Top 5 Action Movies from The East

North American and European audience has so much entertainment to consume from the rise of streaming platforms. There are many captivating western films and series that should be on the list of the audience. However, Eastern Cinema also has so much to offer as well.

Today, we look at Top 5 Action Movies from the East.

#5 Ichi the Killer | Japan

This Japanese Action-Horror movie was banned from several countries for its depiction of violence and cruelty. Based on Hideo Yamamoto’s manga series of the same name, acclaimed actor Nao Omori portrays Ichi, a psychologically damaged man manipulated into killing gang members. Credited for setting new boundaries in depicting violence and bloodshed in cinema, this cult classic is an allegory of the relationship between violence and media. It is a treat for hardcore action movie fans.

#4 Flashpoint | Hong Kong

Martial Arts Legend Donnie Yen made this movie with the goal of Chinese action movies giving something refreshing to the world cinema, departing from traditional Chinese stuntwork and martial arts. This Action-Crime film is known for its realism in fight sequences from the use of Mixed Martial Arts.

#3 Raid: The Redemption | Indonesia

The movie made martial artist Iko Uwais a worldwide star and popularized the traditional Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat. This Action-Thriller is poetry through the carnage and one of the best action movies from Eastern Cinema.

#2 Oldboy | South Korea

One of the most influential action movies in world cinema resulted in Hollywood and Bollywood making their remakes of this movie. Based on the Japanese Manga of the same name, legendary actor Choi Min-sik plays Oh Dae-su, a deranged man out for vengeance. The film also popularized one single shot fight sequence, bringing more legitimacy to stunt work and action.

#1 Tom-Yum-Goong/The Protector | Thailand

The greatest martial artist of the modern era, Tony Jaa didn’t disappoint with his second major movie after the hugely successful film Ong Bak: The Muay Thai Warrior. Tony Jaa and Panna Rittikrai created a new style of Muay Thai for this movie called muay kodchasaan (elephant boxing), emphasizing grappling moves. One of the most popular and influential martial arts action movies of the 21st Century, the movie is a beautiful art with commentary on animal rights, friendship, and morality through action and stuntwork.