Some of the most beloved martial arts films are those that go all out with their storytelling. Over-the-top martial arts films have an exaggerated display of either comedy, violence, or martial arts skills — or all three at the same time. However,when done right, these heightened elements don’t make it appear as though a film is trying too hard. The over-the-top antics are often grounded by the strong performances of a film’s cast and theinnovative approaches to fight choreography.
Jackie Chan is a familiar face in plenty of over-the-top martial arts films, as his career is largely defined by those with risky, extravagant stunts regularly paired with slapstick humor. However, as previously mentioned,humor and death-defying stunts aren’t the only ways for films to be considered over-the-top.Riki-OhandShaolin Soccerare twofilms that feature absurd amounts of violenceand superhuman martial arts skills, respectively, delivering an entertaining display of action for audiences to enjoy.
Shaolin Temple
Cast
Shaolin Temple follows the journey of a young man who, after escaping the clutches of a usurping general in the East Capital, seeks refuge and trains in martial arts at the Shaolin Temple. The film, released in 1982, showcases his quest for vengeance against the traitor responsible for his father’s death.
Jet Li made his acting debut inShaolin Temple, the first martial arts film to be made in mainland China.The film established Li as a star and has become a fan favorite for its use of over-the-top fight scenes.
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Through the use of comedy and recognizable martial arts moves,the action inShaolin Templeis highly entertaining. Following its release, the film saw great success in China, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in the region and drawing in large tourist numbers to the Shaolin Monastery.
Shaolin Soccer
Shaolin Soccer: Released in 2001, this film follows a once-promising follower of Shaolin martial arts who convenes with his estranged brothers to create a soccer team. They harness their martial arts prowess on the field, merging their skills with the game in pursuit of victory.
Jackie Chan has led a handful of humorous action films throughout the years, but there are somegreat martial arts comedies that don’t star Chan, one of which isShaolin Soccer. The film revolves around a soccer team full of superpowered players. Team Shaolin’s journey leads them to an intense final match with Team Evil, where both teams utilize their powers on the field.Shaolin Soccer’s showdown is unlike any other sports film as the soccer balls catch on fire and athletes leap exaggerated lengths in the air.
Last Hero in China
Last Hero in China is a martial arts comedy film directed by Wong Jing and starring Jet Li as Wong Fei-hung. This 1993 film follows the adventures of the legendary folk hero as he uncovers a human trafficking operation while maintaining his medical clinic and martial arts academy. Set during the late Qing Dynasty, the film combines action and humor as Wong battles various villains and navigates complex social issues.
Inspired bytheOnce Upon a Time in Chinafilms,Last Hero in Chinais a comedic take on famous martial artist Wong Fei-hung. Jet Li reprises his role as Wong and the film sees the character unknowingly open up his school of kung fu next to a brothel.The film is frequently absurd and never takes itself too seriously, but there is still enough room for Li to shine as a performer. One of the more memorable moments from the film is a fight between Li’s character and that of Gordon Liu.
Iron Monkey
Iron Monkey is a Hong Kong martial arts film set in a corrupt Chinese village, where a masked bandit known as Iron Monkey robs the rich to aid the poor. The story unfolds as a traveling physician is coerced by the local governor into capturing the elusive bandit.
Iron Monkeyis yet another film inspired by Wong Fei-hung, and this time, the Donnie Yen-led film features a fictionalized portrayal of his father, Wong Kei-ying. The film sees the father and son duo confront the eponymous masked martial artist.Iron Monkeyis one of the more famous wire fu movies, in which wires are used to give the illusion that performers can fly. The elaborate fight scenes inIron Monkeyinclude its characters launching themselves from one side of the room to another to defeat their enemies.
Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior
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.
Martial artist and actor Tony Jaa had his breakout moment with the filmOng-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. The riveting martial arts film follows a rural villager facing various opponents to retrieve a stolen statue.Jaa has a commitment to martial arts reminiscent of icons who came before him, opting to perform his own stuntsrather than rely on other people or technology. With this in mind,Ong-Bak’s flashy action becomes all the more impressive. One ofthe craziest stunts inOng-Baksees Jaa kick his on-screen opponent while his leg is set ablaze.
Kung Fu Hustle
Kung Fu Hustle is a 2004 martial arts comedy directed by Stephen Chow, set in 1940s Shanghai. It follows small-time criminals Sing and Bone, who aspire to join the infamous Axe Gang but inadvertently provoke powerful kung fu masters, leading to a conflict that reveals hidden talents and unlikely heroes.
A few years after the accomplishedShaolin Soccerwas released, director Stephen Chow moved on to an even wackier film. This time,Kung Fu Hustlefollows a protagonist with aspirations of joining an infamous gang.The film moves forward at a consistently lively paceand features an assortment of eccentric supporting characters. InKung Fu Hustle, there is a balanced mix of masterful martial arts choreography and cartoonish special effects that mesh together surprisingly well.
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Riki-Oh, possessing superhuman strength, uses his martial arts to overthrow corrupt officials in a brutal private prison where inmates are treated as slaves in the future 2021.
Riki-Oh: The Story of Rickyis easilySiu-Wong Fan’s best kung fu film. The brutal action film stars Fan as the titular character, an imprisoned super-human who attacks others in prison. Throughout the film,Ricky proves to be an unstoppable force, surviving the most violent blows.Riki-Ohhas become a cult film because the action is immensely over-the-top and unapologetically gory. Yet, it all manages to be somewhat grounded by the film’s compelling narrative and Fan’s committed performance as a martial artist.
Police Story
Police Story is a 1985 action film featuring Jackie Chan as Officer Chan Ka Kui, who single-handedly captures a Hong Kong drug lord. The film follows Chan as he protects secretary Salina, who is set to testify against the gangster in court.
Jackie Chan’sPolice Storyfilmshave some of the most intense action scenes in his filmography. The first film in the series,Police Story, set the tone for the type of death-defying, heart-racing stunts audiences could expect from the martial artist.One of Chan’s coolest stuntsin the film is during the famous bus chase, which encapsulates the best of the actor’s skills. Chan’s comedic time, innovation, and, of course, physical agility are all on display in the over-the-top action in the film.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
In Everything Everywhere All at Once, a middle-aged laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis. With just her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to support her through the confusion, she must contend with her overbearing traditional father (James Hong), a pencil-pushing auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her emotionally-distant daughter (Stephanie Hsu).
A refreshing take on a multiverse story, the Academy Award-winningEverything Everywhere All at Onceis a delightfully chaotic blend of several genres, including martial arts. The film follows Michelle Yeoh’s character as she travels through parallel universes to save the multiverse. In each universe,wacky shenanigans take place in the form of martial arts sequences and absurd gags. Still, there is plenty of depth inEverything Everywhere All at Onceto balance out its over-the-top elements — nihilism and family dynamics are just a few themes explored.
Drunken Master
Drunken Master is a martial arts film featuring Jackie Chan as a mischievous young man who is sent to train under a rigorously unorthodox old beggar. Released in 1978, it follows his journey to mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style amidst comedic and action-packed encounters.
One ofYuen Woo-ping’s best moviesisDrunken Master, starring Jackie Chan, Yuen Siu-tien, and Hwang Jang-lee. The film tells a fictionalized story of martial arts legends Wong Fei-hung and Beggar So and is full of humorous bits and stunning martial arts sequences.Drunken Masterhas a quick pace and is over-the-top,featuringthe drunken boxing style of martial artsthat appears exaggerated and impractical. Following its release,Drunken Mastermade quite an impact on its stars and director’s careers, as well as the martial arts subgenre as a whole.
