Halloween Martial Arts Action Cinema Volume 1

It is officially Samhain (Halloween) season. This time of year is filled with a variety of events. From haunted houses/corn mazes, costume parties, pumpkin patches, & zombie walks. October has no shortage of festive activities. However, one of the most enjoyable pastimes is during All Hallows' Eve. Especially if you're a cinephile. Is watching horror films/series. And over the past 2-3 decades. There has been no shortage of great horror selections. But what about those of us who are genuinely adamant fans of martial arts action cinema? What are the ideal spooky martial arts films to curate during Halloween movie season?

Lucky for you, I am a fan of both film genres and can help you find the ideal martial arts films to watch during October/Halloween. Each film on this list features elements of horror & martial arts. The vast majority of each film's directors have had their fair share of working in the horror & martial arts action genre. Curating this list has been a passion project. I've been wanting to do it for quite some time now. I am excited to fulfill that passion and share this awesome movie listicle with the world. This list will also include a movie trailer for each film, full episodes of the Martial Arts Mania Podcast, & a link to the full movies via Tubi (free with ads) and other streaming services (subscription required). So, without hesitation, here is volume one of the debut listicle, Halloween martial arts action cinema.

1. Big Trouble In Little China (1986)

Synopsis: Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) is a simple man who doesn’t believe in ghosts or magic until he’s swept into a mind-boggling adventure deep within Chinatown’s mysterious underworld. Burton’s pal, Wang Chi (Dennis Dun), is trying to rescue his kidnapped fiancée. Egg Shen (Victor Wong), an enigmatic tour-bus driver seems to know a lot about ancient Chinese magic for a simple tour-bus driver. They do battle with an outlandish array of human and inhuman adversaries under the command of Lo Pan (James Hong), a 2000-year-old evil magician who has the power to transform himself from a wheelchair-bound old man into a seven-foot-tall mystical menace.

Personal thoughts/takeaways: This film has been a personal viewing tradition of mine. Every year during the Halloween season. It's a perfect combination of my favorite film genres. But ultimately having supernatural/fantasy horror, comedy, & martial arts/action as the center drive of the film. It's also a movie I would recommend watching. And even though the director John Carpenter is famously known for horror classics. Such as the original Halloween film, The Fog, The Thing, & They Live. Big Trouble in Little China is his best film. That appeals to broad audiences. In terms of its cult classic status & it is easily re-watchable.

2. Mortal Kombat (1995)

Synopsis: For nine generations an evil sorcerer has been victorious in hand-to-hand battle against his mortal enemies. If he wins a tenth Mortal Kombat tournament, desolation and evil will reign over the multiverse forever. To save Earth, three warriors must overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, their own inner demons, demonic adversaries in this action/adventure movie based on one of the most popularvideo games of all time

Personal thoughts/takeaways: There are many martial arts films from the 80s & 90s. That influenced me to pursue martial arts and fall in love with the genre. However, there is one film that I have distinct memories of. That drove my love for the martial arts. Mortal Kombat from 1995 by Paul W.S. Anderson. Now I know this film. It is the running joke of bad video game movies. With lackluster action, dodgy visual effects, and dry acting. But I feel this film has, over the years, gained true appreciation. Even upon its initial release, the film was highly successful financially and with audiences. reception. For the time, it was the best video game adaptation. Faithful to the source material. Mortal Kombat 1995 has also officially made its 30th anniversary. And still holds a faithful & loyal following. Revisit one of the best video game adaptations of the '90s. That has cool practical effects/set designs, a killer soundtrack, and awesome fight sequences that still deliver.

3. Guyver 2: Dark Hero

Synopsis: Sean Barker became the unwilling host to an alien bio-armor known as the Guyver. A year ago he destroyed the Kronos Corporation, an organization of genetically engineered monsters who want the Guyver. Now he is trying to find out why the Guyver unit forces him to fight and kill evil. He is lead to an archeological site where scientists discover an ancient space craft. Now he must fight Kronos again before they discover the secrets of the Guyver's origin. Starring David Hayter (TV's "Spider-Man"). Based on the popular Japanese manga series created by Yoshiki Takaya.

Personal thoughts/takeaways: Sometimes, there are sequels that surpass the initial debut of a film. Examples include Terminator 2: Judgement Day, The Dark Knight, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, Aliens, etc. The Guyver 2: Dark Hero is an amazing example. Of a sequel being better than its predecessor. The film takes itself more seriously. The storyline becomes more expansive & rooted in the original manga/anime. The creature designs/visual effects are better, especially since Steve Wang was one of the special effects designers behind the 1987 film The Predator. But most importantly, the fight choreography is exceptionally more phenomenal than the first film. Mostly due to the fight choreographer Koichi Sakamoto of the Alpha Stunt Team. Which is the same stunt team behind the Power Rangers. So if you're in the mood for a raw, gritty R-rated version of the Power Rangers. Then The Guyver 2: Dark Hero is for you!

