Saturday, July 20, 2013

Man of Tai Chi


Donaka Mark (Keanu Reeves), a financial high roller from the U.S. who runs a covert fight club in Hong Kong. In search of a replacement for Chi-tak, he chances upon the TV broadcast of a Chinese national martial-arts championship. Chen Linhu (Chen), sole disciple of the Lingkong School of Tai Chi, impresses him not only with his innovative moves, but also his innocence. Although he holds a stressful, low-paid job as a courier in Beijing, Linhu declines the offer to compete in Donaka’s underground matches, deeming it dishonorable. However, when the temple guarded by his master (Yu Hai) faces demolition unless costly renovations are made, Donaka’s offer of quick cash suddenly becomes easy bait.

Man of Kicking Your Ass!!! That would have also been a good title for this movie because that’s what this movie is all about.  A Fight Club type of story on steroids is what I thought when I saw this movie.  But I was a little upset to learn that everyone thought the story was weak and lacked any creative fight scenes.  Maybe I just love action movies way too much because I really enjoyed this movie and thought the fight scenes and choreography were excellent, besides, that’s why we see these movies in the first place.  Keanu created this to pay tribute to his trainer Chen Hu, and as far as I’m concerned, mission accomplished.  Now before you see this I want you to understand that it’s not a Jackie Chan style movie and it has no gigantic explosions, just raw man-to-man fight scenes.  If that’s what you’re looking for than this is going to entertain you. 


Enjoy the show.  4 out of 5 roundhouse kicks to the face!

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