Columnist Alfredo Azula and we asked you to do the same. Overwhelming, the majority of you recommended Jackie Chan’s “Drunken Master” and “Five Deadly Venoms” from director Cheh Chang. Also, the Bruce Lee fans checked in to find out why Azula didn't show the legend some love.
__________
I grew up watching kung fu movies at the drive-in with my older brothers. Some of my favorites are: “The White Dragon,” “Kung Fu Excorsist,” “The Five Fingers of Death,” “Five Deadly Venoms,” “Shogun's Assassin,” and of course all of the Bruce Lee films. He was numero uno.—Mike, Fort Walton Beach
My hands-down favorite kung-fu movie of all time is Jackie Chan’s “Drunken Master 2” (“The Legend of Drunken Master”). The movie combines a great story with jaw-dropping kung-fu. The fight scenes are astonishing and the film ends with a dazzling finale that took two months to film. Jackie Chan at his best!”—Kath, New York
Being an Eurasian jazz singer, I love Asian cinema! I think the best of it's kind is “Black Mask.” The story line is ridiculously absurd but it features Jet Li at his best fighting. All of Jackie Chan's old films ( “The Drunken Master,” etc.) are classics of superb fighting and slapstick comedy, the way that only Jackie knows how to do. And a one last word for the chicks: “The Fabulous Trio” series with Michelle Yeoh and Maggie Cheung, just 2 words for these spectacular action films starring no less 3 beautiful, tough and touching women who save the world: GIRL POWER!—Max Perry, Paris, France
Very obscure martial arts film from the early ’80s, but well worth the hunt: “Firecracker,” starring Darby Hinton and Jillian Kesner. This film really made an impression on me when I was growing up. So much so, that I spent a ton of time and money to find it as an adult.—Kelli Mitchell, Dothan
All kung fu films were subtitled. It was the import to this country to sell that were dubbed. But some of those dubbed films were classics in their own right. So don’t get it twisted. My favorite martial arts films were “Shaolin Martial Arts” directed by Chang Cheh in 1974, and “Legendary Weapons of China” By Lau Kar Leung in 1980.—Keith Darbonne, Morris Plains
I have loved martial arts films since the beginning (before Bruce Lee) and I am glad they are finally getting the mainstream respect they have always deserved. My old favorite is “The Flying Guillotine.” Jet Li is the best and I love all of his work, one of my favorites is “Black Mask.” I am always searching the net for these films and now, with their growing popularity, maybe they will be easier to obtain. —Richard English, Gilbertsville
“Killer,” not necessarily a martial arts film, is one of the best films of its genre ever made.—Eric Tipton, Kirkland, Wash.
There’s this film I'm not sure that has hit American theaters but its out over here in Korea. It’s called “Ong Bak.” It’s about this teenager that goes in search of a statue that was taken from his village. The martial arts he uses were told as being legit. As in he did them all himself, and people were really getting hit. But it’s a good martial arts movie.”—Luis Desrosier, Marion, Iowa
Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” and his own “Return of the Dragon” are my all-time martial arts favorites. I saw them both in Europe in 1979 for the first time. Secondly, Chuck Norris' “The Octagon” stands out for me as his best-ever martial arts film. I liked Chuck in “Enter the Dragon,” too!—Jack, Orlando, Fla.
Jet Li's “Fist of Legend” is my favorite kung fu movie, and “Legend of the Red Dragon 1&2,” I like Kung fu movies that show China in its primitive state. “Romeo Must Die” put Jet Li on the map. —Reynaldo Davis, Indianapolis, Ind.
“Five Deadly Venoms” is my all time favorite cheesy kung fu flick.—Kirsten, Houston, Texas
Besides the obvious choice of “Enter The Dragon” by the legendary Bruce Lee, and his other flicks; “Seven Blows of The Dragon” is a great hard-to-find kung fu flick. —Neils Dunn, Gaithersburg
“Fists of Fury,” “Chinese Connection,” and “Enter the Dragon” by Bruce Lee. Comparing him to the movies released today is like comparing the “2001: A Space Odyssey” to “The Matrix.” How can you NOT see his talent when he disguises himself as a repairman to get into the heart of his enemies or becomes the surprise taxi driver for a drunken, androgynous henchman? Or the demand of “Why did you kill my teacher?” — even in overdubs his fury is relentless. Yeah, the new ones have the effects but Bruce Lee set the bar for EVERYBODY period. Just his natural skill — and on a meager budget — and he still got us hooked 31 years after his death. Not to even mention the cross-cultural affect he had on African Americans, Europeans, Latinos, Whites, etc. All of these folks are bad but NOBODY was Bruce. There was B.B. (before Bruce) and A.B. (after Bruce). Period.—Dale, Seattle, Wash.
“Five Deadly Venoms” is a must see if your just trying to get into these types of movies. It's a Shaw Brothers Production and an all time favorite.—Dion Elliott, Lakewood, N.J.
I grew up watching those same kung fu movies and I still love them! The weapon sequences are like ballet; the actors move so fluently with the weapon. “The Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms” has one of the best fight scenes. A must-see for any fan!—Tracie Harper, Howell, N.J.
Hall of Fall superstar Bruce Lee stands alone in the martial arts-kung fu world. His superb skills set the standard that today's martial arts stars all try and achieve but still miss the mark of his presence, style and athletic grace. I remember them all, the “Chinese Connection,” “Fists of Fury,” “Return of the Dragon” and the best martial arts film made, “Enter The Dragon.” Why that fighting scene in the courtyard with the legion number of fighters all vanquished by Bruce Lee and his nunchakus/nun chucks fighting sticks was surreal. The players in this move were fantastic as well, John Saxon, Jim Kelley (with the best afro of all time...) and Mr. Hahn. Not even today's high-tech movies can match what Bruce Lee brought to the screen 25 years ago — those washboard abs, lightning speed, legs kicks; his mannerisms which are still depicted in today’s martial arts movies says it all. Several years ago I purchased a wall calendar of Bruce Lee that had excellent pictures of him in fighting poses and native attire that I placed on my wall at work. To this day, I cannot tell you how many people asked me where I purchased it from and can they buy some of the pictures from me and frame them. He single-handedly put martial arts on the map all around the world. He will forever be the greatest and undisputed king of martial arts of all time. Nuff Said.—Millie, Dallas, Texas
I like Steven Seagal movies. I think that Aikido is widely underrated and does not get the credit it deserves. Chuck Norris is another movie star that is a legend. Jackie Chan is brilliant and also a legend.—Chad Hamblin, Riverdale, Utah
“Mystery of Chess Boxing” — you will not find a better movie showing off martial arts skills of the actors.—Name withheld
“The Iron Monkey.” One of the most exciting martial arts films starring Donnie Yen (also in “Hero”).—Stephanie Chan, Sydney
Chinese National Wushu Competition on DVD any year, great inspiration for Americans that train in the sport!—O-mei Kung Fu (Wushu) Center, Fairfax, Virginia
“Seven Samurai!!!” —Dean Prunier, Everett, Wash.
“Drunken Master,” not “Legend of Drunken Master.” Both have Jackie Chan but the first one is awesome.—Chris, Jamestown
“Fist of Fury” by Bruce Lee. this movie started my love for the kung fu genre.—Shem, Philadelphia