Wuxia

Wuxia or Wǔxiá (Mandarin ùɕiɑ̌, Hanyu Pinyin: Wǔxiá, Cantonese Pinyin: mou5 hap6: Taiwanese/Hokkien: bu hiap). Wǔxiá is a Chinese martial literary form that has figured prominently in the popular culture of Chinese-speaking areas since ancient times to the present; the most important Wǔxiá writers have devoted followings.

The wǔxiá genre is a blend of the philosophy of xiá (俠, "honor code", "an ethical person", "knight-errant"), and China's long history in wǔshù ("kung fu" or "martial arts"). A male martial artist who follows the code of xiá is called a swordsman, or xiákè (俠客/侠客). Japan's samurai bushidō traditions, Western Europe's knight chivalry traditions, and America's gunslinger Western traditions all share some aspects with China's swordsman xiá traditions. The swordsmen in wǔxiá need not serve a lord or hold any military power and they are not required to be from an aristocratic class, although some are.

History

Earlier precedents

Wǔxiá stories have their roots in some early yóuxiá (游侠, "Chinese knight-errant") and cìkè (刺客, "assassin") stories around 2nd to 3rd century BC, such as the assassination attempts of Jing Ke (荊軻/荆轲) and Zhuan Zhu (專諸/专诸) listed in Sima Qian's Records of the Grand Historian. In the section entitled "Assassins" (刺客列傳/刺客列传), Sima Qian outlined a number of famed assassins in the Warring States who were entrusted with the (then considered noble) task of political assassination. These were usually cì kè (刺客, literally "stabbing guests") who resided in the residences of feudal lords and noblemen, rendering services and loyalties much in the manner of Japanese samurai. In another section, "Roaming Xia" (游俠列傳/游侠列传), he detailed many embryonic features of the xia culture of his day. This popular phenomenon continues to be documented in historical annals like The Book of Han (漢書/汉书) and The Book of Later Han (後漢書/后汉书).

Xiákè stories made a strong comeback in the Tang dynasty in the form of Chuanqi (傳奇/传奇, literally "legendary") tales. Stories like Nie Yin Niang (聶隱娘/聂隐娘), The Kunlun Slave (崑崙奴/昆仑奴), Jing Shi San Niang (荆十三娘), Red String (紅線/红线) and The Bearded Warrior (虬髯客) served as prototypes for modern wǔxiá stories, featuring fantastic, out-of-the-world protagonists, often loners, who performed daring heroic deeds.

The earliest full-length novel that could be considered part of the genre was Water Margin, written in the Ming Dynasty, although some would classify parts of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms as a possible earlier antecedent. The former was a political criticism of the deplorable socio-economical state of the late Northern Song Dynasty, whilst the latter was an alternative historical retelling of the post-Han Dynasty's state of three kingdoms. Water Margin's championing of outlaws with a code of honor was especially influential in the development of Jianghu culture. Three Kingdoms contained many classic close combat descriptions which were later borrowed by wǔxiá writers.

Many works in this vein during the Ming and Qing dynasties were lost due to prohibition by the government. The ethos of personal freedom and conflict-readiness of these novels were seen as seditious even in times of peace and stability. The departure from mainstream literature also meant that patronage of this genre was limited to the masses and not to the literati, and stifled some of its growth. Nonetheless, the genre continued to be enormously popular, with certain full-length novels such as The Strange Case of Shi Gong (施公案奇聞/施公案奇闻) and The Romance of the Heroic Daughters and Sons (兒女英雄傳/儿女英雄传) cited as the clearest nascent wǔxiá novels. Justice Bao stories seen in San Xia Wu Yi (三俠五義/三侠五义, which was later extended and renamed Qi Xia Wu Yi 七俠五義) and Xiao Wu Yi (小五義/小五义) incorporated much of social justice themes of later wǔxiá stories.

