Fantastic Fest 2013 Review: Man of Tai Chi (2013)

Cast: Tiger Hu Chen, Keanu Reeves, Karen Mok
Director: Keanu Reeves
Country: USA | China | Hong Kong
Genre: Action
Official Trailer: Here

Editor’s Notes: The following review is part of our coverage of Fantastic Fest 2013. For more information on the festival visit http://fantasticfest.com and follow Fantastic Fest on Twitter at @fantasticfest.

The premise for Man of Tai Chi is an ambitious sell. Old ladies in public parks stereotypically perform Tai Chi. The art form is controlled, promotes balance and a soft style. Keanu Reeves makes his directorial debut with Man of Tai Chi, placing Tiger Chen in his first leading role. Yuen Woo-Ping (Action Director/Tiger’s real life master) rounds out the trio, essentially turning this into a Matrix trilogy reunion.

The fight scenes are wonderfully choreographed by Woo-Ping. Woo-Ping’s vision is carried through Chen’s action sequences. Chen’s extensive training and experience as a stuntman gives Reeves and Elliot Davis (Cinematographer) flexibility with shooting the awesome fight sequences.

The film opens with an underground fight club. Two men are battling in a seedy location. Simultaneously a police force is en route to stop and apprehend the illegal fight club. The man behind it all is Donaka Mark (Keanu Reeves), CEO of Security System Alliance. At the end of the fight he shouts, “Finish him!” The man doesn’t obey Mark, so Mark promptly kills the loser and later kills the victor. The police arrive only to find an empty venue without a trace of the fight club. Sun Jingshi (Karen Mok) is the lead investigator; her failed attempt to apprehend Mark frustrates her.

The audience is introduced to Chen Li-Hu (Tiger Chen). He’s a man balancing a courier job as well as Tai Chi training with his master, Yang (Yu Hai). Yang tells Chen that Tai Chi is about balance and not about power. The two participate in a sparring match and Yang has a move that will surely be imitated by fans of martial arts action films. Cut to the next scene where Chen fights in a sanctioned tournament while Mark watches. Mark is impressed with Chen’s hard approach to a gentle style and begins the recruitment process. Chen is lured in with the looming threat that his master’s temple will be shut down due to safety regulations. The story has been seen before, but Reeves and Chen put their own stamp on it.

With the groundwork in place, Reeves and Chen waste no time getting into the action. The fight scenes are wonderfully choreographed by Woo-Ping. Woo-Ping’s vision is carried through Chen’s action sequences. Chen’s extensive training and experience as a stuntman gives Reeves and Elliot Davis (Cinematographer) flexibility with shooting the awesome fight sequences. Chen’s style is graceful, fast, agile and fearless.

Donaka Mark is an unforgettable villain who complements Reeves’ ability quite nicely. Mark has some of the best comedic moments in the film. Reeves delivers funny one-liners and a moment that will become another Keanu meme. Mark is an agent of corruption. His sinister goal is to take a gentle soul and turn him into a fighting, killing machine.

Chen’s arc is gradual and as his style becomes more aggressive, he dresses more like Mark. There is a strong emphasis on yin-yang in the film (Have a close look at the movie poster). Chen symbolizes the light, good-natured side. Mark resembles the dark, evil side of the film. As Chen transforms to the darker side, so too does his fighting. During both his underground fights and sanctioned fights he throws his style out the window and becomes a menacing force.

There are a few plot elements that should be pointed out. The story offers nothing new to the genre. Some fans will be ok with this, others not so much. This only hurts the film if audiences are expecting a unique experience. The lead detective gets far too close to a man in charge of a world-class security company. Shortcuts are made to get Jingshi closer to the action, moving along her investigation. Some fans will give it a pass; others will see it as a major annoyance.

Donaka Mark is an unforgettable villain who complements Reeves’ ability quite nicely. Mark has some of the best comedic moments in the film. Reeves delivers funny one-liners and a moment that will become another Keanu meme.

Man of Tai Chi delivers on its promise to entertain action fans. The action is fast-paced, kickass and has the potential to spawn younger audiences into action film junkies. Die-hard action fans will find much to love and will recognize nods to previous works. The material is crafted with great care and beauty. If you’re craving action give it a try and thank Reeves and his team for delivering a terrific love letter to action cinema.

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Adrian Charlie

Staff Film Critic

I'm from Victoria BC and love watching films from all corners of the world. I'm fascinated by interpreting films and connecting with other film lovers. I love sharp, clever dialogue (QT), beautifully shot films (The Thin Red Line) and a filmmaker who trusts the audience to put it all together and leave room for discussion (PTA).

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