TV & FILM - Now For Something A Little Different

As a kid who didn't love martial arts films? I know I did back in Antigua a highlight was heading into town to catch a martial arts double feature in the afternoon showing, usually featuring Jet Li and his awesome bicycle kick. Recently as I head to the end of my job and also because it is that time of year again Winter so I go out even less than usual and American TV is slowing down until February/March I decided to do some research (i.e. Googling) to find some inspiration on things to watch in my down time.

Yes I am aware I probably watch too much TV but I also like to ensure I sit down either with a book or audiobook for my commuting or when I head to bed so I am not just always vegging out in front of the monitor.Back on subject now I looked up some martial arts films that I might want to catch up on and also had a look around for an Asian TV show that might be worth picking up. I for one have no problem watching 3-4 episodes of a good show a day if it is in fact worth watching. I came up with Legend of the Fist, a martial arts film and Athena a South Korean Action show. On further looking into Athena it seems to be a sequel to an earlier show so I decided to opt for that instead the name of that show being Iris.

LEGEND OF THE FIST

A solid martial arts film starring Donnie Yen. I didn't really know who he was until I looked him up quite an impressive CV though very reminiscent of Jet Li I guess he is in the following generation of Martial Arts Action Stars. The 20s setting with all its glamour is presenting well here and very entertaining. Even on the other side of the elaborate and excellent action scene set pieces the story moves along well and keeps you entertained. I can definitely recommend this film to fans of high kicking and the actual martial art scenes are nearly all tight and extremely well choreographed.

IRIS (Korean TV)

The most expensive Korean made TV show of the time and a huge hit there and in Japan, Iris is the story of two friends from the Korean Army recruited into a clandestine government agency. I've only caught the first episode but it has me pretty much sold. You could compare it to shows like 24 but the plot is different focusing more on the main characters than say a terrorist threat. As long as you don't mind subtitles if you like spy stuff then give it a try.