FanPost

DBD 8.7.09 - Everybody is Kung Fu Fighting

101 GREATEST MARTIAL ARTS FIGHT SEQUENCES OF ALL TIME

by danzig

10444s1_medium
JeeJa Yanin kicks ass in Chocolate (2008 - Thailand)


You might have caught this off-topic discussion on the SBN Celtics Blog. However, the list presented there was too short, uninformed and frankly pathetic. We're going to right that wrong here today.

Among the "...of all time..." geek lists, this one's the most hotly debated. I'm not kidding. I will eat my own shit if I'm not called at least one of the following: Idiot, noob, retard, white-boy, nazi, fuck-face or blind. There is zero chance that a single person will agree with even my Top 10.... but the fun is in the discussions. Remember that.

Most of the lists on the net will offer up a Top 10, or a Top 25. Never have I seen a list that went past 50, let alone 100. I will go up to 101 fights here today, though my list actually goes up to 150 (but that's overkill).

Before we start remember the following:

1) This list based on my opinion only... that's it. If you're looking for logic in my choices, you're going to be disappointed.
2) Wait for the "turn." Don't criticize until you have seen the entire sequence, otherwise you won't appreciate it. Most fights have a "turn" halfway through it at which point the fight really begins. Watch each scene completely.
3) Starting flame wars over geeks lists is pathetic. All of this is based on opinion so chill out.
4) Link to your suggestions. Don't just say something is better, link to it. Trust me, it's out there.
5) Shaw Brothers purists will hate this list. You don't have to tell me, I know. I used to be one of them!

READY.... FIGHT!

  1. Flashpoint (2007) - (Donnie Yen vs Collin Chou, end sequence): #1 because it's absolutely raw. It's short, efficient and viceral... no waste. The speed, the intensity, realism and the MMA moves makes this a giant killer. This movie is recent, but already a consensus is building that this could one day be recogizned as the best martial arts sequence ever filmed. I'm just ahead of the curve. Donnie Yen uses Karate, Judo, Hapkido, Brazilian Jujitsu and everything in between. When watching you feel these guys really want to kill each other. You must watch the sequence to the end... simply mind-blowing. What's the most common phrase you'll hear when reading reviews of this sequence?
    "Totally... fucking... bad ass."


  2. Fist of Legend (1994) - (Jet Li vs General Fujita, end sequence): Generally considered to be the best ever filmed until Flashpoint came along. Most consider this movie to be the best overall martial arts film of all time. This movie was the reason Woo Ping was hired to do the Matrix. Jet Li does just about everything here including fighting with only one arm. Watch for when he starts fighting with his own frickn belt! There's a good reason why he was a four time world Wushu champion.


  3. Drunken Master 2 (1994) - (Jackie Chan storms the compound, end sequence): Another one that generally shows up in the #1 spot on most lists. It starts slow but builds and builds. Jackie Chan pulls off almost every stunt in the book including falling into a real fire. Fast paced and tightly choreographed, this scene has everything. He's a master at using his environment as a weapon and this scene doesn't disappoint. Ken Lo's kicking style is just crazy. The fight finally builds up to a crescendo when he drinks industrial alcohol to gain the strength to defeat his foe. EPIC!




  4. Ong Bak (2003) - (Tony Jaa storms the cave, end sequence): This one sequence made Tony Jaa into a worldwide super star overnight. His acrobatic skill, speed and creative use of Muay Thai is simply incredible. This scene has the most amazing single kick (while on fire) ever put to film. He also uses swords, a Bo, Escrima sticks and night sticks. When people say that his entire body is a weapon... watch this scene and you'll know exactly what they mean.




  5. Ong Bak 2 (2008) - (Tony Jaa comes home, end sequence): What happens when your first film is an absolute blockbuster? People let you do whatever you want with an unlimited budget for the sequel. Try combining Conan the Barbarian with Fist of Legend and Game of Death and you got Ong Bak 2. In this scene he has to fight off an army and does so using Muay Thai, Southern Crane, Tiger Fist, Karate, various sword techniques and meteor hammers. Watch him switch between Tiger Fist and Muay Thai mid-fight to match the opponent's style (4:10 part 1).... it's incredible. He also uses elephants as weapons. You'll feel exhausted after watching this. In two parts.




