Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast

In the pantheon of great Van Damme action flicks from the 1980s and 90s, 'Hard Target' (1993) undoubtedly stands out as one of his best. As hunky Cajun ex-Marine, Chance Boudreaux, the mullet-wearing 'Muscles from Brussels' struts his more sensitive side while also exhibiting the sort of superhero antics that would put Schwarzenegger to shame, like firing a pistol while standing on a moving motorbike and - famously - punching a snake. He has his director to thank for one of his most iconic roles: John Woo, the 'heroic bloodshed' maestro fresh from his ballistic Hong Kong masterpiece, 'Hard Boiled' (1992), and determined to make an impact in his American directorial debut. The resulting concoction is pure Woo - a slow-motion bullet ballet of epic proportions which cemented his position as one of cinema's greatest directors of action. Joining me and 'Life of Action' author Mike Fury to discuss this milestone in movie mayhem is Christina Newland, lead film critic at the i Paper and a contributing editor to Empire Magazine. As three dedicated Jean-Claude Van Damme fans, we unpick the reasons why we think his appeal is more inclusive than that of his action contemporaries - people like Sylvester Stallone, Steven Seagal, and Chuck Norris - and the lasting legacy that John Woo has had on action cinema. This episode was recorded live at the Nova Cinema in Woking, UK, in November 2024 as part of the British Film Institute's Art of Action season. A huge thank you to the crew at the Nova Cinema and the people of Woking who attended the show, and the Independent Cinema Office and Film Hub South East for helping to organise the event.LINKSChristina Newland on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/christinalefou.bsky.socialChristina Newland's website: https://www.christinanewland.co.uk/Christina Newland on Substack: https://substack.com/@christinanewlandSubscribe to 'Sisters Under the Mink' on Substack: https://christinanewland.substack.com/Buy 'She Found It at the Movies: Women writers on sex, desire and cinema': https://www.waterstones.com/book/she-found-it-at-the-movies/christina-newland/9781912157181'Act Like a Man: Jean-Claude Van Damme' by Christina Newland: https://mubi.com/en/notebook/posts/act-like-a-man-jean-claude-van-dammeBuy 'Hard Target' on 4K UHD from Kino Lorber: https://kinolorber.com/product/hard-target-4k-uhd 'Hard Target' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/HardTarget1993Jean-Claude Van Damme profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/VanDammeKFMGJean-Claude Van Damme on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcvd/John Woo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_woo_filmmaker/'John Woo's Next Film Is ‘A Half-Musical' With Sparks', Empire Magazine: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/john-woo-half-musical-sparks-exclusive/'Celebrate Renowned Hong Kong Action Classics, Storytellers, And Film Icons With Shout! Studios' New Home Entertainment Series Hong Kong CInema Classics': https://www.shoutstudios.com/press/celebrate-renowned-hong-kong-action-classics-storytellers-and-film-icons-with-shout-studios-new-homMike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefury/Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/Visit the Nova Cinema in Woking: https://www.novacinema.com/Learn more about the BFI's Art of Action season: https://www.bfi.org.uk/art-actionA huge thank you to Independent Cinema Office (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/) and Film Hub South East (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/film-hub-south-east/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parkour pioneer Sébastien Foucan can be credited for bringing Parkour to the masses. His seminal UK documentary, 'Jump London' (2003) - and its follow up, 'Jump Britain' (2005) - sparked a cultural phenomenon which would see youngsters take to the streets in wild, acrobatic, hair-raising abandon; running, climbing and leaping across their urban environment in scenes we still see on our streets today. For Sébastien, a movie career followed, with stand-out roles in action films including 'Casino Royale' (2006) and 'The Tournament' (2009). Those perceptive enough to see the inspiration behind his incredible physical abilities and derring-do would be quick to reference the work of Jackie Chan, whose stunt-filled films would prove to be one of the early catalysts for Sébastien and his friends to take to the streets of Paris, recreating what they saw in his movies. Today, Sébastien is an inspirational speaker and CEO of the Foucan Academy, teaching kids the art of movement and self-expression. His motto: "we play".On this episode - recorded live at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury as part of the British Film Institute's Art of Action season - Sébastien explores his love of Hong Kong action cinema (especially the films of Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee), his experiences working in Hollywood, current attitudes towards Parkour, and much more. This conversation was recorded after a screening of the 1978 Jackie Chan classic, 'Drunken Master', and is co-hosted by the 'Life of Action' author - and friend of the show - Mike Fury. A huge thank you to the crew at the Gulbenkian and the people of Canterbury who attended the show, and the Independent Cinema Office and Film Hub South East for helping to organise the event.LINKSSébastien Foucan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastienfoucan/Sébastien Foucan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Seb-Foucan/100010605671158/ Sébastien Foucan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-foucan/ Sébastien Foucan website: https://www.sebastienfoucan.com/ Foucan Academy: https://foucanacademy.com/ 'Jump Britain' on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2TJurAP9l-Q?si=Abborgj9sRKdOKMN Chase scene from 'Casino Royale': https://youtu.be/iZxNbAwY_rk?si=9RvrgPTeoUWGT0GZ Sébastien Foucan on 'Ninja Warrior UK': https://youtu.be/o7YFOF1oeag?si=hjKZ23vx9DT-6S-k Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefury/Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/'Drunken Master' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/DrunkenMasterKFMG'Drunken Master' trailer: https://youtu.be/WSu-9X8NF9k?si=BNVVYygZ7Ke_VdYpBuy 'Drunken Master' on Blu-ray: https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/drunken-master/Visit the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury: https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/Learn more about the BFI's Art of Action season: https://www.bfi.org.uk/art-actionA huge thank you to Independent Cinema Office (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/) and Film Hub South East (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/film-hub-south-east/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bren Foster is a man on a mission. Fresh from the positive reactions to his blistering 2024 martial arts revenge drama, 'Life After Fighting' - which also marked his directorial debut - Bren is now keen to show the world a new kind of action hero. The former soap star, who made his name on shows like 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Home and Away', is now capitalising on his incredible martial arts abilities to star in more fight films. His next will be an MMA actioner with Russell Crowe and Luke Hemsworth, called 'Beast in Me', in which he also provides fight choreography. This will be music to the ears of many martial arts movie fans who, before 'Life After Fighting', could only glimpse at Foster's extraordinary physical abilities in small bursts - like on the documentary series, 'Fight Science', or his roles in two Steven Seagal films, 'Maximum Conviction' and 'Force of Execution', or on the small screen in the series, 'The Last Ship'. If anything, 'Life After Fighting' saw Bren making up for lost time, throwing himself into every aspect of the film - providing roles for his own family and casting many of his students, and even filming at his own martial arts school. As well directing, he writes, stars, produces, and provides fight choreography. Despite its low budget, the film still packs a major punch, and was one of my favourite fight films of 2024. We discuss a life dedicated to the martial arts and competition, the toils of low-budget filmmaking, working with Steven Seagal, and his next steps in an already fascinating career.LINKSBren Foster on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1248409/Bren Foster on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenfosterreal/Bren Foster on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenfosterofficialBren Foster profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/profile-bren-foster/ Bren Foster on 'Fight Science': https://youtu.be/cU4j-t2oYA0'Life After Fighting' trailer: https://youtu.be/KMdiYlC_cA8'Life After Fighting' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/life-after-fighting-2024/Watch 'Life After Fighting' on Paramount Plus UK: https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/movies/video/JPOVHXAdlJw50eEVsCzk8tXMySV_yp9P/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Self-made and self-taught, the story of Martial Club - a YouTube channel created in 2012 by Daniel Mah and the brothers Andy Le and Brian Le - is truly inspiring. As kids obsessed with kung fu movies, they would copy the moves, create their own short films and upload them to the internet, purely as a way of expressing their passion for the martial arts. As their filmmaking and on-screen talent progressed - Brian, Andy and Daniel are all incredible performers, combining their martial arts skills with tricking, breakdancing, gymnastics and more - as did their following, and pretty soon, Hollywood came calling. The last few years have been a whirlwind for the Le brothers, including work as fight choreographers on the multi award-winning 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', which involved going toe-to-toe on-screen with the queen of kung fu cinema, Michelle Yeoh; then there was a TV commercial with Jackie Chan, work on the Marvel blockbuster, 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', plus TV work in 'Into the Badlands' (Brian doubled the actor Nick Frost) and 'The Brothers Sun' (again with Michelle Yeoh). Their success is built on over a decades' worth of hard work and dedication to the craft of martial arts filmmaking; they have quite literally put their blood, sweat, and tears into producing some of the most exciting kung fu action you will find on the internet. Their latest short film, 'Shaolin Avengers', is a love-letter to the genre they cherish and its their most ambitious project yet. It shows them at the top of their game - creative, comedic, and highly charged. With plans to turn it into a feature film, it seems the inspirational story of Martial Club is far from over.LINKSMartial Club on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/martialclubMartial Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martialclubofficial/Andy Le on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyle_official/Brian Le on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianle_official/'Shaolin Avengers' by Martial Club: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1K8OtHQuas'Ip Man - The Intercepting Fist' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/08akhqwjBwc?si=8KcRpZheGa-JWcfr'Supreme Art of War' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/-dzt7vski64?si=YKPt2dINl76qUhjO'A Kung Fu Vampire Story' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/y3PVTrVQvH0?si=mDFXfG8HDdfAgdUl'Working with Jackie Chan' by Martial Club: https://youtu.be/JvV_Sa4Tnso?si=owF4jXmmfPsudzRf'Luc Van Tien: Kung Fu Warrior' (2017) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/LucVanTien2017'The Paper Tigers' (2020) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ThePaperTigersKFMG'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings' (2021) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ShangChiKFMG'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/EEAAO2022'Everything Everywhere All at Once' fanny pack fight scene: https://youtu.be/1UQ7yvfctOU?si=ijp8o4U7gmnzvfwr'Everything Everywhere All at Once' trophy fight scene: https://youtu.be/O-gplbWy__Q?si=QFjLeMmIcBN7kPup'Urban Ninja' clip on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D2kJZOfq7zk?si=kbebwtc4mkIUJ63G'Turn Down for What' by DJ Snake and Lil Jon, directed by Daniels: https://youtu.be/HMUDVMiITOU?si=7Q5vJDld7k-3GF0dDonate to the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on PayPal: https://paypal.me/kungfumovieguide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second of our four live podcasts - co-hosted by the 'Life of Action' author, Mike Fury - we welcome back the British stunt coordinator and former Hong Kong stuntman, Jude Poyer. Jude's first appearance was on Episode 48 back in 2019. Now, in 2025, he is the action director behind Xavier Gens' violent French brawler, 'Farang' (aka 'Mayhem!'), and Gareth Evans' lauded co-collaborator, having worked with 'The Raid' director on his landmark UK crime series, 'Gangs of London', and the eagerly-awaited Netflix production, 'Havoc', starring Tom Hardy. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jude unveils his secret to coordinating a great action sequence, what it feels like to be kicked in the face by Yuen Biao, the difference between working in Hong Kong and the UK, and why he thinks Gareth Evans might be one of the best action filmmakers working in the industry today.This episode was recorded live at the Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford, UK, on 12 November 2024, following a screening of the crazy Hong Kong superhero film, 'The Heroic Trio' (1993), directed by Johnnie To, produced by Tony Ching Siu-tung, and starring Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui and Maggie Cheung. Screening as part of the British Film Institute's Art of Action season - in association with the Independent Cinema Office and Film Hub South East - we also discuss the film and its impact, as well as sharing our thoughts on the lasting legacy of the 'golden age' of Hong Kong action cinema.LINKSJude Poyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelpowerstunts/Jude Poyer on X: https://twitter.com/ReelPowerStuntsJude Poyer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReelPowerStuntsJude Poyer's website: http://www.reelpowerstunts.com/ Jude Poyer on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0694706/Jude Poyer on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast, Episode 48: http://kungfumovieguide.com/kfmg-podcast-s04-episode-48-jude-poyer/ Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefury/Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/'The Heroic Trio' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/the-heroic-trio/ 'The Heroic Trio' trailer: https://youtu.be/zhrYrExHi2s Buy 'The Heroic Trio' on Blu-ray: https://www.criterion.com/boxsets/7155-the-heroic-trio-executionersVisit the Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford: https://uppcinema.com/ Learn more about the BFI's Art of Action season: https://www.bfi.org.uk/art-actionA huge thank you to Independent Cinema Office (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/) and Film Hub South East (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/film-hub-south-east/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first live episode - recorded at the wonderful Depot Cinema in Lewes, UK - we welcome back the actor and martial artist Katrina Durden, who first appeared on Episode 12 of the podcast back in 2017. From her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 'Doctor Strange' (2016) and Joey Ansah's fantastic 'Street Fighter' web series, to roles in TV's 'Strike Back', 'Heads of State' starring Idris Elba and John Cena, and the upcoming 'Red Sonja' reboot, Katrina has been kicking-ass in action movies for over a decade. In this special live episode, podcast host Ben Johnson is joined by friend of the show and author of 'Life of Action', Mike Fury, to discuss Katrina's journey from London to Hollywood, her inspirations both on-screen and off, and her experiences working in action movies.This conversation took place after a rare screening of the 1967 Taiwanese wuxia classic, 'Dragon Inn', directed by Chinese auteur King Hu, showing as part of the BFI's Art of Action season. Ben, Katrina and Mike discuss why the film is so important in the history of martial arts and 'wuxia' cinema, and how it continues to inspire generations of filmmakers. This conversation took place on 7 November 2024 and is the first of four live shows recorded as part of the BFI's Art of Action season, organised in association with the Independent Cinema Office and Film Hub South East. A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the show and the wonderful staff at the Depot Cinema in Lewes.LINKSKatrina Durden on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinadurden/Katrina Durden on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast, Episode 12: http://kungfumovieguide.com/kfmg-podcast-s02-episode-12-yolanda-lynes-david-cheung-katrina-durden/Katrina Durden profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/profile-katrina-durden/Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefury/Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/'Dragon Inn' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/dragon-gate-inn/King Hu profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/profile-king-hu/'Dragon Inn' trailer, courtesy of Eureka Entertainment: https://youtu.be/ySSUsV_qGS8Buy 'Dragon Inn' on Blu-ray: https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/dragon-inn/Visit the Depot Cinema in Lewes: https://lewesdepot.org/Learn more about the BFI's Art of Action season: https://www.bfi.org.uk/art-actionA huge thank you to Independent Cinema Office (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/) and Film Hub South East (https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/film-hub-south-east/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again - the annual Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast End of Year Show returns for its eighth year!Featuring the author of Life of Action Vol. 1 and 2, Mike Fury, we unpack our martial arts movie highlights of the year, discuss the news that has been hitting the headlines, and - because it's the festive season - we also unwrap some martial arts-themed Christmas presents.2024 has been a particularly strong year for fight-centric action films. We saw the return of many fan favourites - Po the panda returned in Kung Fu Panda 4, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine returned for Deadpool & Wolverine - and many of the legends of martial arts cinema released multiple films this year, from Jean-Claude Van Damme to Cynthia Rothrock, Jackie Chan to Scott Adkins. But which movies will make the cut in our personal top five of the year - and which film will be crowned the best of 2024?We also read out messages from you - the loyal Fu followers - who have been submitting your opinions on your favourite fight films from the year. And if you want to play along at home, we've put together a list of martial arts movies released in the UK this year (according to IMDb), available on our website. A huge thank you for your ongoing support in 2024, and wherever you are in the world, have a very happy new year!Read our not-very-comprehensive list of martial arts movies released in 2024: https://bit.ly/EOYShow2024 DONATE TO THE SHOW ON PAYPALYour donation will go towards our continued efforts to share the latest martial arts movie news, reviews and podcasts. https://paypal.me/KungFuMovieGuide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Scott Adkins the natural successor to Jean-Claude Van Damme? Why did Andrew Koji almost quit acting only months before landing the lead role in the beloved kung fu series, Warrior? And can we expect a rematch between Indonesian action stars Joe Taslim and Iko Uwais? The answers to these questions and many more are revealed in Best of Actors, one of three compilation shows released simultaneously to celebrate the 100th episode of this podcast, which started life back in 2016. Over three episodes, I share some of my favourite conversations recorded over the last eight years of the show. On this episode, you will hear from: Cynthia Rothrock, the undisputed queen of martial arts movies, who discusses her feelings about being a role model for women in action cinema and the martial arts; Andrew Koji, the British actor whose career has gone from strength to strength after securing the lead role in the Warrior TV show, inspired by the writings of Bruce Lee; Scott Adkins, who has made five appearances on the show since its inception, who discusses his career highlights including receiving awards in China from Jackie Chan; Michiko Nishiwaki, the Japanese bodybuilder who became an action star during the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema in the 1980s and 90s; and Joe Taslim, Indonesian judo champion and one of the biggest names in modern martial arts cinema, whose films include The Raid, The Night Comes for Us, and Mortal Kombat.If you enjoyed this 'best of' compilation episode, remember to check out Best of Directors and Best of Stunts, which have also dropped at the same time as this episode. Listen to the full conversations with all my guests who have appeared on this show via the website, kungfumovieguide.com, and everywhere you get podcasts.LINKS'Best of Directors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfDirectors'Best of Stunts': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfStuntsCynthia Rothrock on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodCynthiaRothrockAndrew Koji on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEpisode37Scott Adkins on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodScottAdkinsMichiko Nishiwaki on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodMichikoNishiwakiJoe Taslim on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJoeTaslim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a stunt performer is both exhilarating and dangerous, spectacular yet physically and mentally demanding. Stunt performers put their lives on the line every day for our viewing pleasure, yet are seemingly ostracised from the film world, especially in Hollywood where there is still no Academy Award for their service to the industry. Since this podcast was launched in 2016, I have had the pleasure of speaking to many of the leading voices in the stunt world, from stunt doubles and performers to fight trainers who work with huge movie stars to make them look awesome for the big screen, and stunt coordinators whose job it is to keep everybody safe. In this 'best of' episode - one of three compilation shows which have been released simultaneously - my guests include: Jonathan Eusebio, the legendary fight coordinator who helped to create the fighting styles for both Jason Bourne and John Wick, revolutionising Hollywood action cinema in the process; Jwaundace Candece, founder of stuntpoc.com, who is working tirelessly for better representation for stunt performers of colour in the industry; Olivia Jackson, whose life was transformed forever when a stunt went horribly wrong while doubling Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter; Rocky Taylor, Britian's oldest stunt performer, still going strong at nearly 80 years old; and Heidi Moneymaker, stunt coordinator and performer best known for doubling Scarlett Johansson as the Marvel superhero, Black Widow.If you enjoyed this 'best of' compilation episode, then remember to check out Best of Directors and Best of Actors, which have also dropped at the same time as this episode. Listen to the full conversations with all my guests who have appeared on this show over the last eight years via the website, kungfumovieguide.com, and everywhere you get podcasts.LINKS'Best of Directors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfDirectors'Best of Actors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfActorsJonathan Eusebio on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJonathanEusebioJwaundace Candece on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEpisode58Olivia Jackson on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodOliviaJacksonRocky Taylor on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodRockyTaylorHeidi Moneymaker on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodHeidiMoneymaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With financing and shooting schedules shrinking, how hard is it to make a decent action movie on a low budget? How can you make your lead actor look like an action hero if they refuse to train? And is there scope in the martial arts genre for tackling more challenging topics, like homophobia and racism? In 'Best of Directors' - one of three compilation shows available now - I share some of my favourite conversations with directors who have appeared on the podcast since its inception in 2016. This includes: Hollywood stunt legend J.J. Perry, who made his directorial debut in 2022 with the vampire action comedy, Day Shift, starring Jamie Foxx; the actor and filmmaker Diana Lee Inosanto, best known for playing Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth in The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, who discusses her 2008 martial arts indie, The Sensei; Jesse V. Johnson, known for his work with UK action star Scott Adkins in films including Triple Threat, Accident Man, and Avengement; Gareth Evans, visionary director of The Raid series; and Isaac Florentine, responsible for some of the best martial arts movies of the 2000s, including the Undisputed films and Ninja series.If you enjoyed this 'best of' compilation episode, then remember to check out Best of Stunts and Best of Actors, which have dropped simultaneously with this episode. Listen to the full conversations with all my guests who have appeared on this show over the last eight years via the website, kungfumovieguide.com, and everywhere you get podcasts.LINKS'Best of Stunts': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfStunts'Best of Actors': https://bit.ly/KFMGPodBestOfActorsJ.J. Perry on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJJPerryDiana Lee Inosanto on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodDianaLeeInosantoJesse V. Johnson on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodJesseVJohnsonGareth Evans on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/GarethEvansKFMGPodIsaac Florentine on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/Episode67KFMGPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of our annual End of Year Show - featuring the author of 'Life of Action' Vol 1 and 2, the action movie expert Mike Fury - we discuss our favourite fight-centric action films of 2023. Which film will be crowned our favourite of the year? We also read out comments from Fu followers around the world who have been telling us their favourite martial arts movies of the year over email and social media. We also discuss some of the films that we disliked in 2023 and look ahead to the martial arts movies we are most looking forward to in 2024. A huge thank you to all the Fu followers around the world for all your support in 2023. See you in 2024!LISTEN TO PART ONEhttps://bit.ly/KFMGPodEOYShow2023PartOneLINKSMike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/ Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefuryMike Fury on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMikeFuryKung Fu Movie Guide website: https://bit.ly/KFMGhomeKung Fu Movie Guide on Instagram: https://bit.ly/KFMGInstagramKung Fu Movie Guide on Facebook: https://bit.ly/KFMGFacebookKung Fu Movie Guide on X (formerly Twitter): https://bit.ly/KFMGTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ho ho ho and happy Christmas to all the Fu followers around the world! Welcome to Part One of our annual End of Year Show, featuring the author of 'Life of Action' Vol. 1 and 2, Mike Fury. In Part One, we discuss the