4. Ninja Assassin (2009)

Synopsis: Taken from the streets as a child, Raizo (Rain) is transformed into a trained killer by the Ozunu Clan, a secret society. But haunted by the merciless execution of his friend by the Clan, Raizo breaks free from them...and vanishes. In Berlin, Europol agent Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris) has stumbled upon a money trail linking several political murders to an underground network of assassins from the Far East. Defying the orders of her superior, Ryan Maslow (Ben Miles), Mika digs into top secret agency files to learn the truth behind the murders. Her investigation makes her a target, and the Ozunu Clan sends a team of killers led by the lethal Takeshi (Rick Yune), to silence her forever. Raizo saves Mika from her attackers, but he knows that the Clan will not rest until they are both eliminated. Now, entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse through the streets of Berlin, Raizo and Mika must trust one another if they hope to survive...and finally bring down the elusive Ozunu Clan.

Personal Thoughts/takeaways: When it comes to the Ninja/Shinobi film genre. There are so many great ones to choose from. But one that stands out to me, capturing the kinetic energy of an anime with 2000s-style violence. It would have to be the 2009 Ninja Assassin from Dark Castle Entertainment & Legendary Studios. The film doesn't waste any time in throwing you into the shadowy world of the Ozunu Clan and their rogue prodigy Raizo. It's a film that also depicts Shinobi in a spooky, occult, supernatural way. Making them seem something out of a ghost story or folk tale. The fight sequences are very 2000s stylized choreography. Which is to be expected when you have the Wachowskis behind the film's production. But the fight scenes and action sequences are executed with unique flair and remain a visual feast.

5. HeadShot (2016)

Synopsis: A mysterious young man left for dead with a gunshot wound to the head jolts awake after months in a coma. Realizing that the man has lost his memory and identity, young nurse Ailin renames him Ishmael. Their peace is short-lived when Ailin is violently taken by ruthless criminals. Determined to save the woman who rescued him, Ishmael has no choice but to accept the dark truth that a lethal personality awakening within him is the key to revealing his true identity.

Personal Thoughts/takeaways: It doesn't go without saying. The Indonesian action films of Gareth Evans, Timo Tjahjanto, & The Uwais Team. Have re-shaped and re-defined the action genre. With such films as Merantau, The Raid: Redemption, The Raid 2, & The Night Comes For Us. But a film that I feel gets overshadowed and slips through the cracks of many viewers. Would have to be 2016 Action/Thriller, Headshot. The film borrows elements from The Bourne Identity & blends them with the intense gore/stylized violence of the Raid films. The horror/thriller aspect of this film doesn't come from creatures or any supernatural element. But the monstrous cruelty of human villainy. Especially by the main villain, Lee, played by Sunny Pang. Who comes off as a more chill, laid back Hannibal Lecter & The Joker, but versed in brutal martial arts. So step into the world of the Indonesian action scene, with this sleeper hit of an action/thriller.

6. Blade of The Immortal (2017)

Synopsis: Manji, a highly skilled samurai, becomes cursed with immortality after a legendary battle. Haunted by the brutal murder of his sister, Manji knows that only fighting evil will regain his soul. He promises to protect a young girl named Rin and help her avenge her parents, who were killed by a group of master swordsmen led by ruthless warrior Anotsu. The mission will change Manji in ways he could never imagine...the 100th film by master director Takashi Miike.

Personal thoughts/takeaways: If you ask me, in 20-30 years, what will be considered the modern classics of the bushido/chambara genre? One film will prominently come to mind. And that would be Takashi Miike's adaptation of the manga series Blade of the Immortal, by Hiroaki Samura. Blade of the Immortal feels like a mix of Logan (2017), Lone Wolf and Cub (1973-1976) & Shinobi: Heart Under Blade (2005). It has all the best elements of a Chambara film, but sprinkles in some supernatural elements and dark comedy as well. It also has the pulsating pulp gore of a slasher flick. But make no mistake, the action sequences in this film are brilliantly crafted. I often revisit this film around Halloween each year. It's an ideal watch for the autumn/fall season.

7. Bride With White Hair 1 & 2 (1993)

Synopsis: Zhuo (Leslie Cheung), a master swordsman, is in charge of an army chosen to protect China from an evil cult. During a battle with the enemy, Zhuo falls in love with Lian (Brigitte Lin), a young woman who was raised by wolves and then adopted by the Siamese twins who lead the cult. The two seek a life of peace and quiet, but when Zhuo's colleagues are mysteriously slaughtered, survivors believe Lian is the culprit. Zhuo finds himself forced to turn against his beloved.

Personal thoughts & takeaways: Ronny Yu is a director who can tackle a variety of genres and still deliver a uniquely fresh film. He's also a fine example of a director who seamlessly blends action & horror. I grew up watching a lot of his works, such as. Warriors of Virtue (1997), Bride of Chucky (1998), Formula 51 (2001), Freddy vs. Jason (2003), Fearless (2006), & Legacy of Rage (1986). But there was always that one film of his that escaped me every time. It's a film that I can honestly say is his magnum opus. That would have to be 1993, The Bride with White Hair 1 & 2. These films have all the best elements Ronnie Yu is known for, in which he perfects his craft. And carries it over in his future projects. It's a beautiful, yet melancholy story of doomed romance & loyalty. This is often a common tale in the Wuxia genre. Bride with White Hair is a visceral film-viewing experience in every respect. It is a worthwhile film for the Halloween season.

