Part 2
In the last post we looked at the influence Chinese Opera had on Hong Kong fight films. The Hong Kong fighting action style was so appealing that it was also absorbed into Western cinema. It is evident in Hollywood blockbusters like The Matrix as you can see in the above clip.
Hong Kong & Hollywood Fighting
As a fight choreographer for the movie, Remo Williams: The First Adventure, I realized the difference between Hong Kong and Hollywood film fighting. Although the martial techniques – kicks, punches and throws – are similar in Eastern, and Western films, the orchestration and flow of the bodies in combat was distinct, especially in group fights. Hollywood fight scenes tend to be more realistic, shorter, with broken rhythm with emphasis on hitting. Chinese martial art fight scenes specialize in multiple assailants against Bruce Lee, or Jet Li, stylized kicks, punches and animal techniques and rhythmic with an emphasis on the dynamic energy ebb and flow of bodies interacting in a group fights. This is the direct influence of Chinese Opera.
Peking & Chinese Opera Fighting
Watching either Peking or Cantonese opera, single duels or group fights on a stage will reveal the similarities of the patterns of energy flow, say when the hero is surrounded by the enemy. The motion and rhythm of the attackers and defenders are choreographed patterns heavily influenced from the mock battles that thrilled opera audiences. Of course, the film medium allows for sound effects, camera tricks and all visual technology to further enhance the fights but the basic choreography reflects opera stage fights.
To get an dramatic view of the intensity and brutal physical training demanded of Peking Opera, see the film Farewell My Concubine. And if you can find it, Painted Faces.
Thanks again to Mark De Souza for suggesting the topic. Visit Mark’s blog: http://markdesouza.blogspot.com/
And a happy, happy birthday to our dear friend Eileen…
Lawrence Tan
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Tags: chinese opera, kung fu, Martial Arts, movies