martial arts movie news that has been grabbing the headlines in 2023 - from Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan's many new projects, to Michelle Yeoh's success at the Oscars and the 50th anniversary of Bruce Lee's death - and remember the famous people we lost this year. We also play clips from some of the many great guests who have appeared on the podcast in 2023, including action stars Marko Zaror and Vincent Lyn, kung fu movie expert Ric Meyers and stunt performer Alyma Dorsey. And, because it's Christmas time, we also unwrap some martial arts movie themed presents, and play messages from many of our friends on the action movie scene. A huge thank you to the following people for taking part in this episode: Frank Djeng, Janell-Vela Smith, Jesse V. Johnson, Joey Ansah, JuJu Chan Szeto, Kenji Tanigaki, Loren Avedon, Mark Strange, Marko Zaror, Matt Routledge, Matthias Hues, Max Huang, Mike Leeder, Philip Ng, Richard Norton, Ricky Baker, Samm Deighan, Sarah Chang, and Soo Cole. Thank you to all the Fu followers around the world for all your support in 2023.LISTEN TO PART TWOhttps://bit.ly/KFMGPodEOYShow2023PartTwoLINKSMike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/Mike Fury on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikefuryMike Fury on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMikeFuryKung Fu Movie Guide website: https://bit.ly/KFMGhomeKung Fu Movie Guide on Instagram: https://bit.ly/KFMGInstagramKung Fu Movie Guide on Facebook: https://bit.ly/KFMGFacebookKung Fu Movie Guide on X (formerly Twitter): https://bit.ly/KFMGTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Chile to Mexico to Hollywood - and back again - Marko Zaror's incredible rise in the action world reached a new crescendo in 2023. Known as the 'Latin Dragon', Marko's scene-stealing performance as the main heavy, Chidi, in Chad Stahelski's masterpiece, 'John Wick: Chapter 4', saw him duel on-screen with fight legends Hiroyuki Sanada, Donnie Yen and Keanu Reeves; meanwhile, back in his home country of Chile, he reunited with his childhood friend - the filmmaker Ernesto Díaz Espinoza - to produce and star in their fifth indie action film together, the deeply personal 'The Fist of the Condor'. Now capable of shifting between key roles in huge productions and making his own movies the way he wants them to be made, Zaror has reached a sweet-spot in his career - but it has not been an easy journey with plenty of bumps along the way. At one point, he even considered retiring from the film industry altogether, and training to become a professional MMA fighter, until a timely conversation with Robert Rodriguez convinced him otherwise. He has since gone on to work with Rodriguez in many film and TV projects, including 'Machete Kills', 'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series', and 'Alita: Battle Angel'. In this conversation, Marko explores his roots as a Bruce Lee-obsessed kid in Chile with a dream of making it in the movies, to eventually ripping up the screen in one of the biggest - and best - action franchises in Hollywood history.LINKSMarko Zaror on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1047252/Marko Zaror on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markozaror/Marko Zaror on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markozaroroficialMarko Zaror profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileMarkoZaror'Fist of the Condor' trailer: https://youtu.be/x53EpE12AsY'Fist of the Condor' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/FistOfTheCondor2023'John Wick: Chapter 4' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/JohnWickChapter4KFMG'Kiltro' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/Kiltro2006Our not-so-comprehensive list of fight-centric action films released in 2023: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEOYShow2023PartOneSPONSORThis episode is sponsored by 'Five Deadly Rebels', a kung fu sci-fi scripted podcast from DimensionGate, available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and anywhere you get your podcasts. 'Five Deadly Rebels' is a modern day retelling of 'Five Deadly Venoms', the cult classic 1970s kung fu film produced by the Shaw Brothers. Its classic kung fu meets the gangster genre, meets science fiction, all set in present-day New York City. The soundtrack is from Wu-Tang Clan producer, Cilvaringz. The season finale drops Wednesday 13 December. 'Five Deadly Rebels' is narrated by Ian Tuason for DimensonGate - a fiction podcast production company.'Five Deadly Rebels' website: https://www.fivedeadlyrebels.com/Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SpeVIDiKxISPC1am0d9TaListen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3sbe40OListen to a sample of the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n_MXpCvK4MQ?si=bmJQ6tiS5OnitlvIListen to the trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MotN_D8Jfs0?si=hPBq0YJegir-vCnRDimensionGate website: https://www.dimensiongate.com/DimensionGate YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DimensionGateInc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been over a decade since we last spoke in-depth to the author and kung fu movie expert, Ric Meyers - the man responsible for introducing much of America to the classics of martial arts cinema over a writing career spanning five decades. His books - including 1985's 'Martial Arts Movies: From Bruce Lee to the Ninjas', 1995's 'The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Movies', 2001's 'Great Martial Arts Movies: From Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan and More', and 2011's 'Films of Fury' project, which involved both a book and a documentary - are essential resources for any serious fan of kung fu cinema.Now aged 70, Ric shows no signs of slowing down. He is still offering his honest, forthright opinion on modern action movies - particularly in his role as a regular reviewer on the 'That Phat Samurai Guy' YouTube channel - and as the long-standing compere of the annual Kung Fu Extravaganza event at San Diego Comic-Con, which just celebrated its 26th anniversary. On this episode, Ben catches up with Ric on the kung fu movies he has enjoyed in the last decade since they last spoke, the future of the genre, and how his own martial arts journey is progressing. As a kung fu practitioner, Ric has developed a keen eye on authenticity in kung fu cinema, something he feels is distinctly lacking from the genre today - although he does recognise and celebrate the filmmakers still trying to convey a more accurate portrayal of kung fu practice on-screen, acknowledging the works of Jackie Chan and the director, Xu Haofeng.LINKSRic Meyers on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1838515/Ric Meyers on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ric_MeyersRic Meyers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricmeyersRic Meyers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricmeyersRic Meyers on 'That Phat Samurai Guy' YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=that+phat+samurai+guy+ric+meyersBuy 'From Bruce Lee to the Ninjas: Martial Arts Movies' by Bill Palmer, Karen Palmer, Amy Harlib and Ric Meyers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bruce-Lee-Ninjas-Martial-Movies/dp/0806510099/Buy 'The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Movies' by Bill Palmer, Karen Palmer and Ric Meyers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Martial-Arts-Movies-ebook/dp/B00CG16G2W/Buy 'Great Martial Arts Movies: From Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan and More' by Ric Meyers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Martial-Arts-Movies-Citadel/dp/0806520264/Buy 'Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Book' by Ric Meyers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Films-Fury-Kung-Movie-Book/dp/0979998948/Buy 'They Shouldn't Have Killed His Dog: The Complete Uncensored Ass-Kicking Oral History of John Wick, Gun Fu, and the New Age of Action' by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/They-Shouldnt-Have-Killed-His/dp/1250278430/'Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/IronFistsAndKungFuKicks2019The calligraphy fight from 'The Magnificent Butcher' (1979): https://youtu.be/V7A0M5u_Pas?si=iGjI5BNoSxfzhw-IRic's eBay sellers account, Chimera Publishing: https://www.ebay.com/str/chimerapublishingKung Fu Movie Guide interview with Ric Meyers from 2011, updated 2013: http://kungfumovieguide.com/interview-ric-meyers/WHAT WERE YOUR FAVOURITE FIGHT FILMS OF 2023?Check out our not-very-comprehensive list on the Kung Fu Movie Guide website: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodEOYShow2023PartOneLet us know your favourite films - and why - and your comment could be read out on our End of Year Show 2023, featuring 'Life of Action Vol. 1 and 2' author Mike Fury. Email your response to hello@kungfumovieguide.com, or message us on social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vincent Lyn's short career in Hong Kong action movies may only span a few years, but his good looks, martial arts abilities and acting skills saw him work with some of the biggest names in the industry, operating at the height of their powers. The list includes Donnie Yen, Yuen Woo-ping, Corey Yuen, Cynthia Rothrock, Cynthia Khan, Simon Yam, and Jackie Chan. He admits he had no idea that the films he was making would go on to become so influential and cherished by generations of action fans around the world. In fact, given the ad-hoc nature and breakneck speed of Hong Kong filmmaking, he sometimes had very little concept of which film he was working on at any given time, moving from set to set as part of a staple of dependable 'gweilo' fighters who always played the villain, and ultimately got their asses kicked by the lead.His final Hong Kong film role was as the main heavy in the Jackie Chan adventure, 'Armour of God II: Operation Condor' (1991), before he returned to the USA to pursue a multitude of other talents. He became a kung fu instructor (teaching his own family style, Ling Gar Kung Fu), a Grammy Award-nominated musician, a philanthropist and humanitarian. His charity, We Can Save Children, has seen him visit some of the poorest parts of the world in a bid to end the exploitation of children. He can often be found travelling the world, meeting with dignitaries and governments, and talking at the UN. When he's not focused on his charity work, he can be found behind the piano - something he learned from his musical mother at a very young age. Vincent's new immersive album, 'Elysian Eclipse', is available now.LINKSVincent Lyn on IMDb:Vincent Lyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent.lyn.50/Vincent Lyn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vincent.lyn.50/Vincent Lyn profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileVincentLynWe Can Save Children website: https://www.wecansavechildren.org/Listen to 'Elysian Eclipse': https://exxeo.xyz/elysian-eclipse/Robert Samuels on the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: https://bit.ly/RobertSamuelsKFMGPod'Tiger Cage' (1988) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/KFMGTigerCage'The Blonde Fury' (1989) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TheBlondeFury1989'Armour of God II: Operation Condor' (1991) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ArmourOfGod2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the last decade, Germany has become a hotbed of aspiring young martial arts talent who have seen their careers grow from DIY short films on YouTube to massive Hollywood productions. Cologne-born Vi-Dan Tran is a wushu practitioner and Hong Kong movie fan. His passions led to a career in stunts and eventually membership of the hallowed Jackie Chan Stunt Team, working with the man himself on movies like 'The Foreigner' and 'Bleeding Steel'. Nowadays, Vi-Dan Tran can be found behind-the-scenes working on the action design of some of Hollywood's biggest movies, from 'Shang-Chi' to 'Dune'. His latest film is 'Knights of the Zodiac', a live-action take on Japan's popular 'Saint Seiya' manga series. It's pretty clear that Vi-Dan Tran will be directing feature films soon enough, and he admits that he couldn't have achieved so much if it wasn't for the strong bonds he has made within the German martial arts filmmaking community.It was Vi-Dan Tran who helped to bring fellow German martial artist Lorenz Hideyoshi onto the set of 'Dune', where he worked as Timothée Chalamet's stunt double for both films in the series. Lorenz is equally puzzled as to why there are so many Germans of his generation working in the action film business; people like Andy Long, Max Huang, Mike Möller, Julia Schunevitsch, Can Aydin, Cha-Lee Yoon, Phong Giang, not to mention Lorenz's own brother, Felix Fukuyoshi. Despite their individual successes, they can all still be found jumping into each other's projects, as demonstrated by Lorenz with his stand-out appearances in great martial arts movies like 'Plan B' and 'Luc Van Tien'. A multitalented artist in his own right, Lorenz's new short film is called 'Daddy Issues', a fun kung fu throwback in which he stars, co-writes and co-directs.LINKSLorenz Hideyoshi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzhideyoshi/Lorenz Hideyoshi on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HideyoshiRLorenz Hideyoshi on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3947656/Lorenz's production company, Young Masters, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youngmasters'Daddy Issues' short film: https://youtu.be/IXoAnSBrXgw'Dark Jedi: A Star Wars Fan Film': https://youtu.be/Qh83vsRzgAY?si=N63y--lkLAiC8QqH'Dune' stunt team fight scene - Vi-Dan Tran versus Lorenz Hideyoshi: https://youtu.be/B_dtwG8GG7g'Dune: Part Two' trailer: https://youtu.be/_YUzQa_1RCE'Amazon Taps Lucas Carter To Pen Remake Of German Actioner ‘Plan B'; Sylvester Stallone Among Producers', Variety.com: https://deadline.com/2022/07/amazon-studios-remaking-german-actioner-plan-b-penned-by-lucas-carter-1235080073/'Plan B' (2016) review: http://kungfumovieguide.com/plan-b-2016/'Luc