I have been a fan of Chinese kung fu movies for as long as I can remember~ The epic movie series 'Wong Fei Hung' was the spark of it all! All the super cool moves, the action and the unique character creation were enough to drive this Chinese movie junkie nuts!!! A few years ago my mom introduced to another movie called 'Shaolin' featuring Andy Lau and Nicholas Tse (one of my all time favourite actors :D weee). This movie reignited that love for kung fu action in movies to a higher level (probably the highest!!) not because of the killer-rific action but because it had a great storyline to the movie as well. The movie I'm about to introduce in this review shares this attribute of 'Shaolin' but with a more comical side to the storylines.
Taichi Zero is not your average kung fu blockbuster~ It has a comic side, a game side (those that you can find in RPGs and fighting games like Street Fighter) and a romance side too~ The places in the movie were introduced using those 'on-screen' naming techniques which are used in maps for RPGs. The post office was labeled the 'post office' in the movie itself, not as a map, but when the post office came into the screen! All the places and characters were introduced the same unique way~
The fighting scenes were exactly like those in combat games! It included the character's life gauge and a KO statement in the end when the hero got beaten up~ Very clever technique really~ Who would have thought to incorporate the gaming experience into a kung fu movie!? That is what I call creative ingenuity!
In terms of storyline, this movie caught me at the very beginning itself! The war which was then followed by the historical introduction of the main character was so cleverly intertwined that I just has to remain in my seat (despite the rising urge to go to the loo~) It was thrilling, funny and sad at the same time! I applaud movie beginnings that give me a mix of emotions!
The undying determination of the main star Lu Chan (played by Yuan Xiaochao) in search for the Chen style kung fu master is truly praiseworthy~ Viewers may find Lu Chan's character rather bimbotic and annoying at first, but his naive personality is cute and endearing once the story progresses. Oh did I forget to mention that he has this special 'horn' on his right forehead??? This horn looks like a mini devil horn, which gives Lu Chan the special ability to learn kung fu or should I say mimic it, at very fast rates! You could say that this horn is a gift from Kung Fu Heaven~ it's a very rare gift and it is normally attained by individuals. Lu Chan's was on his forehead since birth, a sign that he is in for greater things in life~ (kung fu wise~)
The story's love parts were rather mixed up at first~ As usual the hero of the story does not attain that love at first sight moment with his soul mate to be, Yu Niang (palyed by Angelababy). In fact the actress has another love fancy at first, her fiancee since birth Fang Zijing. But as Fang transgresses to the 'evil' side, love between these two lovebirds ends rather abruptly... In fact this Fang Ziying guy has another love interest while he studied abroad; the British military representative Claire. Tsk tsk tsk~ shame on you Fang Ziying! :p
Taichi Zero's multiple character focus is quite confusing at first but viewers would get the hang of it as the story progresses further into the main plots. The characters of the movie comprises of the uncle labourer, mahjong lady fighter, the young feisty girl with pigtails, tofu warrior, uncles of many generations, cousins, brothers and more~ Each character has their own unique kung fu style and character in the movie~ It is enjoyable to watch both the main character as well as the side casts due to this colourful blend of village personalities~
Kung fu in Taichi Zero is not the HIT HIT KILL style of kung fu~ In fact kung fu is displayed in a rather smooth and peaceful kind of art that takes lots of practice, skill and patience! The fighting scenes in this movie was not too bloody either... in fact now that I recall it... it isn't boody at all... During the final battle scene ( I know this may lead to spoilers~), the kung fu experts of the Chen village used VEGETABLES to fight off their enemies whom were equipped with GUNS! Imagine that! VEGGIES vs GUNS! Now kids, please don't underestimate the veggies on your plate! They are hard hitting stuff that can break jaws and bones! Ouch indeed! This unique portrayal of a battle was entertaining and hilarious at the same time; making this movie hit a 5 star rating on my movies list in 2012.
I hope I have not provided you guys with too much spoilers~ I truly loved this movie as a whole and there is just so many things I would love to say about it! But I'm keeping a quarter of the things I wanted to tell to myself so that you can watch and enjoy this movie for yourselves to find out! So what are you waiting for~! Rampage those movie cinemas and watch Taichi 0!!!! A movie filled with comical and gaming entertainment for all~
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