Countless incrediblemartial arts movieshave heroes based on real historical figures. As the stories of notable martial artists were intrinsically linked with real history, long-standing myths, and iconic folk legends, it’s no surprise that many real-life people find their way into action-packed martial arts movies. One notable example was Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Yip Man intheIp Manfranchise, but there have been several more acclaimed instances of this across the length and breadth of martial arts cinema.
Some of thegreatest martial arts movies evermade use real people as the basis for their stories. Classics of1970s kung fu cinemahave taken the iconicstories of Shaolin monksand blessed audiences with incredible, often heavily altered, representations of real stories. Thishistorical context can add extra depth to martial movies, as the social and political circumstances of the eras they represent become even more resonant through the use of real people with fascinating legacies.
10Frank Dux
Bloodsport (1989)
Newt Arnold’s martial arts movieBloodsportfelt like the stuff of pure fiction, although viewers may be shocked to learn that Frank Dux, the fighter played by Jean Claude Van Damme, was a real person.Bloodsporttold the story of Dux, a United States Army Captain and ninjutsu practitioner, participating in an illegal full-contact martial arts tournament named Kumite in Hong Kong. With intense fight sequences that took bloody battles to their absolute extreme, the fact thatBloodsportclaimed to have its origins in truthmade it all the more shocking.
The story goes thatBloodsportco-writer Sheldon Lettich knew the real Dux and had listened to many of his outrageous stories, many of which he says later proved to be false (viaAsian Movie Pulse.) However, these stories sparked Lettich’s imagination enough to write the movie’s script.Bloodsportbecame a hit at the box office, kickstarted Van Damme’s career, and has maintained a cult following.TheBloodsportseriescontinued with sequels focusing on other fictional characters, and the real Frank Dux even told his version of his life story in the 1996 memoirThe Secret Man.
Bloodsport
Cast
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in the martial arts movie Bloodsport as a fictional version of the real-life Frank Dux, a U.S. Army officer who participated in a secret underground martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Directed by Newt Arnold, the 1988 action film helped establish Van Damme as a Hollywood star.
9Zhang Sanfeng
Tai Chi Master (1993)
Jet Li portrayed the real man Zhang Sanfeng inTai Chi Master, a legendary Chinese Taoist believed to have invented tai chi. Zhang’s life has become intrinsically linked with myth, as although he was believed to have existed, it’s also said that he achieved immortality (viaPure Insight) in his pursuit of martial arts and spiritual greatness.Tai Chi Masterexplored Zhang’s life growing up in a Shaolin Temple and participation in an ongoing conflict with the government.
WhileTai Chi Masterlikely fictionalized much of Zhang’s story, it was the thrilling onscreen pairing of Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh that made this depiction truly worthwhile. With a mix of martial arts and comedy,Tai Chi Mastershowcased the legacy of its protagonist while also carving out an intensely entertaining Wuxia movie. As a mythic figure with endless portrayal potential,Tai Chi Masterwas just one version of the legendary life of Zhang Sanfeng.
Tai Chi Master
Two friends grow up together in the Shaolin Temple and become great fighters. However, they end up running away from the temple because of their unruly attitudes. Having to live outside the temple, the two friends adapt to the new reality, the financial problems and the tyranny of the exploitative government.
8San Te
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
The 36th Chamber of Shaolinwas a defining film by Shaw Brothers Productionsthat starred Gordon Liu as a highly fictionalized version of the real monk San Te. Liu’s acclaimed performance showcased this legendary Shaolin martial arts disciple who trained under the general Chi Shan. As one of the most acclaimed kung fu movies of all time,The 36th Chamber of Shaolinwas the start of a trilogy that continued to tell stories based around the Shaolin temple inReturn to the 36th ChamberandDisciples of the 36th Chamber.
