Written by the author: This guide is written by Sifu Kendra Mahon (Kung Fu Kendra), who wrote this book. It describes what the book covers and who it suits. It is not an independent review.
At a glance
- Series: Kung Fu Kendra Reviews, Book 1
- Type: Film guide: more than forty kung fu movies reviewed and scored
- Formats: Kindle and paperback (coming soon)
- Best for: Kung fu fans, Wing Chun students and anyone planning a movie night
- Not for: Readers looking for technique instruction
What the book covers
More than forty films in eight parts: the films of Bruce Lee; Wing Chun on screen, from the four Donnie Yen Ip Man films to The Prodigal Son and Warriors Two; Wong Fei-hung and the southern legends; Shaw Brothers and Shaolin; masters and legends such as Fearless and Hero; the women of kung fu cinema; Hollywood meets kung fu; and Kendra’s Honest Takes on famous titles that get kung fu wrong. Each review covers what she loves, what is real and what is movie magic, and the lesson for a martial arts student, with a Kendra Score out of twenty. The book closes with her all-time top ten and a viewing order for beginners.
Who should read it
- Kung fu fans who want an honest guide to the classics, from Bruce Lee to Shang-Chi.
- Wing Chun students who want to know what is real Wing Chun on screen and what is movie magic.
- Newcomers to the genre who need a place to start; the book suggests a ten-film viewing order for beginners.
- Teachers and clubs looking for a film night with a lesson attached to every movie.
How to use it
Use the Kendra Score to pick a film: each one is rated from one to five for Real Kung Fu, Fight Choreography, Heart and Philosophy and Rewatch Value, and sixteen or more out of twenty means essential viewing. Read the review, watch the film, then read the lesson at the end of the chapter. If you are new to kung fu cinema, start with the beginners’ viewing order at the back of the book. The author is clear that movie fighting is choreography, not real fighting.
A short excerpt
“A good kung fu movie can light a fire that lasts a lifetime.”
Where to get it
Kung Fu Kendra Reviews: The Best Kung Fu Movies of All Time is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback. In the meantime, see Kendra’s other books on her Amazon author page or on Goodreads under Kendra Mahon, and read what students say on the Kung Fu Kendra reviews page. For other Wing Chun books, see our guide to Wing Chun books.
About the author
Sifu Kendra Mahon, known as Kung Fu Kendra, has trained since 2005 and holds Master level (purple sash). She teaches Traditional Wing Chun as it was passed down to her by Master Brian Lewadny, who learned it from Grandmaster William Cheung. She is the author of 13 books and counting, including the ten-book The Way of Wing Chun series and the Masters of Kung Fu series.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kung Fu Kendra Reviews: The Best Kung Fu Movies of All Time?
Book 1 of the Kung Fu Kendra Reviews series by Sifu Kendra Mahon, a Wing Chun master who reviews and scores more than forty kung fu films as a fan and as a teacher.
What is the Kendra Score?
Each film is rated from one to five for Real Kung Fu, Fight Choreography, Heart and Philosophy and Rewatch Value, for a total out of twenty.
Which films get a perfect score?
Ip Man (2008), The Prodigal Son (1981) and The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) each score 20 out of 20.
Is it available yet?
It is coming soon to Amazon in Kindle and paperback.