Asian Action Cinema and Hollywood - Report Example

Asian Action Cinema and Hollywood Introduction Over the past few decades, the film sector has continually grown in size. This has been as a result of numerous positive elements occurring in a favorable sequence to nurture the growth. To begin with, the world has somewhat become a small village where information along with the films can be moved from one part to the other end in an instance. The development in the technology sector has also enhanced the way people can watch the films, hence surging the numbers of viewers. There are other factors such as increased investments, but the key point to note is that they have consequently led to the huge numbers of film viewers (Shin, 2008). As much as the numbers surge, there are differences between what one section of the viewers may like than other members of the entire group. Films are therefore made revolving a theme with the target market in mind. This is the only way that films can be successful; otherwise they would be just unwise ways of spending money. It is also notable that themes come and go, there are eras where people prefer one kind of theme so most films in that era will revolve around it (Shin, 2008). This paper delves into the impact of Asian action themes and its general impact in the entire sector, particularly in Hollywood. The Asian Scene Vs Hollywood These two sets of film scenes have very distinct backgrounds and themes. However, time has shown that they can greatly impact one another by providing some form of accolade to one another. This is a trend that can be witnessed in numerous other sectors, where one group adds or shares more perspective so as to realize an aggregate advancement (Berry, 2002). Both sides have benefited from the other, but this paper specifically dwells on the impact that the east has caused on the west rather than assessing both ways. The Asian film scene was initially based on physical action, on the flanks of martial art, karate, and so forth. Even though there were other genres of films within the same continent, the action films captured the attention of the entire globe with ease. This is mainly attributable since the films showed the world what they had not seen before, some bit of Asia that only Asia was aware of. It was a gold mine that took the globe by storm even where most of the films were of relatively low quality as compared to those made in the west (Najafi, 2011). Hollywood appreciated the emergence of the Asian film scene, and found some elements that would propel it to the next stage. The action part had captured most people’s interests, and this would in turn satisfy their market. The only apt move with such conditions to meet was to incorporate the Asian action forms in Hollywood films. This was a success to a large extent, partly influenced by the incorporation of some well established names in martial arts such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan (Najafi, 2011). Before all the Asian action has entered Hollywood, most of the films in the west revolved around machines such as guns and cars. The Action Film Era Even though action has long been appearing in films, the genre “action film” started to appear in the 1970s when special effects and stunts became increasingly used in films. This genre of film is intently affiliated to “adventure” and “thriller” films, and at most times possess some elements of “espionage” and “spy fiction” films. However, it gradually made some space for itself in the industry and is currently one of the largest. James Bond can rightfully be said to be one if the initiators of action films in the west, but, as many others in the same category, most involved car chases and guns. Very few had the Asian action in them, which was a new thing that the film market was fondly taking up. This was an era that sprawled around the 1970 and was gaining the larger part of the audience. The essence of making most films is to attract as much audience as possible. It is hence apprehensible that Hollywood made immense efforts to take up action scenes in their films. It did not just click, the audience demanded different kinds of action at different times, and one of the transitions saw them demand more of the Asian action than any other form (Russell, 2010). As stated before, the Asian form of action in films was a new thing that was applicable than car chases and massive guns. Most of the audience sought of related to it and hence the films were an instant hit particularly when done in the west. The west was much endowed when it came to making films, and had amassed a huge following in the globe as compared to other scenes such as the Asian one (Russell, 2010). Hollywood made major strides in the sphere by adding actors such as Bruce Lee to their fraternity. Notable Characters There are figures that stood taller than others when it comes to shaping the Asian action films in Hollywood. This section of the paper lists a few among the many. Bruce Lee This is considerably the founding father of the Asian action in Hollywood. Lee revolutionized so much more than the way the films were made. He additionally changed the general perception of Asians in America along with being considered by many as one of the most influential martial artists of all time. He opened the door for many that would come after him, and for this reason is renowned by most in the industry. Even those who may be just lovers of films, it is factual to state that Lee was one of the characters that revolutionized the industry. Most actors today at the top of the industry may not have the same impact as Lee did, or even the following. He became a household name all over the globe (Shin, 2008). He garnered global recognition in a matter of a short while in the industry without the best of backings. Much of this following is attributable to the ingenuity he brought into the industry through ways such as the invention of Jeet Kune Do form of martial art. Lee also showed consistency in the production of films of high quality material, and it only got better. Lee was born in Chinatown, San Francisco to parents who were originally from Hong Kong. These factors combined to give him the opportunities he needed to reach the heights he did in the industry. The Asian background gave him the martial arts prowess and the fact that he was born in the United States brought him nearer to Hollywood. These two later proved to be revolutionary traits that changed the entire global film scene (Shin, 2008). Li Lianjie Li is a common name in the film industry. He is popularly known by his English stage name, Jet Li. In the footsteps of Bruce Lee, he