  6. Fist of Legend (1994) - (Jet Li takes on the whole Noiguchi Clan): This scene is just amazing. Jet Li takes on an entire school in order to get his revenge. Speed, accuracy and power are all on display. I love how he dispatches the entire Karate class without even breaking a sweat.



  7. Way of the Dragon (1972) - (Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris): This could easily be #1 and is on many lists. I think his best fight ever, not because the fighting is so great (which it is) but because he does it with SO MUCH STYLE. In fact, most of Bruce's scenes don't hold up well compared to modern films because it was only after he was gone that choreographers decided to actually have fighters hit each other, rather than just make glancing blows. Regardless, this scene shows off his amazing speed and just oozes cool.


  8. Wheels on Meals (1984) - (Jackie Chan vs Benny the Jet): At one time considered to be the best fight scene filmed. So simple, yet so perfect. The fighting is visceral, tight and fast. Benny the Jet is just amazing here and the choreography is just spot on. This is the fight that real martial artists (the ones who compete) love. Sorry I couldn't record this myself. This is the best recording I could find on Youtube. Spreken zie speed?

  9. Fist of Legend (1994) - (Jet Li vs the Aging Karate Master): China vs Japan, let's get it on! This fight has speed, power and a lot of acrobatics. The choreography is as flashy as can be. It's incredible to me that Yasuaki Kurata could be so good at this age.... he holds his own against Jet Li. This fight also contains one of my favorite Shaw Brother's cliches... fighting blind-folded. By the end of the fight it turns into a balls-out Hapkido battle.

  10. The Matrix (1999) - (Subway fight, motel chase and finale): Why is this here? Let's face it, this fight (starting from the subway) with the chase and the finish make up one of the greatest movie finales of all time. The build-up starts with the subway fight and rises until Neo truly becomes, "The One." When was the last time you saw this scene pop up on TV and was able to change the channel. Yup, thought so. Does this scene have top notch martial arts? Well, it's choreographed by Woo Ping, but in general it's not the best scene around. It's the whole build-up to the explosive and satisfying climax that makes it great. No need to explain... you already know and love this sequence.

  11. Once upon a time in China 1 (1991) - Jet Li in the "ladder fight"
    Incredible multi-level fight with Jet Li fighting from every conceivable position and angle.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH0y_z0zP_Q

  12. Kill Bill I (2003) - Showdown at the House of Blue Leaves (whole sequence)
    This is technically a parody of a Kung Fu movie, but the scope and scale are so huge it actually becomes an incredible fight. Uma isn't great, but the amount of bodies she has to go through is truly staggering. This is about as cool as a fight scene can get. It's so stylized that the poor fighting actually becomes cool. I love it.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxqLQLoJM8s
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcJXQOGxmHc
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6M5IPQQdyk

  13. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) - Sword fight, Michelle Yeoh vs Ziyi Zhang. Best girl/girl fight?
    So well choreographed and smooth. This is like silk on the screen... simply a beautiful fight scene. Just watch it.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxVmjV9wvA8

  14. Who Am I (1998) - Jackie Chan in rooftop scene
    This scene is the meaning of death-defying. At any second Jackie could fall off the roof and he does his own stunts. The Tae Kwon Do fighting style is electric and fast.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EOQhbO7ECc

  15. The Protector (2005) - Tony Jaa cracks bones, end sequence
    How many bones can you break in one fight scene? You can find out in this scene. The ending is amazing... he commits suicide to kill his enemy. Holy shit...it doesn't get any more bad ass than that.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3z3l8YylzA
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHi0_0vtWmM

  16. Ong Bak (2003) - Tony Jaa in bar fight
    One after another, he doles out powerful elbows and knees with an incredible amount of style. You've never seen anything like it before. That's why this movie was such a hit.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLBWTJn-CyM

  17. Drunken Master 2 (1994) - Jackie Chan vs Axe Gang
    Jackie needs to use everything around him to survive from being killed by 100 assassins with fucking axes! And they basically destroy the entire building. The oiled bamboo Bo is his best improvised weapon ever.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XF4_f9KnL0