Van Tien: Kung Fu Warrior' (2017) review: http://kungfumovieguide.com/luc-van-tien-kung-fu-warrior-2017/'Duty - Out of Line' short film: https://youtu.be/_Wa-cNx391g?si=GKN_xBD6mhK41Nc_ Vi-Dan Tran on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4263148/Vi-Dan Tran on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vi_dan/Vi-Dan's production company, T7 Productions, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@T7pro'Darth Maul: Apprentice - A Star Wars Fan Film': https://youtu.be/Djo_91jN3Pk?si=A7sfj4m36Y-qhPh3'Cyberpunk 2077: Phoenix Program Fan Film': https://youtu.be/JJdtkKNQKJ4'Knights of the Zodiac' (2023) review: http://kungfumovieguide.com/knights-of-the-zodiac-2023/Max Huang on the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: http://kungfumovieguide.com/kfmg-podcast-s06-episode-73-max-huang/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a directors double bill on this episode of the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast, featuring conversations with two filmmakers who have both released independent martial arts movies in 2023.Froukje Tan is a Dutch filmmaker who specialises in telling family-orientated stories which are accessible to all. Her new film - her first in the directors' chair for over a decade - combines her knowledge of child development and the martial arts, herself being a long-time practitioner of southern style kung fu. Set in her home city of Rotterdam, 'Kung Fu Leeuw' - aka 'Kung Fu Lion' - tells the story of two troubled teenage boys who are brought together by their sifu (played by kung fu movie star Lau Kar-yung) to perform the traditional Chinese lion dance. The film received rave reviews following its release in February 2023 in the Netherlands, and it continues to be screened at film festivals around the world, including the Fighting Spirit Film Festival in London, where it received its UK premiere in September. It will also be screened as part of the International Kids Film Festival which runs from 14-30 November across India, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.Another martial arts film screened at this year's Fighting Spirit Film Festival was 'Walid', a Malaysian action movie focusing on the horrific crime of human trafficking. It is the second directorial effort from filmmaker Areel Abu Bakar, who launched onto the Malaysian martial arts scene in 2019 with his great Silat film, 'The Deed of Death'. The title character of Walid (played by Megat Sharizal) is a kind teacher who transforms into all-out super-killer when one of his pupils - an illiterate immigrant girl - is kidnapped and sold into the child sex trade. Bakar - himself a Silat practitioner - once again calls upon his many training buddies to help deliver punishing, violent action scenes which have been stunning - and surprising - audiences around the world following its world premiere in New York in July 2023. The film is scheduled for a wider online release in December 2023.LINKSFroukje Tan on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1717961/ Froukje Tan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/froukjetan/ Froukje Tan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/froukjetan/ 'Kung Fu Lion' trailer: https://youtu.be/R4TYRYrvB1M 'Kung Fu Lion' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/kung-fu-lion-2023/ International Kids Film Festival, 14-30 November: https://www.ikff.in/ 'Steam' short film, directed by Pau Han-kho: https://youtu.be/uRLH8JTbqCs?si=T4xg_82noWilmlqSAreel Abu Bakar on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4702675/ 'Walid' trailer: https://youtu.be/U8DJQDOmhzU 'Walid' page on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filemwalid/'Walid' page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilemWalidLayar Pictures YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@layarpicturessdnbhd7468'Walid' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/walid-2023/'The Deed of Death' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://kungfumovieguide.com/the-deed-of-death-2019/For more details about the 2023 Fighting Spirit Film Festival, visit https://www.fightingspiritfilmfestival.com/.Listen to Ben Johnson on Episode 137 of the SpyHards Podcast, 'Enter the Dragon' special: https://www.spyhards.com/e/137-enter-the-dragon-1973/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The martial artist, instructor, writer, actor, painter, fight choreographer, singer and all-round entertainer Eric Lee got his nickname - the 'King of Kata' - after winning a string of trophies throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s. He has over 100 world titles, and was the undefeated forms and weapons champion from 1970 to 1974. Over the years, his kung fu demonstrations escalated to include music, lighting, comedy, acting and sound effects, and his entertaining mix of martial arts and performance wowed audiences around the world. He would quickly become a regular fixture in the fight press, and a career in action movies followed. One of his earliest roles was with the director, Sam Peckinpah, on 'The Killer Elite' in 1975, but perhaps Lee's most famous role was in John Carpenter's cult classic, 'Big Trouble in Little China' (1986), playing a villain in Lo Pan's gang. As an actor and fight choreographer, he has appeared in over 80 movies and TV productions, and worked with many of the best martial artists in the action genre - including Jackie Chan, Cynthia Rothrock, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Bolo Yeung, Billy Blanks, and many more. Now in his mid-70s, Eric may have retired from competition, but he continues to pick up new interests and hobbies. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss his early years in China and his training in Hong Kong; the feedback he received when introducing kung fu to American audiences; his move from stunt performer to actor to working behind-the-scenes; and his love of all things music. Eric is also a published author; his instructional books include '3 Sectional Staff', 'The Broadsword', and 'Fight Back: Your Guide to Self-Defence'. His latest book, an autobiography called 'The Journey of an Artist', is out now.LINKSEric Lee's website: https://ericlee.com/Eric Lee on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0497224/Eric Lee on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grandmasterericlee4240Eric Lee profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/EricLeeProfileBuy 'The Journey of an Artist' by Grandmaster Eric Lee on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Artist-Grandmaster-Eric-Lee-ebook/dp/B08L8T7WXY'Big Trouble in Little China' (1986) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/BigTroubleInLittleChina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women have been performing stunts in movies since the advent of cinema, but over the decades, their voice and influence in the industry has become marginalised. From fears of being overlooked, undermined or replaced, to the notion of "wigging" - male stunt performers doubling female characters - and concerns over sexual harassment, safety and security, April Wright's fascinating 2020 documentary, 'Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story', tells the shocking truth of how women - and other marginalised communities - have had to fight, quite literally, to be heard in a business predominantly run by white men. Using exclusive interviews with today's top female stunt performers and actors (including Michelle Rodriguez, Amy Johnston, Alyma Dorsey, and Heidi and Renae Moneymaker), and the pioneering women who paved the way for greater gender equity (including Jeannie Epper, Julie Ann Johnson and Jadie David), the documentary is a rip-roaring, high-kicking, full-throttle depiction of a stunt industry caught between the mistakes of the past and the need for progression. In this special stuntwomen-themed episode, listen to its director, April Wright, discuss what she learned during the making of the documentary, as she lifts the lid on some of Hollywood's darkest secrets. Plus, listen to versatile stunt performer Alyma Dorsey ('The Matrix Resurrections', 'Joker', 'Captain America: Civil War') explain her first-hand experience of working in the stunt industry as not only a woman, but also a Black woman, and the challenges she has had to face during her long and distinguished career. 'Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story' is available to buy and rent in the UK on Apple TV. April Wright's new documentary, 'Back to the Drive-In', is available to buy and rent on digital platforms in the USA courtesy of Uncork'd Entertainment.LINKSWatch 'Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story' on Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/stuntwomen-the-untold-hollywood-story/umc.cmc.1nlx2mlmowxo9eyaomocg3zz5'Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story' trailer: https://youtu.be/Dt6fvbB9uXw'Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/StuntwomenKFMGReviewBuy the book, 'Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story' by Mollie Gregory, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stuntwomen-Untold-Hollywood-Screen-Classics-ebook/dp/B00WNGD0OC/April Wright on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2119697/April Wright on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april_wright_1999/April Wright on Twitter: https://twitter.com/driveindocAlyma Dorsey stuntreel: https://youtu.be/Mtr-wheImBsAlyma Dorsey on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5219486/Alyma Dorsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alymadorsey/Alyma Dorsey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlymaDorsey1Alyma Dorsey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alymadorsey9799Watch 'Back to the Drive-In': https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0J1T05LM0KY496HM6MAXDTQMQZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keith Cooke is one of action cinema's all-time greatest kickers. From his explosive triple kicks as Muay Thai instructor Prang in the cult classic, The King of the Kickboxers, to his turns in costume as Reptile and Sub-Zero in the 1990s Mortal Kombat movies, Cooke's poise, energy and talent marked him out as one of the most engaging breakout martial arts stars of the 1990s. It was a phone call from none other than Enter the Dragon producer Fred Weintraub that transformed Cooke's fortunes in Hollywood. A karate world champion and three-time 'Competitor of the Year', not to mention an expert in a range of martial arts styles, Cooke's first forays into action movies were small-scale, until Weintraub cast him as Dakota, the high-kicking Native American sidekick to China O'Brien in Cynthia Rothrock's USA debut. Co-produced by Golden Harvest in Hong Kong, the film and its sequel became huge hits in the highly lucrative straight-to-video market. Although his fans may know him from his iconic film roles, Cooke's real passion is teaching. He taught generations of fighters from his Brentwood school for nearly 30 years, until he was forced to close its doors during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now he is launching a new online training programme and product, called The Ring Workout, a system designed to help people maintain strength, definition and fitness by working on the most comprehensive muscle group - the core. Now aged 63, Keith seems as fit now as he ever was - so what's his secret? And given his extensive fight knowledge, what style does he think is the best? And how does the new Mortal Kombat movie stack up to the original films?LINKSThe Ring Workout: https://keithcookefitness.com/Keith Cooke on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177455/Keith Cooke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithcookefit/Keith Cooke on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithcookestudio/Keith Cooke profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileKeithCooke'The King of the Kickboxers' (1991) review: http://bit.ly/KingOfTheKickboxers'Mortal Kombat' (1995) review: http://bit.ly/MortalKombat1995'Mortal Kombat: Annihilation' (1997) review: http://bit.ly/MortalKombatAnnihilation1997Episode page on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/KeithCookeKFMGPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Asian action cinema expert, producer and casting director Mike Leeder left his job in a Croydon department store to go on holiday to Hong Kong, little did he know that - 32 years later - he would still be there. Before he fell in love with the city, he fell in love with its movies; a blossoming romance which started with a Jackie Chan double bill of Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master, and has led him to working on many of Hong Kong's biggest and best productions over the last three decades; from Fist of Legend to Fearless, True Legend to Once Upon a Time in China, Man of Tai Chi to the Ip Man series. On screen, he has been on the receiving end of a headlock from Jean-Claude Van Damme and refereed a kung fu battle with Jet Li, as well as working with the likes of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Scott Adkins, Mark Dacascos, Donnie Yen, Yuen Woo-ping, and many more. Over the years, his encyclopaedic knowledge and passion for Hong Kong movies has seen him contribute many articles and interviews to leading magazines and websites, as well as providing his voice to audio commentaries for Blu-ray labels across the UK, USA and Europe. