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Summary
warlike artscinema was full of unbelievable performers able of fear - inspiring feats of human cleverness , but some viewers would be shocked to learn just how many stars were not really trained as fighters . With the power of trick , intense training packed into a few short months , or transferable skills from dance , some thespian win over the world that they were straight martial artists . Of course , martial arts cinema has greatly benefit from the varied skills of its performers , and worker do n’t always need to take a traditional overture when it comes to becoming a warlike arts star .
Some actors find themselves attain roles ininfluential martial arts movieswithout having previously trained , but then , over the years , work up up the skill require to become fighters of great skill . Others never systematically trained but had other talents that helped them pull off amazing choreography or epic swordfights . This applied to performance in both easterly and westerly productions , as manytalented actors manage to appear as if they had a long history as material attack aircraft , only to have gained these skills through other substance .
10Takeshi Kaneshiro
Known for House of the Flying Daggers (2004)
Takeshi Kaneshiro was known for his roles in crime funniness likeFallen AngelsandWuxia romance moviessuch asHouse of the Flying Daggers , but many will be surprised to take his background does not stem from the world of martial arts . Kaneshiro get his career as a soda star in Taiwan before make the spring into film and television . Having released his debut album in 1992 , Kaneshiro before long made a name for himself in film withExecutionsin 1993 before work with Wong Kar - wai onChungking Expressin 1994 , just the first in a bowed stringed instrument of collaboration with acclaimed directors .
Without a martial arts background , Kaneshiro has still made a important encroachment on the film industries in China , Hong Kong , and Taiwan . With his innate charisma and shine good looks , Timemagazine even dubbed Kaneshiro the Johnny Depp of the East Asian picture show industry in 2003 . Although Kaneshiro does not always appear in martial fine art pic , it ’s telling that he ’s had such winner in them despite not being trained as a genuine - biography fighter .
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Cast
House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 martial arts Latinian language film directed by Zhang Yimou . Set during the Tang Dynasty , the motion picture star Zhang Ziyi , Takeshi Kaneshiro , and Andy Lau . The story follows a skilled terpsichorean who becomes tangle in a rebellion against the government , and the two officers sent to capture her . Known for its vivid motion-picture photography and detailed fight choreography , the film research themes of love , commitment , and deception .
9Fan Bingbing
Known for Shaolin (2011)
As a Chinese hotshot who has consistently topped theForbesChina 100 listof the highest - paid fame , Fan Bingbing has carved out an impressive career for herself despite initially being untrained as a substantial - life scrapper . A hugely influential actress , Bingbing has had major roles in Taiwanese production likeShaolinand outside films , includingX - world : day of Future Past . However , this does not imply Bingbing does not devise for her roles , as she ’s undergone training and even vivid physical transformation to swallow up herself in her character ( viaFacts . )
With appearances alongside martial humanistic discipline great like Andy Lau and Jackie Chan , Bingbing has established herself as an of import actress worldwidedespite not take lifelong martial arts skills . As a world force to be cypher with , Bingbing has effortlessly traversed the worlds of acting , mold , singing , and even martial arts in her journey toward becoming a major principal . AlthoughBingbing ’s taxation evasion scandalbriefly paused her career , she ’s still a major human body in China and internationally .
8Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Known for Hero (2002)
Named byCNNas among the greatest Asiatic actors of all sentence , Tony Leung Chiu - wai will be conversant to witness for his workplace with Wong Kar - wai , particularly his incredible performance inIn the Mood for Love . However , Leung has also come through in martial arts classics likeHeroand the MCU productionShang - Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings . Despite an telling career that ’s littered with martial arts performances , Leung ’s background knowledge was not in soldierlike arts , as he ’s focused primarily on acting his entire career .
This want of substantial - life martial liberal arts experience made Leung ’s star role inThe Grandmasterall the more telling . This was where Leung played the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster , Ip Man , in agroundbreaking modern Kung Fu motion-picture show aim by Wong Kar - wai . Although Leung did not have a womb-to-tomb devotion to warriorlike arts , he portrayed the grandmaster with an incredible skill that shew his strict commitment to the role he played and his ability to return spectacularly choreographed fight sequences without training as a real fighter .
A defense mechanism military officer , Nameless , was summoned by the King of Qin regarding his success of end three warriors .
7Zhang Ziyi
Known for Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Zhang Ziyi gained international identification for her role in the Wuxia martial arts filmCrouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon , although her background came mainly from the world of dancing . While it was impressive to see someone without training as a genuine - living fighter give such an extraordinary functioning , it made sense , asZhang studied at the Beijing Dance Academy since she was 11 days old(viaCSC ) . While it may not be initially obvious , the acute commitment to trip the light fantastic toe and the complex choreography of martial arts filmmaking have so much in common that they complement each other well .
Having proved herself able to deliver martial arts performances despite being untrained as a real fighter aircraft , Zhang gain subsequent roles in soldierly arts moving picture likeThe Grandmasterand even made her Hollywood debut opposite Jackie Chan inRush Hour 2 . A winner in Asia and Hollywood , Zhang ’s commitment to her use made her a major wiz . While not a soldierly humanities film , viewers may also be familiar with Zhang for her lead role inMemoirs of a Geisha , which she co - starred in alongside Michelle Yeoh .
