Red Heroine
Red Heroine (1937) Widely regarded as an early example of a female superhero film, a young woman's life is tragically altered by bandits who kill her grandmother. She is rescued and taken to Mount Emei where she trains in martial arts and the magic of flight before returning as the "Maiden of Clouds" to avenge her family and rescue other women.
Sanshiro Sugata
Sanshiro Sugata (1943) Akira Kurosawa's directorial debut follows the journey of Sanshiro, a talented but hot-headed youth, as he travels to the city to learn the martial art of Jujutsu. After witnessing a Judo master's skill, Sanshiro dedicates himself to the new discipline, learning not just fighting techniques but self-control and spiritual poise.