Everything Everywhere All At Once, the most recent project by director duo The Daniels, showcases wuxia sequences and features one of the most notable faces in the genre, Michelle Yeoh. In essence, films that fall in the wuxia category chronicle the experiences of martial artists in ancient China.
Wuxia movies are known for their dynamic and fluid action sequences, enthralling cinematography, and protagonists driven by personal tragedies. On Ranker, users have voted and chosen the wuxia films that deserve the most recognition.
14 Blades
14 Blades is a wuxia movie from Hong Kong-based director Daniel Lee. Starring the renowned action star Donnie Yen, 14 blades is a story about a blade master who needs to overthrow a group of evil eunuchs and bring back the glory of the Emperor.
While critics found a lot left to be desired when it came to the film's storyline, they commended it for its breathtaking costumes and fast-paced fight scenes. In addition, 14 Blades was also well-liked by wuxia fans for its strong romance storyline that was further elevated by its charming cast.
Swordsman II
Before infiltrating the worldwide box office market with his superb English-language films Such as Kiss of the Dragon and Unleashed, Jet Li has received critical acclaim in his home country for his superior martial-arts skills and appearances in wuxia films.
In the 1992 film Swordsman II, Jet Li assumes the role of a martial arts sect member. Set during the Ming dynasty, Swordsman II never fails to keep the energy up throughout the film with its myriad of fight scenes that include flying bodies, swords, throwing stars, and even needles.
The Bride With White Hair
The 1993 film The Bride with White Hair is based on the novel Baifa Monü Zhuan. In the film, a successor to a clan's throne is dissatisfied with himself and unsure of his life decisions. However, things start to take a strange turn when he meets a beautiful warrior from an opposing evil cult.
The story of the film is reminiscent of the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet. Critics have enjoyed the film's stunning visuals and elaborately choreographed stunts. In addition, they've also praised the performance of the lead actors Leslie Cheung and Brigitte Lin.
A Touch Of Zen
Written, directed, and co-edited by King Hu, A Touch of Zen is a wuxia film that follows the story of an artist who helps a beautiful woman avenge her family. Featuring elegant sword fights and kung-fu sequences, A Touch of Zen was an instant hit with fans of the wuxia genre.
The film also touches on many themes such as spirituality, feminism, and conservatism. Due to the film's stunning visual shots, enthralling story, and energetic scenes, it is the first Chinese-language film to bag the Cannes Film Festival's Technical Grand Prize.
Kung Fu Hustle
Stephen Chow is known for creating comedy films that also feature thrilling martial arts sequences. The 2004 action-comedy film Kung Fu Hustle, is one of the director's most popular films and is able to become an international box-office hit, despite its limited budget.
Kung Fu Hustle puts the spotlight on a lowly-gang member who has big dreams of becoming a kung fu master. The comedic scenes in Kung Fu Hustle are unmatched and it has also received high praise from film critics due to its special effects and stellar cast.
Dragon Gate Inn
A remake of the 1967 film with the same name, Dragon Gate Inn is a wuxia film from director Raymond Lee. The film features some of the most popular faces in Chinese cinema, including Donnie Yen, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung Kai-fai, and Brigitte Lin.
The film follows a rebel leader and his lover and their quest to transport the children of a murdered lord across the desert region of China. Dragon Gate Inn was well-received by wuxia fans thanks to its solid cast and action sequences that showcase fluid and cinematic swordplay.
Reign Of Assassins
Malaysian-born actress Michelle Yeoh has plenty of great films under her belt. But aside from playing a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies and a strict family matriarch in Crazy Rich Asians, Michelle Yeoh is also known for her roles in wuxia films like Reign of Assassins.
Reign of Assassins follows a mercenary who tries to reclaim her life after talking to a monk. However, she fails to deflect attention and gets her former gang on her tail after trying to escape a band of robbers. Reviewers note that the film is a great introduction to the kung fu and wuxia genre, despite its narrative flaws.
House Of Flying Daggers
The 2004 film House of Flying Daggers stands out from other wuxia films as it focuses more on romance aspects of the genre, instead of giving more airtime to the martial arts sequences commonly associated with the film niche. The film set in the Tang Dynasty tells a love story between a police officer and a rebel.
The film received critical acclaim thanks to its engrossing story and masterfully choreographed fight sequences. The cinematography of the film has also received some recognition and was even a contender for Best Cinematography during the 2004 Academy Awards.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
There's no denying that Ang Lee's 2000 masterpiece Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the most influential films from the 2000s. The movie presents a story about looking for enlightenment, loyalty, and an unshakable desire to achieve freedom.
The incredible wardrobe, breathtaking sets, and incredible martial arts battles make Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon one of the best action movies set in ancient times. Aside from the marvelous direction by Ang Lee, the wuxia film was further propelled by its cast which included actors like Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen.
Hero
Hero was an expensive wuxia project helmed by director Zhang Yimou. But the director's risk paid off, as it was also the highest-grossing movie in China at the time of its release. Hero chronicles the Warring States Period in ancient China and follows a nameless prefect who seeks to unite the kingdom.
The wuxia film received universal acclaim as critics found its story to be moving and its martial arts sequences to be visually thrilling. In addition, Hero's set design and immersive cinematography have certainly dazzled critics and viewers.