Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite Movie Is a Martial Arts Masterpiece Everyone Must Watch Once

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The martial arts genre, especially classic Kung Fu films from Hong Kong, is incredibly influential but often overlooked. Movies like Five Deadly Venoms, The Chinese Boxer, and anything starring Bruce Lee have heavily inspired many modern action films and filmmakers. These films consistently stand out as key inspirations in the action genre.

Quentin Tarantino often talks about the movies that inspire him, and while Westerns and crime films are big influences, martial arts cinema has likely had the most impact. This makes sense, given that he later directed the acclaimed martial arts film Kill Bill. However, one of his personal favorite movies in the genre – a 1976 release that came after Bruce Lee’s peak – doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

Master of the Flying Guillotine Is One Of the Defining Kung Fu Masterpieces Of the ’70s

Many people don’t know that martial arts films existed long before their recent surge in popularity. Throughout the 1960s, Hong Kong produced a wealth of Kung Fu movies that are now considered genre classics. The Shaw Brothers studio consistently released these films, and Bruce Lee’s success in the early 1970s simply brought the genre to a wider audience. Similar films continued to be made throughout the ’70s, and they benefited from the increased interest sparked by Bruce Lee.

When people think of classic Kung Fu, The Five Deadly Venoms often comes to mind. But the 1970s offered many other fantastic films with incredible action, memorable characters, and unique stories. The Master of the Flying Guillotine, released in 1976, is a prime example. While Bruce Lee, Bruce Li, and Jackie Chan are well-known, Jimmy Wang Yu deserves more recognition as a major figure in the genre.

Throughout the 1960s, The Shaw Brothers studio was incredibly successful, and Jimmy Wang Yu was a key star for them, appearing in many of their films. He quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the action genre, with a distinctive look, voice, and commanding presence on screen. Later, when he decided to work independently, he created some of his most iconic films, including Master of the Flying Guillotine.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the film is seeing Yu reprise his role as “The One-Armed Boxer,” but with a clever twist. Instead of being the hero, he plays the villain opposite “The Master of the Flying Guillotine.” This role reversal is handled expertly, smoothly guiding the audience to understand and support the new hero. Many fans consider “The Flying Guillotine” to be the most memorable and impressive adversary “The One-Armed Boxer” has ever faced.

The film steadily builds suspense, and its plot revolves around the One-Armed Boxer and his students inevitably facing a powerful enemy. When the One-Armed Boxer defeats two of the Guillotine’s followers, he becomes the Guillotine’s main target. At its core, the story is a conflict between good and evil, forcing fighters from all over to pick a side. This division is first shown in the beginning and then highlighted in a thrilling, extended tournament sequence packed with action.

Watching the Master of the Flying Guillotine effortlessly defeat his opponents with his unique weapon is incredibly entertaining. In contrast, the One-Armed Boxer doesn’t fight until the very end of the film, facing off against three major enemies. This difference in how they’re presented creates a great sense of anticipation and balance as their inevitable showdown approaches. With its originality, imaginative setting, and exciting action, this film remains the most iconic Kung Fu movie of the 1970s.

Quentin Tarantino Has Hailed Master of the Flying Guillotine A Must-Watch

Quentin Tarantino has long been a huge fan of Kung Fu and martial arts films. From the very beginning of his movie-watching days, he’s consistently enjoyed both classic and newer films in the genre. Like Spaghetti Westerns, Kung Fu movies and Hong Kong cinema have greatly shaped his style. Tarantino is, at heart, a devoted movie fan who brings those passions to his own filmmaking, and his films clearly reflect the influences he loves.

Films like Five Deadly Venoms, The Chinese Boxer, The Blade, Chocolate, One-Armed Executioner, and Beast of the War Gods are classics. But when recently asked for his top Kung Fu recommendation, Quentin Tarantino chose Master of the Flying Guillotine. He called it a masterpiece, highlighting elements that both dedicated fans and general audiences would enjoy. He believes its pure entertainment value makes it a standout film.

Throughout Master of the Flying Guillotine, the film delivers constant action while also taking the time to develop its characters and build a fascinating world. Like many great Kung Fu movies, it benefits from strong details – unique characters, skills, and weapons – and successfully blends action with fantasy. Director and writer Jimmy Wang Yu truly shines in this film, creating a story with a larger cast of characters than is typical for martial arts movies, and giving each one a memorable trait.

The film’s strongest moments are found in the middle and at the end. The main tournament scene is full of exciting, fast-paced action and classic martial arts, creating a sense of relentless energy. With so many fighters, the audience is left wondering how it will all stop – and it’s the Master of the Flying Guillotine who ultimately brings the momentum to a halt. The other standout sequence is the final showdown between the One-Armed Boxer and the Flying Guillotine. Despite relying on familiar tropes, this 1976 film expertly utilizes those elements to create maximum impact.

Jimmy Wang Yu starred in many fantastic movies, and Master of the Flying Guillotine is often considered his best. Quentin Tarantino certainly appreciates how the film excels at classic Kung Fu elements, and its consistent quality makes it a really fun watch. This makes it a great entry point for anyone new to martial arts films. Of all the martial arts movies Tarantino has praised, Master of the Flying Guillotine stands out as a top recommendation.

Master of the Flying Guillotine Might Be the Best Kung Fu Film of the ’70s

Certain films truly define their genres, and Kung Fu movies are a prime example. They captured the attention of a wider audience, and the release of Enter the Dragon in 1973 sparked a huge surge in the popularity of Kung Fu films.

Although many consider one film to be the best of the 1970s, Master of the Flying Guillotine is undeniably charming, imaginative, and fun to watch. The ’70s produced several films that shaped the martial arts genre, and Five Deadly Venoms remains a particularly influential title. Still, dedicated fans often cherish the lesser-known, hidden treasures within any genre.

Movies like 8 Diagram Pole Fighter and The Shaolin Avengers clearly fit into the Kung Fu genre. Master of the Flying Guillotine is similar, and many consider it the most fun of these films. Even if it’s not the best Kung Fu movie from the 1970s, it’s definitely one of the most overlooked gems.

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2026-01-16 04:11