Cinema of Vengeance - DVD (1994) | The Greatest Genre in History!

Product Information

• UPC: 649107409929
• Product Type: DVD
• Region: 1 NTSC DVD
• Made In: USA
• Audio: English (2.0)
• Total Runtime: 90 minutes

Overview

Cinema of Vengeance is a captivating 1994 documentary directed by Toby Russell, offering an action-packed exploration of the martial arts film genre and its evolution within the Hong Kong film industry. Featuring iconic figures such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and John Woo, this documentary serves as an insightful yet sometimes frustrating introduction for newcomers to the world of action cinema.

The film begins with a brief history of early martial arts films, showcasing clips of legendary actor Kwan Tak Hing as Wong Fei Hong, followed by an interview with Jimmy Wang Yu, the first modern kung fu star, discussing his influence on the genre during his time with the Shaw Brothers studio.

As the documentary progresses, viewers are treated to athletic demonstrations by Bruce Lee, while Ho Chung Tao reflects on being branded as Bruce Li. Jackie Chan's career is highlighted, including behind-the-scenes footage from his film City Hunter (1993), and the documentary provides a glimpse into the work of Samo Hung, Chan's former classmate at the Peking Opera school.

The documentary also touches on the impact of ninja and kickboxing movies, the Taiwanese connection to Hong Kong filmmaking, and features commentary from crossover action stars. Filmmaker John Woo is shown working on Hard Target (1993), providing insight into his techniques and style.

Directed by Toby Russell, son of renowned director Ken Russell, this documentary is produced by the influential Eastern Heroes magazine/video label. While it features exciting action sequences and interviews, it suffers from several issues, including footage limitations due to budget constraints and inaccuracies in crediting film clips.

Product Features

• Format: REGION 1 NTSC DVD
• Total Runtime: 90 minutes
• Audio Options: English (2.0)

Interesting Facts

• Historical Context: The documentary provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of martial arts films, highlighting significant shifts in style and storytelling from the 1970s through the 1990s.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Viewers get a rare glimpse into the lives and careers of legendary martial artists, showcasing their dedication and the challenges they faced in the industry.
• Cultural Significance: This film illustrates the global impact of Hong Kong action cinema, influencing filmmakers and audiences worldwide.

Publishers

Published in the USA. All rights reserved under UPC 649107409929.

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#CinemaOfVengeance #MartialArtsFilms #BruceLee #JackieChan #JohnWoo #ActionDocumentary