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss his life in the UK before his journey east; that time he went to interview Jackie Chan, and what happened next; the lack of film preservation in Hong Kong; and how not to get noticed in the martial arts movie world.LINKSMike Leeder on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0498566/Mike Leeder on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigmikeleederMike Leeder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigmikeleeder/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wait is over! We can now finally reveal our favourite fight films of 2022 in Part Two of our annual End of Year Show, featuring Mike Fury, the action movie expert and author of Life of Action Vol. I-II. As is tradition with this show, neither Ben or Mike are aware of what the other person has selected for inclusion in their personal top five list; will there be consensus, or will it end in a bloody fight to the death? Top picks for 2022 include a strong roster of big-budget superhero carnage from the Marvel and D.C. cinematic universes; quirky, offbeat action comedies; DTV slugfests from giants of the genre (Michael Jai White, Gary Daniels, Dolph Lundgren, Scott Adkins and more); and international sleeper hits buried on streaming platforms, from countries including Japan, Malaysia and South Korea. They also select the worst martial arts movies of the year, read out comments from our listeners, and look ahead to the many high-kicking adventures coming our way in 2023. It's a festive, fun-packed show. So sit back, relax, make yourself another 'snowball', and enjoy! And if you want to play along at home, visit this link to find a not-very-comprehensive list of fight-centric action films released in 2022. https://bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2022Part2LINKSListen to Part One of our End of Year Show 2022: https://bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2022Part1 Donate to the Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://paypal.me/kungfumovieguideMike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/Buy Life of Action Vol. I-II: https://www.mikefury.net/shopMike Fury on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMikeFuryMike Fury on Instagram: http://instagram.com/themikefuryMike Fury on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeofactionbookFollow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Twitter: http://bit.ly/KFMGTwitterFollow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Instagram: http://bit.ly/KFMGInstagramFollow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Facebook: http://bit.ly/KFMGFacebookKung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Spotify: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodKung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodApplePodcastsKung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/GooglePodcastsKFMGPodMike's T-shirt, 'Invincible Armour' by 36 Styles: https://www.36styles.com/Ben's T-shirt, 'Fighting Spirit Film Festival 2022' design by ShaolinJaa (https://www.instagram.com/shaolinjaa/) and Crike99Art (https://www.instagram.com/crike99art/), available via Art Martial Clothing: https://artmartialclothing.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... that's right, the time when we release our special annual two-part End of Year Show, in which we look back over the best and worst that martial arts movies had to offer in 2022. Podcast host Ben Johnson is joined once again by Mike Fury, film expert and author of 'Life of Action Vol. I-II'. In Part One, Ben and Mike discuss the big stories that grabbed the martial arts movie headlines in 2022, play Christmas messages recorded especially for the show by some of the biggest names in martial arts movies - including the likes of Kenji Tanigaki, Philip Ng, Scott Adkins, JuJu Chan, Loren Avedon, Richard Norton and many more - and, because it's Christmas time, they also exchange a few presents. So sit back, relax, make yourself a 'snowball', and enjoy!LINKSListen to Part Two of our End of Year Show 2022: https://bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2022Part2 Donate to the Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://paypal.me/kungfumovieguideMike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/Buy Life of Action Vol. I-II: https://www.mikefury.net/shopMike Fury on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMikeFuryMike Fury on Instagram: http://instagram.com/themikefuryMike Fury on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeofactionbookFollow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Twitter: http://bit.ly/KFMGTwitterFollow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Instagram: http://bit.ly/KFMGInstagramFollow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Facebook: http://bit.ly/KFMGFacebookKung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Spotify: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodKung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodApplePodcastsKung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/GooglePodcastsKFMGPodMike's T-shirt, 'Invincible Armour' by 36 Styles: https://www.36styles.com/Ben's T-shirt, 'Fighting Spirit Film Festival 2022' design by ShaolinJaa (https://www.instagram.com/shaolinjaa/) and Crike99Art (https://www.instagram.com/crike99art/), available via Art Martial Clothing: https://artmartialclothing.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a screening of 1972's 'Five Fingers of Death' (aka 'King Boxer') that would transform the life of Robert "Bobby" Samuels. At that time, he could not have foreseen that he would go on to become the first African American member of the Hong Kong Stuntman Association, a star of martial arts action cinema, a Hung Gar expert training under kung fu master and actor, Chiu Chi-ling, and a close personal friend of Sammo Hung - one of the biggest names in kung fu movies. Bobby's story is one of dogged determination and commitment to a singular vision; to break free from his humble beginnings in West Philadelphia, USA, and launch himself onto the silver screen in Hong Kong. All roads lead to a fateful meeting with Sammo Hung in the early 1990s, and prominent roles in his films 'The Gambling Ghost' (1991) and 'Don't Give a Damn' (1995) followed. The two developed a close personal friendship, one that continues to this day. On this episode, we discuss Bobby's experiences of living with Sammo and his family, collaborating on his films, and working with the best in the business at the height of their powers - people like Yuen Biao, Lam Ching-ying, Yuen Woo-ping, Collin Chou, and many more. Since returning to the USA, Bobby can increasingly be found behind the camera as a director and producer, helping to inspire and promote the next generation of action stars. In 2021, he made his feature film directorial debut with the action comedy, 'Made in Chinatown', starring members of the cast of 'The Sopranos', and co-directing with the Hollywood stunt legend, James Lew. The film is available now to rent and buy on digital platforms.LINKSRobert Samuels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuels_rRobert Samuels on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertbobbysamuelsRobert Samuels on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0760512/Robert Samuels profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/RobertSamuelsProfile'Made in Chinatown' trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q4n4U9a_qK8'Made in Chinatown' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/MadeInChinatown2021'Shadow Fist' short film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v4tZdwssIBs'Shadow Fist II' short film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9yNgHg4xK90'Jugando Con Fuego' short film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gkURqr5fRLg'The Gambling Ghost' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TheGamblingGhost1991'The Red Wolf' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TheRedWolf1995'Don't Give a Damn' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/DontGiveADamn95TAKE PART IN OUR 2022 END OF YEAR SHOWTell us your favourite fight films of the year - and why - and your comment could be read out on our annual End of Year Show, landing during the week of Christmas and featuring the action movie expert, Mike Fury. And if you're not sure what to choose, please consult this selected list of fight-centric action films released in 2022: https://bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2022Part1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Adkins is in a good mood. The response to his latest martial arts movie, 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday' - the sequel to his dream project, 2018's 'Accident Man', based on a cherished British comic book he loved as a kid - has been incredibly positive, with many fans claiming it to be one of his best movies. In a gruelling 22-day shoot, Adkins - as producer, story developer, fight choreographer and lead actor - has managed to turn around another action-packed and entertaining indie which delivers way beyond its limited schedule and budget, full to bursting with belly laughs and great fight scenes. As the assassin, Mike Fallon - a hitman who disguises all of his kills as accidents - we find Adkins in a role he clearly loves to play; self-deprecating, goofy, but with a lethal set of skills. During this conversation - Scott's fifth appearance on the show - we discuss the making of the 'Accident Man' sequel, and why he believes it betters the first; what it was like working with the film's directors, the Kirby brothers, making their feature film debut; and the preparation involved in delivering such incredible action, including sparring with the film's exhaustive list of awesome, battle-ready co-stars, including Sarah Chang, Beau Fowler, Faisal Mohammed and Andy Long. We also look ahead to his role in 'John Wick: Chapter 4', scheduled for release on 24 March 2023 - and we finally discover Scott Adkins' favourite martial arts film of all time. 'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday' is available to rent on digital in the UK courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.LINKSScott Adkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheScottAdkinsScott Adkins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescottadkins/Scott Adkins on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialscottadkinsScott Adkins on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHO1XcwkJmTS0Hb1NkBks9A'The Art of Action' web series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6TGfz7ZsXZ0nmlpNccSWr8Q_3xAr4Slj'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday' trailer: https://youtu.be/YwJ8AFMUrPo'Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/AccidentManHitmansHoliday'John Wick: Chapter 4' trailer: https://youtu.be/qEVUtrk8_B4Variety article: 'Zoe Saldaña Held Her Breath Underwater for Five Minutes While Filming ‘Avatar 2,' James Cameron Hired 'World's Best Breath-Hold Specialists': https://variety.com/2022/film/news/zoe-saldana-avatar-2-training-held-breathe-5-minutes-underwater-1235413876/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Jimmy Wang Yu died on 5 April 2022 at the age of 79, Jackie Chan took to his social media accounts to pay his respects, stating that "the contributions you've made to kung fu movies and the support and wisdom you've given to the younger generations will always be remembered in the industry." But Wang Yu's legacy is a complicated one. Despite being a huge Hong Kong martial arts star in the 1960s and 70s, his international status has now been overshadowed by his contemporaries - especially Bruce Lee - and his infamous off-screen antics have, particularly in Asia, threatened to overwhelm his cinematic contributions. However, he unquestionably remains one of kung fu cinema's most influential figures; Shaw Brothers' first martial arts star whose break-out role in the wuxia classic, 'One-Armed Swordsman' (1967), helped it to become the first Hong Kong film to gross HK$1m at the box office. His pioneering directorial debut, 'The Chinese Boxer' (1970), is credited for being the first empty-hand kung fu movie - a runaway hit which saw the martial arts genre move away from the traditional swordplay films which had made Wang Yu a household name, and paving the way for the kung fu boom of the 1970s. The film was also the catalyst for the rebellious star to break his contract with Shaw Brothers, an unprecedented move which saw him work with the rival studio, Golden Harvest, and relocate to Taiwan where he was allocated the freedom to write, direct and star in many of his own productions, including the fan favourites 'One-Armed Boxer' (1971), 'Beach of the War Gods' (1973), and 'Master of the Flying Guillotine' (1975). Joining me to look back over the colourful life and career of the late Jimmy Wang Yu are the writer and film historian, Samm Deighan, and the Asian cinema expert, Frank Djeng. We dive into Wang Yu's early life and interests, his cinematic inspirations, his notorious private life and affiliations with criminal gangs, and we select our favourite Wang Yu movies. Samm Deighan is a Philadelphia-based writer and film historian, author of 'The Legacy of World War II in European Arthouse Cinema' and a presenter on the cult film podcast, 'Twitch of the Death Nerve'. Frank Djeng is an Asian cinema expert based in San Francisco.LINKSJimmy Wang Yu profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/JimmyWangYuTribute to Jimmy Wang Yu podcast page on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TributeToJimmyWangYu'One-Armed Swordsman' (1967) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/OneArmedSwordsman'The Chinese Boxer' (1970) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TheChineseBoxer1970'One-Armed Boxer' (1971) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/OneArmedBoxer1971'Master of the Flying Guillotine' (1975) review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/MasterOfFlyingGuillotineFollow Samm Deighan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammdeighan/Follow Samm Deighan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sammdeighanBecome a Samm Deighan patron at https://www.patreon.com/sammdeighanBuy Samm Deighan's book, 'The Legacy of World War II in European Arthouse Cinema', on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Legacy-World-European-Arthouse-Cinema/dp/1476683522'Twitch of the Death Nerve' podcast: https://cinepunx.com/podcast-episodes/twitch-of-the-death-nerve/Follow Frank Djeng on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankdjeng/Cool Ass Cinema - 'The Flying Guillotines: History of the Shaw Brothers