Disney’s Mulan (2020) reimagines the legendary Chinese heroine through a grounded, wuxia-inspired lens. When the Emperor of China conscripts one man from each household to join the army, Hua Mulan secretly takes her ailing father’s place, disguising herself as a man. Trained in martial arts from childhood, Mulan uses her discipline, agility, and inner strength to rise through the ranks and ultimately confront a powerful sorceress and an invading army. The film departs from its animated pr...| Martial Journal
The Accountant is a 2016 film starring Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick. This sentence alone may cause some readers looking for a martial arts film to lose interest – but that reaction is premature. Bill Dubuque, who also wrote the popular TV series Ozark and the sequel to this film, The Accountant 2, writes this film. Gavin O’Connor who has experience directing sports and martial arts films such as Miracle (2004), Warrior (2011), and The Way Back (2020) directs it. The Accountant (2...| Martial Journal
Spring is the time of year for renewal and recommitment. We see this in nature as the trees awaken and flowers bloom. We can follow the lessons from nature and use this season to renew good habits and recommit to our training. Shaolin, a 2011 Hong Kong-Chinese film, echoes these teachings and demonstrates the importance of new beginnings and committing to the teachings of martial morality. I like this movie for many reasons. As someone who practices Chinese martial arts, I love to s...| Martial Journal
