Modern martial arts movies utilize this fighting style as both an art and a weapon, pulling moviegoers into intriguing and often suspenseful plots.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, these are five of the top modern martial arts movies.
1. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2001)
This film is listed as number one on RT for its amazing martial arts battles, beautiful scenery, and compelling drama, earning itself a rank of 97 percent by critics. Seen as a martial arts film with a heart and soul, this movie appeals to a wide range of audiences, setting itself apart from other films in this genre.
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2. “13 Assassins” (2011)
Coming up as a close second, with a rating of 96 percent, this film is known for its unique style and complex battle scenes. Depicting the story of a group of unemployed samurai who are sent to prevent a sadistic lord from taking the throne, this movie never lacks in action or adventure. Strategic fighting techniques and suspenseful cat-and-mouse tactics make this a fascinating film to watch.
3. “IP Man 2” (2011)
This film tells the story of a kung fu grand master who arrives in Hong Kong with his family and must continuously prove himself to the grand Hong Kong masters before he can be allowed to open his own martial arts academy. However, when a British boxer comes to Hong Kong he openly insults the Chinese martial arts and the Chinese people. IP man has no choice but to stand up for his kung fu and for the honor of his people. This film earned a 92 percent by Rotten Tomatoes for its amazing choreography and compelling story.
4. “Shaolin Soccer” (2004)
Taking a turn for the funny, this film uses martial arts in a comedic sense. A shaolin monk who is adept in martial arts is recruited to play on a soccer team, his unique skills making him an asset to the team. The ridiculous plot and unrealistic soccer makes this a fun and entertaining film to watch, according to Rotten Tomatoes whose critics gave it a rating of 91 percent.
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5. “Kung Fu Hustle” (2005)
This film resembles Looney Toons comedy, using special effects and martial arts for a hilarious result. Two sides, separated by status and money, become angered at one another and prepare for an all-out battle in which a young man finally realizes his true heroic fate. This funny action comedy completely ignores the laws of physics and creates a comedic atmosphere, making it almost impossible to predict what will happen next.
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