Filmmakers of the Pacific Rim have been delivering punches, chops and flying kicks to the Hollywood movie industry for years. This history showcases the influence of Eastern popular culture on America cinema and the ways in which its storytelling and cinematic techniques have migrated from grainy, low-budget martial arts movies to box-office blockbusters. Iconic films such as The Magnificent Seven , Star Wars , The Matrix and Transformers have borrowed from Asian action films. While special effects gained prominence in the industry, the raw and gritty power of live combat emerged as an audience favorite, spawning Asian stars Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and martial arts - trained stars Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal. As well as capturing the sheer onscreen adrenaline rush that characterizes the films discussed, this work explores the impact of violent cinematic entertainment and why it is often misunderstood.