Roundtable discusses the future of Chinese action cinema

"Many of the stories and scenes were drawn from real-life experiences," Tong said. "That also makes it easier for overseas audiences to relate to them."

Director Yuen Tak said Chinese action cinema has elements that Hollywood cannot easily replicate, including martial arts films, stories centered on different kung fu schools and fantasy productions inspired by traditional Chinese culture.

Speakers said the genre's themes have evolved over the decades, from Bruce Lee's challenges and stereotypes of Chinese people as being weak to Chan's portrayal of ordinary characters who become unlikely heroes and later to the restrained heroism and moral choices seen in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.