The Princess Bride (1987)

Westley vs Inigo: 4.5/5


Westley vs Fezzik: DUD


Inigo vs Guards/Count Rugen: 3/5




This is one of my all time favorite movies. The duel between Westley and Inigo is classic stuff, and serves as a basis for how I view fight scenes in film generally. Inigo's revenge against Rugen, though not a technically great fight, is brilliantly satisfying.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Not for the fights, just as a movie.

Project A II (1987)

Dragon vs Cops: 3.25/5


Dragon & Crew vs Thugs: 4.25/5


Dragon vs Tiger & henchman: 3.75/5


Pirates Chasing Dragon/Chung: 4/5


Finale: 4.25/5



What a great film. Recommended.

Armor Of God (1986)

Jackie vs Natives: 1.75/5


Jackie vs Monks: 4.75/5


Jackie vs Assassins: 4/5




This is a great action film. Not in the upper echelon of Jackie's movies, but still great nonetheless. Jackie fighting the monks is one of the best group fights you'll ever see.

Recommended.

Unlucky Stars (2016, or possibly earlier)

Josh vs Stan: 2.75/5


Church Fight: 4/5


Josh/Ken vs Muggers: 3/5


Tomas vs Thugs: 2.5/5


Josh/Ken vs Marty: 3.25/5


Rehab House Fight: 3.25/5


Josh vs Rich: 4/5


Ken vs Vic: 3.75/5


David vs Sam: 4/5


Josh/Ken vs Kyle: 3.5/5



I really dug this movie. It's as good an 80's Hong Kong tribute film as you'll find.

Let's start with the obvious. The fight choreography and execution are on point. The thing I love about these indy martial arts films is their clear devotion to making great fight scenes. Watching Dennis fight Manny is a dream fight for me. They're two of my favorite active screen fighters. I believe this is their first screen battle. And it's my favorite fight in the movie (Josh vs Rich, as scored above).

Fighting aside, this is a very enjoyable movie. Dennis and Ken's chemistry is great. I really liked Vlad as the noble overlooked stuntman. It's such a perfect hero for this type of film. I loved how Dennis, Ken and Vlad were clearly set up as the modern Jackie, Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung. Sari Sabella and Steve Yuen are quite funny. Jose Montesinos carries a lot of the emotional weight of the film. Sam Hargrave kills it as the villain. He's probably the most charismatic performance.

I do wish Shawn Bernal was in this more. He's awesome.

There's a lot of commentary going on in this movie about the entertainment industry. And how it's a bunch of malarkey. As someone in the business myself, I relate and find it awesome.

I remember Vlad talking about how the finale was where this movie was going to shine. It certainly did peak there, which is when a martial arts movie should. It was very reminiscent of the old 3 Dragon films where they would each have to take on a different bad guy. I dug that.

Now to some minor qualms I have with the movie. I don't think there are any Fight Of The Year contenders. Every fight in this movie is good (not counting the fight scenes in the movies within the movie, which I didn't grade) to great. But there's nothing I would call excellent. Now...excellent fights are hard to find. So I'm not bashing this movie at all, clearly. I think it just goes to show how hard it is to make an enduring classic fight scene. Dennis vs Manny comes the closest but I wish it had been longer.

Maybe part of my disappointment is me looking forward to watching this movie for 4 years. And maybe part of my disappointment is just that it's not Contour, which is the best indy martial arts film ever. Sure, this is a more complete and mature film than Contour, but the action never peaks as high as Contour does. That being said, Unlucky Stars has got to be my 2nd favorite indy martial arts film of all time.

There were also a couple of editing instances I didn't like. Hollywood style editing on hits rather than Hong Kong style. Again, this happens maybe 3 times in the entire film, so these are minor complaints.

I really liked how they built to the fights at the end. Manny and Roy's characters wanted a piece of Dennis and Ken from early on and you could tell. Really made it satisfying to see them throw down later.

The finale is also edited really well. The transitions between the showdowns are great. As far as martial arts film finales go you probably won't see a better one this year.

This is my favorite martial arts film since The Raid 2. Highly recommended.

The Shaolin Temple (1982)

Kicker Chang/Jue Yuan vs Emperor/Guards: 2.75/5


Bai vs Jue Yuan: 2/5


Bai vs Guards: 3/5


Jue Yuan vs Guards: 3/5


Jue Yuan vs Emperor: 3.5/5


Monks vs Guards: 4/5



Jue Yuan vs Monks: 3.25/5


Battle Of Shaolin Temple: 4.25/5


Monk/Bai vs Officer: 4/5



Jue Yuan vs Emperor: 3.75/5



This is a great movie. The action doesn't pick up until the second half of the film. But there are some great training montages to hold you over till then. Jet Li, though quite young here, really carries the emotional weight of the movie. His facial expressions convey such deep, sincere meaning. Oh and also, the man can fight. But this is one of his better acting performances.

The meat of this movie's action comes when all of the monks take up arms and do battle. It is glorious. Watching them fight with different weapons and styles is truly something to behold.

