Good books on Hong Kong Cinema and Martial Arts Cinema

[Vorvadoss]

Ok.. My knowledge of this genre is not at its best. Hence why I read page after page from this forum hoping to learn more about this genre. Can anyone recomend any good books to read to brush up on. (movies and such)

[Chinatown Kid]

I just ordered a book titled Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Movies and I'm hoping it will be a pretty good reference book. Let me warn you of one to stay away from, it's called Asian Cult Cinema by Thomas Weisser. This guy is a hack that doesn't know what he's writing about and there's more mistakes in his book than there is correct info!

[rederror]

I bought The Encyclopedia of martial Arts Movies about 10 or so years ago in London for about £60. Its a big book with a huge amount of information on all types of kung fu movies and i found it very informative and it has a few really good black and white ptohographs in the middle of the book which is nice. There are lotts of credit listings for each movie but some movies do not have any information apart from title and a few other bits but having said that there is a massive amount of information in this book and a very good reference book.

[Shaolin Dog Paw]

Once upon a time in China ~ Jeff Yang

Hollywood East -Hong Kong Movies and the People Who Make them ~ Stefan Hammond

Hong Kong Cinema - The Extra Dimensions ~ Stephen Teo (the most insightful one)

Jade Screen Magazine

Hong Kong Babylon -An Insiders Guide to the Hollywood of the East~ Fredric Dannen & Barry Long.

[Chinatown Kid]

I've been looking for that Hong Kong Cinema-The Extra Dimensions book too as I have heard it's very good. SDP, can you recommend a site online that sells it?

[Linn1]

and it's the best overall book IMO.

[Chinatown Kid]

Thanks Linn!

[Shaolin Dog Paw]

i get everything from powells.com

heres a link you might find of use. HK movie books (http://www.powells.com/s?kw=hong+kong+movie&x=0&y=0)

massive kung fu selection (http://www.powells.com/search/DTSearch/search?results=&perpage=250&start=1&numresults=399&&kw=kung%20fu&sort=by_title&sort2=by_author&)

[Markgway]

John Charles' book apparently lists every HK film from 1977-1997. I haven't bought it because it's way out of my price range. I can imagine many blank spaces and no one can have seen EVERY HK film made in a 20 year span. That's thousands of movies from one territory.

[Vorvadoss]

Thanks for all the info!! So many kind and informative people, this is why I love this forum :)

[Linn1]

John's book is pretty great. The only thing I don't like is it is ONLY Hong Kong made films, meaning no films made anywhere else. So titles made in Taiwan and Korea that were more or less HK productions are not covered.

[Markgway]

Mark, John's book is pretty great.

I figured it would be as the man knows his stuff. Just too expensive for my taste. I couldn't justify the spending of all those $$$. If it was about $30-40 tops I'd perhaps reconsider.

The only thing I don't like is it is ONLY Hong Kong made films, meaning no films made anywhere else. So titles made in Taiwan and Korea that were more or less HK productions are not covered.

Ahh...that cuts A LOT of old school Kung Fu then as most indies (and many studio films) were made outside Hong Kong including a half-dozen seminal Chang Chehs. I'm including films shot in Taiwan and Korea but only if they've been produced OR co-produced by a Hong Kong company on location. Pure Taiwanese or Korean films I don't cover. But because of my rule I can still include anything from Hong Hwa and First Films as technically they ARE HK companies.

[silver hermit]

is there a book that covers taiwan movies?

[Markgway]

Not that I know of.

If there was I'm sure Linn would have it.

[moviegyrl]

I bought Bey Logan's HONG KONG ACTION CINEMA a few years back. And, I was disturbed that he referred to Tan Tao-Liang as little-more-than a "footnote" in kung fu cinema history. >:
Question: How accurate is his book? Is he a good source of info?

[moviegyrl]

Hey! This (http://www.shawstudios.com/hkbooks.html) is a list of books recommended at the Shaw Brothers site.

[Chinatown Kid]

I agree about Tan moviegyrl, he was one of the best kickers to ever grace the screen and was definately more than a "footnote". :rolleyes

[teako170]

I have John's book but rarely use it. Yes, it would have been good to include Taiwanese films as well. We need a good book on that. John's book lists 1102 films. He sometimes skimps on films though; example, "Brave Archer." Nice write up on the first film but then only states the film was followed by BA2, 3, 4. Since there is no one, all-inclusive book that covers everything, the best bet is to own several of these reference books (incl. John's) in which one can then cross-reference.

