teaching Dux Ryu Ninjitsu. He opened his first school in Hollywood in 1980 while subsequent schools have been owned and operated by his students. Dux and his students have coached and produced a number of boxing and martial art regional, national, and world champions.

Post by **spot** » Mon May 24, 2010 4:52 am

Tell me, does it ever occur to you that one of the major problems the world has to cope with now is the consequence of the mass consumption of films like this one over the last forty years?

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 4:58 am

spot;1311986 wrote: Tell me, does it ever occur to you that one of the major problems the world has to cope with now is the consequence of the mass consumption of films like this one over the last forty years?

It doesn't bother me at all. Considering that I have seen nearly every American martial arts film since the creation of this one, and I can say that with all of the special effects and all of the technology that are produced with the films today, that none of them, and I do mean none of them, at least in my opinion, have ever impressed me more than this one.

The Quest is another good American produced tournament style film, but even that one isn't quite as good in my opinion in terms of the overall quality of the action in the film. The movie The Quest is a rework of a script Frank Dux wrote entitled "The Kumite", which ironically ended Frank W. Dux and Jean-Claude Van Damme's friendship.

Of course I am interested to read other peoples opinions as well, after they have watched the full movie that is.

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 5:07 am

I tell you what. A little later I'll post the movie The Quest in this thread as well so that people can get another chance to see a film that was written by Frank W. Dux so that they can compare it with this one and decide for themselves which one was better.

Post by **spot** » Mon May 24, 2010 5:55 am

It's not a question of better or worse, it's a question of whether I'd choose to pollute my mind with the violence or whether I'd prefer to remain unsullied. It's not a matter of what the film contains, it's dependent solely on the readiness of my mind to absorb violent imagery without distress and (speaking from experience) long term harm. It's a kind offer but I'm not prepared to turn myself into someone I'd dislike just to be able to express a stylistic preference.

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 6:34 am

spot;1312004 wrote: It's not a question of better or worse, it's a question of whether I'd choose to pollute my mind with the violence or whether I'd prefer to remain unsullied. It's not a matter of what the film contains, it's dependent solely on the readiness of my mind to absorb violent imagery without distress and (speaking from experience) long term harm. It's a kind offer but I'm not prepared to turn myself into someone I'd dislike just to be able to express a stylistic preference.

Alright well obviously you are not a fighting sports fan. I love most of them. I am especially fond of Boxing though. I don't like UFC very much because most of the action is on the ground and I find myself getting bored very easily when watching it. Although I can completely understand why people like it. As it is more full contact sport than Boxing is. More moves are used and more fighting styles are represented.

I understand that you don't like violent movies Spot and that's completely fine. To each their own I say.

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 6:38 am

Alright guys I just finished watching the film and now as promised I will post a link to my second favorite martial arts film titled The Quest. As I mentioned before Frank W. Dux is also involved in the creation of this one (probably why I like it so much), but you will notice that there are some similarities between this movie and Blood Sport.

Also as a side note, I hear that Jackie Chan is attempting to do a remake of the Karate Kid and that it is slated to hit theaters very shortly. Hopefully it turns out to be a good movie because he definitely has some big shoes to fill. However I do believe that if done properly this could turn out to be the best movie Jackie Chan has ever starred in.

Anyways, here is the movie The Quest. Another tournament style movie that rivals Blood Sport in many ways. So grab some popcorn and a drink if you wish (I'd also like to read some opinions on this movie as well if people are willing to provide them here). Remember to use your right mouse button to switch to Full Screen Mode if you wish. Enjoy:

THE QUEST - Stagevu: Your View

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 6:58 am

I should also mention that one of the actors that stars in The Quest movie is none other than Roger Moore. Some of you may remember him from some of the old James Bond movies from back in the day.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Mon May 24, 2010 7:14 am

I will watch both films later this week when I have time. I enjoy all kinds of QUALITY action films and the imagery bothers me not, however, most martial arts films that I have seen in the past I find laughable. I can understand Spots thinking. My wife is one that is deeply affected by imagery and will have bad dreams if she watches violence of any kind. She prefers warm and fuzzy films.

