Action film

An action film is a cinematic genre defined by its focus on movement and excitement.

These films predominantly feature high-energy sequences like chases, fights, shootouts, and explosions. They also rely heavily on stunt work to create visual thrills. While the term "action-adventure" appeared as early as the 1910s, the genre did not become a unique category for promotion and reviews until the 1980s. Scholars often debate what truly defines an action film. Some experts, like David Bordwell, suggest these films prioritize spectacle over storytelling. Others, such as Geoff King, argue that the spectacle is actually used to enhance the narrative.

To understand how an action film works, one must look at the relationship between form and content. Harvey O'Brien suggests the genre is a fusion of these two elements. In this view, action, agitation, and movement are paramount to the film's identity. The mechanics of the genre involve characters facing physical conflicts or challenges. These challenges often involve a quest for freedom from oppression. Heroes may battle other humans or even alien opponents to overcome obstacles. This movement creates a specific experience for the viewer that goes beyond simple plot points.

Action films are often hybrid works that mix with other genres. They can blend into comedies, science fiction, or horror films. Because of this, some researchers prefer terms like "mode" or "narrative form" over the word "genre." Johan Höglund and Agnieszka Soltysik Monnet note that the differences between these terms are elusive. They suggest "genre" relates to specific historical moments. In contrast, "mode" may refer to larger patterns that exist across wider historical fields.

This flexibility allows action to frame a certain manner of filmmaking that exceeds a single category.

The history of Hollywood action films is often divided into four distinct phases. The formative phase began in the 1960s and led into the New Hollywood era of the late 1960s and 1970s. During this time, the genre drew heavily from Westerns, crime films, and war films. This era introduced the rise of the anti-hero. The 1980s marked a "classical period" for the genre. This was followed by a "post-classical" era influenced by Hong Kong cinema and computer-generated imagery.

After the September 11 attacks, the genre saw a return to earlier forms, seen in films like *Kill Bill* and *The Expendables*.

In Asia, Chinese-language martial arts films represent a major transnational trend. These films can be traced back to Shanghai cinema in the late 1920s. At that time, they comprised almost 60% of all Chinese films. However, these early films were often considered "tame" and lacked modern choreography. After the industry moved to Hong Kong in the late 1940s, the genre was revived. Many films focused on the Cantonese folk hero Wong Fei-hung.

By the 1960s, "new school" martial arts films emerged with higher production values and sophisticated special effects.

The 1970s saw a major shift toward the kung fu sub-genre. This era featured "yanggang," or staunch masculinity, often through the films of Chang Cheh. The studio Golden Harvest provided creative freedom to new directors and actors. Most notably, Bruce Lee attracted a massive global audience to kung fu films. His popularity lasted until his death in 1973, which led to a temporary decline in the art form. Later, the genre was revitalized by Jackie Chan's kung fu comedies and the gangster films of John Woo.

Today, the action genre is a global phenomenon with deep connections between Hollywood and Hong Kong. Many prominent actors and directors, such as Michelle Yeoh and Jet Li, have moved between these film industries. The release of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* in 2000 helped secure the global status of Chinese-language martial arts films. Modern action films continue to evolve through the use of digital tools and international co-productions. While some critics, like Scott Higgins, argue the genre is often derided for favoring spectacle, its popularity remains immense. It continues to be a primary way that filmmakers explore movement, heroism, and physical challenge.