[Markgway]

Does John actually review every HK film or just list some of them?

[dbmaster514]

Anybody know where I can find some good HK Filmography books for cheap? I've been wanting to get The Hong Kong Filmography, 1977-1997 by John Charles for a while but the price is out of my range. I'm looking for something cheaper or similar to it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[teako170]

Anybody know where I can find some good HK Filmography books for cheap? I've been wanting to get The Hong Kong Filmography, 1977-1997 by John Charles for a while but the price is out of my range. I'm looking for something cheaper or similar to it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks JC's book is OK but I suggest you grab a copy of this one instead:

The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Movies
http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Martial-Arts-Movies/dp/0810841606/ref=ed_oe_p/102-4233598-3666566

[Linn1]

that while John Charles' book is more expensive and covers less films, it's all FAR more accurate information-wise.

[gfanikf]

that while John Charles' book is more expensive and covers less films, it's all FAR more accurate information-wise.


It's amazing and authoritative, it should be used to swear in Presidents. Its that good.

[teako170]

It's amazing and authoritative, it should be used to swear in Presidents. Its that good. I agree, the book is good but the two things that are a negative for me is (1) it starts at 1977 and (2) only includes HK films. Now a 1970-2007 HK/Taiwan/Korea/Other Filmography would be REALLY nice... Hey Linn, you got some free time for that? ;)

[gfanikf]

I agree, the book is good but the two things that are a negative for me is (1) it starts at 1977 and (2) only includes HK films. Now a 1970-2007 HK/Taiwan/Korea/Other Filmography would be REALLY nice... Hey Linn, you got some free time for that? ;)

Actually, I think by limiting it, it made it possible for John Charles to focus in more detail on the movies selected. I agree it would have been nicer to go earlier. However, I think all of those Kung fu movies from that period (and sorting out if it was really HK or HK fianced or not only Taiwan ala Chang's Film Co.) would be enough for another book. Heck, I think one just on the Shaws or GH would make a great book. I just love the fact it has pretty detailed casts and crew lists (including the favorite "Not Original" listing for Composer on so many movies).

[silver hermit]

is there a book thats about taiwanese film:confused:

[dbmaster514]

Anyone have any of the books listed, I could trade for them if anyone is interested dvds, vcds, dvdrs, etc.
I have one book that is written by Paul Fonoroff called At the Hong Kong Movies if anyone is interested.

[irons]

Video Hounds Dragon by Brian Thomas is worth a look. It's the one I use, but I still use the likes of HKMD as well.

[rederror]

I've got the encyclopedia of martial arts movies. Got it in the cinema bookshop in London bout 15 years ago...cost me 60 boys for that beast

[Trainwreck]

Hey guys,

Was looking for some tips on good books that deal with Hong Kong Cinema and Martial Arts Cinema. I am especially interested in academic criticism but any book that you think is great will do. I am also interested in scholarly articles that have been published in journals etc. If you have any you rate then just slap 'em into this thread. :p

I am currently reading...

Hong Kong Cinema - The Extra Dimensions --- Stephen Teo
Planet Hong Kong --- David Bordwell
The Cinema of Hong Kong - History, arts, identity - Various Essays
Between Home and World - A reader in Hong Kong Cinema - Various Essays

[KyFi]

It's not particularly academic, and it's not incredibly in depth, but one that I really like and go back to a lot is Bey Logan's "Hong Kong Action Cinema" :

http://www.amazon.com/Hong-Kong-Action-Cinema-Logan/dp/0879516631/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234404049&sr=8-1

It's a great overview, and touches on most of the major, important films, trends, subgenres, directors and actors and a bit of their historical themes. Lots of great pictures, too. It covers the genre up to the mid-nineties.

[Trainwreck]

I am big bey fan so I will definitely check this out! Thanks dude!

[northern b]

.....this thread..

http://www.kungfucinema.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6023

[HAZ]

"China Forever", which is about Shaw Brothers, is pretty cool. I also liked "Kung Fu Cult Masters"

http://www.kfccinema.com/features/articles/kungfucultmasters/kungfucultmasters.html

[avenging eagle]

thier is also martial arts movie from bruce lee to the ninjas, by ric meyers. ive had this book for over 20 years and i still use it as a reference for kf movies.

