Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film

(Paperback)

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"The art of fighting without fighting."- Bruce Lee on his martial arts style in "Enter the Dragon". Written for both interested filmgoers and established aficionados, "Chasing Dragons" is the essential introduction and guide to the martial arts cinemas of Japan, Hong Kong and Hollywood. "Chasing Dragons" explores over fifty key films, their texts, fighting techniques, stars and directors - set in the distinct cultures producing and forming them. "Chasing Dragons" examines the Japanese masters of the samurai film like Kurosawa Akira and Kobayashi Masaki; encounters Zatoichi and the lethal swordsmen of the screen, and the superstars of Hong Kong, from Kwan Tak Hing through 'Little Dragon' Bruce Lee and Sammo Hung, to Jackie Chan and Jet Li. It traces Hollywood's martial arts cinema, including exploitation ninja movies and box-office blockbusters like "The Matrix" and "Kill Bill". All this and much more in this fresh and informative companion to a remarkable cinema.

Author Bio

David West is a regular contributor to the Mixed Martial Arts magazine Full Contact Fighter and his work has appeared in Fightsport and Combat. He is a contributor to Reading the Vampire Slayer (I.B.Tauris). He has been involved in martial arts since his teens and is the manager of former Ultimate Combat World Champion Pierre Guillet. He is a martial arts practitioner and is a prize-winning cinematographer.