This movie is really all about what it means to be a monk. Which I found quite interesting. If you're into that sort of thing, you'll enjoy this too.

The movie has some gorgeous shots. Beautiful landscapes. It's the first Hong Kong film shot on mainland China. It's kind of legendary, in that way.

There are flaws with the film. It's paced a bit strangely, though that's an echo of the genre and time. Occasionally it feels almost like a series of vignettes. Some of the comedic beats don't hold up. But these are minor concerns.

I really liked this movie. Recommended.

Dragon Lord (1982)

Courtyard fight: 2.5/5

Temple fight: 3/5

Barn Fight: 4.5/5


Not one of Jackie's better movies. Also not a lot of fighting. The jianzi game in the middle is pretty impressive. And the last fight scene in the barn against Hwang In Shik is incredible. One of the great things about it is that Jackie's character, Dragon, doesn't possess a lot of martial skill. What he does possess is youth, determination, heart and incredible athleticism. Not to mention an ability to absorb a ton of punishment. This is in stark contrast to In Shik's character, who is highly skilled, older and can't take quite as much. I also like that Mars gets to be part of the finale, since he so rarely is anything but a background character. Since he is Jackie's real life best friend it's cool to see them work together in a movie to take down a big boss.

But besides the finale, there isn't much to this movie. Even the opening pyramid scene that took 2900 takes (the world record), isn't really that impressive in the grand scheme of things. That final fight is an enduring piece of art, though. Somewhat recommended.

The Drunken Master (1978)

Thunder Leg vs Charlie Wei: 3.25/5

Fei Hung vs Teacher: 1.5/5

Fei Hung vs Mom: 2.75/5

Fei Hung vs Jerry: 3/5

Fei Hung vs Chao: 3.5/5

Fei Hung vs Gorilla & Restarant Workers: 2.75/5

Beggar vs Gorilla & Restaruant Workers: 2.5/5

Su Hua-Chi vs Fei Hung: 2.25/5

Fei Hung vs Thunder Leg: 3.5/5

Iron Head vs Fei Hung: 2.25/5

Su-Hua Chi vs Pole Fighter: 2.5/5

Fei Hung vs Pole Fighter: 4/5

Chi Ying vs Thunder Leg: 3/5

Fei Hung vs Thunder Leg: 4.5/5



Classic flick. Two fights worth the movie alone, Including a classic Finale. The fighting through the whole movie is good, and really builds to the bigger fights at the end. Highly recommended old school action.

Project A (1983)

Sailors vs Police: 2.75/5

Lobby Fight: 3.25/5

Bike Fight: 4/5

Jackie & Sammo vs Thugs: 3/5

Clocktower fight: 2/5

Finale: 3.75/5


Don't let the ratings fool you, this is a fun movie. There just aren't that many substantial fight scenes. A lot of it is chasing. The Finale pits Dick Wei against the 3 Dragons, which is a blast. Movies with all 3: Jackie, Sammo and Yuen... are rare. So this is a lot of fun. There just isn't that much fighting.

The Bike fight/chase however, is inventive and funny. I very much enjoyed it. And Jackie pulls off an amazing Clocktower stunt too. Worth the buy. Recommended.

The Young Master (1980)

Jackie w/ Fan vs fat Dude: 3.5/5

3 Outlaws vs Officers: 3.75/5

Hwang in Shik vs Officers: 4.25/5

Sword Fight: 3.5/5

Jackie vs Yuen Biao: 3.5/5

Jackie vs Yuen Biao 2: 4/5

Jackie vs Chief: 3.25/5

Jackie vs Chief's daughter: 3/5

Jackie vs 2 Outlaws: 3.75/5

Jackie vs Hwang in Shik: 4.75/5

Man, when I think about this movie I don't usually think about it as one of my favorite fighting movies of all time. But upon review, it's probably up there. The thing with a lot of old school kung fu films is the choreo tends to be slower but more about showcasing the art. But there's some beautiful stuff here. Even the first fight with the fan, though it has no real drama to it, features beautiful fan work from Jackie. He makes the fan look like a viable weapon.

I love that Yuan Biao's in this, and that he's a total asshole to Jackie in the movie. The two clash a couple times and Yuen Biao fights with a bench, of all things. That's why old school movies can be so fun. Strange weapons are commonplace.

Hwang In Shik is a total badass every moment he's onscreen. He showcases hapkido brilliantly in this. The end fight between him and Jackie is glorious. It's a short film unto itself. 15 minutes of action, with Jackie taking heavy damage for 12 of those minutes. Young Jackie sure was durable. A tour de force of a finale.

Highly recommended.

Rosa (1986)

Office Fight: 3.25/5

Yuen Biao and Girls vs Thugs: 4/5

Girl vs Chung Fa: 2.25/5

Yuen Biao vs Dick Wei: 4.25/5


Yuen Biao steals the show yet again. His group fight near the end is performed beautifully. And his showdown with Dick Wei is great. These two have terrific chemistry. Chung Fa is underutilized, which happens far too often. Not a lot of fighting here. But some quality stuff. Somewhat recommended.