[drunkenmaster]

The Paul Fonoroff book mentioned in the above link is a good read as it covers all genres with a very critical eye. In fact it is so critical at times it makes me wonder if Paul Fonoroff actually enjoys Hong Kong cinema at all. :p

[Zuhalter2000]

Can anyone recommend a good book or two on the history of the genre?

Here are a few I have found:
Chinese Martial Arts Cinema (http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Martial-Arts-Cinema-Traditions/dp/0748632867/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
China Forever (http://www.amazon.com/China-Forever-Brothers-Diasporic-Politics/dp/0252075005/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Movies of the 1970s (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Martial-Movies-1970s/dp/0897501926/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Dragons-Introduction-Martial-Arts/dp/1850439826/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

Any insight to any of these books or any other would be greatly appericated :bigsmile:

[bigrogie]

Here's a few more to look for:

GREAT MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES FROM BRUCE LEE TO JACKIE CHAN (Richard Meyers)

ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA (Jeff Yang)

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO HONG KONG MOVIES (Toby Russell, Rick Baker)

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DEADLY CHINA DOLLS (Toby Russell, Rick Baker)

HONG KONG ACTION CINEMA (Bey Logan)

A HUNDRED YEARS OF JAPANESE FILM (Donald Richie)

THE SAMURAI FILM (Alan Silver)

Can anyone recommend a good book or two on the history of the genre?

Here are a few I have found:
Chinese Martial Arts Cinema (http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Martial-Arts-Cinema-Traditions/dp/0748632867/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
China Forever (http://www.amazon.com/China-Forever-Brothers-Diasporic-Politics/dp/0252075005/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Movies of the 1970s (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Martial-Movies-1970s/dp/0897501926/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Dragons-Introduction-Martial-Arts/dp/1850439826/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

Any insight to any of these books or any other would be greatly appericated :bigsmile:

[WuxiaFan]

Can anyone recommend a good book or two on the history of the genre?

Here are a few I have found:
Chinese Martial Arts Cinema (http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Martial-Arts-Cinema-Traditions/dp/0748632867/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
China Forever (http://www.amazon.com/China-Forever-Brothers-Diasporic-Politics/dp/0252075005/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Movies of the 1970s (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Martial-Movies-1970s/dp/0897501926/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film (http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Dragons-Introduction-Martial-Arts/dp/1850439826/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

Any insight to any of these books or any other would be greatly appericated :bigsmile:

Chinese Martial Arts Cinema: The Wuxia Tradition is an excellent book. However, as the title suggests, it mainly focuses on wuxia films of China, such as CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, HERO, DRAGON INN, A TOUCH OF ZEN, etc. So, for me, it was exactly what I primarily love in martial arts cinema. Here are some other good martial art movie books:

China on Screen: Cinema and Nation:
http://www.amazon.com/China-Screen-Cinema-Nation-Culture/dp/0231137079/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278684042&sr=1-1

Videohound's Dragon: Asian Action & Cult Flicks:
http://www.amazon.com/Videohounds-Dragon-Asian-Action-Flicks/dp/1578591414/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278684411&sr=1-1
This book is now somewhat dated, but still very good.

For Japanese cinema, I highly recommend the following book:

Outlaw Masters of Japanese Film:
http://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Masters-Japanese-Chris-Desjardins/dp/1845110862/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278684546&sr=1-1

Happy reading!
:16_003:

[Zuhalter2000]

wuxia films of China, such as CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, HERO
Here is the part where I sound like a total n00b :ooh:

What exactly is a wuxia film? I have seen Crouching Tiger but its been a long while and I didn't appericate martial arts films then...

[masterofoneinchpunch]

My Quick Takes:

China Forever: I have the only review (http://www.amazon.com/review/R1UPI0RKQDB917/ref=cm_cr_old_cmt_rd)on Amazon for that book.
China on Screen: Cinema and Nation: excellent book for academia. Looking through it again right now. Not great on MA though. It is more on the cinema and and the national dealing with such topics as realist modes, operatic modes, ethnicity in Chinese cinema.
Videohound's Dragon: Asian Action & Cult Flicks: Fun book to have. Definitely has its issues with errors and a bit outdated but still quite fun with a variety of films from Kurosawa to Jackie Chan to Bruce Lee and Li.
A HUNDRED YEARS OF JAPANESE FILM (Donald Richie): a great book to have if you are into Japanese cinema. It includes everything so it really is not oriented towards MA. Richie tends to prefer Kurosawa and Ozu (and he has books on those two; I easily recommend "The Films of Kurosawa") luckily includes such early directors as Hiroshi Shimizu.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA (Jeff Yang): Here is my Amazon review (http://www.amazon.com/review/R3PR72PVYDLLSI/ref=cm_cr_old_cmt_rd).
HONG KONG ACTION CINEMA (Bey Logan): If you don't have it get it. A great starter for HK action cinema. It really, really needs an update.
GREAT MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES FROM BRUCE LEE TO JACKIE CHAN: I'm not a big fan of Ric Meyers and his writing (and commentaries) sometimes gets annoying and erroneous.

