If you love martial art films and are not aware of their grand and legendary history, CHOP SOCKY – CINEMA HONG KONG will be your saviour! This informative documentary is an excellent introduction about this internationally renowned and respected genre of movies. There is enough information here to answer most of your questions, and at the same time, provide some great entertainment along the way.

CHOP SOCKY starts by explaining the origins of the Chinese integrating martial arts, an important facet of their culture, into films. A tradition which started a long time ago in Chinese Opera. Along the way, film studios created more elaborate martial arts stories for television and later for cinema. One of the major player is of course the now famous Shaw Brothers Studio. With interviews of Chen Pei Pei, David Chiang and Gondon Lui, some of the most famous actors the Shaw Brothers Studio have put on screen, we are told how the studio’s success started it all.

By showing many Shaw Brothers movie clips, CHOP SOCKY analyzes the innovative techniques and aesthetics that are still being used today and have influenced many movies and filmmakers not only from Hong Kong but also around the globe, such as visionary director Quentin Tarantino. 

Another important event in the world of martial art film is also explored: the impact of Bruce Lee’s films and his death. Real kung fu Master, Lau Kar Leung, is also interviewed and offers his viewpoint on Bruce Lee and the legacy he left behind.

CHOP SOCKY – CINEMA HONG KNOG is very interesting and is definitely an informative forward to anyone who is not too familiar with the genre. Each point is well explained and the filmmakers provide a pleasing overview of the all the nuances and characteristics of martial arts cinema. The only complaint for the documentary has a runtime of 55 minutes and when you reach the end point, you feel the need for even more.