Actors: Keanu Reeves, Simon Yam, Michael Chan, Karen Mok, Tiger Hu Chen
Directors: Keanu Reeves
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: December 10, 2013
Run Time: 105 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars
When I saw that Keanu was stepping behind the camera for the first time, I was really interested. Combine that with fact that it is a kung-fu and count me in. The film is quite fast paced and very well done with impressive martial arts. I also enjoyed that Keanu was in the film but it wasn’t his show only. Tiger Chen is a great lead and carries the film well. If you like martial arts films, I would definitely recommend checking this out. It is set in modern day yet has this very classic martial arts feel and high respect for the art of Tai Chi. I hope that Keanu has more plans for directing in the future, since this guy really has a knack for this. Aside from this, you are also going to want to check out his next film “47 Ronin”, being released Christmas Day. I will be first in line!
Official Premise: Keanu Reeves makes his directorial debut in this explosive marital arts drama that reunites him with legendary Matrix Trilogy fight choreographer Yuen Wo Ping and stuntman Tiger Chen. Reeves stars as the wealthy owner of a Beijing underground fight club who recruits a humble Tai Chi student (Chen) to his closed-circuit battles. But when the young man is seduced by money and power, it will trigger a war between the Hong Kong police, the world’s deadliest combatants, and a peaceful spiritual discipline turned lethal new fighting style.
“Man of Tai Chi” comes with a great 1080p high definition transfer. It is sharp and clear and works well with the action. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which also amps up the action and compliments the music throughout as well, which is techo and bass heavy but works very well with the film. In terms of special features, there is not much here. I was impressed that we have an audio commentary with Keanu Reeves and Tiger Chen. It is a quite informative and interesting and if you enjoyed the film then you should enjoy this track. Lastly there is a short featurette with “The Making of Man of Tai Chi” with focuses on the production from every angle.
