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Art of Action
Throwing you into the explosive world of action stunt-work.
Early action films, such as the stunt-filled works of Buster Keaton, introduced audiences to chase sequences, protagonists in peril and literal cliffhangers, and would have a great influence on directors that would follow. In the BFI's nationwide season we will be throwing you into the explosive world of action stunt-work; from these early pioneers to the boundary-pushing films of Hong Kong through to today’s new wave of action stars. Experience the genre through the ages with a selection of cult classics to lesser-known gems from around the world.
With the advent of computer generated effects, action films have evolved radically and while audiences may think that a lot can and is done digitally, the likes of Jackie Chan, Michele Yeoh and Keanu Reeves have dedicated themselves to doing ‘action for real’ to give audiences unparalleled thrills.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Martial arts2000120 minsDirector: Ang Lee
Ang Lee’s exquisitely choreographed Oscar-winning epic, starring Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh and Ziyi Zhang on a quest to recover a stolen sword.
Steamboat Bill, Jr.Steamboat Bill, Jr.
Comedy192871 minsDirector: Charles F. Riesner
Waterway hi jinks abound in this Buster Keaton classic, in which he plays the reluctant heir to his father's paddle steamer business.
Seven SamuraiSeven Samurai
Drama1954207 minsDirector: Akira Kurosawa
Farmers hire a band of samurai to defend them against marauding bandits in Kurosawa’s influential epic, a touchstone for action movies ever since.
Kajaki: The True StoryKajaki: The True Story
War2014108 minsDirector: Paul Katis
A unit of British paratroopers in Afghanistan become caught in a minefield, unable to move or help their injured colleagues, in this unbearably tense thriller.
Battleship PotemkinBattleship Potemkin
Historical drama192569 minsSilentDirector: Sergei M. Eisenstein
A fixture in the critical canon almost since its premiere, Eisenstein’s film about a 1905 naval mutiny was revolutionary in both form and content.
Fist of FuryFist of Fury
Action and Adventure1972106 minsDirector: Lo Wei
Bruce Lee's second kung fu picture is a gloriously thrilling revenge saga brimming with spectacular fight scenes.
The Big BossThe Big Boss
Action and Adventure1971100 minsDirector: Lo Wei
Bruce Lee plays the factory worker who takes on a drug-smuggling gang, in the breakthrough film that catapulted him to cinematic superstardom.
Way of the DragonWay of the Dragon
Drama197299 minsDirector: Bruce Lee Siu-lung
Bruce Lee faces off against Chuck Norris in his only completed directorial work, and arguably his most personal film.
China O'BrienChina O'Brien
Action and Adventure199191 minsDirector: Robert Clouse
Cynthia Rothrock stars as the tough city copy and martial artist on the trail of a local crime boss, in this action classic from the director of Enter the Dragon.
Leonor Will Never DieLeonor Will Never Die
Drama202299 minsDirector: Martika Ramirez Escobar
As she lays in a coma, Leonor becomes the hero of her own story in this gleeful celebration of pulpy Filipino action films.
Armour of GodArmour of God
Comedy198699 minsDirector: Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan takes inspiration from Indiana Jones as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest to retrieve a lost treasure.
Project AProject A
Action and Adventure1983106 minsDirector: Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan’s rip-roaring action-adventure about a coastguard hot on the trail of a ruthless band of pirates in late 19th century Hong Kong.
HapkidoHapkido
Action and Adventure197298 minsDirector: Huang Feng
Two martial arts schools battle it out in Huang Feng’s action classic (aka Lady Kung Fu), starring long term collaborator and combat master, Angela Mao.
A Touch of ZenA Touch of Zen
Action and Adventure1971179 minsDirector: King Hu
King Hu's epic swordplay saga combines ghost story, martial arts mastery and Buddhist mythology to stunning, hypnotic effect.
Eastern CondorsEastern Condors
Crime198798 minsDirector: Sammo Hung Kam-bo
Sammo Hung directs and stars in this high-kicking tribute to The Dirty Dozen, which sees ten convicts offered amnesty if the undertake a deadly mission behind enemy lines in Vietnam to destroy a top-secret munitions dump
The Street FighterThe Street Fighter
Action and Adventure197491 minsDirector: Shigehiro Ozawa
Legendary martial artist Sonny Chiba stars in this cult karate classic that's revered by Quentino Tarantino.