San Te lived in the early 18th century, and although his true history remains mysterious, his martial arts skills were impactful enough that he’s remained an important figure in Shaolin history. WhileThe 36th Chamber of Shaolinwas the most famous depiction of San Te’s story, he’s also appeared in countless other kung fu films. Another memorable San Te appearance was in Sammo Hung’s directorial debut,The Iron Fisted Monk.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin follows Lui, a young man who escapes a Manchu attack and seeks martial arts training to avenge his fallen comrades. Set against the backdrop of anti-Ching resistance, Lui’s journey leads him to the Shaolin Monastery, where he undergoes rigorous training.
7Zhao Zilong
Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon (2008)
Zhao Zilong was a military general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms period of China who was involved in major battles during the 220s AD. As a prominent figure in Chinese and Japanese popular culture, Zhao has been depicted in many movies, most notably by Andy Lau inThree Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon. This version of Zhao’s story was partially based on the 14th-century Chinese classical novel of the same and tied together the historical records, general perceptions, and legendary status of his life.
Lau captured the essence of General Zhaowith his portrayal of the impact of the Northern Expeditions. However, the real historical record of Zhao Zilong, also known as Zhao Yun, remains unclear. Much of his legacy has been influenced by the vast assortment of art, literature, and fictional retellings that have been shared over the past several centuries.
6Bruce Lee
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
While it is practically certain that any martial arts movie lover will be well aware that Bruce Lee was a real person, since his death in 1973, his legacy has grown so great that he is a martial arts movie hero in his own right. From biopic portrayals in films likeDragon: The Bruce Lee Storyto even showing up in Quentin Tarantino’sOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood,Lee has become a true movie legend whose iconic persona will live on in martial arts cinema for generations to come.
While Lee’s movies likeThe Big Boss,Fist of Fury, andEnter the Dragonare undisputed classics, actors have also portrayed Lee in modern films like theIp Manseries and the Chinese TV showThe Legend of Bruce Lee. With an impact that far exceeded his five leading roles in feature-length Hong Kong martial arts films, it’s astounding that Lee’s legacy today has become as enshrined with myth that he’s as notable as any other historical figures or Shaolin monk across martial arts cinema.
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story is a biographical film depicting Bruce Lee’s journey from martial arts training in childhood to establishing a kung-fu school in the United States. The film portrays his discovery by Hollywood and his rapid ascent to stardom as a charismatic action hero.
5Wong Kei-ying
Iron Monkey (1993)
While the story of the Chinese folk hero Wong Kei-Ying has often been overshadowed by the looming legacy of his far more frequently depicted son Wong Fei-hung, there have been occasional movies that focus primarily on the older Wong. One prime example of this wasIron Monkey, starring Donnie Yen, which told a fictionalized story of the father and son’s encounter with the masked martial artist known as Iron Monkey. This unique take on well-known historical characters was made for thrilling viewing and even achieved wide release in the United States, a rare feat for a Hong Kong martial arts movie.
The realWong Kei-ying was an important Hung Ga martial arts practitionerand helped open the doors for his son’s astounding legacy. With portrayals in many movies such as the Shaw BrothersChallenge of the Mastersand in the Jackie Chan movieDrunken Master, the importance of the father’s influence on the son has not been underrated in Hong Kong cinema.
Iron Monkey
Iron Monkey is a Hong Kong martial arts film set in a corrupt Chinese village, where a masked bandit known as Iron Monkey robs the rich to aid the poor. The story unfolds as a traveling physician is coerced by the local governor into capturing the elusive bandit.
4Huo Yuanjia
Fearless (2006)
Huo Yuanjia was a member of the Chin Woo Athletic Association martial arts school in Shanghai and a heroic figure in the fight for Chinese sovereignty during the early 20th century. As a representation of the dignity of the Chinese people in the face of foreign aggression, it’s no surprise that Huo’s story has been featured several times in various film and television productions. WhileHuo acted as a mentor for Bruce Lee’s character inFist of Fury, he’s also been the protagonist in many more productions.
