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Koyuki
03-06-2009, 01:52 AM
Hello all -

Found this forum a short while ago, and decided to join in the fun. I'm a newcomer to the Martial Arts film hobby in general, but I've been enjoying what I've been seeing.

I had never really been into kung fu films before, other than a few things like "Drunken Master", until I saw "Forbidden Kingdom" (now a favorite movie) and listened to the commentary track. I heard titles like "Bride with White Hair" and "Come Drink With Me" being mentioned, and decided to seek them out and see why they were worth referencing in FK. One thing led to another, and I've spent the last few months watching a fair amount of kung fu films, both classic and, well, not so classic.

Previously, I'd been heavily into anime (the nickname is a reference to a series called "Beck" (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4404)), and had recently watched the US series "Avatar", which also includes kung fu references. I'm thus somewhat familiar with Japanese folklore and society, but the Chinese settings are largely new to me.

I come from a live theater background, so I'm always appreciative of a good story and innovative choreography. I prefer the lighter stories and historical pieces to modern gangland bone crunchers, so things like Jackie Chan's early works tend to be what I'm watching the most (the games of keepaway in "Drunken Master" and "Snake in Eagle's Shadow" are favorite scenes), but I've also been tracking down things like the ladder fight in "Once upon a Time in China".

I probably won't be posting very often, since I can hardly consider myself an expert in most aspects of kung fu cinema, but I'll be reading, and enjoying.

Bravery
03-06-2009, 02:26 AM
Welcome to the amusement park, I hope you enjoy the ride.

Asmo
03-06-2009, 02:30 AM
Hi.
Welcome to the forum, I hope you have a pleasant experience, reading, posting and learning. It would be beneficial to post regardless of your knowledge as you can only move up and learn more about these films.

If you like Jackie's early successes, you ought to seek out his later period films. Some of them (Project A for example) aren't exactly kung fu films but they're enjoyable. I should mention the classic Drunken Master 2.

There are plenty of historical pieces to enjoy (too many to name from the Shaw Brothers studio and numerous independent classics) whether they are classic films, or modern productions (Iceman Cometh starring Yuen Biao is an interesting spin on history and science fiction for example).

Of course the best way to learn is to read, and to post.

Again, welcome to the forum!

AlbertV
03-06-2009, 02:53 AM
Welcome to the jungle!!! :D

vengeanceofhumanlanterns
03-06-2009, 11:44 AM
Welcome Koyuki. I think you might appreciate Shaw films considering your background.

ironfistedmonk
03-06-2009, 05:47 PM
Welcome on board, definitely look into some Shaw Brothers films mate, not many bad ones amongst em IMO

niro
03-06-2009, 06:13 PM
Welcome man...i like anime too :)

Tosh
03-06-2009, 10:20 PM
Welcome, if you come from a live theater backround you should check out some old Samurai and older Shaw swordplays/clan movies that have a more theatrical feel to them.

Koyuki
03-07-2009, 04:29 AM
Thanks, all

I've seen Project-A - Bell tower scene was quite impressive, although I was having Castle of Caligostro flashbacks (Lupin the III anime movie, think James Bond as a thief).

A number of Shaw Brothers titles in the DD discs I have so far. Out of curiousity, does anyone know of titles featuring Chinese Opera, like "Painted Faces" did? (or more so?)

KUNG FU BOB
03-07-2009, 03:45 PM
Welcome to the forum brother. :D

The Shaw Brothers film VENGEANCE has a small amount of opera performance in the beginning, and is an excellent film that has a high drama feel.

Same with MAD MONKEY KUNG FU. It's main character is an opera performer, but he's only shown doing stage work in one scene. It's a highly enjoyable film though, packed with amazing kung fu and acrobatics.

DREADNAUGHT is a classic that features a nice amount of opera stuff.

HyperDrive
03-07-2009, 08:32 PM
Don't forget Attack of the Joyful Goddess. Although more horror than kung fu, it's about an Opera troupe and most of it takes place while they're performing. Plus. it's directed by Chang Cheh.