Shaolin (2011)

Shaolin takes place during the fascinating (yet unfortunate) period in Chinese history known as the Warlord Era. Beginning in the dead center of World War I and continuing long after, these years saw military factions divide the mainland. Life during this time would have been turbulent, steeped in instability and the chaos of war.

Focusing on fallen warlord Hou Jie, the film turns its lens on this era. But more than a mere period piece or war film, Shaolin stands apart with its message uniquely infused with teachings of Buddhism. Concepts of karma and interconnection, love conquering hatred, peace trumping war, the importance of redemption and compassion, are enfolded by the story. Subtle symmetries are worked into the events of the plot, leaving the viewer much to feel and consider. My only issue would be that many characters seem more like symbols than actual people. However, this is forgivable in light of what they are meant to represent (and because one often ends up caring for them either way).

For those concerned about martial arts, they are more than present. Shaolin takes care to balance gentler sequences with ample action, showcasing weighty and finely-choreographed fights. You won't see slow motion or "wire-fu" here -- well, rather sparing amounts of the latter.

Andy Lau performs to the lofty standard assured by his name. For Shaolin to work as intended, whomever played Hou Jie needed to portray various elements believably. From the ruthless yet fatherly leader to a broken man seeking forgiveness and transformation -- Lau rises to the task, striking every chord. On the other hand, we have Nicholas Tse as duplicitous subordinate Cao Man. Cutting a dashing figure in his military uniform, this is an actor who brings power to a role much less developed than that of the lead. Though it should be easy to hate his villain, Tse effortlessly draws understanding (and better yet, the eye of the viewer) toward Cao Man.

Jackie Chan also appears in adorable cameo as the cooking monk, Wu Dao. His is a more than welcome guest appearance, delicate in inclusion yet still notable.

The best component of Shaolin might be its music. Gorgeous, sweeping orchestrations elevate each instance in which they're played. Most memorable among these auditory pleasures is the collaboration between composer Nicholas Errèra and Andy Lau: vocal "Wu (Enlightenment)". With a prayer-like intonation and the thoughtful lyrics penned by the actor himself, it is a song likely to stay with the viewer long after the film has ended.

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I didn't know what to expect when I finally decided to watch this movie. The ONLY reason was for Jackie Chan but by the time it ended, I was in awe of the entire cast. This movie had everything. Special effects, fighting, beautiful cinematography, great direction and production, beautiful costumes and... just everything.

As far as the cast. Everyone was wonderful. I realized half way through the movie that I have seen Andy Lau before in House of the Flying Daggers but his acting blew me away in Shaolin. OMG!!! What can
I say about Nicolas Tse and Wu Jing. Brilliant!!! But the best part of the movie are the little boys. I am a sucker for baby monks:) who in turn did the Shaolin style of Kung Fu a bit better than than the adults:)

If you don't like movies that have a message, then this isn't the movie for you. Behind the fighting and revenge plot that most Shaolin movies have, this actually has a stronger message and with the tragedies and problems that all of us are experiencing around the world, we need to be reminded of faith, redemption and compassion.

If you are looking for a movie that gives you the sense of the old school kung fu movies from the late 70's to the 80's, I recommend this movie.

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