by Keenu Reeves is making his directorial debut today with the release of Man of Tai Chi. Early criticism about the film are such that it’s thin on plot, but deep in fighting… which is the main reason why anyone sees a fight movie anyway. To hell with plot, as long as there’s some sense of purpose for the characters, let’s get to the good stuff. And, just as early critics are condemning Man of Tai Chi for its thin plot, they’re also saying that the fight sequences, choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping (The Matrix trilogy), are spectacular and the reason why you pay $12 to see this film.
Admittedly, an underground fighting organization that sponsors fights to the death and run by a corrupt man (in this case, Reeves as Donaka Mark) is a little tired, but I’m not sure fans of the genre really care; I certainly don’t. Other critics point to the fact that this sort of underground action doesn’t exist today because of MMA and/or UFC. I’m no expert and have no authority on the matter, but I kinda sneer at anyone who would make such an ignorant comment. My guess is that there are plenty of underground fight clubs.
Nonetheless, critics also seem to believe that Reeves has a real future as a director, especially in this genre.
Notably, Man of Tai Chi was filmed in China, where Reeves said the biggest difference from a Hollywood filming process was what you had to eat for lunch.
Man of Tai Chi synopsis:
Tiger Chen is a Tai Chi student who is rather rebellious and uses Tai Chi to fight despite his master’s concerns. When the temple where he studies get threatened from modern redevelopment, he fights in an underground fight club to get money the temple needs. However he soon realizes that his employer has other negative motives.
Let us know in the comments section below what you think of Reeves becoming a director and if you’re planning on seeing Man of Tai Chi.
Rock Hard \m/
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