G) Martial Arts

Probably one of my most watched flms as a kid. It all looks pretty corny now, but like this film for sentimental value

Probably my favourite Van Damme film. I was rather obsessed with these as a kid

Another childhood favourite, I loved this movie and Mr Miagi

It's taken a re-watch of this for me to fully appreciate the greatness of this film. The plot is clearly one of revenge, but the storyline itself, (although important), is not the main focus of this film.

The sequence of filming, jumping back and forth chronologically is a familiar trait with Tarantino and makes the story interesting. The choice of a female lead within a role usually designed for men is genius, it could so easily have gone wrong, but Uma Thurman certainly pulls it off. Another trait of Tarantino - great soundtrack, it can really make a difference in a film The use of Anime to show certain scenes, gave this film the Japanese feel that was needed. Each character has been developed well and some of the fight scene choreography was pretty amazing stuff, especially the use of the different weopens.

VERDICT: All in all, Tarantino has used everything in his power to create a very memorable film, which lines up nicely for Volume 2. I definitely recommend watching.

Obviously you can't watch Vol 1 without watching Vol 2, quite a good idea of Tarantino's. It's a bit slower moving than Vol 1 and a lot less action, but of course it does give you explanations of the whys and whats of the story.

One thing I did enjoy was the training.

VERDICT: If you're gonna watch 1 then you have to watch 2

It took me a few watches to totally appreciate the humour in this film, but once I did I thought it was totally unique. I really love the dancing gangster during the first scene.

Very creative characters especially the landlady. Just a very entertaining and comical film.

Probably the best Martial Arts film ever made. With huge fight scenes, stunning choreography and comical chase scenes.

Tony Jaa has been described as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li all rolled into one. His speed, agility are a true force to be reckoned with, I hope he goes on to make many more films.

For any fan of Martial Arts, this is an absolute must see, don't be put off by the sub-titles - you'll be pleasently amazed.

Great film, Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, a great mix of actors. If you haven't watched it, you need to watch it

Having not seen the previous two for a number of years, I wasn't entirely sure whether I would enjoy it. How wrong could I be, there were some really funny scenes and some great fighting choreography.

VERDICT: Definitely worth watching even if you haven't seen the others

The duo are back from the sequel and I enjoyed this as much as the first. Very funny and some great entertaining moves from Jackie.

A little less authentic and a little more Hollywood than Ong-Bak. Some amazing fight scenes throughout and many impressive stunts. The storyline, I felt was a little weak, however, it's definitely worth watching if you are a fan of Martial Arts.

Some great scenic shots too and comical moments too.

In the era of the dubbed Martial Arts films comes the last film completed by Bruce Lee (Ch?) before his untimely death.

Certainly entertaining, lacks a little storyline, but it?s fight scenes galore throughout.

The muscular, wiry and agile hereo is a joy to watch and this film is a great watch if you want to look at the history of Martial Arts.

I really want to give this film a higher rating, but if you take Bruce Lee out of the equation, you?re not left with much of a film.

3 STARS

SPECIAL FEATURES
DOCUMENTARY: CURSE OF THE DRAGON

A phenominal revealing documentary of Bruce Lee in life and death and those who surrounded him. This documentary takes you on a journey of a man who's known in every walk of life, a legend 'who will never grow old'.

This will interest any fan out there and possibly those who are not too. A slight man with a huge physical power and a sharp philosophical mind, a man ahead of his years who taught equality to those he knew.

A must see for any Bruce Lee/Martial Arts fan.

5 STARS

(Final rating averaged)

Come on, anyone with an interest in Bruce Lee has to have watched this film, if they haven't they should!

Despite not having too many creative fight scenes, it was a very easy watching film.

I liked the comic sidekick in this film the most.

After a bit of a slow start, this film really comes to life about half way through, the animation of course was great, Jack Black's voice completely matched the main character and the ideas and choreography that went into this film was quite something.

This feature length cartoon really has captured something from the Martial Arts movies and with clever little morals for the young ones to catch on to. Kung Fu Panda was a really enjoyable film.

An interesting documentary, very much aimed at the technicalities of The Martial Arts Bruce Lee used and those who keep his legacy alive.

I'm not a huge fan of wire work, so that part of the film didn't particularly impress me too much, however I thought the use of colour was very impressive and visually effective and there were also a few subtle, yet impressive special effects, especially with the water scene.

I've heard great things said about this film and I do think the swordsmanship and choreography were enjoyable, however, my preference of Martial Arts films is defintely a little more hands on, with plain raw talent, agility and fighting using the body.