is also a martial artist actor that significantly impacted the industry. Unlike Lee however, Li has more of an Asian background and only his acting prowess propelled him to venture into Hollywood. His martial art abilities are much more than just acts; he underwent extensive Wu Bin training at a tender age and consequently won the national championship while still a teenager. He later retired from the Beijing Wushu Team at the age of 19 (Chi, 2007). After this, he gained national along with international recognition when he featured in the successful film Shaolin Temple in 1982. This was his breakthrough in the film industry as he later featured in many such as the Once Upon a Time in China series. This made him a local hero but did not put him in the global scene. This was realized when he acted in his first Hollywood film titled Lethal Weapon 4 where he depicted the villain. Romeo Must Die was the first film in which Li played the leading role. The success of these films open the doors for him to grow even more in Hollywood where he got roles in films such as Unleashed, Kiss the Dragon, and The Expendables alongside actors such as Sylvester Stallone (Funnell, 2011). Li brings in quite a contemporary theme in any film by incorporating a more practical storyline in the current world; something that Lee lacked. His films are more acceptable by the current audience as it more appealing while at the same time incorporating martial art. This is a form of film that was based on numerous themes and would in turn appeal to more viewers (Funnell, 2011). Jackie Chan One can closely link Chan to Li in that they are both martial art actors who are appealing to the current film viewers who would like to see some form of ingenuity put in a film; not just a martial art. Chan is well known for drolly side, and this sets him aside from others who may be in the same blanket. Like Li, he has had to work his way up to reach the Hollywood status as he was born in Hong Kong; far away from the west. In fact, his story is much like that of his compatriot Li, only that each impacts the industry in a different way. Whereas Chan is comical while acting, Li is more of a reserved character who opts to remain silent as possible (Shelton, 2012). His acting begun in Hong Kong as a result of the magnificent abilities he held in undertaking stunts. Producers such as Willie Chan realized his abilities and seek to incorporate them in their films. This led in Chan’s entry into the Hong Kong film scene but was still some way from reaching the global stage by reaching Hollywood. With such talent, it did not take long before Chan got to this stage as he featured in the film Battle Creek Brawl in 1980. He later played a minor role in The Cannonball Run, which was a success, but later found it difficult to break into the American market (Shelton, 2012). Chan focused more on the Asian market, but later came back to Hollywood and was successful in making films such as police Story 2, Amour of God II: Operation Condor and Police Story 3: Super Cop. These films set the path that would ultimately lead to a revolution that is continuing today (Shelton, 2012). Chan brought martial art in Hollywood with a touch of comedy integrated into it at the same time. Major Influences It is apparent that the Asian action scene has been incorporated into Hollywood for the past few decades. There have been numerous impacts as a result of this integration, most of which has been positive. There have been some key players such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Donnie Yen in bringing the force in Hollywood (Xu, 2010). Their efforts have not gone unnoticed as they have been accredited and won numerous prizes from different organization in the film industries from all over the world. Initially, the founding martial artists in Hollywood changed and initiated new tendencies that were not present in the past. For instance, Lee is accredited with creating a new role for the Asian people who were consequently regarded with deference. This was not initially in existence, as there were only a few or no influential actors in Hollywood who would be considered as an Asian (Washitani, 2003). The introduction of the Asian Action in Hollywood meant that the western industry was able to provide the market with what the market was in need of. In the fighting era, many people in the audience were eager to watch the Asian action rather than the one the west had propagated over time that mainly entailed guns. In turn, the industry had a chance to take a major rip forward in producing films and persist as one of the best if not the best. When all is said and done, one cannot ignore the fact that most of the martial art actors that made massive impacts in Hollywood come from some notable areas. Some of the most notable include Hong Kong, Beijing, among other places. Most of these places have well established systems that harbor the growth of martial art skill even at tender ages. This is the main reason why the trend is as it is and has been like so in the past (Xu, 2010). Conclusion Without a shadow of doubt, an Asian action form of making films has been adopted in Hollywood for the past few decades. The effects are easily noticeable from distinct stand points. It is appropriate to state that both sides of industries have learnt from one another, each with a lesson to offer and those to receive. Hollywood has learned much from the Asian side, significant enough that the lessons are still in use today. The martial art and similar skills marvel much as it is original and accredited to the Asian community (Gates, 2012). Their incorporation in films provides all viewers in this digital generation a chance to witness acts that have been perfected for centuries, and marvel at it all. Work cited Berry, Chris. "At Full Speed: Hong Kong Cinema in a Borderless World." The Journal of Asian Studies 66.4 (2002): 1352-1362. Chi, Robert and Leung Li. "Hong Kong Connections: Transnational Imagination in Action Cinema." The Journal of Asian Studies 66.1 (2007): 220-28. Funnell, Lisa. "Assimilating Hong Kong Style for the Hollywood Action Woman." Quarterly Review of Film & Video (2011): 65-69. Gates, Philippa. "The Asian Renovation of Biracial Buddy Action: Negotiating Globalization in the Millennial Hollywood Cop Action Film." Journal of Popular Film & Television 40.2 (2012): 83-94. Najafi, Kianfar Nima. "A Review of Yellow Future: Oriental Style in Hollywood Cinema." Quarterly Review of Film & Video 28.5 (2011): 450-455. Russell, Catherine. "Japanese Cinema in the Global System: An Asian Classical Cinema." 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