Movielogr
Tai Chi Hero (2012)
Directed by Stephen Fung
Twitter Facebook Google+Overview
Chinese steampunk martial arts blockbuster about the early years of Tai chi master Yang Luchan, the man who founded in the 19th century what has now become the most popular Tai Chi style in the world. The second instalment of the “Tai Chi” trilogy continues the journey of Yang Luchan, a gifted child with a fleshy growth on his forehead who helped save a village from a frightening army of steampunk soldiers bearing strange machines with the knowledge of Tai Chi that they entrusted him with.
Rated NR | Length 100 minutes
Actors
Jayden Yuan Xiaochao | Yuan Wenkang | AngelaBaby | Shu Qi | Stephen Fung | Xiong Xin-Xin | Shen Si | Wei Ai-Xuan | Eddie Peng | William Feng | Wu Di | Chen Sicheng | Xiong Naijin | Tony Leung Ka-Fai | Stanley Fung | Nikki Hsieh | Patrick Tse | Daniel Wu | Peter Stormare | Ying Da | Yuen Biao
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/05/2015 | TV | DVD | Library | 6.5 stars |
| (Average) 6.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
Definitely feels like a sequel. Wish I had revisited the first movie before watching this (haven’t seen since Fantastic Fest). Not a particularly great movie but good enough and paced well with nice sequences that maintain much of the energy from the first movie with lesser stakes.
It’s evident that both films were made back to back. Also interesting that this was meant to be a trilogy but no third was produced. And the way this ends you expect another chapter. I like the video game aspect as a modern approach to a period Qing Dynasty film. The addition of Peter Stormare is a bit obnoxious. However, Tony Leung Ka-Fai is terrific as the stoic Grandmaster.
AngelaBaby remains stunning as ever. Funny how Shu Qi is top billed for this movie when she only has a few seconds cameo in a flashback scene. Most of the credit should go to Sammo Hung for the action directing.
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