20th century

The modern wǔxiá novel genre started in the early 20th century. The early 20th century and the 1960s to 1980s are often regarded as two golden ages of wǔxiá writing.

Wǔxiá fiction was banned by the Chinese Communist Party when they came to power in the People's Republic of China. (The ban was lifted in the 1980s, with China's liberalization.) As a result wǔxiá writing continued in earnest only in 1960s in Taiwan and especially Hong Kong, headed by pioneers Liang Yusheng and Louis Cha, who founded the 'new school'. Writing serially for papers and magazines, they incorporated many fictional techniques from the West. Although Cha declared the genre effectively dead in the 1990s, its fiction is facing a resurgence, as seen in the sci-fi wǔxiá novels of Huang Yi and countless amateur Internet writers.

Theme, plot and settings

The modern wǔxiá stories are basically adventure stories set in ancient China. Plot differs largely from writer to writer, but there are very clear similarities with wǔxiá protagonists and those of the modern Western fantasy genre. The fantasy element is not a prerequisite; it is possible for wǔxiá fiction to be largely realistic, such as Louis Cha's Swordswoman Riding West on White Horse or The Book and the Sword. But as the genre requires, some, perhaps most, of its characters should know martial arts.

A common plot typically features a young male protagonist in ancient China, who experiences a tragedy (e.g. the loss of a family or an old master) and goes through exceeding hardship and arduous trials to learn. Eventually the protagonist emerges as a supreme martial arts master unequalled in all of China, who then proffers his skills chivalrously to mend the ills of the "Jianghu" world.

Another common thread would involve a mature, extremely skillful hero with an equally powerful nemesis with whom he has had misgivings, and the storyline would meander to a final showdown between the protagonist and his nemesis.

Other novels, especially those by Gu Long, create detective-type and romance stories in the setting of ancient China.

The Code of Xia

To understand the concept of xia from a Western perspective, consider the Robin Hood mythology: an honourable and generous person who has considerable martial arts skills which he puts to use for the general good rather than towards any personal ends, and someone who does not necessarily obey the authorities.

Foremost in the xia's code of conduct are yi and xin, righteousness and honour, which emphasize the importance of gracious deed received or favours (恩 ēn) and revenge (仇 chóu) over other ethos of life. Nevertheless, this code of the xia is simple and grave enough for its adherents to fiercely defend.

The importance of revenge is disputed, since a considerable number of wǔxiá fiction are influenced by Buddhist idea of pacifism, which stresses forgiveness, compassion and prohibits killing.

The Use of Wushu

Although wǔxiá stories are based on true-life wushu techniques, or martial arts, the genre elevates the mastery of this art to fictitious levels of attainment (wushu being the art; wǔxiá being the people who practice the art.) Combatants may be portrayed as having any or all of the following skills:

Kung fu. Fighting using a codified sequence of movements known as zhāo (招), based on actual Chinese martial arts.

Use of objects such as sewing needles, ink brushes, benches, abaci, or musical instruments as weapons with unfailing accuracy. The sword, staff, and spear weapons are still the most commonly used by combatants.

Use of qīnggōng (T: 輕功 S: 轻功), or the ability to move swiftly and lightly, allowing them to scale walls, glide on waters or mount trees. This is based on real Chinese martial art practices. Real life martial art exponents practise qinggong by going through years of attaching heavy weights onto their legs. Its use, however, is greatly exaggerated in wire-fu movies where practitioners appear to circumvent gravity.

Use of nèijìn (內勁) or nèilì (内力), which is the ability to control mystical inner energy (qi) and direct it for attack, defense, healing, or to attain superhuman stamina.

Use of diǎnxué (T: 點穴 S: 点穴) through dim mak (點脈), chin na (擒拿), or other related techniques for killing, paralyzing, poisoning, or controlling opponents by hitting or seizing their acupressure points (xué 穴) with a finger, knuckle, elbow or weapon. Real life martial artists train in these seizing and paralyzing techniques. Their effectiveness is greatly exaggerated in wǔxiá stories.