Trendsetter, its sequel and Imitators Part 1': http://www.coolasscinema.com/2020/06/the-flying-guillotines-history-of-shaw_8.html ‘Big Boss Theme' by Peter Thomas Sound Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZn_3jnrVA'Sky High' by Jigsaw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjtD8A-MWBc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a powerlifting champion, three-time ‘Miss Fitness' winner in Japan and an action film star, Michiko Nishiwaki has been on quite a journey. When she left school to start working in human resources for the Mitsubishi bank in the 1970s, her life goals were similar to many other Japanese women in her position; to find a husband and have children. But for Michiko - obsessed with gymnastics, karate, fitness, singing and the arts from an early age - she decided to take a different path. Following her brother into the fitness industry, she became a gym owner in Japan and a pioneer in women's bodybuilding. At the height of her fame in the 1980s, she used her celebrity to break taboos, confronting the traditional image of women as the ‘weaker' sex in Japanese society, and using film and television to promote the health benefits of weight-training. Her fame caught the attention of Golden Harvest in Hong Kong, who invited her to make her big-screen debut in the 1985 action comedy, My Lucky Stars, alongside Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. A career as a Hong Kong martial arts star beckoned, mostly portraying evil Japanese gangsters in an array of wild, ‘girls with guns' action movies. In the late 1990s, she relocated to Hollywood, becoming a stunt performer in films like Charlie's Angels, Rush Hour 2 and Kill Bill, and doubling for the likes of Lucy Liu, Kelly Hu and Zhang Ziyi. Now, aged 64, she is making a comeback after over a decade away from the industry, working as Michelle Yeoh's stand-in for the bonkers 2021 smash hit, Everything Everywhere All at Once. As she approaches her film career with a renewed focus, what does the next chapter in Michiko's already incredible and multifaceted career look like? A huge thank you to Sally Hinata for arranging this conversation.LINKSMichiko Nishiwaki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michikodb/Michiko Nishiwaki podcast page: https://bit.ly/KFMGPodMichikoNishiwakiMichiko Nishiwaki profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileMichikoNishiwakiMichiko Nishiwaki on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0632811/'Everything Everywhere All at Once' - Kung Fu Movie Guide review: https://bit.ly/EEAAO2022'Everything Everywhere All at Once' trailer: https://youtu.be/wxN1T1uxQ2g'My Lucky Stars' fight scene: https://youtu.be/IVJY2L4M54c'God of Gamblers' dice scene: https://youtu.be/o2Y1Q8Go7HsMomoe Yamaguchi sings 'Cosmos' on Japanese television in 1977: https://youtu.be/9P-ePLE4t3Y'Devil Hunters' stunt goes wrong, featuring Moon Lee and Sibelle Hu: https://youtu.be/7m90uRyGDi4 Michiko interview on Japanese television in 1983: https://youtu.be/TxqmpkWvUuU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There aren't many stunt coordinators and fight choreographers who can say they have helped to change the course of modern day action cinema like Jonathan Eusebio. His work on the 'Bourne' films alone sparked a movement in Hollywood into more realistic, grittier fight sequences, inspired by his background in Filipino martial arts. He took this style into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shaping the grappling movements of Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson), and adding his flair to films like 'Doctor Strange' and 'Black Panther'. However, it is his work on the 'John Wick' series for which he is most revered - an inspiring mix of Bourne's close-range efficiency and the wrestling and judo moves he pursued at Marvel, with more than a hint of 'gun-fu' inspired by one his favourite filmmakers, John Woo. His recent credits - the 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' TV show for Disney+ and 'The Matrix Resurrections' (2021) - show a stunt coordinator operating at the industry's highest levels, commanding the action in some of the world's most popular franchises. Now he is eager to follow his friends and mentors at 87eleven Action Design into directing - people like 87eleven co-founders, filmmakers and martial artists Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, and his stunt buddies J.J. Perry and Sam Hargrave. But after such a trendsetting career, where does he go from here? And how can he continually try to push new boundaries in on-screen action? It's a tall order, but if anyone is up for the challenge, it's Jonathan Eusebio.LINKSJonathan Eusebio on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0262389/Jonathan Eusebio profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileJonathanEusebio 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' trailer: https://youtu.be/3Yh_6_zItPU'The Matrix Resurrection' trailer: https://youtu.be/9ix7TUGVYIo'The Bourne Identity' pen fight: https://youtu.be/h6cdNtvFGB0'The Bourne Ultimatum' fight scene - Bourne vs. Desh (Joey Ansah): https://youtu.be/uLt7lXDCHQ087eleven Action Design website: https://www.87eleven.net/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wait is over! Find out our favourite - and least favourite - martial arts movies of 2021 in Part Two of our End of Year Show, featuring Life of Action author, Mike Fury. Join in the festivities as we take it in turns to reveal our top five fight films of the year over a few 'snowballs' - a cocktail of advocaat and lemonade. We also take the time to highlight some of the titles which narrowly missed out on a top five position, and look ahead to some of the big movies heading our way in 2022. Over the last few weeks, you have been sending us feedback on your favourite fight films of the year, and we read out some of those comments. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. Please check out our full list of 2021 titles on our website, kungfumovieguide.com. If we missed out one of your faves, or if you would like to share your own list, let us know either via the comment section on our website, or via email. The email address is hello@kungfumovieguide.com. Thank you Fu followers for all your support in 2021, and we wish you all a healthy, happy holiday season. LINKS Listen to Part One of our End of Year Show 2021: bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2021 Our not-very-comprehensive list of fight-centric action movies released in 2021: bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2021 Donate to the Kung Fu Movie Guide: paypal.me/kungfumovieguide Mike Fury's website: www.mikefury.net/ Buy Life of Action Vol. I-II: www.mikefury.net/shop Mike Fury on Twitter: twitter.com/TheMikeFury Mike Fury on Instagram: instagram.com/themikefury Mike Fury on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifeofactionbook Follow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Twitter: bit.ly/KFMGTwitter Follow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Instagram: bit.ly/KFMGInstagram Follow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Facebook: bit.ly/KFMGFacebook Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Spotify: bit.ly/KFMGPod Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/KFMGPodApplePodcasts

Ho ho ho and happy holidays to all our listeners around the world. Welcome to the first part of our annual, end-of-year wrap-up podcast featuring the Life of Action author, Mike Fury. And, wow, what a year it has been for martial arts action movies! From manga to Marvel, Netflix to multiplex, low-budget indies to explosive Hong Kong thrillers, this year had it all. In Part One of our End of Year Show, we discuss the martial arts movie news which grabbed the headlines in 2021, and we pay our respects to the famous people we lost. We share some recorded messages from friends of the show, and - because it's the festive season - we also unwrap a few Christmas presents. It's a jolly old time! So settle in, sit back, and enjoy. In Part Two - landing Christmas Eve, 24 December - we will discuss our personal top five fight films of the year, enjoy a glass or two of advocaat, and read out some of your comments. We also look ahead to the big movies coming our way in 2022. Thank you Fu followers for all your support in 2021, and we wish you all a healthy, happy holiday season. Please reach out to the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast using the links below, or you can email, hello@kungfumovieguide.com. A huge thank you to the following people for contributing to this episode: Scott Adkins, Joey Ansah, Loren Avedon, Ricky Baker, Tran Quoc Bao, Sarah Chang, Soo Cole, Jesse V. Johnson, Mike Moh, Richard Norton, Zara Phythian, Cynthia Rothrock, Matt Routledge and JuJu Chan Szeto. LINKS Donate to the Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://paypal.me/kungfumovieguide Mike Fury's website: https://www.mikefury.net/ Buy Life of Action Vol. I-II: https://www.mikefury.net/shop Mike Fury on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMikeFury Mike Fury on Instagram: http://instagram.com/themikefury Mike Fury on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeofactionbook Follow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Twitter: http://bit.ly/KFMGTwitter Follow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Instagram: http://bit.ly/KFMGInstagram Follow Kung Fu Movie Guide on Facebook: http://bit.ly/KFMGFacebook Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Spotify: http://bit.ly/KFMGPod Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodApplePodcasts Our not-very-comprehensive list of fight-centric action movies released in 2021: https://bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2021 PART TWO COMING SOON!

What a year it has been for the stunt coordinator, fight choreographer and second unit director, Kenji Tanigaki. Not only did he craft the action on two more 'Rurouni Kenshin' films - called 'Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning' and 'Rurouni Kenshin: The Final', both available now on Netflix - but he also worked as second unit director and fight choreographer on the Hollywood blockbuster, 'Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins', and helped out on the Hong Kong action hit, 'Raging Fire'. The latter saw Kenji work again with Donnie Yen, who he calls his "master". His work with Donnie stretches back to his days as a young stunt performer in Hong Kong in the 1990s. A student of martial arts screen legend, Yasuaki Kurata, Kenji made the bold decision as a young man to relocate from his home in Japan to Hong Kong in an attempt to make it in the film business. He learned Cantonese, took hits as a background actor, and was the first person from Japan to become a member of the Hong Kong Stuntman Association. His real passion, however, lay behind the camera. Spotted by Donnie Yen, Kenji became an active and vital member of Donnie's action team, and the two have been inseparable ever since, creating the action on some of Donnie's best fight films; from his early directorial efforts 'Legend of the Wolf' and 'Ballistic Kiss' to the hard-hitting, game-changing 'SPL' (2005) and 'Flash Point' (2007) - not to mention 'Legend of the Fist', 'Special ID', 'Dragon', and so many more. As Kenji increasingly works on his own projects around the world in markets including Japan, Hong Kong, China and Hollywood, we can't wait to see where his martial arts moviemaking talent will take him next. LINKS Kenji Tanigaki on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0849459/ Kenji Tanigaki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenjitanigaki/ Kenji Tanigaki profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileKenjiTanigaki 'Raging Fire' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/RagingFire2021 'Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/SnakeEyesGIJoeOrigins2021 Buy 'Raging Fire' Zavvi exclusive 4K Ultra HD Steelbook (includes Blu-ray), courtesy of CineAsia UK: https://www.zavvi.com/blu-ray/raging-fire-zavvi-exclusive-4k-ultra-hd-steelbook-includes-blu-ray/13470245.html ''SPL II' director Soi Cheang grabs Louis Koo, Max Zhang and Richie Jen for live-action adaptation of 'Kowloon Walled City'': https://cityonfire.com/teaser-poster-for-donnie-yens-dragon-city/ 'The Castle of Cagliostro' car chase scene on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/39790868 COMPETITION This month we have teamed up with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in the UK to giveaway 'The Karate Kid 4K UHD Collection' - featuring 'The Karate Kid Parts I-III'. Sign-up to our newsletter at http://kungfumovieguide.com to take part. Competition closes 30 November. Buy 'The Karate Kid 4K UHD Collection', available from 6 December: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karate-Kid-UHD-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B09HRHGYHD/

