Training scenes are a hallmark of the best old-school Kung Fu movies from across the decades, and the best ones highlight the most important aspects of the genre. Like any niche in movie history, Kung Fu movies have certain tropes that filmmakers can fall back on, but many of these early examples were the first of their kind, introducing the story beats that would go on to become expected. Revisiting and exploring the films of the past can tell a lot about the trajectory of the genre in the future.
Kung fu is a vital part of martial arts filmmaking, and certain martial arts movies are responsible for what the genre is today.
10. Five Shaolin Masters (1974)
Five Shaolin Masters is a film from the famous Shaw Brothers studio, which has produced some of the greatest kung fu films. It also features the work of Alexander Fu Sheng, a regular performer in Shaw Brothers films and a standout in the genre. In the story, five men at a Shaolin temple witness it burn to the ground and vow to take revenge on those who did it. Although the men are already capable opponents in combat, it is not enough when they first encounter the five Qing fighters against whom their vendetta is directed. The different interpretations of the art form and the ways in which the men prepare themselves make the sequence exciting and ensure that viewers never get bored of what they are seeing on screen.
9. Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979)
Mad Monkey Kung Fu is one of the best Shaw Brothers martial arts films. It is the training scene that serves as the protagonist’s motivation for the rest of the film. Monkey (Hsiao Ho) becomes attached to a retired master, Chen (Chia-Liang Liu), and soon Chen is passing on his knowledge of kung fu to him. Their intergenerational friendship is exceptionally touching, and when they become teacher and student, this bond is strengthened by their previous one. This gives the training scenes an extra emotional depth, in addition to the fact that Monkey is dedicated to honing his body into a weapon so that he can avenge the death of Chen’s sister.
8. The Last Dragon (1985)
The Last Dragon is a love letter to classic kung fu films and amazing martial artists like Bruce Lee. However, the actors and directors may not have expected the film itself to become a classic due to its dedication to the spirit of kung fu. Unlike the other films on the list, The Last Dragon is set in New York City and is infused with many references to both American pop culture and traditional Chinese spirituality. The main character, Leroy (Taimak), strives to become as good a martial artist as Bruce Lee. In his quest, he wants to achieve the legendary shine that will make him a true master. The film features many moments of Leroy training, and they combine traditional kung fu film elements with modern martial arts film features.RELATED
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7. Once Upon A Time In China (1991)
Once Upon A Time In China would incur two sequels, making the first film the start of the franchise. From the quality and intrigue of the story, it’s unsurprising that the hearts and minds of the audience were easily captured. Jet Li stars as Wong Fei-hung, the leader of a Chinese militia during the Qing dynasty. One of Once Upon A Time In China’s enduring legacies is its enormous popularity and its decision to depict the nuances of this period of Chinese history. While most martial arts films were period pieces, Once Upon A Time In China opened the door for the films that followed to do the same. Wong Fei-hung is a fantastic fighter within the story, and part of the opening sequence is dedicated to the way he trains his recruits.
6. The Tournament (1974)
The Tournament centers around the experiences of the female protagonist and fighter in its story. Angela Mao plays Lau Siu-Fung, and while this is far from Mao’s most famous film, she still leaves her mark through the complex narrative. While kung fu plays a significant role in the film, a significant portion of it is also dedicated to boxing, as a loss in a boxing match motivates Lau Siu-Fung to become a champion fighter to restore her family’s name. She is already well-versed in kung fu, but she and her brother must travel to Thailand and learn boxing to avenge their father, who was disgraced in a fight. Her ease with martial arts shines through as she learns boxing, and she is ultimately the one who steps into the ring and wins.
5. The Fearless Hyena (1979)
Throughout his career, Jackie Chan has worn many hats in the film industry. He started purely as a performer and fighter, executing some of the coolest stunts in martial arts movies. Later on, he began directing and producing his films, allowing for greater creative control, and some of the most fun Kung Fu movies on the market. The Fearless Hyena allowed Chan to explore his interests and was his directorial debut. There are several different training montages in the film. Chan’s character, Shing Lung, unwittingly passes on the family secrets of their unique kung fu style to a group of unworthy students. Shing Lung was presented as the most skilled fighter in the film, until an opponent came along that forced him to train and become better.
4. The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin (1978)
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin features the legendary Gordon Liu in the leading role of San Te. Several films expanded the film’s story in the coming years but few could capture the excellence and excitement of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. Uprisings, political intrigue, and military attacks lead San Te to the doors of the Shaolin temple. It’s there that the film really starts, and it’s where San Te is trained in the art of Kung Fu. In some ways, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is just one extended training montage, as every level of the Shaolin temple teaches San Te a new skill to turn him into a master. Each level of the temple brings new challenges, and watching San Te advance is riveting, as the training methods are some of the most inventive in any Kung Fu movie.
3. Snake In The Eagle’s Shadow (1978)
Snake In The Eagle’s Shadow, in the film, Chan plays Chien Fu, a young man treated with contempt and abused by the higher-ups at the martial arts school where he lives. Fortunately, he has a good heart, and this is recognized by a Kung Fu master hiding from his enemies. Through teaching Chien Fu his techniques, the master then gains an ally in his fights. The fights are extremely dynamic in Snake In The Eagle’s Shadow because Chan is able to combine physical comedy with precise skill in his craft. It’s the fact that Chan can have fun with Kung Fu and push it to its limits, showing how he has total mastery over his body. In Chein Fu’s training scenes with his master, it takes some time for him to get the hang of the complex fighting style.
2. The Shaolin Temple (1982)
Also starring Jet Li, The Shaolin Temple was his breakout role. He plays Jue Yuan, a young man who wants to be a monk, but must avenge his father’s death against a corrupt Emperor. Told through flashbacks between the past and present, The Shaolin Temple juggles several storylines, but Jue Yuan’s journey to becoming a sworn monk of the titular temple is the most important. In the past, when Jue Yuan first arrived at the temple, he was weak and no match for the Emperor, but several characters took pity on him and taught him the ways of Kung Fu. Though Jue Yuan completes his goal in the end and becomes a master at the temple, he sacrifices much along the way.