It seems it will be a good year for kung fu Movies. I compiled a list of some of the promising upcoming movies in this genre, including some of the not so promising, but still worthy of mentioning somehow.
This year’s releases includes two kung fu sports movies, similar to Shaolin soccer, which I must admit, I didn’t watch myself. Both are probably not worth watching, but still worth mentioning.
Shaolin girl is a Japanese production about a Kung fu fighting, Lacrosse playing woman, who uses her mad skilzz on the field. She is played by Kou Shibasaki who also played Dororo, in the bizarre movie of same name.
Trailer
Kung fu dunk, is as the name suggest a basketball movie, but as I understand, without the humour that made Shaolin soccer popular. The movie is based on a Manga, surprisingly about a Basketball playing Shaolin kung fu student.
Trailer
Of the more serious kung fu movies, I personally will look forward to these:
The Forbidden Kingdom, has high potential with actors like Jet Li and Jackie Chan. The starring of Jackie Chan, might also suggest that this movie is on the more family friendly side.
Trailer
Wushu, is still a joker in my eyes. Not much info has been released, in English that is, and my Chinese level is still disappointingly low. I did find a little teaser-like clip, including live performance and interview with the actors.
An Empress and the Warriors, is another high potential epic martial arts movie. Judging from the trailer, the style and atmosphere can be compared with The promise, without all the crazy CGI. And again I can be totally wrong. The movie stars Donnie Yen, who also starred in the interesting Dragon Tiger Gate, and off course Hero.
Trailer
Red Cliff, is based on the battle of the same name in the Chinese literary Classic “Romance of the three kingdoms”. I have tried struggling me through the first volume of this saga, but it’s certainly is easier said than done. It is older than the bible, and includes so many names that it would be easier attending a reception packed with Spanish reporters, and memorizing theirs. Its by John Woo btw.
Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon, is also based on the book(s) above, but there should be plenty of materials in those bricks for several action packed movies. Starring Andy Lau, it can certainly not be all bad.
Trailer
I will also check out Ichi which is kind of a Zatoichi meets Azumi. It could be very interesting. Also a remake of Akira Kurosawas Hidden fortress will release this year. Oh my.