What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedKung Fu
Herman Miller · Series · 1972
If you loved Kung Fu, start with A Touch of Zen (King Hu, 1970) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 3 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Kung Fu across media.
What hooked you in Kung Fu was the way a solitary wanderer navigates a hostile world through quiet moral conviction and spiritual discipline.
Books on the same thread
Stranger in a Strange Land
Robert Anson Heinlein · Book · 1991
Explores: Culture Shock, Messianic Figure, Free Love.
Like the protagonist of Kung Fu, Valentine Michael Smith experiences profound culture shock as an outsider navigating the complexities of Western society with his unique, disciplined perspective.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain · Book · 2009
Explores: Racism, Freedom, Moral Development.
Just as the Shaolin monk wanders the American West in Kung Fu, Huck Finn travels the Mississippi, encountering various social injustices while maintaining his own internal moral compass.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee · Book · 1970
Explores: Racial Injustice, Childhood Innocence, Moral Courage.
If the moral courage and defense of the vulnerable in Kung Fu moved you, you will appreciate how this story centers on an individual standing against deep-seated societal prejudice.
The Gunslinger
Stephen King · Book · 2003
Explores: Quest for redemption, Moral ambiguity, Obsession.
The Gunslinger mirrors the atmospheric, solitary journey seen in Kung Fu, following a lone wanderer through a desolate landscape while he grapples with his own quest for redemption.
Films on the same thread
A Touch of Zen
King Hu · Film · 1970
Explores: Buddhist philosophy, Political corruption, Hidden identity.
This film captures the same intersection of Buddhist philosophy and martial skill found in Kung Fu, focusing on spiritual transcendence amidst a world filled with political and personal corruption.
Enter the Dragon
Film · 1973
Explores: Honor, Revenge, Espionage.
If you valued the display of personal integrity and disciplined martial skill in Kung Fu, you will find those same elements driving this intense story of honor and revenge.
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist
Film · 2002
Explores: Revenge, Absurdism, Meta-fiction.
This parody deconstructs the very tropes you enjoyed in Kung Fu, offering a humorous and meta-fictional take on the classic martial arts journey and the pursuit of revenge.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
While the setting differs, this drama captures the sense of community and the importance of daily interpersonal relationships that underpin the quiet, episodic nature of Kung Fu.
The Wood From The Trees
Podcast
Explores: mindfulness, well-being, introspection.
The focus on mindfulness and introspection in this podcast reflects the core of the spiritual journey and inner peace that define the Shaolin monk's path in Kung Fu.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of Kung Fu?
Kung Fu follows the adventures of a Shaolin monk who wanders through the American West. He relies on his martial arts skills to navigate the challenges he encounters while traveling across the frontier.
Is Kung Fu set in the American West?
Yes, the setting of Kung Fu is the American West. The series depicts a Shaolin monk traveling through this historical landscape while utilizing his specific combat training to handle various situations.
Does the protagonist in Kung Fu carry weapons?
No, the protagonist in Kung Fu does not carry traditional weapons. He is described as being armed only with his skill in Kung Fu as he wanders through the American West.
Who created the 1972 series Kung Fu?
The television series Kung Fu, which premiered in 1972, was created by Herman Miller. It focuses on the journey of a Shaolin monk traversing the American West using his martial arts abilities.