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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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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This movie would have gotten a 10...if Nicholas Teo actually did showed up...thought I was losing my mind looking at these bald men trying to find Nicholas Teo, instead I found Jackie Chan
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Andy Lau played the deadly and thoroughly unlikeable warlord, Hou Jie. Because he was the star I knew he wasn't going to get killed in all of the dirty double-crosses early in the movie, but I have to say I was rooting for him to get his. Fortunately for me, I didn't receive that early catharsis, instead after a vicious confrontation with forces ordered to assassinate him, he managed to crawl away to the Shaolin temple.
This movie leaned heavily into Buddhist beliefs or at least movie Buddhist beliefs. Jackie Chan showed up as a cook working at the temple conflicted as to whether he should stay or go. He's there primarily for some light comic relief as you can imagine. Yu Hai played the Abbott, he was also in Jet Li's Martial Arts of Shaolin, playing a Shaolin master. He showed the most beautiful Mantis fighting in MAOS, I was desperately hoping to see him show the style again. Alas, he did fight a little (he was much older in 2011) but no Mantis.
The cinematography and sets were beautiful. Certainly no complaints for me on these aspects of the movie. I'm not one to notice music in movies very often, but the OST was quite pleasing.
Shaolin's story used a common kung fu movie pattern only amping up the destruction, body count, and explosions. Long time kung fu movie enthusiasts will be able to call what's coming next without much trouble.. The story was told well and ultimately, it was a story of redemption. That's usually all I need to be hooked. I'm not sure Hou Jie earned his redemption in such a short time, but movie magic makes everything move more quickly.
This is my favorite Andy Lau performance yet. He had to dig down deep to convey the myriad of emotions for this complicated character. Nicholas Tse as his younger brother did a good job, too.
The fights were where they began to lose me. I have no problem with wire-fu when used well. In a movie that is otherwise more realistic, the over-the-top use of wire work seemed badly out of place. The super human abilities of only a few characters weren't consistent either. Taking the martial arts and wire-fu out of the equation in the action scenes, some of the scenes were on a grand scale and spectacular.
I found Shaolin to be well made and entertaining. There were moments when it felt like it could have been better though.
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This review may contain spoilers
Excellent Contribution to the Temple
Yes…the monks of Shaolin would be proud of this contribution to the legend of Shaolin. Of course, like a lot of Chineses martial arts movies based on the past, there is a small kernel of truth to this. The monks often resisted occupying forces with their legendary prowess. In this entry, you have a great cast which you will easily recognize. Jackie Chan is in this, but he’s not the star. The story revolves around the early republic period and the our star loses his family when he is double-crossed during a double cross. He then goes to the temple and finds peace and justice. Now…as for the fight choreography… it is stellar. I had forgotten how good it was. You get every type of battle you could imagine as well as some great forms done by a bunch of talented and skilled kids. Of course, their part is the BEST part as it should be. Considering how long this is (it’s a healthy two hours) I was surprised that I was not bored at all. Even with the typical cliches and tropes it’s still watchable and rewatchable. 9/10Was this review helpful to you?
It´s a beautiful movie and has this kind of logically sad endings, so is perfectly understandable why things ended like that, no frustrations.
Other strong points are: Great fight scenes, well-paced development, the beautiful final song, Andy Lau, and of course Jacky Chan
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