Daniel Bernhardt is a true renaissance man; a martial artist from Switzerland who went from being a professional model in Paris to a Hollywood action star. In the 1990s, he was a leading man in low-budget martial arts films - the star of slicker-than-your-average straight-to-video hits like the 'Bloodsport' sequels, 'True Vengeance' and 'Perfect Target', working alongside fellow martial artists and aspiring filmmakers like Chad Stahelski, David Leitch, Brad Martin, Jonathan Eusebio and J.J. Perry. When the video market crashed in the early 2000s, Daniel took a different route; moving into the stunt world to become what Chad Stahelski calls an "action actor", someone who can act, fight, perform the stunts, and train the actors. When Chad and David launched 87eleven Action Design, Daniel was right beside them, working on all their major hits, from 'The Matrix Reloaded' to 'Parker', 'Logan', all three 'John Wick' films, 'Atomic Blonde', 'Hobbs and Shaw', 'Birds of Prey', and 'Nobody'. For the latter, Daniel also worked as the film's fight trainer, turning the fifty-something comedy writer Bob Odenkirk into a convincing action hero. He puts his multifaceted, hugely successful career down to "pure coincidence", but he is being modest. In hindsight, maybe becoming an action star was always his destiny? After all, his first fight scene was with Jean-Claude Van Damme during a fashion shoot in the early 1990s. It was Van Damme's encouragement which would provide Daniel with the confidence he needed to try his hand at acting and - as they say - the rest is history. Daniel Bernhardt's new film, 'Hell Hath No Fury' - directed by Jesse V. Johnson - is out now in cinemas in North America and released on digital from 9 November, courtesy of Well Go USA. On 22 December, Daniel returns to 'The Matrix' franchise, reprising his role as Agent Johnson in 'The Matrix Resurrections'. LINKS Daniel Bernhardt on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0076780/ Daniel Bernhardt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdanielbernhardt/ Daniel Bernhardt profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileDanielBernhardt 'Hell Hath No Fury' trailer: https://youtu.be/ztgpqImviOY 'Hell Hath No Fury' website: https://www.wellgousa.com/films/hell-hath-no-fury 'The Matrix Resurrections' trailer: https://youtu.be/9ix7TUGVYIo 'The Matrix Legacy' featurette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BZUMD85S7s 'Fetch' short film, directed by Daniel Bernhardt: https://vimeo.com/246539996 'Nobody' fight scene breakdown by Fandango: https://youtu.be/7rEhxsHM0Ag

It has taken six years for director James Nunn to bring his one-take, real-time action movie to the screen. During that time, 'one-shot' movies like 'Birdman' and '1917' have not only dominated at the box office, but they have also been lauded by critics. In many ways, Nunn's intense, relentless thriller, 'One Shot' - which is released theatrically and on VOD services in the USA on 5 November 2021 courtesy of Screen Media Films - is an even more remarkable achievement, considering its comparatively low-budget and 20-day shooting schedule ('1917', by comparison, was made in 65 days). Nunn puts the success of the film down to a huge amount of preparation, and an incredibly hard-working cast and crew - especially its leading actor, Scott Adkins, who is intimately followed through every long-take, moving from dialogue scenes to gun battles, knife fights, explosions and punch-ups. As a technical feat, there's nothing quite like it in the DTV action world. In this conversation, James explores the film's many great performances - from Adkins to co-stars Ashley Greene Khoury, Ryan Phillippe, and the MMA fighter Jess Liaudin - and lifts the lid on how it was made. Lee Charles - "the Al Leong of British cinema", according to fight choreographer Tim Man - has fought on-screen with some of the world's biggest action stars. He took a clobbering from Dave Bautista in 'Final Score' (2018), and tired to take out Sope Dirisu as 'Lenn the Butcher' in an iconic, grisly battle scene in the TV show, 'Gangs of London', co-created by 'The Raid's Gareth Evans. His role as a French mercenary in 'One Shot' marks another opportunity for him to go toe-to-toe with Scott Adkins - the duo worked together on Nunn's previous Adkins flicks, 'Green Street 3: Never Back Down' (2013) and 'Eliminators' (2016), plus roles in 'Accident Man' (2018) and 'Avengement' (2019). Charles is the walking embodiment of his own life motto - that anything is achievable through hard work. He's currently working with his childhood hero, Sylvester Stallone, on the all-star action sequel, 'The Expendables 4'. We discuss his multifaceted life and career; from Everton FC to six-time World Kickboxing Champion, training with Benny "The Jet" Urquidez and making it in the movies. LINKS One Shot trailer: https://youtu.be/Et5Cgq1B2_g One Shot website: https://screenmediafilms.net/film/3352/One-Shot One Shot review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/OneShot2021 James Nunn on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2071556/ James Nunn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjamesnunn James Nunn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesnunn/ James Nunn on Episode 14 of the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodEpisode14 Lee Charles on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3124775/ Lee Charles on Twitter: https://twitter.com/leeacharles Lee Charles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrleeacharles/ Lee Charles on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leecharlesactor/

Brad Martin is one of Hollywood's top stunt coordinators with a string of blockbusters to his name, including the 'Underworld' series, 'Live Free or Die Hard', 'Tropic Thunder', 'Gemini Man', plus the Emmy-nominated 2021 Marvel series, 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier', to name but a few. He has recently been in Northern Ireland shooting second unit and stunt coordinating on a big-screen adaptation of the long-running video game, 'Dungeons & Dragons', scheduled for release in 2023. That's not bad for a martial artist from Sun Valley, Idaho, who followed his dreams of becoming a stunt performer to Los Angeles – even though he wasn't particularly sure at the time what a stunt performer did. Luckily, he quickly made friends with fellow martial artists and aspiring action directors J.J. Perry, David Leitch and Chad Stahelski; together, on a diet of determination and Jackie Chan movies, they would go on to transform Hollywood action cinema, becoming technically gifted filmmakers in their own right. We discuss Brad's journey from George Clooney's regular stunt double to fighting Sammo Hung in 'Martial Law', Keanu Reeves in 'The Matrix' sequels, and leading the stunt departments on some of the biggest action films of all time. Brad is now bringing back Smashcut Action Design, a company he first created in the 1990s. Using his wealth of knowledge from over 30 years in the business, he will be looking to consult with some of Hollywood's biggest producers to create and inspire action design from the early conception phase to completion. LINKS Visit the Smashcut Action Design website: https://smashcutaction.com/ (coming soon!) Brad Martin on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0551997/ Brad Martin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradmartinaction/ Brad Martin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradmartinaction Brad Martin profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileBradMartin 'Live Free or Die Hard'/'Underworld: Evolution' stunt rehearsals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGTuSP7uXK0 'The Matrix Reloaded' - the making of the chateaux fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWuNDcHfF0g 'Underworld: Awakening' behind the scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2rRW3v7zeY J.J. Perry on Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodJJPerry

Max Huang's turn as Kung Lao - the deadly, hat-throwing, Shaolin-trained kung fu cousin of Liu Kang - in the 2021 reboot of Mortal Kombat was a delightful surprise; a scene-stealing performance complete with comedy, drama, action, and an almighty 'fatality' which just about steals the movie. But the notion of Max being something of an 'overnight success' could not be further from the truth. The German wushu wunderkind has been planning this career from the moment his dad first introduced him to Bruce Lee movies on VHS as a child. His training took him to Asia and, eventually, the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, where his childhood hero would personally oversee his development from a young, eager stunt performer to an assistant stunt coordinator on films like The Foreigner (2017) and Bleeding Steel (2017). Max's short film, No Way Out (2020), is a masterful expression of his many talents: he acts, directs, writes, produces, handles the action and even sings the theme song. We now find Max at an interesting crossroads in his career; still very much in his prime, full of ideas, and with opportunities available in Europe, Asia and Hollywood. So what will he do next? LINKS Max Huang on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4518085/ Max Huang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxhuangofficial/ Max Huang on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxhuangofficial/ Max Huang on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/maxhuang Max Huang profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ProfileMaxHuang 'Flawless Victory' music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/on5tmh0Vdjg 'No Way Out' short film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3_4ucynHGTs Buy 'Mortal Kombat' on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and digital via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091GXR3RG/ 'Mortal Kombat' official red band trailer: https://youtu.be/NYH2sLid0Zc 'Mortal Kombat' cast trailer reaction video: https://youtu.be/PqdtUte-aBo 'Mortal Kombat' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/MortalKombatKFMG

Cynthia Rothrock - the undisputed 'Queen of martial arts movies' - never anticipated a career as an action film star. The Scranton-raised martial artist initially headed west in search of furthering her kung fu knowledge, often competing in men's divisions to become a national champion, and touring the world in the process. It was a portentous audition for the Hong Kong action director Corey Yuen which would bring her fame and fortune; an audition which would catch the attention of Sammo Hung, who cast Cynthia in her first breakout film, 'Police Assassins' (1985), alongside another relative newcomer, Michelle Yeoh - and the rest, as they say, is history. Although, not quite, because Cynthia's journey in the film business has been full of highs and lows; huge successes, and false starts. Her three years in Hong Kong would produce undoubtedly her best on-screen fight work - a westerner who became the headline act in a new sub-genre of high-energy, stunt-filled fight films predominantly led by women - before success in the English-language Hong Kong-produced 'China O'Brien' films would see her travel back to the USA and into the highly lucrative world of straight-to-video actioners. She is, quite simply, a trailblazer - a performer who became a bankable star in both the east and the west at a time when the industry, and the martial arts genre in particular, was dominated by men. As a forerunner to Hollywood's pursuit in achieving greater gender parity in the action film world, Cynthia's legacy cannot be underestimated. Even now, aged 64, she shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to train, travel the world, appear in movies and teach martial arts. LINKS Cynthia Rothrock on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/CynthiaRothrockChannel Cynthia Rothrock on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001686/ Cynthia Rothrock on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcynthiarothrock/ Cynthia Rothrock on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CYNTHIAROTHROCK Cynthia Rothrock on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cynroth Cynthia Rothrock's website: https://www.cynthiarothrockofficial.com/ Cynthia Rothrock profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/CynthiaRothrockKFMG Cynthia Rothrock 2011 interview with Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/CynthiaRothrockInt KFC commercial (1983) starring Cynthia Rothrock: https://youtu.be/TkGYrkzkueo Final fight scene - Yes, Madam (1985) aka Police Assassins: https://youtu.be/Oh8KnmRvqd0 Cynthia Rothrock vs. Sammo Hung - Millionaire's Express (1986): https://youtu.be/3ztk99MPOzk

When Philip Ng burst onto the scene in his 2014 leading-man debut, 'Once Upon a Time in Shanghai' - co-starring Sammo Hung and with fight choreography by Yuen Woo-ping - followed by his turn as Bruce Lee in the 2016 Hollywood biopic, 'Birth of the Dragon', the kung fu movie world was introduced to a wonderful new talent. In reality, of course, Philip's story of overnight success could not have been further from the truth. Since the early 2000s - when Philip decided to leave his home in Chicago to pursue a career in Hong Kong action cinema - he had been working tirelessly both in front and behind the camera, developing his skills as an action director and actor. He has become a leading light in a new generation of Hong Kong actors adept at sharing the screen with everyone from Donnie Yen to Simon Yam, Jackie Chan to Louis Koo, and working with directors as diverse as Ringo Lam, Stephen Fung, Benny Chan and Wong Jing. His 2019 martial arts film, 'Undercover Punch and Gun' - which is out now in North America courtesy of Well Go USA - is a love letter to the sort of Hong Kong action comedies he grew up watching in the 1980s and 90s. It sees him reunite with his long-time buddies and frequent collaborators, Andy On and Van Ness Wu. As well as being a fight-filled homage to the golden age of Hong Kong action movies, the film is equally dedicated to the three actors' friendship, which first started back in 2003 on the tournament movie, 'Star Runner'. Listen as Philip discusses his journey from an aspiring young martial artist into a fully fledged kung fu film star - and the ups and downs he has experienced along the way. LINKS Philip Ng on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1264535/ Philip Ng on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straightblast5/ Philip Ng on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NgWanLung/ Philip Ng profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/ProfilePhilipNg 'Undercover Punch and Gun' website: https://www.wellgousa.com/films/undercover-punch-gun 'Undercover Punch and Gun' trailer: https://youtu.be/tNpZg_qzVjk Buy 'Undercover Punch and Gun' on Blu-ray, DVD and digital: https://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Punch-Gun-Blu-ray-Andy/dp/B091F2BJHQ 'Undercover Punch and Gun' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/UndercoverPunchAndGun 'Once Upon a Time in Shanghai' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/OnceUponATimeInShanghai Hi-YAH! website - start your free trial (USA only): https://www.hiyahtv.com/ Hi-YAH! on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HiYAHTV Hi-YAH! on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiyahtv/ Well Go USA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wellgousa Well Go USA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellgousa/ Ng Family Chinese Martial Arts Association: http://www.ngfamilymartialarts.com/

