Rating of
2.5/4
Classic Kung Fu and Steampunk Together at Last
Chris Kavan - wrote on 01/16/13
Tai Chi Zero to me shares a lot in common with Kung Fu Hustle - both are set in a small village where everyone just happens to be a master of martial arts. Both are about an outsider who has a power hidden within him. And both have a humorous undertone throughout (though Kung Fu Hustle leans much more towards that humor than Tai Chi Zero). Both also feature some spectacular fighting.
In this film, our hero is a young man with a unique feature: a horn that gives him supreme - some might say supernatural - skills, but is also slowly killing him. As a member of the Divine Truth forces, "the freak" as he is know, is a whirlwind on the battlefield. Yet a sneak attack leaves many of the forces dead - and he is told to make his way to Chen village - not known for welcoming outsider, but where their techniques could save him from succumbing to death.
Once at the village, he finds that outsiders are strictly forbidden from being taught their techniques. Thus begins a serious of battles in which he is thoroughly dominated, including by Majong-playing housewives, a precocious young girl and just about everyone else he comes into contact with. Only the man known as Uncle Laborer gives him any kind of respect - and while he won't teach him martial arts, he gives him advice - learn from your opponent and match what you see.
But the movie is more than just one man trying to learn how to control his fighting skills, it's also a steampunk-fueled fantasy. The village is on the cusp of the new world - railroads and electricity are the future and one young man has a vision of Chen village - but that vision isn't shared by the rest of the people. Soon a huge iron monstrosity is perched outside the village - and ready to tear it down. Of course our heroes manage to stop it... and incur the wrath on an entire army. Then the movie pulls some Three Amigoes shenanigans when the whole village unites to stop the superior forces with fruit and other non-life-threatening methods.
One thing you have to realize is that the entire movie is essentially the first part of story (Tai Chi Hero comes out later this year) so if the end feels a bit underwhelming, it's because there is much more to come - the film even does a "ha ha fooled you ending" before teasing the second part. I think this movie would better fit seeing both parts back to back, but that' doesn't mean there the first doesn't have its share of moments.
Each character is introduced with a comic-type format (hey, it's Tony Leung Ka Fai - the guy who did this! - paraphrasing) and pretty much everyone who has any sort of decent part gets their own introduction in this way. I liked it the first few times, but it does begin to lose its charm. The concept is strange but fits with the style of movie.
And those looking for classic Kung-fu action won't be disappointed - there are plenty of throw-downs are impressive - whether it's a one-on-one fight or a fight on a much grander scale - the movie does both types quite well. The film is a mix of this kind of old-school action but the aesthetics are more of what one might find in a comic book or video game.
It was a bit odd at times, but highly entertaining. For those who have enjoyed a good Kung fu film in the past and are looking for something a bit different, this is a quality choice. It might not have universal appeal, but there is plenty to recommend.