  18. The Protector (2005) - Tony Jaa vs Capoeira Champion, "the water fight"
    More new stylings from Tony Jaa. He's always got something fresh. This time he fights a Cuban style Capoeira champ... in a flooded building with fires raging all around him. Speed, anticipation and some Muay Thai asskickery win the day.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1icnsWrH74

  19. Dragons Forever (1988) - Jackie Chan vs Benny the Jet, end sequence
    One of his best. People are crashing through walls, windows, falling from stairs and balconies. I'd be surprised it nobody had to go to the hospital after this stunt-filled fight scene. To top it off, another excellent showdown with K-1 champ, Benny the Jet. Many consider this to be Jackie's best fight scene.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haFoBtn788Q

  20. Project A 2 (1987) - Jackie Chan using the bamboo and building chase, end sequence
    This scene made Jackie a truly international star. This scene has been copied over and over again because of how well Jackie uses his environment. He uses everything to fight and escape from his enemies. This is truly a must see, especially the Buster Keaton homage at the end.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKiiN_BT_nc

  21. Police Story (1985) - Jackie Chan destroys an entire mall
    Jackie's stunt team nearly kill themselves by pulling off the craziest, stunt-filled sequence EVER! Scenes like this will never be made again due to insurance issues. Just watch it... he did ALL OF HIS OWN STUNTS in this scene. In the middle of the fight he gets thrown off a two story balcony directly to the ground. No tricks. He had to go to the hospital. Fucking maniac.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ0XFIzDPt0

  22. Drunken Master 2 (1994) - Jackie Chan in the, "Mom told me to..." fight, Drunken Boxing demonstration
    Classic Drunken Boxing demonstration scene. One of his funniest too. Great use of props and comedy.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJi5bbAhDxI

  23. Gorgeous (1999) - Jackie Chan's rematch with Bradley James Allen
    Speed, speed, speed! Bradley James Allen is Jackie's fastest opponent ever. This fight looks so good. Just man vs man and tons of speed thrown in.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1G8GkjWFXs

  24. Police Assassins (1985) - Michelle Yeoh & Cynthia Rothrock take on everyone (best girl fight scene?)
    Most frequently voted the best female fight scene ever. It has stood the test of time. I'm ranking it second here because it's attached to a truly horrible movie. However, this scene is a must see with Cynthia Rothrock at her best. The stunts in this scene would even scare Jackie... I refuse to believe that nobody got hurt during the filming. About a ton of glass was broken during this scene. Just incredible.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JCJ_8AQbRw&fmt=18#t=2m18s

  25. Chocolate (2008) - JeeJa Yanin vs everyone in end fight (best girl fight scene?)
    I LOVE THIS MOVIE. JeeJa Yanin trained for four years for this movie... which was written expressly for her and her alone. She plays an autistic savant that can mimic any Kung Fu movie she watches and execute the moves in a real fight. She does a perfect imitation of Bruce Lee and Tony Jaa on her enemies. My favorite scene is when she fights a Capoeira fighter with Tourette syndrome (lots of ticks). Since she absorbs everything, she gets the ticks too and that's how she beats him: she becomes him. The end sequence where she fights hanging off the side of a building is amazing. The story was touching too. Mark my words, JeeJa Yanin is going to be a super star.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qogXtZMquDU
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmIZ7MGmNxA



    =============== THE REST ===============

  26. Matrix Reloaded (2003) - Neo vs. vampires in Merovingian's mansion
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZnZtPZYGmY

  27. Iron Monkey (1993) - Poisoned Shaolin Palm fight, aka trapping the Iron Monkey scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5Lk4M-HvE0

  28. Thunderbolt (1995) - Jackie Chan fights Yakuza in Keno room
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHj2e0ueBz4

  29. The Transporter (2002) - Jason Statham in bus depot, oil fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo6ZHqLabtA

  30. Star Wars - Phantom Menace (1999) - OB1 and Qui Gon fight Darth Maul (Ray Park)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDH58BXkrzc

  31. The Rebel (Dong Mau Anh Hung) (2007) - Train track fight, highest grossing Vietnamese film ever
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_PU_4NQbj8

  32. Fearless (2006) - Jet Li in final fight vs Karate master, aka "poisoned"
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8MoQ_MvDQY

