10. Liu Jin Xi (Wu Xia) - Dragon
Released in 2011, this critically acclaimed Chinese box office hit is a far cry from your average martial arts movie. It's an interesting fusion between an epic family drama and an engaging detective story that takes place in early-20th-century China. The movie follows the story of Liu Jin-Xi (Donnie Yen), a peaceful craftsman who becomes a local hero after saving his village from a robbery. His life gets shattered once a suspicious detective (Takeshi Kaneshiro) exposes him as a dangerous fugitive. The movie is supposed to be a tribute to The One-Armed Swordsman (1967), Chang Cheh's old classic. But to a Western audience, the plot feels more like a loose remake of Cronenberg's A History of Violence (2005). As such, Dragon feels undoubtedly modern with its hard rock filled soundtrack and the CGI-heavy scenes that dissect the fights and explain the injuries CSI style. Both actors deliver convincing and entertaining interpretations. However, none of them matches Jimmy Wang's flawless performance as the ruthless Master, the head of bloodthirsty murderers - and incidentally Jin-Xi's father. When the Master eventually learns about his son's whereabouts, he reaches his homestead and takes his family hostage. A tense conversation ensues with the Master playing gently with his grandson on his lap, while telling his son how much he despises him for leaving his real family. Jimmy Wang plays with a sense of genuine menace. During the unsettling climax, he declares that he will let Jin-Xi go. Yet he will take his son's life as a trade. Then, suddenly he grabs the poor toddler and threatens to throw him on the floor in front of the helpless parents. Fortunately, the child is saved by Jin-Xi who engages in a raw and brutal fight to the death with his father - with a little help from the detective. The final showdown makes clear that the Master may be old but he can still kick some ass. He is a highly skilled warrior and a true force of nature. I mean, the guy can stop a sword with his neck. Just sayin'