Schoultz’s Lo-Fi Motel

Lest you all think that Manly Man Monday is strict domain for white American males you best think again.  Today we honor a Chinese bad-ass and film legend.

In the early to mid-’80’s, USA network had something they called “Kung-Fu Theatre” that they ran every Sunday around 10am.  It was basically old martial arts films from the 70’s; the kind that maybe if they were lucky were accepted for distribution at the grindhouse cinemas and drive-ins for a week or less.  Absolute C grade stuff, but fun as all hell.  I was a fan.  Crazy as a hatter ol’ Quentin Tarrantino brought the martial art film to the edges of mainstream with his bloody yet excellent Kill Bill films in the early 21st century.  Jackie Chan, however, stands alone.

Mainstream America became aware of Mr. Chan for his apperance in Burt Reynold’s goof-about wank-fest Cannonball Run in 1981, but the kung-fu enthusiasts knew of him long before then.  Yes, the Rush Hour movies kind of suck (in my opinion) and his mainstream Hollywood product is lacking.  But the fact that he has always done his own stunts is legend.  The people who dismiss martial arts films as lacking plot or great acting are missing the point.  These are the same people who dismiss pro wrestling for being staged.  They simply do not appreciate the hard work, physical limit testing, athletics, and artistry.  Here is a clip from Drunken Master, the Citizen Kane of martial art films.  Remember, this is all real, (The fight scene I mean.  Cannot vouch for the hot coals, though) no doubles, and no special effects.  All hail the Charlie Chaplin of cimematic violence.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS