Why Hollywood Associations Between Eastern Philosophy and Combat Are Misleading

Hollywood and the entertainment industry in general often perpetuate certain associations between Eastern philosophy and combat that are misleading and somewhat inaccurate. While martial arts forms have indeed been developed within certain monastic systems and are intertwined with Eastern thought and spirituality, the Hollywood portrayal of these practices often strays from their actual origins and meanings.

The Origins of Eastern Martial Arts

Many martial arts forms, including Tai Chi and Kung Fu, have deep roots in Eastern philosophy and religious practices. Tai Chi, for instance, was developed by a Taoist monk who observed that the other monks were becoming overweight due to a sedentary lifestyle of meditation. This led him to create a form of exercise that combined physical movement with mental calming. Similarly, Kung Fu is rooted in Confucian philosophy, which emphasizes self-discipline, respect, and ethical behavior in combat.

In Eastern cultures, there is a strong connection between philosophy, religion, and combat. However, this relationship is often oversimplified or entirely misrepresented in Hollywood films. For example, the Dragon Ball series, a popular anime, depicts several scenes where the connection between philosophy and combat is misrepresented, often with comical outcomes. This is not unique to anime; several children's cartoons in the 1980s also perpetuated similar misconceptions.

Essence and Adaptation in Hollywood Filmmaking

The entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, frequently takes inspiration from Eastern philosophy and martial arts but often distorts or misinterprets these elements for their own narrative purposes. These distortions are driven by the industry’s need to create visually appealing and marketable content. The philosophy of Eastern martial arts is often wrapped in mystical and exotic trappings to appeal to audiences.

Take, for instance, the famous scene in a Van Damm movie like Kickboxer or Bloodsport, where the protagonist trains with Shaolin monks. In this scene, the monks force the main character to stretch his legs while tied to a tree. This is not only misleading but also anachronistic, as it goes against the principles of Eastern philosophy. Eastern martial arts emphasize discipline, inner peace, and respect for both oneself and one's opponent, and such methods would be highly counterproductive and disrespectful.

Infiltration of Eastern Mythology in Modern Media

Hollywood often appropriates elements from Eastern mythology and philosophy without fully understanding the nuances of the culture. For instance, the movie Doctor Strange features mystical elements that are derived from Eastern religions. These elements have been barrowed, bastardized, and Westernized over the centuries, making them less true to their original forms and meanings. By referencing these mystical elements, Doctor Strange capitalizes on the exotic appeal of Eastern philosophy while taking few, if any, steps to truly understand or accurately represent the culture.

Ultimately, the portrayal of Eastern philosophy and martial arts in Hollywood serves to create a veneer of authenticity and exotic appeal. However, this veneer often masks significant misrepresentations and misunderstandings. By attributing almost anything to Eastern cultures without fear of contradiction, Hollywood perpetuates a series of clichés and misunderstandings that can be both entertaining and misleading.

Conclusion

The associations between Eastern philosophy and combat in Hollywood are often misleading and oversimplified. By understanding and accurately representing the rich history and cultural significance of Eastern martial arts, the industry can provide more accurate and respectful depictions of these practices. This would not only enhance the authenticity of the content but also contribute to a more informed and culturally sensitive audience.

While Doctor Strange received praise for its novel approach to fighting techniques, it also diluted and homogenized its sources to the point of becoming almost unrecognizable. The industry must strive for a balance between creativity and accuracy to truly leverage the power of Eastern philosophy and culture.