These skills are usually described as being attainable by those who devote themselves to diligent study and practice. The details of the most powerful skills are often to be found in manuals known as mìjí (秘笈). In some stories, specific techniques can be learned by spending several years either in seclusion with a master or cloistered with the Buddhist monks at a Shaolin temple.

Jiang Hu: "The World of Martial Arts"

Jiang Hu (江湖) (Cantonese: Gong Woo), literally means "rivers and lakes" and is translated as "The World of Martial Arts" or "the martial (arts) world".

The Jiang Hu is a "shared world", an alternate universe, made up of martial artists and pugilists gathered in wulin (武林), usually congregrating in sects, clans, disciplines and schools of martial arts learnings. It is inhabited by wandering knights and princes, thieves and beggars, priests and healers, merchants and craftspeople. The best wǔxiá writers draw a vivid picture of the intricate relationships of honor, loyalty, love and hatred between individuals and between communities in this milieu.

A common aspect to jiang hu is the tacit suggestion that the courts of law are dysfunctional. Differences can only be resolved by way of force, predicating the need for xia and their chivalrous ways. Law and order is maintained by the alliance of wulin or wulin mengzhu, the society of martial artists. They are elected and commanded by the most able xia, who is usually (but not always) the protagonist of that novel (in some versions, such as the TV miniseries Paradise, the position is hereditary). This alliance leader is an arbiter, who presides and adjudicates over inequities and disputes. He is a de jure chief justice of the affairs of the jiang hu.

The term jiang hu (江湖) is linked to cultures other than those pertaining to martial arts. It can be used in any situation where laws are dysfunctional. For example, Chinese Mafia people use this term to describe their world. In Mandarin, jiang hu now means any circle of interest such as show business, sports, etc. Retirement is referred to as getting "out of jianghu" (退出江湖).

Popular comics

Although new and original wǔxiá writings have dwindled significantly in the last twenty five years, particularly so as patronage and readerships of the genre decimated due to the readily available alternatives in entertainment like DVDs, affordable gaming-consoles and so forth, the genre has proliferated in kinds in comic strips in places like Hong Kong and Taiwan, with the core essentials of the wǔxiá living on in weekly editions equivalent of the Japanese manga comic books.

Films

The earliest wǔxiá films date back to the 1920s. Films created by King Hu and Shaw Studio featured sophisticated action choreography using wire and trampoline assisted acrobatics combined with sped up camera techniques. The storylines in the early films were loosely adapted from existing literature.

Cheng Pei-Pei and Jimmy Wang-Yu were two of the biggest stars in the days of Shaw Studio and King Hu. Cantonese screen idol Connie Chan Po-chu grew up starring in wǔxiá films and was famous for her male roles. Jet Li is a more recent star of wǔxiá films, having appeared in the Swordsman series, Hero and his latest film Fearless. Yuen Woo Ping is a choreographer who achieved fame by crafting stunning action-sequences in films of the genre. Mainland Chinese director Zhang Yimou's foray into wǔxiá films was distinguished by the imaginative use of vivid colours and breathtaking background settings.

Wǔxiá was introduced to the Hollywood studios in 2000 by Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Following Ang Lee's footsteps, Zhang Yimou made Hero, targeted for the international market, in 2003, and House of Flying Daggers in 2004. American audiences are also being introduced to wǔxiá through Asian-television stations in larger cities, which feature well-produced miniseries such as Warriors of the Yang Clan and Paradise, often with English subtitles. With complex, almost soap-opera storylines, lavish sets and costumes, and veteran actors in pivotal roles, these tales can appeal to a variety of audiences.

