Kung Fu Moves American Movies

This project investigates how Chinese Kung Fu has influenced American movies, and how we read a Kung Fu movie from the information of its Kung Fu moves. This project examines the different representations of Chinese Kung Fu in American and Chinese films through a comparative visual analysis. Based on the observed differences, I discuss possible reasons why specific Chinese Kung Fu moves might have been chosen in different movies. I believe that each Kung Fu move contains its own information. Every Kung Fu move is carefully designed by action directors to help a movie tell a story and build its characters. I believe that considering the meaning of each move is a way to help people understand both Chinese Kung Fu and Kung Fu movies.