Two books that should be in any fan of HK cinema would be:
Stephen Teo's Hong Kong Cinema: The Extra Dimensions and Planet Hong Kong by David Bordwell. But once again not specially on action cinema (though includes it).

[Ramji]

Another book worth checking out although it's not exclusively a book on martial arts cinema is City On Fire by Lisa Odham Stokes and Michael Hoover. I think one of the authors is a lecturer of someone who posts on the forum if my memory serves me correctly.

[WuxiaFan]

What exactly is a wuxia film? I have seen Crouching Tiger but its been a long while and I didn't appericate martial arts films then...

A "wuxia" film is a generic term used generally for a Chinese swordplay film. Wuxia is derived from 2 Chinese words: wu meaning militaristic or martial qualities, and xia meaning chivalry, gallantry, and qualities of knighthood and heroism.
:smile:

[bamboo spear]

It's the artsy-fartsy way of saying, "kung fu movie" or "choppy-socky".

[Reel Power Stunts]

Indeed it translates as "Martial Hero", the "Wu" ("Mo" in Cantonese) is the same as "Wu Shu". The "Xia" (or "Hap" in Cantonese) is the same as in "Black Mask" ("Black Hero").

In Cantonese "Ying Hung" probably best translates as "Hero", whereas "Hap" is more like "chivalrous one".

I agree that sometimes "artsy fartsy" critics might use "Wuxia" when "Kung fu" would do. However, when correctly used, Wuxia is a more specific. Film critics in Hong Kong tend to differentiate between "Gung Fu Peen"("Kung Fu films") and "Mo Hap Peen", which they often call "Swordplay films".

So in the end (I've been waffling:wink:), your films about swordsmen and women (often with fantasy elements) tend to fall under the WuXia description. Stuffy critics tend to give Wuxia more respect than Kung Fu films - this may be partly down to their themes, and also partly down to the literary history of "Wuxia" novels.

[Asmo]

One great book that might be hard to obtain (at least it was for me) is A Tribute to Action Choreographers.

[KyFi]

For Japanese stuff, I'd highly recommend "Stray Dogs and Lone Wolves: The Samurai Film Handbook" :

http://www.amazon.com/Stray-Dogs-Lone-Wolves-Handbook/dp/1880656930/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278935803&sr=1-1

Also, the author has a follow-up book called "Warring Clans and Flashing Blades"----I don't have that one yet, but I presume it's just as good.

[tdk4051]

I just finished Bey Logan's "Hong Kong Action Cinema" book. Pretty good, but as I was already familiar with all of his Hong Kong Legends commentaries I felt this book covered much of the same ground. Can anyone recommend any other good books that cover Hong Kong film? I am especially interested in 1980's and 1990's modern day set films of any genre, but hopefully something that digs a little deeper than the usual films of that period like The Killer, Hard Boiled, City On Fire, Police Story etc..., plus Bey's book finishes in 1995 and I would really like something that covers the whole of the 80's and 90's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[masterofoneinchpunch]

My Quick Takes:
...Two books that should be in any fan of HK cinema would be:
Stephen Teo's Hong Kong Cinema: The Extra Dimensions and Planet Hong Kong by David Bordwell. But once again not specially on action cinema (though includes it).

... I am especially interested in 1980's and 1990's modern day set films of any genre, but hopefully something that digs a little deeper than the usual films of that period like The Killer, Hard Boiled, City On Fire, Police Story etc..., plus Bey's book finishes in 1995 and I would really like something that covers the whole of the 80's and 90's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I'll go back to my post. These are my favorites and I think are great starter books on HK cinema in general and are both well written (not all the academic books on HK are as well as several of the "fanboy" books like Hollywood East and Sex and Zen though they are decent reads with an overuse of spoilers :)). They both cover 80s and 90s (not completely with Teo's book since it came out in 1997).

