Globalization

When it comes to the globalization of film industries within the US and Asia, the martial arts play an important role. In the article “Martial arts and the globalization of US and Asian film industries” from Comparative American Studies, Christina Klein addresses the use of martial arts in film to reach a more global audience. The article talks about how the US and Asian industries are becoming more intertwined with one another. Both industries are moving toward each other, Hollywood is becoming more “Asianized” and Asia is becoming more “Hollywoodized.” I found this article to be extremely intriguing and important when it came in comparison to the movies that the group watched.

One major topic Klein addresses is that of Jack Chan. Chan had made an appearance in a movie that I watched, Robin-B-Hood. Chan has been popular among the Asian film industry since the 1970s and 80s with his break through to the Hollywood scene being in the 1990s. Years of hard work in the Peking Opera martial arts, self done stunts and the ability to tie comedy into it all made Chan the first Asian star to make it big in Hollywood. Another reason both US and Asian film goers find Chan so appealing is his refined athleticism and his creative use of props. There are many examples of this in Robin-B-Hood. In the movie Chan is able to make his way down a roller coaster (cars racing by him and all) while carrying a baby on his chest. Another example is his ability to make it down the side of a building by jumping from one air conditioner to another. It is this type of athleticism the Klein addresses in the article.

Another example Klein points out is the movie Hero directed by Zhang Yimou. Hero was widely accepted across Asia but exploded onto the western scene. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and was second to Titanic as the highest grossing film. The use of first class cinematography, beautiful costumes, extraordinary sets, internationally recognized actors (including Jet Li), and special effects set Hero apart from other Asian films. The elaborate fight scenes can draw in a wide audience. Klein also points out that the movie is deeply rooted in its East Asian culture but is also flexible so it can relate to a more global audience. It is this kind of movie making that can help tie together both US and Asian audiences.

Work Cited:

Klein, Christina. (2004). Martial arts and the globalization of US and Asian film industries. Compartative American Studies, 2(3), 360-384.