Man of Tai Chi (2013)
"Man Of Tai Chi" is a fairly quirky martial arts film. The premise is that the protagonist has been taught a martial art fighting style based on Tai Chi, which is actually simply a meditative form of exercise for lessening stress and increasing 'spiritual health'. This allows for an interesting symbolism contrasting a peaceful exercise with violent conflict. Admittedly this is the same message nearly all anime and live action Asian movies seem to have about steering clear of anger and greed to achieve inner peace, but the connection to Tai Chi makes it a little more interesting. What is even cooler though, is the martial art itself. The fights are spectacular and visceral.
If you were coming to this for Iko Uwais from "The Raid" then you may be upset to that he only really has a cameo.
However, in spite of a major fight scene with the rather less proficient Keanu Reeves towards the end, it works really well. I wonder whether there aren't special.effects involved since the fight is filmed in a way which really emphasises Keanu's size. I was reminded of his line from the movie "Speed": "Yeah? Well I'm taller!" He wasn't kidding was he? There's something more symbolic and larger than line in that final fight (besides Keanu's legs) which makes the less complex martial arts moves from the villain rather suitable.
Keanu makes for a great villain. Though his grumpy anti-hero sneering in "Constatine" did not quite fit for me, his angry villain sneering makes for a cool, albeit cliched, bad guy.
Man Of Tai Chi is a fairly predictable film which wraps things up a little too easily at the end. However, it more than makes up for this with its fast pacing, excitement and visual spectacle.
A-