Over the last 15 years, French stunt performer and martial artist Brahim Chab has jumped, kicked and punched his way into the upper echelons of the fight film business. In 2021, he wrapped on 'Monkey Man' - the directorial debut of actor, Dev Patel, which has been picked up by Netflix. The film, described as 'John Wick in Mumbai', sees Brahim provide fight choreography as well as acting in a supporting role. In 2020, he went toe-to-toe with his hero, Jackie Chan, in the globe-trotting actioner 'Vanguard'. It has been a career forged in blood, sweat, and determination; a career which has seen him relocate from Europe to Asia where he has worked consistently on productions across many countries, including Thailand, India, UK, China and the USA. He has worked with everyone: Tiger Chen in 'Man of Tai Chi'; Scott Adkins in 'Boyka: Undisputed'; Donnie Yen in 'Big Brother'; Mark Dacascos in 'The Driver'; Jean-Claude Van Damme in 'Pound of Flesh' and his still unreleased pet project, 'Frenchy'. Despite years of working in the industry, Brahim still remains hungry - pushing himself to achieve more, develop his craft, and work on bigger projects. We discuss what makes a good fight scene, the rudiments of 'tricking', learning on set with Tim Man, and how to make it in the action business. LINKS Brahim Chab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brahimchab84/ Brahim Chab on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3100183/ Brahim Chab on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Bramtricks Brahim Chab action reel: https://youtu.be/MnPtJ9RqHvA Brahim Chab acting reel: https://youtu.be/iN8wbDto4eM Brahim Chab profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/ProfileBrahimChab 'Vanguard' trailer: https://youtu.be/Kw1u9PIbbt8 'Boyka: Undisputed' fight scene: https://youtu.be/_hnxMqr3ICk

Martial arts legend Ron Van Clief never wanted to be a movie star. Known as the 'Black Dragon' - a name originally given to him by Bruce Lee and adopted as his screen persona in a series of Hong Kong kung fu movies in the 1970s - Ron was dismayed at the lack of genuine martial artists he met when working in action movies. For the Brooklyn-born former US Marine and New York City cop, Ron's passion for the fighting arts was formed from an early age in real-life combat situations - the trauma of which still remain with him to this day. He fought in the Vietnam War where he lost his younger brother; in the early 1960s, he narrowly survived a lynching at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. The attack inspired the name of his autobiography, 'The Hanged Man', which has been made into a documentary by the martial artist and filmmaker, Robert Parham. In spite of this - and his continuing battle with PTSD - Ron remains steadfastly dedicated to developing his skills in the martial arts, with accolades too numerous to mention - five-time world karate and kung fu champion, 15-time All American champion, a New York Times bestselling author, and the founder of his own combat system, Chinese Goju-Ryu Karate. Ron was the first Black action star to lead a Hong Kong film, and although he may not have enjoyed the fame, it has assured his reputation as one of the most iconic and important figures in martial arts cinema. Now, aged 78, it is encouraging to hear that he still shows no sign of slowing down. LINKS On 30 July 2021, Ron Van Clief will be one of 12 grandmasters judging the virtual Ultimate Warrior Cup Championship. For more information, email sifual@aol.com and ronvanclief@yahoo.com. Ron Van Clief's website: https://www.ronvanclief.com/ Ron Van Clief on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0885885/ Ron Van Clief on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaivanclief Ron Van Clief on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackdragon1974/ Ron Van Clief on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.vanclief Ron Van Clief profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/ProfileRonVanClief Buy 'The Hanged Man' on Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hanged-Man-Story-Ron-Clief/dp/1466374233 Robert Parham on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealrobertparham/ Robert Parham on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.parham COMPETITION We have teamed up with CineAsia (https://trinitycineasia.com/) in the UK to give away three copies of 'The Swordsman' on Blu-ray in this month's competition. Sign-up to our newsletter at kungfumovieguide.com before 31 May to be in with a chance of winning a copy. Good luck! Buy 'The Swordsman' on Blu-ray, DVD and digital in the UK via Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Swordsman-Blu-ray-Jang-Hyuk/dp/B08W7SNKTS 'The Swordsman' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TheSwordsman2020

It has taken 10 years to get 'The Paper Tigers' onto our screens - a slow and at times painful process full of ups and downs for its director, writer and producer, Tran Quoc Bao. The film - which finally lands in cinemas and on digital platforms in North America on 7 May 2021, courtesy of Well Go USA - is a heart-warming and funny take on the kung fu genre, centring on three former childhood training buddies who reunite in middle age to investigate the sudden death of their old kung fu master. As Bao would soon discover, talent, passion and dedication to the cause will only get you so far in Hollywood. Finding the finance for independent productions is hard enough, but made all the more difficult for kung fu films with people of colour in the lead roles. Bao and his fellow producers refused to compromise or 'whitewash' their story, eventually turning to Kickstarter to raise the money themselves. Filming would eventually take place in his home town of Seattle over a number of years, featuring a cast of leading actors from minority backgrounds: 'Helstrom' and 'True Detective' star, Alain Uy; Ron Yuan - a veteran of martial arts cinema; and Mykel Shannon Jenkins, well-known in action circles for his role as Turbo in 'Undisputed III: Redemption'. Alain, Ron and Mykel speak of the sacrifices Bao and his fellow producers had to make to get the film over the line, and how they responded in kind; each bringing their own wealth of experience as filmmakers to support the project, and helping to realise a unique and personal story about friendship, responsibility, honour, and kung fu. LINKS Book your tickets now to watch 'The Paper Tigers' on the big screen in the USA and Canada: https://www.wellgousa.com/films/the-paper-tigers 'The Paper Tigers' trailer: https://youtu.be/uh4KU5Ep4ic 'The Paper Tigers' on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_thepapertigers 'The Paper Tigers' on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePaperTigersMovie/ 'The Paper Tigers' on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thepapertigers/ 'The Paper Tigers' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/ThePaperTigersKFMG 'The Challenger' (2015) short film: https://youtu.be/gcLNdniNR2M Tran Quoc Bao's website: http://pov-films.com/ Tran Quoc Bao on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2041318/ Tran Quoc Bao on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/tranquocbao Tran Quoc Bao on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_tranquocbao Tran Quoc Bao on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tranquocbao Tran Quoc Bao on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/_tranquocbao/ Alain Uy on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1751175/ Alain Uy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theAlainUy Alain Uy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainuy/ Ron Yuan on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0950620/ Ron Yuan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronyuan Ron Yuan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronyuan/ Mykel Shannon Jenkins on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420926/ Mykel Shannon Jenkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mykel_jenkins Mykel Shannon Jenkins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykelshannonjenkins/

Isaac Florentine is one of those rare directors who possesses a style of filmmaking all of his own. Within a few minutes of watching one of his many great action movies, you will quickly realise you are in the world of Isaac Florentine. He wears his love for spaghetti westerns on his sleeve, almost as much as his passion for the martial arts. As an expert martial artist and karate instructor, he is keen to capture technique in his fight choreography. His combat sequences are often filmed in clean, complete movements, using close-ups and moving the camera in sync with the action. His style therefore demands the best physical performances from his actors, so it's no surprise that he has worked with some of the best in the business: Michael Jai White, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren and, his main muse, Scott Adkins. The 2020 film 'Seized' marked his ninth collaboration with Scott, and the two are very much the Scorsese and De Niro of the martial arts movie world. As well as the popular 'Ninja' films, the two worked to transform the sequels to a little-known boxing movie called 'Undisputed' into modern martial arts classics, introducing Adkins as the iconic character of Russian MMA fighter, Yuri Boyka. We discuss Isaac's upbringing as a film-obsessed kid in Israel who followed his passion for martial arts and movies to Hollywood - and how a stint working on the amazingly successful 'Power Rangers' TV show helped to launch his career. Last week, we learned of the sad and sudden death of Italian martial artist and actor, Max Repossi, who has passed away at the age of 33. I first met Max at the 2018 Fighting Spirit Film Festival in London, and in 2019, we recorded a conversation which would appear on Episode 43 of the podcast. We continued to keep in touch, and he became a good friend and supporter of the show. In tribute to Max, I have added the full, unedited conversation we recorded in September 2019 at the end of this episode. Learn more about Max Repossi via the links below. LINKS Isaac Florentine on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0282708/ Isaac Florentine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaac.florentine Isaac Florentine profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/IsaacFlorentineKFMG Max Repossi on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9846531/ Max Repossi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaxRepossiAction/ Episode 43 of the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast at the 2019 Fighting Spirit Film Festival: http://bit.ly/FSFF2019KFMGPod Max Repossi Hung Kuen demonstration at 2019 Fighting Spirit Film Festival: https://youtu.be/LV0AVB6w5CA

Born in Hong Kong and raised in New York, Tzi Ma is a genre-spanning actor who has dedicated his career to documenting the Asian American experience. With every acting decision - whether it be on stage, screen or television - he has sought to portray fully rounded characters, working in an industry where accurate representation has not always been high on the agenda. He has turned down roles he has considered to be stereotypical, and instead, Tzi prefers to champion the voices of minority filmmakers often working with no money on projects which may never see the light of day. Sometimes, they break through - like Lulu Wang's critically acclaimed 2019 comedy drama, The Farewell. Even his mainstream roles challenge the preconceived notions of Asian characters in Hollywood movies: a compassionate father in Mulan; a geologist in Dante's Peak; a military commander in Arrival; Michael Caine's fixer in The Quiet American; 'the General' in the Coen brothers comedy The Ladykillers. When he has played roles in martial arts projects - like Rapid Fire, Rush Hour, or the Martial Law TV series - it was only ever to make the Asian leads look good, helping to promote the reputations of actors like Brandon Lee, Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung in the USA. In his latest TV series, Kung Fu - a reboot of the classic 1970s show starring David Carradine, which premieres on The CW Network on 7 April 2021 - he plays another doting father, further cementing his role as Hollywood's 'go-to Asian dad', according to Variety. It's a primetime American show focusing on an Asian American family, and another step towards improving representation on television, telling new stories from different voices and cultures. So what's next for Tzi Ma? Tune into the first episode in our sixth season to find out. LINKS #StopAsianHate: Following a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the USA, we stand in support of Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and call for an end to hate, discrimination and racism. Tzi is a vocal supporter of the #StopAsianHate campaign and has taken part in an initiative - organised by AT&T, the parent company of WarnerMedia - to raise awareness and encourage donations to help AAPI small businesses. Read more at att.com/StopAsianHate and watch the campaign video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tM-5YtfK1NY The CW website: https://www.cwtv.com/ The CW 'Kung Fu' trailer: https://youtu.be/NvtMjNA9PJM Tzi Ma on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002245/ Tzi Ma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tzima8/ Tzi Ma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tzima8 Tzi Ma on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Official.TziMa/ Tzi Ma profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/ProfileTziMa Variety article, 'How ‘Mulan’s’ Tzi Ma became Hollywood’s go-to Asian dad': https://variety.com/2020/film/news/tzi-ma-mulan-hollywood-career-1234758692/