Summary

• Martial arts movies draw inspiration from real historical events, adding a layer of believability to their extraordinary stories.
• Films like "Executioners from Shaolin" and "Shaolin Temple" were based on real-life figures and events in Chinese and Asian history.
• Movies like "Bloodsport" and "Ip Man" were based on the lives of real martial artists, influencing the development of mixed martial arts and popular video games like Mortal Kombat.

Martial arts movies often deliver action sequences that feel entirely outside the realms of reality, however, lots of these films are rooted in real history and based on true stories. Many martial arts classics were based on the life stories of significant fighters or depicted real historical events throughout Chinese and Asian history. The real-life basis of these stories helped ground the often mystical or fantastical elements of martial arts movies into the real world and brought an extra layer of believability to these extraordinary stories.

From productions of martial arts movies featuring different styles by studios like Shaw Brothers to biographies of contemporary figures within the world of martial arts, the movies that audiences may not know were based on true stories vary widely in their themes and concepts. While some martial arts movies use real events as a springboard to tell fictional stories, others carefully told the true story as it occurred. From warring states in Ancient China to a United States Captain taking part in death matches, there were plenty of martial arts movies based on true stories.

10 Executioners from Shaolin (1977)

Based on the historical figure of Pai Mai

Executioners from Shaolin, also called Executioners of Death in North America, was an epic multi-generational story of revenge featuring disciples of the Shaolin Temple facing off against Pai Mei, the founder of the Pai Mei school of kung fu. Believed to be one of the legendary Five Elders who survived the destruction of the Shaolin Monastery, Pai Mai, also known as Bak Mei, featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 2. An epic old-school martial arts classic, Executioners from Shaolin was released by the legendary Shaw Brothers production company.

9 Shaolin Temple (1982)

Based on the Shaolin Monastery and the art of Shaolin Kung Fu

Following an episodic style and a combination of action, comedy, and romance, Shaolin Temple was set in Medieval China and based on the Shaolin Monastery, which was the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the inception point of Shaolin kung fu. Shaolin Temple starred Jet Li as a young man on a mission to learn martial arts and avenge the death of his father. The film was such a success that it turned the real Shaolin Monastery into an international tourist attraction and spawned a renewed interest in learning martial arts among young people in China (via Telegraph.)

8 Bloodsport (1988)

Based on the martial artist Frank Dux

The story of United States Army Captain and ninjutsu practitioner Frank Dux, Bloodsport was one of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s first leading roles and helped launch his career as a mainstream action movie star. Depicting Dux taking part in a martial arts tournament in Hong Kong that allowed for fights to the death, the real Dux acted as the action choreographer and technical advisor for Bloodsport. The film was a box office success, and one thing audiences may not know about Bloodsport was its influence on the development of mixed martial arts and the Mortal Combat game franchise.

7 Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

Based on the Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung

While the basic premise of Once Upon a Time in China was based on the real-life Chinese martial artist and folk hero Wong Fei-hung, played by Jet Li, at its core the adventures in the movie were fictitious. A Hong Kong film, Once Upon a Time in China followed the legendary martial artist Wong as he fought against foreign foes during the Qing Dynasty in the late 19th century. The first in a series that included six movies and a television spin-off, Once Upon a Time in China was a hit due to its real-world inspiration and powerful fight sequences.

6 Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)

Based on the life of Bruce Lee

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story depicts the life of martial artist and movie star Bruce Lee from his early childhood in Hong Kong, relocation to the United States, and his eventual career as an icon of martial arts cinema. Rather than a straightforward biopic, director Rob Cohen introduced elements of mysticism to give the film the feeling and style of movies Lee himself starred in. Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story featured Jason Scott Lee who brought charm to the lead role and the film acted as a fitting homage to the incredible real life of its protagonist.

5 Hero (2002)

Based on the Warring States Period in ancient China (227 – 221 BC)

Hero starred Jet Li as Nameless, a fictional defense officer during the real historical period of the Warring States in China between 227 to 221 BC. A pivotal moment in Chinese history, Hero featured epic battles, assassination attempts on the King, and China’s division into seven states. A stunning visual spectacle of swordsmanship, empires, and honor, at the time of its release Hero was the most expensive Chinese film ever (via Roger Ebert), as its astonishing special effects, period-appropriate costumes, and masterful choreography helped it find success both in China and the United States.

4 Fearless (2006)

Loosely based on the life of martial artist Huo Yuanjia

Fearless was based on the life of Huo Yuanjia, an important figure in Chinese martial arts who was also depicted on film in Fist of Fury as an apprentice of Chen Zhen. Portrayed by Jet Li, Fearless followed Huo as he took part in highly publicized fights against foreign foes in matches intrinsically linked to Chinese national pride. Fearless set was during a time in the early 1900s when there was fear that Chinese culture was being eroded by Western imperialism. Featuring a strong mix of real history, incredible fight sequences, and stunning choreography, Fearless was a late-career highlight from Li.

3 Ip Man (2008)

Based on the life of martial arts grandmaster Ip Man

A biographical martial arts movie based on the teacher of Bruce Lee, Ip Man was the first in a long-running franchise that blended fact and fiction to present an entertaining take on the experiences of the real-life Ip Man. Depicting Ip Man fighting back against the Japanese invading China in the 1930s, Ip Man had impressive fight sequences, an engaging story, and a strong performance by Donnie Yen in the title role. The success of Ip Man led to three direct sequels and a spin-off called Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy.

2 The Lost Bladesman (2011)

Based on the story of Guan Yu

A historical war movie loosely based on the story of Guan Yu’s crossing five es and slaying six generals, The Lost Bladesman explored the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of Shu Han of the Three Kingdoms. An epic adventure starring Donnie Yen and directed by Felix Chong, The Lost Bladesman featured phenomenal action sequences and a strong narrative rooted in historical conflict. Taking inspiration from the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Lost Bladesman was an ambitious production depicting a pivotal moment in Chinese history.

1 The Grandmaster (2013)

Based on the life of martial arts grandmaster Ip Man

Based on the life story of the important real-life martial artist figure Ip Man, The Grandmaster was written and directed by the acclaimed In the Mood for Love filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. Full of insightful historical perspective, philosophical depth, and incredible fight sequences, The Grandmaster helped further cement Ip Man’s iconic status within Chinese cinema after the already successful Ip Man film series. With his signature style, Wong delivered a highly atmospheric movie that blended the impulses of art-house cinema with a fast-paced action movie.

Sources: Telegraph, Roger Ebert