Q&A with David Da Silva, author of Martial Arts in Cinema: From Tokyo to Hollywood
Q: What inspired you to write Martial Arts in Cinema: Volume 1 – From Tokyo to Hollywood (1945–1988) ?
David Da Silva: My father, Natalino, introduced me to Bruce Lee and martial arts films at a young age, sparking a lifelong passion. As a cinema historian with a PhD in film studies, I wanted to trace the genre’s evolution from post-war Japan and Hong Kong to its impact on Hollywood, highlighting its cultural and artistic significance.
Q: How is the book structured, and what period does it cover?
David Da Silva: The book spans from 1945 to 1988 and is divided into three main sections. The first defines martial arts cinema, including its intersections with adaptations, musicals, and even parallels with pornography. The second explores its origins in Japan and Hong Kong, from chanbara and wuxia to kung fu. The third focuses on the genre’s migration to Hollywood. It also includes a great foreword by Richard "Ric" Meyers.
Q:What makes this volume unique compared to other books on martial arts cinema?
David Da Silva: It features numerous exclusive interviews with key figures such as Andre Morgan, Michael Allin (write of Enter the Dragon), Matthew Polly, Lorenzo De Luca, Sam Firstenberg, writer and actors from The Karate Kid. There's also a glossary of terms like bushido, gun fu, and wudan, along with extensive endnotes filled with sources, anecdotes, and details. I recommend reading the main text first, then revisiting it with the notes for deeper insight. My book summarizes the most interesting analyses on the subject by international researchers, and I contribute my own analyses and previously unpublished information on the subject. I think that even the biggest fans of Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris will learn some seriously new things from my work.
Q: You dedicate significant space to Bruce Lee. Why is he so central to the book?
David Da Silva: Bruce Lee bridged East and West, revolutionizing the genre with films like Enter the Dragon. His philosophy—like “be water, my friend”—and innovations, such as the concept of “fighting without fighting,” influenced everything from choreography to global popularity. I explore his life, films, and legacy, with exclusive insights from experts like Matthew Polly and Lorenzo De Luca.
Q: How does the book trace the genre’s evolution from Asia to Hollywood?
David Da Silva: It begins with Akira Kurosawa movies and Japanese chanbara and samurai epics, then moves to Hong Kong’s Shaw Brothers wuxia, the “new wuxia” of Chang Cheh, and kung fu legends like Liu Chia-Liang and Jackie Chan. It then explores Hollywood’s adoption of the genre through Enter the Dragon, Chuck Norris’s films, ninja movies, and The Karate Kid, highlighting cultural exchanges and adaptations.
Q: What’s one of your favorite films or scenes discussed in the book?
David Da Silva: The Colosseum fight in The Way of the Dragon between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris is iconic. It’s a masterclass in adaptability, rhythm, and emotional depth, perfectly embodying the principles of Jeet Kune Do. In fact, my book devotes sections to analyzing iconic fight scenes (Jackie Chan and Benny Urquidez in Wheels on Meals, Chuck Norris and the bar fight in Code of Silence, the final fight in the first Karate Kid...), in which I detail the specificities of each fight choreography and the evolution of staging.
Q: What challenges did you face while researching and writing?
David Da Silva: Managing the vast amount of sources and endnotes was a major challenge, as was translating foreign-language materials. Securing exclusive interviews also required persistence, but they added invaluable perspectives and anecdotes. I want these four volumes to be as comprehensive as possible. So I interviewed everyone who plays an important role in the success of a martial arts film, and each of them gives advice and shares their experience. There are producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, fight choreographers, stunt performers, editors, directors of photography...
Q: Who is the intended audience for this book?
David Da Silva: Passionate fans, scholars, and newcomers to martial arts cinema. It’s accessible yet detailed, with a glossary and endnotes for deeper exploration. Anyone interested in film history, culture, or action choreography will find something valuable.
Q: Do you plan more volumes, and what might they cover?
David Da Silva: Yes. Volume 2 will cover 1989 to the present, focusing on modern evolutions, global influences, and stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal, as well as the DTV era with actors like Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Lorenzo Lamas, Jeff Speakman, Gary Daniels, Jeff Wincott and PM Entertainment period. It will include many interviews and photos. Volume 3 will explore the American careers of Jet Li and Jackie Chan, as well as VOD directors like John Hyams, Dimitri Logothetis, Roel Reiné, or Jesse V. Johnson. Finally, Volume 4 will focus on women in martial arts films, Donnie Yen’s career, the portrayal of MMA on screen and all martial arts movies around the world (Europe, Africa, South America, Asia).
Q: Any final thoughts for readers?
David Da Silva: Embrace the flow of cinematic combat—read it like water, adapting to its depths. This genre isn’t just about fights; it’s about philosophy, culture, and artistry. Be water, my friend, and immerse yourself.