By Corey Vikser
Staff Writer
Though “Man of Tai Chi” kicks itself in the face with an overall subpar plot, its exhilarating action sequences more than make up for it.
“Man of Tai Chi” is an impressive directorial debut for Keanu Reeves, showcasing his unique style and distinct blending of Chinese and American culture. Unfortunately, a hackneyed plot and forgettable acting holds the film back from the greatness it was bound for.
The film follows Tiger (Tiger Chen), a student of the Tai Chi martial art temple in Beijing, China. One day, Chen receives an invitation from security mogul Donaka Mark (Keanu Reeves) to compete for him in his underground fight club. Reluctantly joining to raise funds for his temple, which is set to be demolished, Chen is thrust into a vicious criminal underworld.
Filmed in Beijing, China, the film’s authentic Asian setting is furthered by the use of Mandarin Chinese dialogue. This, coupled with more Western-inspired sets, such as the dark and metalic arenas with heavy use of grays, is something more akin to American science-fiction than the film’s Chinese setting. This mix of cultural elements results in a setting unlike anything seen in the martial arts genre.
Reeves’ stylized direction is one of the standout features of the film. He draws influence from classic Kung Fu films like “Drunken Tai Chi,” with campy battle scenes, and mixes them with a modern conspiracy story that feels reminiscent of the “Fast and the Furious” series. This mix of cultural influences mirrors that of which is seen in the setting, and furthers the film’s authentic feeling.
The fight scenes are easily the most breathtaking aspects of the film. The brutal hand-to-hand combat is refreshing amongst an era of so many modern action films centered around shootouts and sword fights. The battles also offer a blend of different martial art styles, giving the fighting a sense of variety.
This is accented by Elliot Davis’ creative cinematography. The camera weaves in and out of battles, keeping the viewer constantly engaged, without ever becoming shaky.
Yet, it is in the narrative where the film stumbles. Screenwriter Michael G. Cooney, who has worked on video games such as “Devil May Cry 4” and “Resident Evil 6,” takes his first step to feature films with “Tai Chi,” and it appears he is out of his league. Although the simplistic story allows the viewer’s focus to be on the action, it is riddled with cliches. Chen spends a majority of the film progressing through areas of increasingly more dangerous foes, resulting in an unoriginal and genuinely uninspired narrative.
The film’s pace is generally steady and keeps the viewer’s attention throughout the majority of the runtime. However, toward the end of the film, the action begins to feel like repetitive filler scenes, as the emphasis is placed on resolving every minor subplot. By spreading the story so thin, the already-weak narrative completely falls apart.
The acting in the film serves to be no more than passable. Chen does a fine job in his role as a Tai-Chi fighter, as his prior experience as a stuntman lends itself well to the action, and Reeves’ stoic personality gives Mark a menacing persona. Yet, the film is drowned in the rest of the cast’s mediocre-at-best performances, overwhelming the few shreds of genuine talent that is seen in both Chen and Reeves.
“Man of Tai Chi” is a stunningly directed modern Kung-fu film that contains brilliant fight sequences, but is bogged down by a cliche plot and mediocre acting. However, the film is a memorable thrill ride that has the right ingredients to become a cult classic.
“Man of Tai Chi” is rated R and currently playing in limited release.
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