  33. Fist of Legend (1994) - Jet Li fights Ting Ahn for control of Jing Woo school
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHf8xuSYe8Q

  34. China Strike Force (2000) - Mark Dacascos in end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUX9K9RIitc&fmt=18

  35. S.P.L. (2005) - Donnie Yen in alley scene, night stick vs knife
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZs48lJXhxM

  36. Mission Impossible 2 (2000) - Final beach fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFM8PTbhKiw

  37. Hero (2002) - Jet Li vs Donnie Yen, the fight that's "in the mind"
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzWk_e4NlQw

  38. S.P.L. (2005) - Donnie Yen vs Sammo Hung in end sequence
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr-eeNjvb1o

  39. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) - Rooftop chase and fight, Michelle Yeoh vs Ziyi Zhang
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkdowVhJrY

  40. Ong Bak 2 (2008) - Tony Jaa in the test of fighting styles
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qolOBsdlHeM

  41. Police Story 3 (1993) - Jackie Chan vs Ken Lo
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onqA-YqEI9E

  42. Kiss of the Dragon (2001) - Jet Li vs Dojo, Cubicle finale vs Cyril Raffaelli
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNRgtzbqQpI
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNfNFWqdHyY

  43. Pedicab Driver (1989) - Sammo Hung vs Billy Lau in the end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lV5MB-UViQ&fmt=18#t=4m44s

  44. The Matrix (1999) - Neo vs. Morpheus, dojo training simulation, "I know kung fu."
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Cdwfr25oGw

  45. Star Wars - Attack of the Clones (2002) - Yoda vs Doku
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n09JMFBPtbA

  46. Way of the Dragon (1972) - Bruce Lee vs Italian Thugs, cracking bones in the alley scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRyDcB7qQFo

  47. Ong Bak 2 (2008) - Tony Jaa does drunken boxing
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yzaOHFE5Mw

  48. The Protector (2005) - Tony Jaa storms the restaurant (Good Fellas homage)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K06wDn3XsZE

  49. Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars (1985) - Jackie Chan in factory fight scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TJgLv-BphA

  50. IP Man (2008) - Donnie Yen takes on Judo fighters
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=115UUsilThQ

  51. Anamatrix (2003) - Duo's test
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGtzKI8g04k

  52. Kill Bill 2 (2004) - Uma Thurman vs Daryl Hannah in Bud's trailer
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skp7Sldt4Zc

  53. Fearless (2006) - Jet Li in the Tea House fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALk7qG3VqjQ

  54. Hapkido (1972) - Angela Mao kicks ass in the dojo fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzoFchs5an8

  55. Legend of the Wolf (1997) - Donnie Yen in the forest fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74_Eg4hat_w

  56. Transporter 2 (2005) - Jason Statham fights with a hose in the warehouse
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWvPxP0Lpbs

  57. Once Upon a Time in China 3 (1993) - Jet Li in the slippery floor battle
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Jqeqry1H0

  58. Chinese Connection (1972) - Bruce Lee crashes a dojo and beats everyone
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVnD-df_PNI

  59. Once Upon a Time in China 2 (1992) - Jet Li vs Donnie Yen in the end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kf197uJkgA

  60. The Protector (2005) - Tony Jaa vs Bikers, amazing stunt scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqIGzBHeW5U

  61. Blade 1 (1998) - Wesley Snipes cuts through everyone in the end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3YLY88-qcs&fmt=18

  62. Eastern Condors (1987) - Sammo Hung & Yuen Biao in end fight in underground bunker
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN1x2DIuSxc

  63. Drunken Master I (1978) - Jackie Chan classic, end sequence
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeHA-19UT6I

  64. Once Upon a Time in China 2 (1992) - Jet Li in Lotus sect fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaIzlvQC1M8

  65. Police Story 2 (1988) - Jackie Chan in playground fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ect2QhvGC6o

  66. Beauty Investigator (1992) - Moon Lee in end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNH_jr86zh4

  67. Fearless (2006) - Jet Li in village challenges
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HGn_9-cdIo

  68. Drunken Master 2 (1994) - Jackie Chan fights under the train
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4rZKILLZrc

  69. Kickboxer (1989) - Jean-Claude Van Damme in the end fight gets revenge
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q3stFYLVa4

