"The New Legend of Shaolin," is an absurd and fantastical romp of an action film. The movie is definitely not a traditional kung fu film; rather, it is a collection of physics defying fights and traditional Chinese morals loosely held together by a semi-coherent plot. The combinations found in the film are bizarre enough to be very humorous. However, the same bizarreness could also be interpreted as slipshod filmmaking and genre exploitation. TNLOS is a film targeted at audiences who enjoy caricature. Expectations of masterful displays of physical prowess are never met. On the other hand, tongue in cheek silliness quotients are more than amply filled.
TNLOS is not in any way a serious film. In fact, the film is best categorized as a kung fu comedy oddity. As such, the film relies on some bending assumptions. First, the action defies any and all laws of nature. The audience is assumed to suspend all sense of reality. At no point in the film does a fight sequence have the least plausibility. The effect is that violence becomes a comedic device. Action is anticipated not only for its excitement, but also for its humor. The dual function of the action could be off putting to some. A serious fan of martial arts will not be treated to perfected examples of pure form. The physical talent is highlighted through extended shots and choreographies of outright silly violence. The action is, therefore, intended as more of a visual treat than a serious display. A second assumption has to do with the word "legend." The film is not a historically accurate period piece. This should be obvious from the title. TNLOS is a legend and follows the conventions of Asian legends. The characters are of a stock nature. The story incorporates supernatural elements and hyperbole. The themes are allegorical in nature. These facets of legends are expected to be understood. Had the film been titled, "The Real Accurate History of Shaolin Temple," a great deal of criticism would be warranted. However, the film is a legend and as such revels in some of the bizarre plot elements a legend allows for. For example, why does the main antagonist drive a polished metal car into battle? Well, the anachronism firmly establishes him as a supernatural force not to be trifled with. Is the anachronism goofy? Absolutely and positively yes. Yet, when understood within the context of a fantastical legend, the audience is not too hard pressed to accept the blatant oddity.
The above interpretation aside, this is a truly bizarre film. While themes of familial devotion, ethical behavior, and struggle against oppression are familiar; the film as a whole is out right weird. The characters are quirky to the point of being potentially obnoxious. Jet Li turns in a quiet and stoic performance which could be seen as boring. The melodramatic deviousness of the female leads is endearing and/or obnoxious. The plot structure is extremely basic. As such the film does occasionally allow for some very large holes and incoherencies. The above criticisms do take away from the film. However, as a whole, the simple plot, accessible themes, quirky characters, and over the top action are more than enough to offset the film's problems. TNLOS is worth seeing for its strangeness factor. The odd internal logic of the film is just enough to keep the story from degrading into a collection of weird vignettes. While the film will not likely be remembered for excellence in filmmaking, the odd ball fun of the film will guarantee a cult status.
On a personal note, I will definitely be pushing this film on friends. The movie is perfect fodder for a night of pizza, beer, and running commentary. With appropriately low expectations and a taste for bizarreness, this is a near perfect film. 6.5 of 10 stars.
TNLOS is not in any way a serious film. In fact, the film is best categorized as a kung fu comedy oddity. As such, the film relies on some bending assumptions. First, the action defies any and all laws of nature. The audience is assumed to suspend all sense of reality. At no point in the film does a fight sequence have the least plausibility. The effect is that violence becomes a comedic device. Action is anticipated not only for its excitement, but also for its humor. The dual function of the action could be off putting to some. A serious fan of martial arts will not be treated to perfected examples of pure form. The physical talent is highlighted through extended shots and choreographies of outright silly violence. The action is, therefore, intended as more of a visual treat than a serious display. A second assumption has to do with the word "legend." The film is not a historically accurate period piece. This should be obvious from the title. TNLOS is a legend and follows the conventions of Asian legends. The characters are of a stock nature. The story incorporates supernatural elements and hyperbole. The themes are allegorical in nature. These facets of legends are expected to be understood. Had the film been titled, "The Real Accurate History of Shaolin Temple," a great deal of criticism would be warranted. However, the film is a legend and as such revels in some of the bizarre plot elements a legend allows for. For example, why does the main antagonist drive a polished metal car into battle? Well, the anachronism firmly establishes him as a supernatural force not to be trifled with. Is the anachronism goofy? Absolutely and positively yes. Yet, when understood within the context of a fantastical legend, the audience is not too hard pressed to accept the blatant oddity.
The above interpretation aside, this is a truly bizarre film. While themes of familial devotion, ethical behavior, and struggle against oppression are familiar; the film as a whole is out right weird. The characters are quirky to the point of being potentially obnoxious. Jet Li turns in a quiet and stoic performance which could be seen as boring. The melodramatic deviousness of the female leads is endearing and/or obnoxious. The plot structure is extremely basic. As such the film does occasionally allow for some very large holes and incoherencies. The above criticisms do take away from the film. However, as a whole, the simple plot, accessible themes, quirky characters, and over the top action are more than enough to offset the film's problems. TNLOS is worth seeing for its strangeness factor. The odd internal logic of the film is just enough to keep the story from degrading into a collection of weird vignettes. While the film will not likely be remembered for excellence in filmmaking, the odd ball fun of the film will guarantee a cult status.
On a personal note, I will definitely be pushing this film on friends. The movie is perfect fodder for a night of pizza, beer, and running commentary. With appropriately low expectations and a taste for bizarreness, this is a near perfect film. 6.5 of 10 stars.