Fans of the John Wick franchise need to check out The One-Armed Swordsman, a 57-year-old kung-fu movie that’s still an amazing watch. Directed by Chang Cheh, The One-Armed Swordsman was the first wuxia film — an emerging, and now defining, genre in Hong Kong cinema that centers on the adventures of martial artists in ancient China. In addition to making a significant gross at the box office, the classic wuxia film launched the lead actor Jimmy Wang Yu’s career to new heights, transforming him into a superstar of Hong Kong cinema.

There’s no denying that most contemporary martial arts-centric action flicks are influenced by iconic wuxia films, but the John Wick movies’ relationship with the ever-inspiring The One-Armed Swordsman feels even more significant. Penned by Derek Kolstad, the original John Wick film was inspired by the filmmaker’s interests — action movies, themes of revenge, and the neo-noir genre. Still, everything from John Wick‘s story and protagonist to its highly choreographed fight scenes, which prize long single takes over the contemporary style of rapid cuts and closeups, feel influenced by The One-Armed Swordsman and films like it.

The One-Armed Swordsman Has An Action Hero Perfect For John Wick Fans

Jimmy Wang’s Fang Kang Is A Definitive Wuxia Protagonist

Jimmy Wang’s action hero in The One-Armed Swordsman is perfect for fans of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick. Produced by the Shaw Brothers, who redefined martial arts cinema by blending drama and fantasy, The One-Armed Swordsman is a classic tale of revenge. As a young child, Wang’s Fang Kang becomes the pupil of martial arts master Qi Ru Feng (Tien Feng), but the other students bully Fang Kang for hailing from a poor family. After a series of unfortunate events, Fang Kang loses his right arm, rendering him unable to practice swordsmanship — or so he believes.

Nursed back to health by the soon-to-be love of his life, Xiao Man (Lisa Chiao Chiao), Fang Kang eventually masters a one-armed style of swordplay, which becomes incredibly useful when Qi Ru Feng and his martial arts school are attacked by the kung-fu master’s enemies. One of the Shaw Brothers’ best martial arts movies, The One-Armed Swordsman‘s ever-driven, fiercely loyal, and incredibly talented Fang Kang certainly shares personality traits with Reeves’ legendary hitman, John Wick, who initially comes out of retirement to seek revenge against the people who killed his dog.

Like John Wick, The One-Armed Swordsman Has A Great Revenge Story

Both Movies Feature A High Kill Count

From the early moments of the first John Wick movie through John Wick: Chapter 4‘s ending, the franchise’s titular character wracks up quite the kill count. Whether he’s using his fists, the environment, or some trusty sidearms, Wick is able to cut through tons of baddies with ease. Although The One-Armed Swordsman relies on a different kind of weapon — swords even take precedence over traditional hand-to-hand combat — it’s perfect for John Wick fans. Fang Kang literally slices through dozens of enemies in record time, unwilling to waste time with extended one-on-one battles.

Other Jimmy Wang Yu Movies John Wick Fans Should Watch

The Chinese Boxer Cemented The Actor’s Place As A Martial Arts Movie Legend

Although The One-Armed Swordsman might be the best of the bunch, Jimmy Wang Yu made many martial arts movies that are worth watching. One of the first major stars of wuxia cinema, Wang was, arguably, the biggest martial arts movie star until Bruce Lee’s rise to fame. In addition to being a martial artist-turned-actor, Wang directed, produced, and wrote films. While The One-Armed Swordsman launched Wang’s career, 1970’s The Chinese Boxer cemented his place as a legend. Other big Jimmy Wang hits include One-Armed Boxer, Boxers of Loyalty and Righteousness, and A Man Called Tiger.