Needle Through Brick

Cinema Hong Kong: Kung Fu

January 2003 •

Filmmaker Ian Taylor examines the impressive legacy of Hong Kong cinema -- specifically, how martial arts crossed borders and become an international phenomenon -- with the help of footage and interviews with the stars who made the genre what it is today. Director Lau Ka Leung (who helmed The 36th Chamber of Shaolin) joins in, sharing his thoughts on how certain cinematic technologies have improved martial arts films and expanded their appeal, on the set of Drunken Monkey (2003).

Jackie Chan Edition: Seine spektakulärsten Kämpfe

July 2009 •German

Les moines Shaolin du Mont Songshan

August 2007 •French

Bruce Lee: The Man and the Legend

October 1973 •Chinese

This documentary tells the story of Bruce Lee and his unsuccessful efforts to start a acting career in the U.S., he returned to Hong Kong where he became an international star, and his death at age 32.

Kung Fu Stuntmen

August 2021 •

A new documentary film revisits the golden age of kung fu stuntmen and action directors in Hong Kong during the 1960s-'80s, exploring their pain and struggles. The documentary is a tribute to kung fu stuntmen. “They risked their lives for stunts,” said kung fu choreographer Yuen Bin. In their heyday, these stuntmen and choreographers presented the best, most creative and most complicated kung fu fight sequences anywhere in the world, creating stunts that looked seemingly impossible.

Fist to Fist

January 2000 •English

The legendary Bruce Lee created a unique arts style that resurrected a fighting technique which had survived thousands of years behind the Oriental curtain. Jackie Chan has exploded onto the movie screens around the world. His acrobatic action ballet has placed him in a world apart from others who would try and claim the crown. The producers of this wall to wall action have dared to answer the burning question; what would happen if these two men came eye to eye, Fist to Fist?

The Path of the Dragon

January 1998 •English

Produced and directed by Walt Missingham who, in 1983, became the first non-Chinese to practice Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple, this authoritative and informative programme uses rarely seen archive footage to trace both the history of martial arts and the phenomenal impact Bruce Lee had on this culture. Narrated by Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee Keasler.

Stillness in the Wave

September 2022 •English

The documentary portrayed one of the most established dance companies in Hong Kong which has a history of over four decades. With a tradition of blending Chinese dance and ballet together in the training, the dance company has set sail to re-evaluate its artistic essence by adapting new physical disciplines and philosophy, picking up different cultural traces, meditation and Chinese martial arts. Through monologues of the company members, the film unveiled their fears, self-doubts, and findings in their quest to refine their dance forms and express their cultural roots. It's an uncertain journey towards the cultivation of inner peace and the essence of movement and stillness.

The Super Weapon

May 1976 •English

A 1970s documentary that highlights various martial arts fighting styles and features African American martial arts master Ron Van Clief aka "Black Dragon."

Dragons of the Orient

January 1988 •

For martial arts enthusiasts and fans of Jet Li, Yang Ching, and Wang Chun, this historical filmography about the origins of Chinese martial arts, the legendary Shaolin Monastery, and modern kung fu will prove to be an irresistible treat. The documentary is told through two fictional characters, Instructor Wang and Hong Kong sports reporter Ms. Chin Chin, who chance to meet in a park. Ms. Chin Chin is writing a story about the history of martial arts and so Instructor Wang offers to help. Together they visit the Shaolin Monastery and view a weapons demonstration by the monks.

Li Lian Jie's Shaolin Kung Fu

April 1994 •Chinese

Documentary about Shaolin Monk training techniques and Jet Li .

Songshan Shaolin Temple

November 2003 •English

Documentary about the Songshan Shaolin Temple.

Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer

September 2012 •English

Step into the extraordinary life of a Chinese immigrant who overcame the challenges to achieve the American dream. This biography follows the path of a young boy who learns the value of hard work and perseverance through kung fu training. He escapes the harshness of political oppression, bravely ventures out on his own, and embraces opportunity in a new land. The now highly recognized Grandmaster Pui Chan is one of the pioneers responsible for bringing traditional kung fu to America. He built his first kung fu temple in America, and leads and internationally renowned martial arts system across the world. Pui's eldest daughter and successor Mimi Chan confronts a new set of challenges, trying to keep the traditional values alive in an increasingly modernized era.

Peng! Snowman

May 2015 •Chinese

'Peng! Snowman' is a feature length documentary about a farmer's son who became one of the worldwide best martial artists. Just forget what you know about martial arts master. Peng will redefine the term: He's a funny, crazy genius! At the age of 60, Peng Wu-Chi was willing to share his incredible story for the first and last time - before he disappeared.

Bruce Lee: The Legend

January 1984 •English

The Official Golden Harvest tribute to the Master of the Martial Arts Film, Bruce Lee.

Top Fighter

June 1995 •English

Welcome to the world of the martial arts. A voyage for the times of the martial arts cinema, from the beginning in China in the 6th Century A.C. by a Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, until the actual time and the influence in the world, with interviews to actors and historians, and a review to the most important movies of all times and to the most famous action movies actors. A magnificent jewel of this genre what nobody wouldn't lose.

Kung Fu Brothers

August 2020 •Chinese

The documentary project follows the young students of a small daoist kung fu school in Wudang, China. The documentary focuses on their daily life and training, and the viewer also gets to join them on their performance trips.

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks

August 2019 •English

The fantastic story of how an ancient martial art, Chinese kung fu, conquered the world through the hundreds of films that were produced in Hong Kong over the decades, transformed Western action cinema and inspired the birth of cultural movements such as blaxploitation, hip hop music, parkour and Wakaliwood cinema.

Enter the Clones of Bruce

December 2023 •English

Get ready to play a game of death… and another… and another. This wild documentary dives into the Bruce Lee exploitation craze.

How Bruce Lee Changed the World

May 2009 •English

More than just a biography, this film explores Bruce Lee's global impact to see how he has influenced all areas of popular culture including fitness, cinema, music, sport, dance, video games and philosophy. A journey across the United States, Asia and Europe, takes Shannon Lee on a trip back to her father's roots in Hong Kong and China. With unique access to the family's photographic archive, home movies and all material owned by the Bruce Lee Foundation.