At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, China announced an initiative to restore martial arts classics using artificial intelligence, part of the Kung Fu Film Heritage Project. The China Film Foundation will enhance at least 100 films, including titles like Bruce Lee’s Fists of Fury and Jackie Chan’s Drunken Master, aiming to improve their image and sound while preserving the original storytelling. Initially, 10 films will be prioritized for digital restoration. Canxing Media’s chair, Tian Ming, emphasized that "AI is the brush, but creativity is the soul," inviting global partners to participate. The project seeks to revive the cultural legacy of Chinese martial arts cinema, reflecting the industry’s significance to the Chinese identity. However, questions arise about the necessity of AI in restoration, with some advocating for traditional methods to avoid job displacement. As these films await release, many can currently be enjoyed in their unaltered forms on streaming platforms like Tubi.
China to Revive Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan’s Martial Arts Classics with AI Technology