The most famous version of Huo’s life story was inFearless, the kung fu hit starring Jet Li. This story of Chinese pride and nationalism saw Huo stand up for the Chinese people while their culture was being attacked by Western imperialists and told the final years of the Qing dynasty before the birth of the Republic of China. As a defining figure in modern Chinese history, Li’s portrayal of Huo was both acclaimed and criticized as Yuanji’s descendants filed a lawsuit against the movie (viaVariety) for perceived historical inaccuracies.
Fearless
This biopic chronicles the life of Chinese martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who rises from personal tragedy and the despair of defeat to inspire his nation. Battling foreign challengers to restore pride, Huo becomes a symbol of Chinese resilience and spirit.
3Ma Yongzhen
Boxer from Shantung (1972)
Boxer from Shantungwas a martial arts film about Ma Yongzhen, a Hui Chinese martial artist who lived during the late Qing dynasty. By taking the real-life circumstances of this well-known fighter,Boxer from Shantungwas able to represent the challenges of everyday people as Ma Yongzhen sought fortune in Shanghai and quickly became embroiled in a world of corruption and gang warfare. With plenty of adversaries at hand, Ma Yongzhen was forced to use his fighting skills to protect himself from this newfound cutthroat existence.
As a successful combination of kung fu gangster genres, this depiction of Ma Yongzhen’s story showed how real people’s histories could be used to tell an epic rags-to-riches tale set during the early 20th century. In many ways,Boxer from Shantungwas like an Eastern equivalent toScarface, as the aspirational goals of its character soon turned sour as crime and corruption took hold. As a Shaw Brothers classic,Boxer from Shantungwas the most powerful depiction of Ma Yongzhen’s story ever told.
2Wong Fei-hung
Drunken Master (1978)
Wong Fei-hung was a Chinese martial artist and folk hero whose life story has become the stuff of Chinese legend and whose legacy served as the basis for countless movies. Actors who have portrayed Wong include Gordon Liu, Jackie Chan, Kwan Tak-hing, Jet Li, Vincent Zhao, and Sammo Hung. Chan’s breakout role inDrunken Masterfrom 1978 was famously based on the legend of Wong Fei-hung, as his expertise in Hung Ga martial arts was paired with Chan’s unique slapstick comedy style of martial arts moviemaking.
Over 100 films and television series featuring Wong have been produced, such asChallenge of the Masterswith Gordon Liu andLast Hero in Chinastarring Jet Li. Hong Kong actor Kwan Tak-hing starred as Wong in over 70 films and became so associated with the real man that he gained the nickname, Master Wong. As a truly legendary figure, the Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall was even built in Foshan in 2000 to honor his legacy.
Drunken Master
Drunken Master is a martial arts film featuring Jackie Chan as a mischievous young man who is sent to train under a rigorously unorthodox old beggar. Released in 1978, it follows his journey to mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style amidst comedic and action-packed encounters.
1Yip Man
Ip Man (2008)
Donnie Yen’s portrayal of the Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, also known as Yip Man, throughout theIp Manfranchise has turned the character into a modern martial arts movie legend. However,Ip Manwas also a real person who trained in the art of Wing Chun from a young age and, after becoming a master, took on students, the most famous of whom was none other than Bruce Lee.Ip Man’s real-life struggles during the Second Sino-Japanese Warwere explored in the first movie, while later entries fleshed out his life in teaching Hong Kong and personal challenges.
While the epic villain fights seen across theIp Manfranchise may have taken some liberties with the truth, by all accounts, the real Ip was a master ofmartial arts, as seen by the timeless cinematic skill of his most famous student. Yip has also been portrayed in other movies such asBruce Lee: The Man, The Myth, or Wong Kar-wai’sThe Grandmaster, starring Tony Leung. While Yen has been most commonly associated with playing Ip, his legacy was far more wide-reaching than just theIp Manfranchise.
Ip Man
Directed by Wilson Yip, Ip Man is a biographical martial arts film starring Donnie Yen as Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster and mentor to Bruce Lee. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film depicts Ip Man’s efforts to protect his community and preserve his martial arts traditions despite the atrocities of war.