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Mon May 24, 2010 7:34 am

Its completely a matter of choice. I'd rather sit and watch a martial arts film rather than an episode of "Eastenders". That's the stuff that rots the brain. We can surely decide for ourselves whether, as adults, we are able to understand and digest the stylised violence for what it is. Whether we allow minors to consume that sort of stuff is another matter altogether. After some 40 years of watching many badly dubbed Chinese Kung-Fu films, I have never had the desire to clock someone round the ear'ole or bisect them with a samurai sword. I am a product of my parents. I am who I am through my upbringing and not through the media I choose to watch.

Shallow escapism it all maybe but hardly the consequence of a polluted mind

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 8:40 am

Look I am with you guys 100% on the violence thing. But what people need to understand is that violence is different than Martial Arts. In fact, Martial Arts is exactly what it portrays to be, an art form. And what kind of art is it? The art of self defense. And yes, in order practice this art form, you must have a competition setting in which two people can defend one against the other. Same goes for Boxing like I have said before.

I don't like violence for the sake of violence. But I don't think that anyone can deny that there is definitely an art to the act of self defense. It is an art that can be mastered in the form of many different techniques, styles, and moves. I don't put the two into the same category at all.

A person beating someone over the head in a non competitive situation is violence in my eyes. Two people practicing the art of self defense does not qualify in the same category.

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 10:35 am

Alright guys I am going to hit the hay because I have been up all night and morning watching these videos. lol. However, before I go I'd like to leave you with my third and final favorite Martial Arts movie titled Lionheart. I consider this one to be a classic too just like the other ones and one of the actors in it is actually one of Frank W. Dux's first students to ever achieve a black belt by the name of Stuart Wilson. I think you guys will like this movie because it involves a little more drama than the other two, and actually in some cases can be considered to be a tear jerker. Anyways, here it is:

Watch Lionheart (Van Damme) (1990) online | NovaMov - Free and reliable flash video hosting

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Mon May 24, 2010 1:26 pm

Crouching Tiger is a cool martial arts film, and Iron Monkey is hilarious.

But for reality, I was at a black belt test this weekend, and watched the real thing. In real life, they try not to hurt you, but score points. It is only a mistake that causes an injury most times. (unless they are wearing illegal equipment. :rolleyes:)

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Mon May 24, 2010 1:29 pm

Nothing tops Bruce Lee in "Fists of Fury" or "Enter the Dragon" but I have to admit, that although Jet Li is not nearly as good-looking or charismatic as Bruce, he is actually faster.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Mon May 24, 2010 1:32 pm

Oh, Jet Li is good.

What about those Kung Fu matinees they still have on cable, the old ones from the 70s and 80s, with the dubbed words?

Post by **LarsMac** » Mon May 24, 2010 5:06 pm

My favorites are

Jackie Chan's, Drunken Master

and

Jet Li's, Hero.

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 8:19 pm

chonsigirl;1312088 wrote: Crouching Tiger is a cool martial arts film, and Iron Monkey is hilarious.

But for reality, I was at a black belt test this weekend, and watched the real thing. In real life, they try not to hurt you, but score points. It is only a mistake that causes an injury most times. (unless they are wearing illegal equipment. :rolleyes:)

She's right. Most of it is point based. The Kumite was a whole different story because it was an underground illegal fighting arena. With little to no rules. But most of the professional tournaments of today are regulated and safe.

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 8:21 pm

So for whoever saw any of these three movies...which one did you see and what did you think about it?

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Mon May 24, 2010 8:26 pm

I watched Blood Sport with Van Damme and while I can appreciate not only the physical conditioning of the Martial Arts performers and the application of their skills, the scenes are still choreographed, just like Professional Wrestling. To each his own is correct and these kind of films are ones that I can take in very small doses if at all.

