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Title [Martial Arts Globe] Martial Arts Films for Youth

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  • Date
    20-05-2021
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PHOTOS: RAYA. RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON – Raya, a lone warrior whose wit is as sharp as her blade, must track down the legendary last dragon to restore her fractured land and its divided people © 2020 Disney. All Rights Reserved. Available at: https://dmedmedia.disney.com/disney-plus/raya-and-the-last-dragon/images? (Accessed: 25 April 2021)


Gene Ching (陳興華)


Gene Ching is the author of Shaolin Trips and served as the Publisher of Kung Fu Tai Chi, a North American newsstand magazine, for 20 years. He is a 32nd generation layman disciple of the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China, a certified Provost at Arms in Fencing, and served as a weapons expert for the TV show Man at Arms: Art of War.


So far in 2021, two major martial arts motion pictures debuted globally. Raya and the Last Dragon, an animated fantasy film, premiered on March 5th, 2021. Mortal Kombat, based on the internationally successful videogame, premiered on April 23rd, 2021. Both films have strong martial arts representation. Although animated, Maggie MacDonald, the Fight Choreographer for Raya and the Last Dragon, borrowed extensively from Muay Thai, Pencak Silat, Arnis and Kali, as well as traditional Vietnamese wrestling. Additionally, the film’s screenwriter, Qui Nguyen, is also lifelong martial artist and infused that passion into the storyline. Mortal Kombat brought a diverse cast of leading martial arts actors who specialize in a diverse selection of styles like Kung Fu, Wushu, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Judo, Japanese swordsmanship and more, all under fight choreographer Chan Griffin (Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai, Silat).


Finding martial genre films that are appropriate for young viewers is challenging. Mortal Kombat is not child appropriate with gratuitous scenes of graphic violence. In contrast, Raya and the Last Dragon is a wholesome family film for children of all ages that espouses themes of friendship, teamwork, forgiveness, and female empowerment. These two films demonstrate the sharp contrast between martial arts movies. The martial arts are founded in fighting, so most films are too violent for young viewers. Fortunately, there are martial arts films written for younger audiences that instill strong moral messages that can inspire for young children to follow the martial arts path and be better citizens.  







Adding to Raya and the Last Dragon, ICM Newsletter offers the following select list of martial arts films that are child-friendly and impart positive life messages. 






The Forbidden Kingdom

The Forbidden Kingdom is the only film that starred Jackie Chan and Jet Li together. Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano) journeys to a fantasy world loosely based on the classic novel, Journey to the West. He learns about discipline, respect for elders, keeping an open mind, and honoring promises. Action Choreographer: Yuen Woo-ping (Kung Fu)







The Karate Kid

This film launched a major franchise including four films and a reboot, and continues today with the Netflix show, Cobra Kai. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) is a teen outsider grappling with his self-worth. He finds a mentor in Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) who guides him through Karate. Martial Arts Choreographer: Pat E. Johnson (Tang Soo Do)







Kung Fu Panda

This animated film also launched a franchise (three films and two TV series). Po (Jack Black), a slacker panda aspires to become the Dragon Warrior with the help of the Furious Five: Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Viper (Lucy Liu), Mantis (Seth Rogen), and Crane (David Cross), plus Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). Po learns the value of persistence and faith as he overcomes his low self-esteem. Choreographer: Kung Fu: Rodolphe Guenoden (comic artist)







Mulan

Disney depicts China’s legendary female warrior Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) in a beloved animated musical. Mulan’s journey showcases the strength of training, friendship, and female empowerment. Disney released a live action remake in 2020, but it failed to capture the magic of the animated version. Martial Arts Fight Advisor: B. H. Barry (Aikido, Stage Combat)







Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

Based on the Japanese Super Sentai TV series, six costumed superheroes battle evil alien invaders. Starring Karan Ashley (Yellow Ranger), Johnny Yong Bosch (Black Ranger), Steve Cardenas (Red Ranger), Jason David Frank (White Ranger), Amy Jo Johnson (Pink Ranger), and David Yost (Blue Ranger), the Power Rangers are all about teamwork and believing in yourself. Second unit directors: Jeff Imada (Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Silat, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Boxing), Jeff Pruit (Tang Soo Do).






Warriors of Virtue

Ryan Jeffers (Mario Yedidia) journeys to a fantasy world where he is no longer affected by his disabled leg. It is loosely based on philosophical classic Dao De Jing. Although it failed at the box office, Warriors of Virtue features noble wushu Kangaroos that exemplify honor and righteousness. Note: some language is inappropriate for younger viewers. Action Choreographer: Siuming Tsui (Wushu)


References

Kung Fu Panda (2021) Directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne [Film]. United States: Paramount Pictures

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) Directed by Bryan Spicer [Film]. United States: 20th Century Fox

Mortal Kombat (2021) Directed by Simon McQuoid [Film]. United States: Warner Brothers Pictures

Mulan (1998) Directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft [Film]. United States: Walt Disney Pictures

Mulan (2020) Directed by Niki Caro [Film]. United States: Walt Disney Pictures

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada [Film]. United States: Walt Disney Pictures

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) Directed by Rob Minkoff [Film]. China, United States: Lionsgate

The Karate Kid (1984) Directed by John G. Avildsen [Film]. United States: Columbia Pictures

Warriors of Virtue (1997) Directed by Ronny Yu [Film]. Canada, China, Hong Kong, United States: China Film Co-Production Corporation


※ Ideas in this writing are the author's own.