Constant Rewind Vol 1

A comfort movie is a film that evokes positive feelings and provides a sense of escape from reality. They're often movies people have seen repeatedly and have a personal connection with. Comfort movies can be tied to a specific time, place, or person in the viewer's life, and can be any genre.

I personally have too many comfort films than I can count. Let alone martial arts comfort films. So to help designate this listicle. Here is a new and continuing segment known as Constant Rewind. A listicle series dedicated to the many martial arts and action films that have been comfort films for me. Perfect for anytime on any occasion.

The four films on this first volume. Are movies that I’ve seen countless times throughout my life. And I am certain it won’t be the last time I rewatch these particular films. So without further a due, here is volume one of Constant Rewind.

1.Wheels on Meals (1984) Directed by Sammo Hung

Plot/ synopsis: In Barcelona, two Chinese food truck operators must use their martial arts skills to help their private investigator friend protect a beautiful pickpocket from ruthless gangsters.

Personal Thoughts/ takeaways: When it comes to Jackie Chans filmography. There are no shortage of great action comedies to choose from. Police Story, Rush Hour, My Lucky Stars, Mr.Nice Guy, Gorgeous, City Hunter, etc. But I feel the one that I constantly go to. Is 1984 Wheels on Meals, directed by Sammo Hung. Particularly the English dub with the Japanese soundtrack known as the Spartan X soundtrack. I love this film for the fun dynamic duo chemistry of Yuen Biao and Jackie Chan. The well timed comedic beats of physical comedy and dialogue. And the slick choreographed fights. Particularly the end fight scene between Benny the Jet and Jackie Chan. Which serves as a master class on how to film hand to hand cinematic combat. It’s undeniably 80’s, but in the best ways. It lives in that 80’s time capsule. But it doesn’t feel dated and it holds the test of time. It’s enjoyable & re-watchable.

Movie Trailer

2. The King of The Kickboxers (1990) Directed by Lucas Lowe

Plot/synopsis: A cop goes undercover in Thailand to avenge his brother's death in this martial arts film

Personal thoughts/takeaways: I love 1989 Kickboxer starring Van Damme. But if I want to watch a movie with the same plot, but with more Hong Kong style action. Then I go to the 1990 The King of The Kickboxers. Directed by Lucas Lowe and starring Loren Avedon, Billy Blanks, and Keith Cooke Hirabayashi. This film is the gold standard of straight to video martial arts cinema. That blends American and Hong Kong style action very well. The film takes itself serious, but also knows how to have fun. This film also potentially inspired the character designs of Terry Bogard of the SNK games Fatal Fury/ King of Fighters, and DeeJay of the Capcom games StreetFighter.

Loren Avedons character Jake Donahue , oozes pure laid back charisma and confidence. But also reveals and expresses true vulnerability. Which gives depth to his character. Billy Blanks knocks it out the park as the main villain Khan. Who is a menacing psychotic martial arts serial killer, that has no remorse. And the cherry on top is Keith Cooke as Prang, a reluctant but scarred master to Jake. The teacher student dynamic between them is genuine and adds to the awesome training sequences/montages. Overall this is a film I can watch during a workout, meal, bedtime, morning breakfast and whenever really. It’s a lot of fun and is without a doubt a pure comfort film.

Movie Trailer

Full Movie (YouTube)

3. StreetFighter 2: The Animated Movie (1994) Directed by Gisaburô Sugii

Plot/synopsis: A crime boss searching for the world's best fighters pursues a talented Japanese drifter and his American ex-classmate, while an Interpol agent and a US Army captain seek to bring him down.

Personal thoughts/takeaways: For me the best comfort films should have a level of familiarity and nostalgia. And a film that delivers on both those aspects. Is the 1994 anime, StreetFighter 2: the animated movie by Capcom/Manga entertainment. This anime is one that holds up in illustration, action, & story. It’s also super 90’s in the best way. The U.S. release version has music by SilverChair, Alice In Chains, KMFDM , & Korn. For me this movie is an amalgamation of the best aspect of the 90’s. Martial Arts, video games, and awesome 90’s music. Aside from the nostalgia. The fight sequences are amazingly well executed and it properly pays homage to the games. My personal favorite fight scene is between Fei Long and Ryu towards the beginning of the film. The movie also has some strong emotional beats and content, and a strong sense of the martial code of classic martial arts films. I can watch this movie anytime of the week and not get bored and still be extremely motivated by the fights and ethos of the film and characters.

Movie Trailer

Full Movie

4. Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture (1994) Directed by Masami Ôbari

Plot/synopsis: The brothers, Andy & Terry Bogard, along with Joe Higashi and Mai Shiranui, try to help Sulia Gaudeamus stop her ambitious brother Laocorn from finding the magical armor of Mars.

Personal thoughts/takeaways: I remember when I was a kid in circa 1999/2000. I rented the first two Fatal Fury anime’s from either Hollywood Video or Blockbuster. As much as I enjoy Legend of The Hungry Wolf & The New Battle. Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture. Is superior in terms of budget , marketing ,the fights & story. In scope it certainly has a more cinematic feel. One of my favorite fight scenes is the opening Muay Thai fight between Joe Higashi and Hwa. Which is probably the best Muay Thai animated fight scene to date. In terms of story , it does a great job using key elements of the first two films and expanding the world building in this third film. Broadening the connective feel of all the films as a whole. There are some slow in between moments, but the film does have a decent pace of concluding all the story elements. It makes my comfort film list because it’s a film where I don’t need my full attention for, but when the cool moments happen. It’s gives me a break from what I’m doing to enjoy it. So it’s not purely background noise, but it’s also not a full attention grabber. It’s a film I can easily put on if I’m in a productive state of mind. I would highly recommend this film for anyone who’s a fan of martial arts video games and action anime.

Movie Trailer

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