For the film fanatic, there was an evolution. In the late 80′s and early 90′s, Hong Kong cinema came to a prominence because of the great works of filmmakers like John Woo and actors like Jackie Chan. This was the second boom of the industry after Bruce Lee invigorated youths in the 70′s, but died all too young.  And from that there was also a loyal following for the Shaw Brothers from some, and an interest in Chan – among others – but you had to live near a Chinatown or have a kick ass video store to find this stuff. Not everyone was so lucky. The crossover appeal was there, but mostly for film nerds willing to watch some shitty ass copies of great films. As time progressed Asain cinema of all stripes made a huge dent in nerd culture, with Japan and Korea following, as filmmakers like Takashi Miike, Takeshi Kitano, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and Chan Wook-Park became well known. My reviews of Legend of Drunken Master, Iron Monkey, Hero and Zatoichi after the jump.