Summary
Fans of theJohn Wickfranchise need to check outThe One-Armed Swordsman, a 57-year-old kung-fu movie that’s still an amazing watch. Directed by Chang Cheh,The One-Armed Swordsmanwas the first wuxia film — an emerging, and now defining, genre in Hong Kong cinema that centers on the adventures of martial artists in ancient China. In addition to making a significant gross at the box office,the classic wuxia film launched the lead actor Jimmy Wang Yu’s career to new heights, transforming him into a superstar of Hong Kong cinema.
There’s no denying that mostcontemporary martial arts-centric action flicks are influenced by iconic wuxia films, but theJohn Wickmovies' relationship with the ever-inspiringThe One-Armed Swordsmanfeels even more significant. Penned by Derek Kolstad, the originalJohn Wickfilm was inspired by the filmmaker’s interests — action movies, themes of revenge, and the neo-noir genre. Still, everything fromJohn Wick’s story and protagonist to its highly choreographed fight scenes, which prize long single takes over the contemporary style of rapid cuts and closeups, feel influenced byThe One-Armed Swordsmanand films like it.
The One-Armed Swordsman Has An Action Hero Perfect For John Wick Fans
Jimmy Wang’s Fang Kang Is A Definitive Wuxia Protagonist
Jimmy Wang’s action hero inThe One-Armed Swordsmanis perfect for fans ofKeanu Reeves' John Wick. Produced by the Shaw Brothers, who redefined martial arts cinema by blending drama and fantasy,The One-Armed Swordsmanis a classic tale of revenge. As a young child, Wang’s Fang Kang becomes the pupil of martial arts master Qi Ru Feng (Tien Feng), but the other students bully Fang Kang for hailing from a poor family. After a series of unfortunate events, Fang Kang loses his right arm, rendering him unable to practice swordsmanship — or so he believes.
The One-Armed Swordsman’s ever-driven, fiercely loyal, and incredibly talented Fang Kang certainly shares personality traits with Reeves' legendary hitman, John Wick…
Nursed back to health by the soon-to-be love of his life, Xiao Man (Lisa Chiao Chiao),Fang Kang eventually masters a one-armed style of swordplay, which becomes incredibly useful when Qi Ru Feng and his martial arts school are attackedby the kung-fu master’s enemies. One of theShaw Brothers' best martial arts movies,The One-Armed Swordsman’s ever-driven, fiercely loyal, and incredibly talented Fang Kang certainly shares personality traits with Reeves' legendary hitman, John Wick, who initially comes out of retirement to seek revenge against the people who killed his dog.
The One Martial Arts Star Bruce Lee Wanted To Surpass
In the kung fu movie industry, there was one martial arts star in particular that Bruce Lee saw as a rival he intended to surpass: Jimmy Wang Yu.
Like John Wick, The One-Armed Swordsman Has A Great Revenge Story
Both Movies Feature A High Kill Count
From the early moments of the firstJohn Wickmovie throughJohn Wick: Chapter 4’s ending, the franchise’s titular character wracks up quite the kill count. Whether he’s using his fists, the environment, or some trusty sidearms, Wick is able to cut through tons of baddies with ease. AlthoughThe One-Armed Swordsmanrelies on a different kind of weapon — swords even take precedence over traditional hand-to-hand combat — it’s perfect forJohn Wickfans.Fang Kang literally slices through dozens of enemies in record time, unwilling to waste time with extended one-on-one battles.
How Many People John Wick Kills In All 4 Movies
John Wick’s kill count across all three films has been revealed with a staggering total of on-screen deaths and almost one kill per minute of runtime.
Other Jimmy Wang Yu Movies John Wick Fans Should Watch
The Chinese Boxer Cemented The Actor’s Place As A Martial Arts Movie Legend
AlthoughThe One-Armed Swordsmanmight be the best of the bunch,Jimmy Wang Yu made many martial arts movies that are worth watching. One of the first major stars of wuxia cinema, Wang was, arguably, the biggest martial arts movie star untilBruce Lee’s rise to fame. In addition to being a martial artist-turned-actor, Wang directed, produced, and wrote films. WhileThe One-Armed Swordsmanlaunched Wang’s career, 1970’sThe Chinese Boxercemented his place as a legend. Other big Jimmy Wang hits includeOne-Armed Boxer,Boxers of Loyalty and Righteousness, andA Man Called Tiger.
The One-Armed Swordsman
Directed by Chang Cheh, The One-Armed Swordsman is a landmark martial arts film that tells the story of Fang Gang, a skilled swordsman who loses an arm and must overcome immense personal and physical challenges to defend his honor and prevent a bloodbath. The film’s innovative action sequences and emotional depth set a new standard for the genre.
