I love my martial art films and the made-for-television documentary "Martial Arts in Motion Picture" that was hosted / narrated by Samuel L Jackson made for a light, but entertaining viewing. Maybe a little uneven in its vast context by trying to squeeze so much in, while sometimes wallowing on certain aspects /stars / films more so than some other deserving enterprises. So much is not touched upon, which can be disappointing if you're looking for a very in-depth analysis on the genre but at only 100 minutes is there was going to be plenty of significant topics on the cutting room floor. I didn't care all that much for the contemporary Hollywood influences (e.g. "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon", "The Matrix", "Rush Hour 2"and "Charlie's Angels,") and the segments touching upon them. I got more out of the passages showcasing the pioneers of the genre focusing on Peking Opera's involvement and its gelling with the Shoalin temple. The interviews and footage were great though --- some rare shots too. Plenty of dynamically righteous combat on show. It was a treat. Especially seeing some of the silent features were interesting. There it looked at the influence and importance women had --- and how kung-fu were performed by actors and it wasn't until later on when professional martial arts students were used. Then it would focus upon instrumental factors including Bruce Lee (an iconic figure around the world), Shaw Brothers productions, and producer Raymond Chow, Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan (with his knack for humour) and John Woo. Unfortunately they only mentioned / showed Woo's American efforts "Face/Off" and "Mission Impossible II". There are a whole lot of riveting thoughts / interviews by the likes of Pei-pei Cheng, Chia Hui Liu, Stanley Tong, Cynthia Rothrock, David Carradine, Steven Segal (which his work isn't even mentioned or shown) and Ronny Yu. It's a curious look at the evolution of the experimental styles through the decades, but the spirit, the discipline and innovation remains intact within each new wave. Like they mention it's not just about fighting, it's a way of life and those concerned passionately embrace it.

Obviously made for an American audience who are just discovering martial arts films. Any experienced fan will like the archive footage but wonder why Crouching Tiger features so heavily and so many other seminal films are missing or barely mentioned. I'm also curious why in such a high quality production, some films, such as Jackie Chan's Drunken Master look like they were taped off a TV. The footage of the Shaw's Studio was fascinating as were the interviews, especially by Raymond Chow on Bruce Lee. But Tsui Hark features too much and Steven Seagal is interviewed but none of his films are even mentioned, nor van Damme. So like the proverbial curate's egg, good in bits but could have been so much better.

Samuel L. Jackson is the perfect host/narrator for this well done look at how martial arts movies began and progressed. There is plenty of footage from the silent era to 2000 put into context by interviews with Chinese directors, actors and producers. Jackson introduces and explains the various periods and sub-genres, paying special attention to the most important individuals including Bruce Lee, John Woo, Ang Lee plus others whose names will be immediately familiar only to fans of Chinese cinema from the 1950s.Of particular note is the way the narration links two of the most important influences on martial arts film--Beijing Opera and the destruction of the Shaolin Temple by the Manchu dynasty along with the traditional stories around that destruction.

If you want to know all about Martial Arts movies from the works of King Hu (whose films inspired Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) to the more famous Chang Cheh action pics to even modern day Jet Li movies this is it! A really great and well narrated (Sam Jackson) documentary that is the perfect primer for the genre. The only problem was the total absence of Jimmy Wang Yu who made quite a few really great Kung Fu movies (leaning towards the fantastic). He was the big deal before Bruce Lee moved in and then he started directing his own stuff in the 70's. His Master of the Flying Guillotine is one of the best Kung Fu movies out there. Besides that hiccup it's a ton of fun and seriously informative.