Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie (2011)

Simply A Masterpiece

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

As a documentary, FILMS OF FURY is a very limited and shallow viewing experience. Viewers are subjected to awful animation and unfunny situations as the hyperactive narrator and various comic characters introduce and provide a history of kung fu cinema from its origins to the then-present (2010-ish). There's no insight here, no interview with stars or producers, no analysis beyond the most basic (this actor was in this film, this actor was in that film).However, as a clip compilation, it's pretty fun. Clips are shown from a whole host of different kung fu movies, from Chuck Norris shoot-em-ups to Bruce Lee classics, Jackie Chan comedies, and even a section on the grandmaster himself, Chang Cheh. I enjoyed seeing some of these films again and the documentary works well as a simple celebration or reflection on an undeniably entertaining genre of movies. I'm glad I watched it, but I have reason to do so again.

I enjoyed this movie as an overview of the martial arts film genre; however, I must admit that I'm just a casual fan who watches these movies when I encounter them on TV but doesn't really seek them out. I recognized most of the names of the major artists covered in this film and did come away with more respect for the performers and their craft. That being said, if I'd been a devoted follower of the genre, I would've been disappointed. Even I could tell that it only skimmed the surface of martial arts films, focusing primarily on those featuring names recognizable to the American film-goers. I liken it to being a big fan of a music group who's happy that the group is finally being recognized in commercials, soundtracks, etc., but disappointed that only the group's most popular songs are used time and time again, while the lesser known, but often superior, songs are ignored. On a final note, I found the narration and little animation shorts inserted between the film clips really poor and simplistic. I would've appreciated the film more if it had been narrated by an actual participant in the martial arts genre and if the simplistic animation segments were deleted entirely.

Having viewed Cinema of Vengeance and The Art of Action, I was on a quest to find a film that was an update on the current status of the martial arts genre in those two movies' same style, and this is it. A hilarious and fun look into the history of the genre, this film takes its own approach. The normal everyday guy who loves these films wants to tell you about them in everyday speaking and charming animation. I applaud the movie for sticking with this style. Its less formal than any documentary you may ever see, but its completely relatable in the excitement one may have for these movies.The movie follows the history of martial arts cinema, basically. The Art of Action did a better job of going in chronological order compared to this film, which jumps back and forth in the timeline. This can be excused though since it wants to group everything together that belongs in a certain category. The film's strong point though is that its up to date and covers more than The Art of Action did, being 9 years newer. A lot has happened in the genre and that's what I wanted to see. This film is heavy on using clips from several movies which is great. It gets you interested in some of the films shown.Some personal highlights for me: -Seeing Jacky Wu Jing get a mention! He is a very underrated modern star of the genre who deserves more serious roles. Sadly nothing was mentioned about Fatal Contact, an awesome movie that he stars in. -Showing how Hollywood ripped off Police Story, with side-by-side comparisons to prove it! -Everything about Bruce Lee was covered, and acknowledged that Bruce-splotation was terrible.My minor complaints: -Footage from Legend of the Drunken Master was used instead of Drunken Master II. The former release of the film had dull sound effects, a butchered soundtrack and a changed ending. Even though it was stated once in this film as Drunken Master II, the footage was not of that and was not stated about the American changes. -Sammo Hung deserved a bigger chunk of the film. He was breezed over and just sort of mentioned. What he has done for the genre is immense. -Yuen Biao was not mentioned at all! How can you have Jackie and Sammo and no Yuen?? -Woo Ping should of also got his own section of the movie. His contributions to the genre as a director and choreographer are legendary.For a big martial fan like myself, this movie is a godsend. It is a welcome update to The Art of Action. It makes you appreciate the genre and may get you interested in some new films you haven't seen. To any newcomer to the genre who may have seen only a hand full of martial arts films, this is a great film to see where the genre came from, where it's going, and what is out there for you to start watching. I recommend it to anyone!

This is a rare documentary that's actually fun to watch, and interesting. While there are probably dozens of other more "topical" and "academic" documentaries out now, this film is a great and guilty pleasure. highly recommended for serious film buffs or anyone who wants to know more about the Kung Fu sub genre. http://bitly.com/nH9zP9 (Filler) This is a rare documentary that's actually fun to watch, and interesting. While there are probably dozens of other more "topical" and "academic" documentaries out now, this film is a great and guilty pleasure. highly recommended for serious film buffs or anyone who wants to know more about the Kung Fu sub genre. http://bitly.com/nH9zP9 (Filler)