Owl vs Bombo (1984)

Sammo vs George in dark: 2.5/5

Sammo & George vs Thugs: 2.5/5

Sammo vs students: 2.25/5

Sammo & George vs Thugs: 2.5/5

Sammo vs Richard Ng: 2.75/5

Sammo vs Everybody & Dick Wei: 4.25/5


Nothing really substantial until the Finale. The finale has one of my favorite "One w/ weapon vs many" group fights of all time. It's exceptional. And then capped off by a Sammo vs Dick Wei showdown. I only wish that it were longer. Nothing else really noteworthy, though. Somewhat recommended.

Book of Heroes (1987)

Bar Fight: 3.75/5

Yukari vs Thugs: 4.5/5

Restaurant Fight: 4/5

Gas Station Fight: 3.75/5

Finale: 4.5/5

Yukari vs Lam Sam Mei: 4/5

Man, this movie is insane. So much fighting. And it's quality stuff. The ladies steal the show, Yukari Oshima's never looked better. So many crazy stunts and falls. Great, great stuff throughout. Highly recommended. 

Dragons Forever (1988)

Opening Fight: 3/5

Sammo Hung vs 2 Thugs: 1.5/5

Sammo Hung vs Yuen Biao: 2/5

Bar Fight: 3.25/5

Jackie Chan Boat Fight: 4/5

Jackie Chan vs Sammo Hung vs Yuen Biao: 4/5

Sammo Hung vs Thugs & Benny Urquidez: 3.5/5

Jackie/Yuen vs Thugs: 4.5/5

Jackie Chan vs Benny Urquidez: 5/5

One of my all time favorite martial arts films. The 3 Dragons all square off against each other in a great three for all. Jackie has a great group fight. And the finale is spectacular. HIGHLY recommended.

Magic Crystal (1986)

House Fight: 3/5

Street Fight: 3.5/5

Gymnasium Fight: 3.5/5

House Fight: 4/5

Warehouse Fight: 3.5/5

Finale: 4.5/5

Surprisingly good fighting. Not a good movie. But perhaps Cynthia's best screen fighting ever. And Richard Norton and Andy Lau hold their own. Recommended.

Tiger Cage 3 (1991)

Factory Fight: 3.75/5

Rooftop Fight: 3.5/5

Weapons Fight: 4.25/5

Ricky Cheung Kwok Leung vs Ridley Tsui: 3.75/5

The weapons fight is brutal in this movie. Great hatred is displayed as well as use of non-traditional weapons i.e. flaming 2x4's. And the underrated Ridley Tsui shows off his stuff in the finale. Recommended.

Tiger Cage 2 (1990)

Donnie vs David Wu: 2.75/5

Donnie vs David Wu II: 2.5/5

Donnie vs Thugs on Bus: 2.75/5

Cynthia Khan vs Girl: 2.25/5

Donnie/David vs Thugs: 3.5/5

David Wu vs Robin Shou: 4.25/5

Donnie Yen vs John Salvitti: 3.75/5

Donnie Yen vs Michael Woods: 4/5

Donnie Yen vs Robin Shou: 5/5


Spectacular Finale, and a great fight midway through. Donnie in his prime. Highly recommended.

Righting Wrongs a.k.a. Above The Law (1986)

Classic 80's kickboxing classic. Yuen Biao is in a starring role, as he should be.


Cynthia vs Thugs: 3/5

Parking Lot Fight: 4.5/5

Yuen vs Cynthia: 3.5/5

Yuen vs Peter Cunningham: 3.75/5

Cynthia vs Karen: 2.75/5

Cynthia vs Thugs: 3/5

Yuen vs Melvin Wong: 4/5

Yuen Biao kills it in the Parking Lot Fight. And the finale is strong, too. Recommended. 

Miracles, a.k.a. Black Dragon (1989)

Classic Jackie flick.


Jackie vs 2 Thugs: 2.25/5

Jackie vs Two Gang Members: 3/5

Restaurant Fight: 4.75/5

Market Fight: 3.5/5

Finale: 4.25/5

2 Excellent fights and no bad fights. Recommended.

Shanghai Express a.k.a. Millionaire's Express (1986)

One of my all time favorite martial arts films. Some great fights in this.


Kids Fight: 3/5

Sammo vs Yuen: 4/5

Samurai vs Thugs: 2/5

Two Guys vs Tough Bandit: 2.75/5

Sammo Eskrima Fight: 3.25/5

Yukari vs Thugs: 3.5/5

Yuen Biao vs Dick Wei: 5/5

Sammo vs Cynthia: 3.5/5

Hwang Jang Lee vs Thugs: 4/5

Richard Norton vs Yusuaki Kurata: 3.25/5

Yuen Biao & Sammo vs. Hwang Jang Lee: 3/5

I broke the finale into parts but the entire finale is splendid. And Yuen vs Sammo is very good too, though their fight in Shanghai Shanghai is better. Hwang Jang crushes many stuntmen with great kicks. Yuen Biao vs Dick Wei is one of the greatest fights of all time. Highly recommended.