Product Description

In this action-packed original co-production from the Independent Film Channel, filmmaker Ian Taylor takes a behind-the-scenes look at the stars, fighting styles and weaponry of Hong Kong cinema from its earliest beginnings to the latest big-budget epics. Through rarely seen film clips, detailed scene analysis and in-depth interviews with martial arts masters such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and John Woo, CHOP SOCKY: CINEMA HONG KONG provides an in-depth portrait of Hong Kong's wholly original and undeniably unique contribution to world cinema.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97006 in DVD
• Brand: New Video
• Released on: 2005-04-26
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 55 minutes

Amazon.com
For anyone interested in the origins of martial-arts action films, Chop Socky provides a perfect introduction the historic milestones, important films, and famous figures in "Cinema Hong Kong." Co-produced by the Independent Film Channel for original broadcast in 2004, this hour-long documentary offers a smart, in-depth survey of Hong Kong's wuxia film legacy and its vibrant influence on global cinema, from its earliest roots in Beijing Opera and the monastic rituals of Chinese Shaolin monks to Quentin Tarantino's tribute to Hong Kong action in Kill Bill, Vol. 2. All of the bases are covered, from Hong Kong cinema's first martial-arts hero (Wong Fei Hung) to the balletic choreography of Chang Che, the "one-punch" impact and immortal charisma of Bruce Lee, and the evolution of kung-fu comedy as epitomized by Jackie Chan. Most of the surviving masters of Hong Kong cinema are included in informative (and subtitled) interviews, including John Woo, Jet Li, Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, and Lar Kar-Leung, who provides a fascinating survey of martial-arts weaponry. The Hong Kong technique of editing-in-camera is thoroughly demonstrated in a multi-screen sequence, and abundant film clips provide tantalizing samples of the genre's classic films, including King Hu's Come Drink with Me and Dirty Ho, cited here as Hong Kong cinema's "one true masterpiece." Engaging and expertly comprehensive, Chop Socky could turn almost anyone into a Hong Kong action enthusiast. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

Good summary of the "Kung Fu Flick"
I remember back inthe 80s, saturday afternoon kung fu movies on TV, the Kung Fu triple feature matinees at the local downtown theater. These old school films remain some of the most entertaining and thrilling movie experiences to date(even inspite of all that CGI!).

Chop Socky explains the story of how Chinese cinema was born with emphisis on the martial arts movies. It offers a good ecapsulated overview. Taking you through the early 1920s up to the present day. My only gripe is that it was too short. Not enough in the special features. There also should have been more on the Shaw Bros Studios. After all... they WERE fung fu theater during the 70s and 80s! Despite that, this is a must to own if you call yourself a fan of the genra.