  70. Zen Kwun Do Strikes in Paris (1979) - John Liu's end fight on a boat
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rolh3O4sfL8

  71. Bourne Identity (2002) - Matt Damon in Paris apartment fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhp7liywOrQ

  72. Angel (1987) - Moon Lee vs Yukari Oshima
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb2LT5YYMQw

  73. Dragons Forever (1988) - Jackie Chan in boat fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAHAw7wJcd0

  74. My Young Auntie (1981) - Lau Kar Leung and Hsiao Ho in end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Q0RblRy-I&fmt=22

  75. Body Guard from Bejing (1994) - Jet Li vs Collin Chou in end fight, "gas fight"
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoUfSgEB8XA

  76. Dragons Forever (1988) - Jackie Chan vs Sammo Hung vs Yuen Biao, real best friends fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPCVNygFVgw

  77. Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing (2006) - End fight sequence
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGwQcRwrz3c

  78. Enter the Dragon (1973) - Bruce Lee vs Ohara
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8QxrkVSREA

  79. Kung Fu Hustle (2004) - Xing Yu vs the Axe Gang, reborn, final sequence
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glsUlacDN7Q

  80. Blade 2 (2002) - Blade cracking helmets
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF9LpOWIJmA

  81. Legend of the Red Dragon (1994) - Best kid fight scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_N7P6Gaepo

  82. Police Story 4 / First Strike (1996) - Jackie Chan in ladder fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRQM4zddNIM

  83. Millionaires Express (1986) - Sammo Hung in end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpjs0LfvK10

  84. 18 Bronzemen (1976) - Gauntlet scene, fighting 18 bronzemen
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJZJgmVfvSg
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpwlI055gLU
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJzsIG01BQA

  85. Shadowless Sword (2005) - Seo-jin Lee in market scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlAVL65Udok

  86. Blonde Fury 3 (1989) - Cynthia Rothrock vs Mauy Thai fighter, fighting in a dress
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocRkfOv-1L4

  87. Forbidden Kingdom (2008) - Jet Li vs Jackie Chan
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcPJ5qSnrEI

  88. IP Man (2008) - Donnie Yen vs Northerner
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt34aHAFkV8

  89. Knockabout (1979) - Sammo Hung in end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKFvE_epY1o

  90. Moon Warriors (1993) - Fishing village fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiLN6kV4G3k&fmt=18#t=3m28s

  91. District 13 (2004) - Cyril Raffaelli raiding the casino
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8ClZ-Bxjyk&fmt=18#t=2m24s

  92. The Victim (1980) - Leung Ka Yan vs Cheung Yick, end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqJ2BzP8WGI

  93. Prodigal Son (1982) - Yuen Biao vs Frankie Chan
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrvtSEXP3Og

  94. Rumble in the Bronx (1995) - Jackie Chan in warehouse fight scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FNoJ11lS5c

  95. Tai Chi Master / Twin Warriors (1993) - Jet Li in temple fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4oAN_Y3-s0

  96. Iron Fisted Monk (1977) - Sammo Hung in end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJfTLgHTFvQ

  97. Drive (1996) - Mark Dacascos in end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adPZIvSC1tw&fmt=18#t=3m12s

  98. Game of Death (1978) - Bruce Lee vs. Billy Lo, nunchaku scene
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV55J_RSkF8

  99. Born to Fight (2004) - Entire end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkq9QtuI6wc
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0O5q_1xJFs
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfxy6Iqseo8
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op6lyjWc5KI

  100. Armour of God 2 (1991) - Jackie Chan in wind tunnel fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlU1OcWRoBg

  101. Invincible Armour (1977) - Entire end fight
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1ap73StlNE
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxjrxIGnvVk

NOTE: Keep it civil and direct your criticisms towards me and not each other. Everyone likes different things and there's nothing wrong with that. If you don't want to talk about martial arts movies, I'm also making lists for best car chases and best gun fights... would appreciate your suggestions for those.

Also, to insure good video quality, I re-recorded and uploaded 54 of these scenes myself... but the rest are just what's on Youtube so I apologize for the crappy quality on those.

Be nice. You can find the original CGB team at WriteForCalifornia.com.

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