Tai Chi Zero

This genre-melder opens an Asian kung fu adventure trilogy with strong elements of humor, Hong Kong theater stunts and a videogame feel. Anyone tired of "the same old…" whatever should give this a shot!During a playful flashback, we learn that Lu Chan was born with a small horn-like growth on his head recognized by a kung fu master as the crown of three blossoms, prophesying that he will one day become a great kung fu master. This master adopts Lu Chan after the death of his mother (Shu Qi).Years later we find the young Yang Lu Chan (action newcomer Yuan Xiaochao) on the battlefield. He seems to have a gentle soul. However, "the freak" (as he is called) is capable of becoming a demon-eyed, super-charged menace. Master Dong (Siu-Lung Leung; Kung Fu Hustle) warns Lu Chan that if he does not learn internal kung fu from Master Chen (Tony Leung Ka Fai; Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame), that he will soon deplete his inner energy and die. Not a fan of this prognosis, Lu Chan seeks Master Chen.However, Master Chen refuses to teach his Chen style kung fu to an outsider--it's actually a village law. As Lu Chan persists, he is thwarted by the Chen style-savvy locals often in funny fight scenes. In fact, humor is a major, frequent component in this kung fu adventure. Lu Chan's dedication earns him the admiration of many villagers, but it is when he helps save the village from a giant, steampunk, iron menace and teaming British soldiers that he earns acceptance by the villagers, and the love of one in particular.There are strong, oddly-toned humorous elements in this stylistic genre-melder. Very dramatically scored, this movie is filmed beautifully and utilizes many unique, artistic effects, including a comicbook-style animated short mixed with live footage during the opening credits. The inclusion of stempunk elements and written captions identifying objects, landmarks, characters and techniques creates a strong fantasy videogame feel as well.The fighting includes some well-timed slow-motion in the style of 300 as well as some classic overuse of wire stunts. Strong female characters capable of humor and handling themselves physically--but not at the expense of their emotional vulnerability or loving nature--contribute to a more positive tone as well, providing more of an adventure movie experience than a martial arts action movie.This entire movie is about Lu Chan trying to learn Chen style kung fu and when the movie is over, he still hasn't. During the credits we see a "preview" of sorts to Tai Chi Hero, the second movie of the Tai Chi trilogy, in which the British invasion on Master Chen's village escalates.So stay tuned for the next installment.

Quick Review: absolutely worth renting, probably worth buying (4/5)FAIR WARNING: This movie contains subtitles, if you can't read English then...how are you reading this review?I came into Tai Chi Zero expecting two things: kung fu action and some small degree of steampunk aesthetics. This movie has both and some humor which I was not expecting. While the humor does lean towards goofy at points, especially the near-ending food fight, it never tumbles into terrible comedy territory. Of course the humor is not the main course in this movie. That honor belongs to the action, and while I have very little experience in this genre (I vaguely remember seeing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kung Fu Hustle at some point) I can honestly say that it is a good deal more interesting than the fight scenes I have seen in any of Hollywood's recent creations.It does have the odd tendency to quickly throw a "This is the character's name and their actor!" scene just before introducing each character which some people may find off-putting. It also occasionally outlines the character's movements during a fight scene, usually during a close up and slow motion sequence. I would almost say it borrows elements from Scott Pilgrim, but it is a bit more subtle. It seems original to me, but whether it is a good kind of original is up to the viewer.With regards to the plot, it really is nothing special. It starts with our hero wanting to learn a certain style of kung fu and then becomes a typical "Technology vs Tradition" story which progresses exactly as you would expect. There is also a love triangle or two tucked in there. Overall it borders on cliche, so if you are looking for a "brand new cinematic experience" you will be disappointed. For those of us looking for entertainment, this movie provides in spades.In brief: I bought it, enjoyed it, and do not regret the purchase.

Mandarin with English subtitles. Very good special effects and fight scenes. Story is a bit simple. A poor single mother gives birth to a boy with a bump on his head. The mother marries only to feed her child but ends up committing suicide after she is unable to truly fit into the family. The boy is taken in by a kung-fu master who turns out to be a general and wanted to use the boy's great strength for war when he finds that by punching the boy's bump in the head causes the boy to enrage with great strength. While in a battle, a doctor warns the boy to no longer fight by letting people mess with his bump because as it turns from red to blue to black, it will lead to the boy's death. The bump is already in the blue stage and the doctor tells to boy to find a master in a small mountainous village to teach him kung-fu (Tai Chi) that will mentally calm his chi or spirit in order for his bump to return to normal and prevent death. For the rest of the movie that is what he does, finds the village in search of this master to teach him this special kung-fu. However, this kung-fu is not normally taught to outsiders and the village is under the threat of western influence that wants to build a railroad through the village that would displace and remove the entire village off the map. So, the villagers must fight for their livelihood while the boy fights for their acceptance.

It's steam punk kung fu movie yes please

Well i have to say i've seen a lot of Asian movies in the past but nothing compare to thisone which is so unusual and totally different with a concept that would make anyone go what was that.In Chen village everyone is a martial arts master using their powerful Chen style Tai Chi in all aspects oftheir lives.so when lu chen was told he has to go to the chen village so he can learn kung-Fu to put somebalance in his life because when he was born he has this unicorn type thing growing out of his head andevery time you hit it he can master some form of kung-Fu style except the chen style tai chi.but the villagespeople refuse to teach him because he's not one of them and everyone down to the little kid kick the crap outof him.plus when this thing on his head turn black he could die.i don't want to give anymore spoilers away you justhave to see this very unusual movie which will make you laugh your a** off. i can't wait for the next one.Ha Ha Ha.thanks for reading.i just love it hope you will.

I do have some background (limited as it may be) in Chen Family Taijiquan and I was a thrill to see portrayals of some people mentioned in historical text on screen in an exciting way. Many people see tai chi as a relaxation technique for seniors, but this put the martial art back in tai chi for some of the audience. Overall a good balance of a little comedy and some really cool action sequences. The DVD also arrived in a speedy manner, without any marks or damages.

I enjoyed the movie but their packing & shipping is some what desirable. I will explain broken case & ripped slipcover, well I think that I've said enough.

Glad to find this new, looking forward to the next film.