Memoirs of a Geisha is a film adaptation of Arthur Golden ’s bestselling novel , directed by Rob Marshall . set up in 1920s Japan , it pursue the life history of a young girl named Chiyo who transitions into a far-famed geisha called Sayuri . The story explores her struggle , relationship , and the intricate culture of geisha life . star Ziyi Zhang , Ken Watanabe , and Michelle Yeoh , the film delves into themes of beauty , sacrifice , and resiliency .
6Charlene Choi
Known for Butterfly Lovers (2008)
Charlene Choi first clear realisation as a member of Cantopop group Twins , along with Gillian Chung , but has also had several impressive roles in martial art movies . Despite not being trained as a real - life-time fighter , Choi showed off her skills in movie likeThe Twin Effect , Drunk Kung Fu , andThe Sorcerer and the White Snake . As a consistent performer with more than 70 act credit under her bash , Choi may not be train as a genuine - sprightliness fighter , but over the past two decades , she has gained a bunch of experience in martial art .
One of Choi ’s most substantial soldierly arts movie roles came with the release ofButterfly Loversin 2008 , in which she play a woman disguised as a gentleman’s gentleman in rescript to check martial arts . Butterfly Loverssaw Choi take up acute training , not just in hand - to - hand combat but also in show off her sword struggle skills . As a Wuxia film based on the Formosan fable of the Butterfly Lovers , this encapsulated Choi ’s committedness to martial arts despite not being initially a train fighter .
Zhu Yanzhi ( Charlene Choi ) , disguise as a man , seeks to learn martial arts with an elect kin . Once she lead off her intense education , Zhu finds herself at betting odds with her trainer and superior , Liang ( Chun Wu ) .
5Uma Thurman
Known for Kill Bill (2003/2004)
Kill Billwas the most well - known American soldierlike arts movie ever made and acted as director Quentin Tarantino ’s beloved letter to the genre . Released in two volumes , Kill Billfeatured several iconic martial artist , but its lead star , Uma Thurman , was untrained as a veridical fighter when she was cast in the role of the Bride . However , this did not imply that Thurman ’s scrap was accomplished with special effects or outdoor stage - In , as she rigorously educate for three months ( viaSlash Film ) to be quick to make for the part .
Thurman had already shown her acting skills for Tarantino inPulp Fiction , and withKill Bill , she proved she was willing to go the additional international mile to make for the picture ’s extremely complex choreographed action mechanism sequences . Not only was Thurman require to study martial arts forKill Bill , but she also practiced swordsmanship and Japanese for the part . Production onKill Billalso had to be halted for several months after Thurman became pregnantand Tarantino reject to remould her function .
Kill Bill : Vol . 1 observe an assassinator as she seek retaliation after being snitch by her former employer , Bill , and buster assassins . Released in 2003 , the film lead up a violent journey of vengeance lead by Quentin Tarantino and stars Uma Thurman as the central character known as The Bride .
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury.
4Chow Yun-fat
Known for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Despite being well - roll in the hay for soldierlike arts films , Chow Yun - avoirdupois had no formal soldierlike arts preparation and has reportedly stated that he was a “ fake ” who relied on “ magic trick ” ( viaDigital Spy . ) Although Chow has seem in John Woo action film and even the epic WuxiaCrouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon , he has enunciate : " I am not at all gymnastic . I am not like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan , I promise you . It is an illusion . ” Chow gave surplus deferred payment to the stunt coordinators who created beautiful acrobat movies that made him expect like a superstar .
With a reputation for play honorable elusive bozo on both side of the law , it ’s impressive that Chow has had such an acclaimed career without the martial arts credentialsto pack them up . However , this was part of the magic of cinema , as severely committed actors can make it appear like they have accomplishment and power far beyond what they could accomplish in day - to - day life . Chow ’s success proved that doer do n’t have to be trained to make it big .
A young Chinese warrior steals a brand from a famed swordsman and then escape into a mankind of romantic adventure with a mysterious homo in the frontier of the nation .
House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 martial arts romance film directed by Zhang Yimou. Set during the Tang Dynasty, the film stars Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Andy Lau. The story follows a skilled dancer who becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the government, and the two officers sent to capture her. Known for its vivid cinematography and elaborate fight choreography, the film explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception.
3Maggie Q
Known for The Protégé (2021)
The American actress Maggie Q began her career in the Hong Kong film industry and has consistently performed martial arts in action movies despite not being train as a veridical fighter aircraft . However , that ’s not to say she does not have major warlike humanities credential , asthe greatest Kung Fu principal Jackie Chanconsidered her a protege and helped impart his ethos of stuntwork and intensive education . Q even stated in an interview withNew Yorkmagazine : “ I had never done a day of warriorlike art in my lifespan when I take up in the business . I could n’t even touch my toes . ”
Before entering the movie industry , Q was a model but soon appeared in major action motion-picture show likeNaked Weapon , Mission Impossible III , andLive Free or kick the bucket Hard . Starring roles like in the natural action - thrillerThe Protégéshowcased Q ’s intense commitment to performance and play up impressive martial graphics skill , considering she was originally untrained as a real paladin . Q has been a consistent action whiz for the past 20 years , so it ’s no surprise that she picked a matter or two during that time .
