Wuxia resources

[ghostexorcist]

Hey there,

I've got a few letters in response to my Wuxia article. Most of those have been simple comments of appreciation. To those of you who did so I have to say thank you.

I have also had a spirited discussion with a reader who feels that my statements to the effect that Confucian ethics inform Wuxia are incorrect.

I invite this reader to discuss this topic here as I am interested to understand why he feels that novels in the genre, such as Return of the Condor Heroes and Datang Youxia Zhuan represent a separate philosophical corpus as distinct, as he put it, as Mohism from Confucianism.

The book The Chinese Knight-Errant (1967), by Prof. James J.Y. Liu, states the historical youxia's ideals and beliefs matched up with the following religions from least to greatest (the list is mine, he actually provides a lot of reasons why):

1. Legalist
2. Confucian
3. Taoist
4. Mohist

I do not have time to elaborate further as I am currently studying for a huge test in my Herpetology class. If I find the time in the next couple of days, I will transcribe the section.

This might have some bearing on the discussion since Knights-errant are common features in wuxia novels.

[Phil Redmond]

Speaking on Wuxia, check this thread
http://forum.kungfumagazine.com/foru...ad.php?t=56805

[SimonM]

The book The Chinese Knight-Errant (1967), by Prof. James J.Y. Liu, states the historical youxia's ideals and beliefs matched up with the following religions from least to greatest (the list is mine, he actually provides a lot of reasons why):

1. Legalist
2. Confucian
3. Taoist
4. Mohist

The person who wrote to me referenced that book in his initial EMail.
However it is mistaken to conflate historical youxia entirely with the fictional genre of wuxia, even if youxia are used as stock characters within the genre.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Hey there,

I've got a few letters in response to my Wuxia article. Most of those have been simple comments of appreciation. To those of you who did so I have to say thank you.

I have also had a spirited discussion with a reader who feels that my statements to the effect that Confucian ethics inform Wuxia are incorrect.

I invite this reader to discuss this topic here as I am interested to understand why he feels that novels in the genre, such as Return of the Condor Heroes and Datang Youxia Zhuan represent a separate philosophical corpus as distinct, as he put it, as Mohism from Confucianism.

That is some freaking article dude !
Very well done !

[SimonM]

Thanks mate! How you been keeping lately?

[Lucas]

very nice read

[ghostexorcist]

The person who wrote to me referenced that book in his initial EMail.
However it is mistaken to conflate historical youxia entirely with the fictional genre of wuxia, even if youxia are used as stock characters within the genre.

I know. That's why I italicized historical. I just figured you could use the info in your discussion.

Keep up the good work.

[SimonM]

Thanks for that, I do throw occasional articles in Gene's direction though I am still concentrating mostly on the book. I'm editing draft 4. It'll be good enough to start seeking an agent soon.

[ghostexorcist]

Thanks for that, I do throw occasional articles in Gene's direction though I am still concentrating mostly on the book. I'm editing draft 4. It'll be good enough to start seeking an agent soon.

What is your book about?

[SimonM]

It's a science fiction novel influenced by Dune, the works of Tolkien and the works of Jin Yong. Especially the latter and the former.

[ghostexorcist]

That is one crazy mix of genres. Let me know when you publish it.

I'm working on three books that I will probably never finish. Two are martial arts-based and the other is an adventure sort of deal.

[SimonM]

Ecological Sci Fi and Wuxia both play into a post pseudo-apocalypse setting quite well.

Also both Herbert and Jin Yong liked to deal with issues of religion and politics and how they relate... as do I.

[TenTigers]

I happen to really prefer the wu xia Mo Hop Peen to the more modern types of film. I like the fantasy mixed with martial morality, and fantastic powers/prowess.
These come to mind:
Heaven Sword Dragon Saber,
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Condor Heroes
Swordsman
What are your faves? Recommendations?

[mickey]

Hi TenTigers,

Of the new era swordplay movies, I enjoyed the Chinese Ghost Story films.

I did like Swordsman because it did not portray women as bit players. I also enjoyed the scene when the defeated master lost his tooth biting the food: "Am I biting this or is it biting me?"

I prefer some of the earlier stuff:

Sentimental Swordsman parts one and two

Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain

Killer Constable



mickey

[Jimbo]

Off the top of my head:

Last Hurrah For Chivalry.

Kid With the Golden Arm (actually more of a kung fu/wuxia pian).

The B@st@rd Swordsman.

Return of the B@st@rd Swordsman.

The One-Armed Swordsman (original).

The Deadly Breaking Sword.

The House of Traps.

The Sword.

The Bells of Death.

The Sentimental Swordsman.

Return of the Sentimental Swordsman.

The Flag of Iron (could be loosely considered a wuxia pian).

Brothers Five.