The 10 Quintessential Fight Scenes in Martial Arts Cinema...According to Some Guy

I think Tony Jaa is probably a really nice guy...but he's not gonna be on this list ANYWHERE. Let's get that outta the way now. If that bothers you, have a dance party and forget your troubles!* For the rest of us, you're likely here because you love martial arts movies as much as I do if not more. But this isn't a pissing contest. Besides, I'd totally win that too...

The reason why I don't like most Tony Jaa fights is because I never feel as though there are any stakes. His athleticism is amazing, but I never feel as though there is anyone that can match that in his movies. As a result, I feel like I'm just waiting for him to win. That's not what makes a good fight scene. It's more than just the skill and athletic prowess on display that pulls us into a good fight. It's tension, and that comes from characters facing what is clearly a challenge to them. For that reason, you're probably not gonna see a lot of "one guy takes on countless thugs" scenes. But brace yourself for a lot of Hong Kong...

Presented in no particular order (some spoilers lie ahead...deal with it!):

10) Nameless (Jet Li) vs. Sky (Donnie Yen) - Hero (2004)

This scene is so good it makes every other scene in what is a really good film look like amateur-hour by comparison. And it technically never happens...Doesn't change the fact that we get the treat of seeing two undeniable masters go at it without any need to hold back.

9) Thomas (Jackie Chan) vs. Mondale's Henchman (Benny "The Jet" Urquidez) - Wheels on Meals (1984)

If you know me, then you know there was no way in hell that I was ever gonna make a list like this without including this scene. I don't even wanna talk about this scene. You should be watching it!!!

8) Yee-Tai (Lam Ching Ying) & Leung Chang (Yuen Biao) vs. Ninjas (led by Dick Wei) - The Prodigal Son (1981)

Yuen Biao is criminally underrated, but Lam Ching Ying is an actor that most people outside of China have never even heard of...it makes my heart hurt, guys. It's a well-known fact that Jackie Chan trained in his youth in a Peking Opera school which is where he was taught martial arts as well as gymnastics, dance, acting, and singing. Well...so did these guys (along with big brother Sammo Hung--who directed and co-starred in this film). And that translates to them also doing all of their own stunt-work, which will speak for itself in this clip.

Here's the set-up: Leung Chang (Biao) is a rich kid that loves kung fu, but can't really fight. His dad has paid people off to keep him from getting hurt, until he crossed paths with Yee-Tai (Ching Ying). Chang wants to get better, and desperately wants to learn from Yee-Tai, but he's not having it. Chang isn't the only rich kid with a dad desperate to shield him from harm...which leads us to this scene. The devil's in the details I left out. You need to see this movie if you haven't!!

7) Ip Man (Donnie Yen) vs. 10 Black Belts - Ip Man (2008)

I'm really trying not to compose this list entirely of Donnie Yen clips, I promise. Although, let's be honest...that's not impossible. The man does great work. I sincerely could've chosen any scene from this movie. Netflix it! You're welcome in advance.

6) Rama (Iko Uwais) & Andi (Donny Alamsyah) vs. Mad Dog (Yayan Ruhian) - The Raid: Redemption (2011)

For pretty much the remainder of 2011 and all of 2012, whenever someone asked me "Have you seen any good action movies lately?", I had one reply:

"Have you seen The Raid?"

"No. What's that?"

"Why are you still talking to me when you could be watching The Raid?"

Is the movie that good? Yes! And I add that you have done yourself a great disservice if you haven't seen it yet if you enjoy action movies of any kind.

5) Huang Fei Hung (Gordon Liu) vs. Master Shan Hsiung (Wang Lung Wei) - The Martial Club (1981)

I promise this is as obscure as I plan to get, but if you've made it this far, you need to see this. While I'm on Huang Fei Hung movies...

4) Huang Fei Hung (Jackie Chan) vs. John (Ken Lo) & Henry (Ho Sung Pak) - The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

(starts @ 5:54) There really aren't enough good things to say about this scene, so I'll provide a little trivia instead. The final fight was originally meant to be between Jackie and original motion-actor for Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat and star (or rather "Superstar") of WMAC Masters, Ho Sung Pak. However, Pak suffered an ankle sprain that limited his ability to perform the rather difficult kicking choreography (say THAT 3x fast). So, Jackie called in his longtime friend and former bodyguard Ken Lo.

Despite that, everyone in this movie is performing at their peak. Many have said this is the best martial arts movie ever made. While that is debatable, it's hard to argue with the quality of this choreography.

3) Kham (Tony Jaa) vs. Mr. LC's Henchman (Marrese Crump) - The Protector 2 (2013)

HA! You really thought I wasn't gonna have at least one Tony Jaa fight scene, didn't you? Because I said I wouldn't, which makes me a liar in this instance but hear me out first! This scene does two things that Tony Jaa's movies need more of, in my opinion. First, it effectively introduces a villain that generates interest in the film's climax. Second, it shows Tony's character is vulnerable. He's not an unstoppable force that no one can beat here because this guy is pretty easily handing him his ass. This connects to my first point, and needs to happen more often in Tony Jaa's catalog.

...the scripts need to improve. The idea that an action movie's plot doesn't matter needed to die four decades ago, and a plot as dumb as bombs in a kidnapped elephant's tusks is inexcusable. Crime lords of Thailand: Stop stealing elephants!!!

1) Huang Fei Hung (Jet Li) vs. Iron Robe Yim (Shi Kwan Yen) - Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

This is what it looks like when build-up pays off in excess. And thankfully, this is an instance where there's no such thing as too much.

There you have it! Ten unquestionably impressive scenes of martial arts combat, and yes I am aware that there are plenty more that I left out. That's where you come in. I haven't seen everything, so feel free to add your own honorable mentions. 'Til next time, folks...

*--I will never apologize for loving this song...Unironically!!