Overview

Filmmakers of the Pacific Rim have been delivering punches and flying kicks to the Hollywood movie industry for years. This book explores the ways in which the storytelling and cinematic techniques of Asian popular culture have migrated from grainy, low-budget martial arts movies to box-office blockbusters such as The Magnificent Seven, Star Wars, The Matrix and Transformers. While special effects gained prominence, the raw and gritty power of live combat emerged as an audience favorite, spawning Asian stars Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and martial arts-trained stars Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal. As well as capturing the sheer onscreen adrenaline rush that characterizes the films discussed, this work explores the impact of violent cinematic entertainment and why it is often misunderstood. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Full Product Details

Author:   Barna William Donovan
Publisher:   McFarland & Co Inc
Imprint:   McFarland & Co Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.367kg
ISBN:  

9780786434039

ISBN 10:   0786434031
Pages:   272
Publication Date:   04 August 2008
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In stock  
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Preface      PART I. AMERICAN IMPACT AND ASIAN ROOTS 1. Why Asian Action Matters      2. The Master: Akira Kurosawa and the Art of Warriors      3. Dragon Rising: The Power of Hong Kong Martial Arts      4. The Little Dragon      PART II. AMERICAN FIGHTERS 5. Chuck Norris: Right Turn ... Or, a Masculinity Crisis and the Man Who Saved the Martial Arts      6. Asian Action in the ’80s: Ninjas and Karate Kids      7. The Rise and Fall of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal      PART III. THE NEW HONG KONG INVASION 8. A New Decade and a New World      9. Mayhem in Slow Motion: The Viral Cinema of John Woo and the Hong Kong New Wave      10. Drunken Master in Hollywood’s Eye: Jackie Chan Takes the West ... Twice      11. Jet Li: The Noble Warrior      12. At the Turn of the Millennium and Beyond: Magical Realism, Violence, and the Opening (and Closing) of the East      Chapter Notes      Bibliography      Index     

Reviews

Author Information

Barna William Donovan is a professor of communications and media studies at Saint Peter’s, the Jesuit College of New Jersey. His articles, columns, and reviews on film and popular culture have been published in academic journals such as Communication Annual and Men and Masculinities as well as various newspapers.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions