Martial Arts in Cinema: From Tokyo to Hollywood (1945–1988) Volume 1

Martial Arts in Cinema: From Tokyo to Hollywood (1945–1988) Volume 1

David Da Silva

Foreword by Richard “Ric” Meyers

360 pages

6x9 size

ISBN 9798887718453 paperback

ISBN 9798887718460 hardback

Dive into the captivating world of martial arts cinema with Martial Arts in Cinema: Volume 1 – From Tokyo to Hollywood (1945–1988), written by David Da Silva, a cinema historian. This in-depth exploration traces the genre's evolution from post-war Japan and Hong Kong to its explosive impact on American screens.

Discover the origins in samurai epics and chanbara films, the rise of Shaw Brothers' wuxia masterpieces, and the revolutionary "new wuxia" era led by directors like Chang Cheh. Relive the phenomenon of Bruce Lee that united East and West, the masterful choreography of Liu Chia Liang, and the acrobatic wudan style of Jackie Chan. Follow the genre's migration to Hollywood through iconic hits like Enter the Dragon, the Chuck Norris and ninja films, and The Karate Kid saga.

Enriched with numerous exclusive interviews, anecdotes, sources, and a glossary of key terms—from bushido to gun fu—this volume offers deep perspectives for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Foreword by Richard "Ric" Meyers. Be water, my friend—immerse yourself in the flow of cinematic combat!

David Da Silva is a distinguished cinema historian, teacher, and producer with a PhD in film studies. Renowned for his expertise, he has authored several acclaimed books on American cinema in France, with notable works exploring the careers of Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme. His publications have been translated and published internationally, and he frequently contributes to leading publications in the United States.