8. Brotherhood of The Wolf (2001)

Synopsis: In 18th-century France, a mysterious beast ravages the countryside, two unlikely heroes are called in to fight the evil. The only way they can save the land from this unspeakable terror is to face their greatest fears, unearth a dark power and reveal a deadly secret.

Personal thoughts/takeaways: What do you get if you blend the films Sleepy Hollow (1999) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2001)? You get the cult classic 2001: Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des Loups), directed by Christophe Gans. When I first saw this film, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Not because I thought it was bad, but because it blended the horror & action genres to a level I'd never experienced at that time and age. I was also drawn to the film due to co-star Mark Dacascos, whose films were very prominent in our household. I never get tired of watching it every year for the Halloween season. Mostly because of the gothic Victorian aesthetic/plot of the film, which is similar to Sleepy Hollow, and the superb fight choreography by Hong Kong action legend Philip Kwok. It's a film that has to be experienced to understand why it holds so much weight.

9.Blade (1998)

Synopsis: The power of an immortal. The soul of a human. The heart of a hero. Sworn to defend humanity, although not entirely human ... Born with the cunning and superhuman power of a vampire, but able to stalk by day as well as night ... Wesley Snipes stars in this action-packed thriller as the immortal vampire hunter Blade. Awakened to consciousness--and pain--before birth by the bite of the undead vampire that kills his mother, a young boy grows into a mythical warrior bearing a blood-curse: An almost insatiable desire for blood that he must fight every moment of every day. Blade uses his awesome power to battle the vampires led by his mortal enemy, the omnipotent vampire overlord Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff). The undead have infiltrated the corridors of power intent on conquering all mankind; now, against an army of immortals, one warrior must draw first blood. Based of the Marvel comic book character created by Marv Wolfman.

Personal Thoughts/takeaways: One of the best things about being a cinephile. It is to see monumental cinematic moments unfold & transcend the zeitgeist of pop culture. I think even when it is presented at first, some of us truly know in our bones. When a film is going to have a huge impact on the world. For me, that film is 1998 Blade starring Wesley Snipes. The first time I saw Blade was the same time I watched The Matrix (1999) back-to-back on VHS. It was an awesome double feature in my childhood back in 2000. Luckily, my Brothers introduced me to a pantheon of films that would later be coined/termed 90's cool. That pantheon would be The Crow (1994), Jet Li's Black Mask (1996), Blade (1998), & The Matrix (1999). All of which I had seen between 1st & 3rd grade. Each of those films resonates deeply with me and holds a special place in my heart. But Blade most certainly is a unique standout. It was able to blend the best elements of The Crow & Black Mask and perfect them. As well as doing it before the Matrix, but certainly inspiring The Matrix to run with the bag. Nonetheless, Blade would inspire a new genre to emerge from the mid- to late 90s into the 2000s. With films such as The Underworld & Resident Evil franchises, Equilibrium (2002), Van Helsing (2004), & Priest (2011). There's not a year during the Halloween season that I don't watch Blade. And it is easily a traditional watch for me every time.

10. The Crow (1994)

Synopsis: Catch the explosive hit that thrilled movie-goers and critics everywhere! Brandon Lee (Rapid Fire) plays Eric Draven, a young rock guitarist who, along with his fiancee, is brutally killed by a ruthless gang of criminals. Exactly one year after his death, Eric returns-watched over by a hypnotic crow, to seek revenge, battling the evil crime lord and his band of thugs, who must answer for their crimes.Based of the comic book series created by James O'Barr.

Personal thoughts/takeaways: A shining star, but dimmed too soon. That's how I feel about watching any of Brandon Lee's filmography. Especially James O'Barr's adaptation of The Crow. The history of the film's pre-, during, & post-production is a haunting tale. It was a film that already had a supernatural aura encased around it. And felt like it extracted a heavy toll when Brandon Lee passed away on set during film production. And because of such tragic circumstances, it would elevate Brand Lee posthumously & make this final film of his, his magnum opus memento mori. I am one of many who personally believe that he would have had a different outcome had he not passed away. He would have gone on to elevate acting & bend film genres to new heights. I could easily see Brandon Lee play Neo in The Matrix, as well as breaking out of the stereotypical typecasting as the Asian martial arts movie guy. And in many ways, his passing inspired many Asian American actors to be seen in a new and better light. I have traditionally watched this film every year during Devil's Night into Halloween, for as long as I can remember. I feel it's a way to honor both Bruce & Brandon Lee, especially since the nature of Samhain (Halloween) is to respect the dead. And no film captures the essence of Halloween better than The Crow. It's a film that truly has everything to offer. From action, horror/thriller, romance/tragedy, etc. And a beautiful message of setting the wrong things right, and knowing that love transcends beyond time & death.

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