Martial Arts Ecology : Aesthetics, Philosophy and Cinematic Mediation

Wong, Wayne

Edinburgh University Press（2026/01発売）

• 製本 Hardcover:ハードカバー版／ページ数 256 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9781399527927

Full Description

What is martial arts cinema? While known for its dazzling action and emotional intensity, this book argues that martial arts cinema aspires to a deeper goal: cultivating tranquility amid conflict a concept termed martial ideation. Moving beyond traditional analyses that emphasize authenticity or expressivity, the book reveals how martial arts movements embody profound intellectual meaning. By treating kung fu practices as embodied knowledge, it uncovers their tranquil philosophical essence rooted in Confucian stability, Daoist fluidity and Buddhist sensitivity and examines how these principles transcend physical combat to shape narratives, characters and visual storytelling.

From Bruce Lee's iconic fight scenes to modern interpretations such as The Grandmaster, Kung Fu Panda and Everything Everywhere All at Once, the book bridges philosophy and aesthetics across cinema, animation and gaming. Accessible to scholars and fans alike, this groundbreaking study positions martial arts cinema as a global, multi-media phenomenon that transcends traditional genre and cultural boundaries.

Contents

List of Figures

Acknowledgments

Notes on Transliteration

Introduction: Locating Tranquility in Martial Arts Cinema

Part I. Martial Ideation: Techniques, Aesthetics, and Philosophy

1. Wong Fei-hung: Hung Gar and Confucian Stability

2. Bruce Lee: Jeet Kune Dao and Daoist Fluidity

3. Ip Man: Wing Chun and Buddhist Sensitivity

Part II. Martial Arts Ecology and Cinematic Mediation

4. Global Action Cinema: Brutality and Absurdity

5. Digital Animation: Virtuality and Fantasy

6. Game Media: Interactivity and Immersivity

Conclusion: Reframing Martial Arts Cinema Studies

Filmography

Index