Chinese officials are backing an ambitious digital restoration project that’s breathing new life into kung fu cinema’s greatest hits, though the reality is more about preservation than resurrection.

In a move that signals China’s commitment to cultural heritage, the government has announced a comprehensive plan to restore 100 classic martial arts films using artificial intelligence. The initiative, unveiled at the Shanghai International Film Festival, will transform iconic films starring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li into high-definition spectacles—but through restoration rather than digital recreation.

The China Film Foundation-backed project focuses on enhancing image, sound, and production quality while preserving the original storytelling and aesthetic. Unlike Hollywood’s digital de-aging experiments, this AI application aims to restore existing footage rather than create new performances from deceased actors.

Films selected for digital enhancement include Jackie Chan‘s “Police Story,” Bruce Lee‘s “Fist of Fury,” and Jet Li‘s “Once Upon a Time in China,” all of which are considered foundational works of Chinese martial arts cinema. Additional titles include Bruce Lee’s “The Big Boss” and Jackie Chan’s “Drunken Master.”

While Chinese officials frame the project as preserving “cultural treasures,” the initiative has sparked debate between those who see it as innovation and those who fear the loss of human touch in filmmaking. Critics worry about AI’s role in cinema, while supporters argue enhanced versions will introduce kung fu classics to younger global audiences.

Alongside the restoration project, China is also producing “A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Border,” a fully AI-animated reboot that represents a separate creative reimagining rather than restoration of existing footage.

The project showcases China’s aggressive embrace of AI in entertainment while raising important questions about the balance between technological enhancement and artistic preservation. As Zhang Qilin, a project spokesperson, noted: the goal is to “preserve the original films’ essence” while making them accessible to modern audiences.

Whether this represents the future of film preservation or a controversial new frontier in digital restoration, one thing’s clear: the kung fu legends of yesterday are about to experience a high-tech makeover that honors their legacy while embracing cutting-edge technology.

Cover image of Jackie Chan in Police Story via Keeping It Reel.