From Firefly
Heh. “Martial arts” is the only reason I would consider a film by David Mamet. And then I’d have to know who the fight coordinator was.

Good point, well made. I like some of those movies, like Shaolin Soccer, but I find it hard to follow some of the wackier offerings. Crouching Tiger was very enjoyable. I’ll make a note of your recommendations and keep an eye open for them.

Martial arts films should not be judged by Bruce Lee’s work or anything any American studio has set out (mostly garbage). The more recent big-budget releases, like “Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers,” are almost too polished.

The really wacked-out, worth-watching stuff comes from Chinese studios in the 80s and 90s — the wuxia tradition in which the martial arts aspect has a fairy-tale overlay and wushu confers immortality and the ability to fly without wings. Ching Siu-Tung’s work (The Heroic Trio, Butterfly Sword) is some of the best.

From Sam Zeitlin
Wonder why I haven’t heard of it?

I think the material may have put off critics, audiences and distribution. If it’s any consolation, I have never seen Raging Bull.