I saw a film called Bulletproof Monk last night. I love a good Hollywood martial arts movie so I do! It's a guilty pleasure because you probably wouldn't describe any of them as "good". But I'm mesmerised by Jet Lee, rely on Jackie Chan for a good giggle and you can guarantee a whole load of action from Chow Yun Fat. (Incidentally, it seems Chow Yun Fat isn't a martial artist at all - he's just very good at choreography and stunts!)
Obviously the most famous aikido practitioner is Steven Seagal. I love watching out for a nikkyo, tenchinage or a kotageshi (dramatically sending the attacker into an over-the-top and through a wall).
Unfortunately for me though I find Steven Seagal's movies more frustrating than anything else. Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting his abilities off-screen. But the camera angles and editing are designed to create drama and thrills which, in my opinion, takes the true awesomeness away from the art. Maybe it's like a doctor or nurse watching Casualty. They're so involved with the reality that they know when something in a hospital TV programme is dramatised for the audience. Kind of ruins it for them and others watching it with them! And Steven Seagal might have black belts in aikido, karate, judo and kendo but, with all due respect, he can't act for peanut butter.
Anyway, that doesn't stop me enjoying a bit of Under Seige!
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