I much prefer Cage Fighting and Professional Boxing where the action though not as dramatic as in Blood Sport, it's not staged.|

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Mon May 24, 2010 8:38 pm

Lon;1312161 wrote: I watched Blood Sport with Van Damme and while I can appreciate not only the physical conditioning of the Martial Arts performers and the application of their skills, the scenes are still choreographed, just like Professional Wrestling. To each his own is correct and these kind of films are ones that I can take in very small doses if at all.

I much prefer Cage Fighting and Professional Boxing where the action though not as dramatic as in Blood Sport, it's not staged.|

Alright! My first commenter. =) Thanks for watching it Lon. Yeah, all of them are choreographed for the most part. But it was Frank W. Dux who did the choreographing.

Anyone else see any of the 3?

By the way Lon, The Quest has a bit more humor in it and Lionheart has a thicker plot. I'm interested to read what you think about those two as well when you get around to seeing them.

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Sat Jun 26, 2010 3:51 pm

Here's another of my favorites. Titled Kickboxer. An original classic. If you haven't seen this one or any of the ones above, you must see them at least once before you die. Here it is:

http://stagevu.com/video/dagwynzpctpp

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Sat Jun 26, 2010 4:08 pm

And my final favorite Martial Arts movie is titled Best of the Best. Another classic film about the United States Karate team vs the Korean (I'm guessing South Korean) Karate team. Very very good video. Tournament style as well:

http://www.freefullmovies.net/movies/wa ... movie.html

Huntley · Post by **Huntley** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 4:27 am

TruthBringer;1319283 wrote: And my final favorite Martial Arts movie is titled Best of the Best. Another classic film about the United States Karate team vs the Korean (I'm guessing South Korean) Karate team. Very very good video. Tournament style as well:

Watch "Best Of The Best (1989)" Movie. Divx(avi), Flash(flv), Dvd , Free Movie Downloads. Free Full Movies.net. Watch Movies Online. Free Movie Downloads Site

Bingo! As a martial artist myself I fully endorse the original "Best of the Best". There is a part 2 & 3, but I'd skip them. Best of the Best is, IMHO, the best American MA flick ever released.

rileys · Post by **rileys** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 5:30 am

Ip man 1 and Ip Man 2 both are my favorite martial arts movie..

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Fri Nov 19, 2010 11:33 am

TruthBringer;1312037 wrote: Look I am with you guys 100% on the violence thing. But what people need to understand is that violence is different than Martial Arts. In fact, Martial Arts is exactly what it portrays to be, an art form. And what kind of art is it? The art of self defense. And yes, in order practice this art form, you must have a competition setting in which two people can defend one against the other. Same goes for Boxing like I have said before.

I don't like violence for the sake of violence. But I don't think that anyone can deny that there is definitely an art to the act of self defense. It is an art that can be mastered in the form of many different techniques, styles, and moves. I don't put the two into the same category at all.

A person beating someone over the head in a non competitive situation is violence in my eyes. Two people practicing the art of self defense does not qualify in the same category.

I actually agree with you - I think I need to lie down to get over the shock.

I've seen them all except best of the best.

How about the thai martial arts films like ong bak

YouTube - ong bak

YouTube - Tony Jaa - Ong Bak - Fighting 3 men

Sorry don't have a link for a download. Well worth a look, watch the subtitled version not the dubbed.

The old ones are still amongst the best

TruthBringer · Post by **TruthBringer** » Sat Nov 20, 2010 11:46 pm

gmc;1344338 wrote: I actually agree with you - I think I need to lie down to get over the shock.

I've seen them all except best of the best.

How about the thai martial arts films like ong bak

YouTube - ong bak

YouTube - Tony Jaa - Ong Bak - Fighting 3 men

Sorry don't have a link for a download. Well worth a look, watch the subtitled version not the dubbed.

The old ones are still amongst the best

YouTube - sanjuro and yojimbo - iaijutsu fight in movie 5

I'll have to take a look at those. Something new that I haven't seen before. Thanks for the tip.

gmc · Post by **gmc** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 2:02 am

TruthBringer;1344528 wrote: I'll have to take a look at those. Something new that I haven't seen before. Thanks for the tip.

You might recognise the plot lines of the two Japanese ones.