Significant wǔxiá films include:

Lady Swordfighter of Jiang-Nan (1925) serial starring Chin Tsi-ang
The Burning of the Red Lotus Temple (《火燒紅蓮寺》1928) — early wǔxiá film
Red Heroine (1929); revenge-themed 13-film serial starring Fan Xuepeng
Ru Lai Shen Zhang (《如來神掌》1964) — starring Cho Tat Wah and Yu So Chow
Dragon Gate Inn (《龙门客栈》1966) — King Hu wǔxiá
A Touch of Zen (俠女 1971) King Hu wǔxiá
The Magic Blade (《天涯明月刀》1976) — Shaw Brothers wǔxiá
Zu - Warriors from the Magic Mountain (《新蜀山劍俠》1983) — A Tsui Hark Film;
The Legend of Condor Heroes (《射雕英雄传》1983) — serial starring Barbara Yung
A Chinese Ghost Story (《倩女幽魂》1987)
Swordsman II (《笑傲江湖之東方不敗》1992) — the high water mark of 90s wǔxiá pian
The Bride with White Hair (《白髮魔女傳》1993) — A Ronny Yu Film;
Ashes of Time (《东邪西毒》1994) — A Wong Kar-wai Film;
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (《卧虎藏龙》2000) — An Ang Lee Film; Hollywood wǔxiá
The Legend of Zu (《蜀山传》2001) — A Tsui Hark Film;
Hero (《英雄》2002) — A Zhang Yimou Film; Movie set at time of Qin Shi Huang with Jet Li as Nameless.
House of Flying Daggers (《十面埋伏》2004) — A Zhang Yimou Film; A movie starring Takeshi Kaneshiro and Ziyi Zhang
Kung Fu Hustle (《功夫》2004) — A Stephen Chow Film; A parody of wǔxiá
The Promise (《无极》2005) — A Chen Kaige Film; A movie based on the wǔxiá story "The Slave of Kunlun"
Seven Swords (《七剑》2005) — A Tsui Hark Film; Adapted from wǔxiá author Liang Yusheng's novel
Curse of the Golden Flower (《满城尽带黄金甲》2006) — A Zhang Yimou Film; A movie starring Gong Li and Chow Yun-Fat
The Banquet (《夜宴》2006) — A Feng Xiaogang Film; A movie starring Zhang Ziyi and Daniel Wu
Fearless (《霍元甲》2006) — A Ronny Yu film, starring Jet Li. Loosely based on the life of Huo Yuan Jia, a legendary Chinese martial artist.
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) (Chinese: 功夫之王) - A 2008 Hollywood martial arts-adventure film.

Books

Wǔxiá novels constitute a highly popular genre of their own throughout Greater China, Singapore and Chinese speaking communities around the world. Wǔxiá novels, especially by eminent authors like Louis Cha and Gu Long, have a devoted following. Important wǔxiá novelists include:

Louis Cha - Also known as Jin Yong
Gu Long
Huang Yi
Wen Ruian
Liang Yusheng
Sima Ziyan
Xiao Yi
Shi Weihan
Xiao Duan
Wang Dulu - author of the Crouching Tiger series

Video games

Comics

External links

Introduction to the Wuxia genre
Heroic Grace An introduction to wǔxiá with an emphasis on explaining the more unlikely elements for new readers.
WuxiaWorld Site devoted to wǔxiá literature, films, TV series, and translations.
Wuxiapedia - a comprehensive database for all things "wuxia", including translations of popular wǔxiá novels, fully-annotated references of wǔxiá elements, and wǔxiá-related research articles.
WuxiaSociety.org An English based wǔxiá portal, society of English-speaking wǔxiá fans around the globe, formerly known as Wuxiamania discussion forum
spcnet.tv Wuxia Forums - Wuxia Forums with in-depth discussions and translations in English.
Wuxia pian (with a tripod ad).
A Chinese page on the history of wuxia film
Zhang Ziyi CSC: Wuxia Fiction
Wu Xia / Martial Arts World @ Sensasian
Wuxia Pien With Wuxia film database attached. At Kung Fu Cinema.
Wuxia Stories translated into English wuxia translations
http://www.thedragongateinn.com