Wuxia Movies

Wuxia is sub-genre of the martial arts film and is defined by specific features. The word translates literally as “martial chivalry” or “martial hero”; and the main elements that make up the wuxia film are the warrior, xia, whose actions (and swordsmanship) are governed by specific codes and the world which they inhabit, known as jianghu (‘rivers and lakes’). Xia warriors often embody what is known as the wen-wu dyad. Wu represents physical strength and martial power, while wen represents mental, civic and literary accomplishment. Similar in form to the yin-yang, the two opposing masculinities work in harmony to create the masculine ideal. Although the martial arts of wuxia film share some ground with the more recognized subgenre of the kung fu film, there are significant differences that separate the two. The wuxia film features fantastic elements and has a basis in mythology, with the films often described as ‘epics’. This is particularly evident when considering the xia warrior, whose abilities and skill range far beyond the human boundaries that limit the kung fu protagonist; the xia warrior is often able to fly or run on water, for example. As Stephen Teo argues “the essential marker of difference distinguishing the kung fu film from the wuxia film was the emphasis on ‘real fighting’." 

Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, and Ziyi Zhang in House of Flying Daggers (2004)

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Bill Wyman, and The Rolling Stones in Gimme Shelter (1970)

Condor Heroes movies and series adapted from Louis Cha Leung-yung's (Jin Yong's) trilogy of novels: 1. The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1957-59) 2. The Return of the Condor Heroes (1959-61) 3. The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (1961-63)

Missing from IMDB: Films: 
* The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Dragon Tamer (2021) iQIYI
* The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Cadaverous Claw (2021) iQIYI
* The Great Heroes (1960)
TV Series: 
* The Condor Heroes Return (1994)
* The Legend of the Golden Lion (1994)
* The Mystery of the Condor Hero (1993)
* Rage and Passion (1992)
* The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1988)
* The Return of the Condor Heroes (1984)
* The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (1984)
* The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1976)
* The Return of the Condor Heroes (1976)
Video Games: 
* Condor Heroes (2024) PC, iOS/Android (CHN)
* Street Fighter Online: Mouse Generation (2008) PC (JPN)
* Shachou Eiyuuden: The Eagle Shooting Heroes (2000) PS1 (JPN)
Comics 
* The Legend of the Condor Heroes [The Eagle Shooting Heroes] (2005) (HK), Tony Wong Yuk-long
* The Legendary Couple [Return of the Condor Heroes] (Vol. 1-7) (2002-05), Tony Wong Yuk-long
* Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre (Vol. 1-11) (2002-04), Ma Wing-shing
* Return of the Condor Heroes (Vol. 1-18) (1998-2001), Wee Tian Beng
* Legend of the Condor Heroes (1998) (HK), Lee Chi Ching


Condor Heroes Movies and TV Shows (Jin Yong/Louis Cha)

Shaw Brothers watch list. Most of these are available on Amazon Prime UK to stream in HD.

War of the Arrows (Bow and arrow battle movies)

Kevin Costner in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Antonio Banderas and Rebecca Romijn in Femme Fatale (2002)

2010　遠傳影城 (Far EasTone) 2015　friDay影音 (friDay)

Toshirô Mifune, Minoru Chiaki, Yoshio Inaba, Daisuke Katô, Isao Kimura, Seiji Miyaguchi, Takashi Shimura, and Keiko Tsushima in Seven Samurai (1954)

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