Rescued as a tike by the fabled assassinator Moody , Anna is the macrocosm ’s most skilled contract killer . However , when Moody is brutally killed , she vows retaliation for the human race who teach her everything she roll in the hay .
House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 martial arts romance film directed by Zhang Yimou. Set during the Tang Dynasty, the film stars Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Andy Lau. The story follows a skilled dancer who becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the government, and the two officers sent to capture her. Known for its vivid cinematography and elaborate fight choreography, the film explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception.
2Cheng Pei-pei
Known for Come Drink with Me (1966)
Cheng Pei - pei was considered to be the first distaff activeness hero of cinema who , although she was not formally trained as a fighter in childhood , go on to join the Shaw Brothers Studio in the sixties , which started her life in the world of martial arts . Known for her appearances in the 1966 King Hu filmCome Drink with MeandCrouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon , Cheng was readily consociate with the Wuxia genre . With a background in dancing , it made horse sense that Cheng was capable to quick channelise her science toward soldierlike arts .
Cheng ’s filmography included a litany of Hong Kong movies as she act into her repute as a famous female action star during a meter when few char showcased these types of acquirement on cinema . After moving to California in the 1970s , Cheng repay to her first love of dancing and began teach Chinese terpsichore classes(viaELAC Campus News . ) However , she never full tell adios to martial arts picture show , as she appeared inCrouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon , the recentMulanlive - action remake , and unnumerable other flick .
A foundational part of the wuxia genre , " Come Drink With Me " stars Cheng Pei - pei as Golden Swallow , a fierce warrior on a mission to deliver her nobble brother from brigand . coalesce refined martial artwork sequences with melodic element , director King Hu crafts a visually sensational fib of braveness , scheme , and unexpected alliances , lay the groundwork for modern martial artistic production cinema .
1Michelle Yeoh
Known for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
As one of the very best martial arts moving-picture show stars out there , it may come as a total shock to learn that Michelle Yeoh has no formal warlike artistic creation breeding . rather , she has relied on her dance background and onset trainers to train for parts in pic likeCrouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon , andEverything Everywhere All at Once(viaGQ . ) As a ballet dancer since eld four , Yeoh has the discipline and transferable skills needed to deliver exceptional performance in warriorlike artistic creation movies .
Equally acclaimed in Hong Kong and the West , Yeoh has starred opposite Jackie Chan inPolice Story 3 : Supercopand was a notable adhesion girl inTomorrow Never Dies . As the first Asian to win the Academy Award for Best Actress , Yeoh has broken down cinematic boundaries and stands as one of the majuscule action heroine of all time . With unnumberable iconic roles , Yeoh has proven you do n’t need to be a martial artist to have a kick - ass career .
In Everything Everywhere All at Once , a middle - cured laundromat possessor ( Michelle Yeoh ) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis . With just her husband ( Ke Huy Quan ) to defend her through the disarray , she must contend with her overbearing traditional beginner ( James Hong ) , a pencil - pushing auditor ( Jamie Lee Curtis ) , and her emotionally - distant daughter ( Stephanie Hsu ) .
source : Forbes , Time , Facts , CNN , CSC , Slash Film , Digital Spy , New York , ELAC Campus News , GQ
Memoirs of a Geisha is a film adaptation of Arthur Golden’s bestselling novel, directed by Rob Marshall. Set in 1920s Japan, it follows the life of a young girl named Chiyo who transitions into a renowned geisha called Sayuri. The story explores her struggles, relationships, and the intricate culture of geisha life. Starring Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, and Michelle Yeoh, the film delves into themes of beauty, sacrifice, and resilience.
Zhu Yanzhi (Charlene Choi), disguised as a man, seeks to learn martial arts with an elite clan. Once she begins her intense training, Zhu finds herself at odds with her trainer and superior, Liang (Chun Wu).
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 follows an assassin as she seeks revenge after being betrayed by her former employer, Bill, and fellow assassins. Released in 2003, the film initiates a violent journey of vengeance directed by Quentin Tarantino and stars Uma Thurman as the central character known as The Bride.
A young Chinese warrior steals a sword from a famed swordsman and then escapes into a world of romantic adventure with a mysterious man in the frontier of the nation.
Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody, Anna is the world’s most skilled contract killer. However, when Moody is brutally killed, she vows revenge for the man who taught her everything she knows.
A foundational piece of the wuxia genre, “Come Drink With Me” stars Cheng Pei-pei as Golden Swallow, a fierce warrior on a mission to rescue her kidnapped brother from bandits. Blending elegant martial arts sequences with musical elements, director King Hu crafts a visually stunning tale of bravery, strategy, and unexpected alliances, laying the groundwork for modern martial arts cinema.
In Everything Everywhere All at Once, a middle-aged laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis. With just her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to support her through the confusion, she must contend with her overbearing traditional father (James Hong), a pencil-pushing auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her emotionally-distant daughter (Stephanie Hsu).
