WUXIA GENRE

It is a film genre originating in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Because of its distinguishing characteristics (historical setting, action scenes on swordplay, melodrama,friendship, betrayal, and loyalty), this genre is considered slightly different to the martial arts style films.

Wuxia was introduced to Hollywood Studios in 2000 by Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Following Ang Lee's footsteps, Zhang Yimou made Hero in 2003 and House of Flying Daggers in 2004 to target the international market. From getting Wuxia genre films to American audiences, films like the Matrix had elements of wuxia in it, even though the supernatural power is from a different source. Many films have a strong wuxia influence in them, like the Kill Bill movies (fight scenes and story line).

Since wuxia is a part of Chinese culture, it is realistic to Chinese people when watching the films because there are people in real life that can do it. But, there are criticisms from westerners when watching these types of movies because wuxia isn't a part of their culture, so they think it is unrealistic of people gliding through water and other things. 

Directors that have done a Wuxia film is Chang Cheh (One Armed Swordsman, 1967), King Hu (Dragon Inn, 1967), Tsui Hark (The Blade, 1995), and more.