City on Fire: Hong Kong Cinema by Lisa Odham Stokes, and Michael Hoover also fits your bill as well.

[Grimmjow]

Always wanted the Eastern Heroes book, what was it called I think "A complete guide to Hong Kong cinema" or something, went out of print as quickly as it was released. Any have a copy?

[shapes]

Grimmjow I PM'd ya

[teako170]

Grimmjow I PM'd ya

Shapes - Is this the same book?

http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/page.asp?aid=273&page=6

Going through Linn's book collection. He has this one.
The man could have opened up a small library with all the books he had....

[shapes]

I think he means this one. I still have a few copies left

I am selling a lot of my books now, i don't need them anymore.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f265/cottonmill/eh.jpg

[masterofoneinchpunch]

How are you selling them Shapes (paypal, amazon, ebay ...)? Prices? There are a few titles I need :D.

[teako170]

I think he means this one. I still have a few copies left

OK, found that one as well as the "Deadly China Dolls."
Going to have to log these books - someday...

Was there ever a Volume 2 published?
Nice job on the "Personalities Directory."

[YoungFeiHung]

Just ordered Hong Kong Cinema: The extra dimensions based on recommendations here; you can find extremely cheap used copies on Amazon if you aren't concerned with perfect condition.

Has anyone read Hong Kong Connections: Transnational Imagination in Action Cinema or At Full Speed: Hong Kong Cinema in a Border-less World? ?

I'm interested in the cross pollination and influence of American and Hong Kong cinema on each other; would anyone recommend either?

Thanks!

[masterofoneinchpunch]

Just ordered Hong Kong Cinema: The extra dimensions based on recommendations here; you can find extremely cheap used copies on Amazon if you aren't concerned with perfect condition.

Has anyone read Hong Kong Connections: Transnational Imagination in Action Cinema or At Full Speed: Hong Kong Cinema in a Border-less World? ?

I'm interested in the cross pollination and influence of American and Hong Kong cinema on each other; would anyone recommend either?

Thanks!

I have (and read) At Full Speed: Hong Kong Cinema in a Border-less World? (been meaning to buy the other one) and it is 13 essays by different scholars on of course different topics. The topics include two on the HK New Wave, 6 on action/aesthetics/reinventions and 5 on culture. The action section should interest you but the overall tone of the book is academic going with specific chapters on such things as The Killer, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui, Wong Kar-wai, Jackie Chan, transnationalization, etc...

My favorite is "Aesthetics in Action: Kungfu, Gunplay and Cinematic Expressivity" by David Bordwell.

Get if you can get it cheaply or are interested in a plethora of topics. There is some talk on cross-pollination but probably not as much that might interest you.

I have found specific books on directors to sometimes go over this topic quite well (though you have to be interested in the director). A great example of this is John Woo: The Films by Kenneth E. Hall which is highly recommended (though doesn't include his latest films because it is from 1999 :D).

[shapes]

got some Essential guide for sale here

14.99 each

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0312134878

[J-L]

Hkcinemagic Bibliography in the French section is more complete with more english books (and french books too) (use google translate if you don't read french) : http://www.hkcinemagic.com/fr/page.asp?aid=41

[sifu iron perm]

I think he means this one. I still have a few copies left

I am selling a lot of my books now, i don't need them anymore.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f265/cottonmill/eh.jpg



very good book!! I bought that back in the 90's and still in good condition.

i also have this one..

Asian cult cinema by Thomas Weisser.

[johnoverall]

I had a soft spot for this one, don't own it anymore and the coverage only goes up to 1982:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Memoirs-Asian-moviegoer-Mel-Tobias/dp/B0000EDW5A/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281898473&sr=1-4

[whitesnake]

Memoirs of an Asian Moviegoer included profiles on John Woo and Chow Yun Fat years before they became famous. Lots of other good stuff in the book, but just reading their profiles after the fact - eerily prescient.

[ThunderScore]

I have that book - pretty good and some nice color photos, IIRC...

[masterofoneinchpunch]

Updated Planet Hong Kong now available (http://www.davidbordwell.net/books/planethongkong.php)

Since it is an update it will cost 15 dollars through PayPal. Downloading wasn't much of an issue. It is a rather large PDF file.

Guess who's name is in the acknowledgments? :D (pg. 291)