Kids from Shaolin

The problem with so very many Chinese martial arts films is their tendency to be cheapo junk. Kids of Shaolin, starring Jet Li back when he was a Chinese action film star is not cheap looking at all! Honestly though, nobody sees a martial arts film for the production value. They see it for the martial arts. This film's emphasis isn't so much on people beating the living daylights out of each other. Instead it's the acrobatics that are most on display. Of course, Jet Li as the oldest brother is a brilliant athlete, but he isn't the main attraction by far! The kids in the title are DAZZLING!!! There are a few scenes where the clan of Shaolin boys compete with the clan of Wu-Tang girls, trying to show each other up. These scenes are some of THE MOST IMPRESSIVE acrobatics I've seen anywhere. During these scenes, the background is filled with the beautiful and dramatic steep mountains and winding rivers of China. I really can't say enough about these scenes, which easily make the movie great. Don't get me wrong, it's not a perfect film by a long shot, but these kids are so impressive that they make this film a must-see.

Many of my friends who I have convinced to check this movie out are ready to chase me out the house after watching the opening scene and singing, but after watching the fight scenes they usually gain a little more respect for the movie. Although many of the same actors showed up from the original Shaolin Temple, the storyline is completely different, and the tone of part 2 is lighthearted, which may turn many off. This movie is one of my all-time favorite martial arts films because I haven't found many films that highlight young children sparring off (besides the "My Father is a Hero" boy who's name I forgot) and I personally love to see the women get in the action. The last fight scene is great, but what did it for me was the children's competition. Seeing them play fight in animal styles was magic. A good movie, my friends who hated on this movie just felt like a "kiddie" movie like this was an assault on their manhood

Like the first Jet Li's movie, the Shaolin Temple (1979), this movie is also excellent in that all actors are professional martial arts athletes of Chinese national and provincial teams, including the boys and girls from the national/provincial junior teams. Hence, all moves are realistic and there is no stunts, no cranes, no cable, no fakes, and no special effects like Jet Li's later works such as Lethal Weapon 4. As martial arts flicks in China developed, it inevitably took the similar road to that of Hong Kong and Taiwan with increasing fakes, and earlier flicks like this is thus really a masterpiece in comparison.

Brilliant movie. It's taken me a long time as an average white dude from America to appreciate Chinese comedy. It's definitely of a different sort. Jet Li is brilliant when he gets to show emotion other than stoic determination (his last 6 films or so). The ensemble cast was brilliant. This is sort of a Chinese 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (which, actually has a very similar feel and great choreography as well, worth checking out, seriously. I'm not kidding.) Most of the characters are archetypes, but never stereotypes. A lot of people will be turned off by this film, but I really feel that that would be due to an understanding of Chinese comedy. A particular instance would be when a character nearly gets his face planted in dog leavings, and it turns out he hadn't taken the fall. If you haven't seen Jui Kuen (Drunken Master, starring Jackie Chan, you won't get it). I have. I did. If you watch enough movies, you tend to understand the genre more. And if you haven't fast forward to the end battle and enjoy the mayhem. I bought this movie on DVD at my local Wallgreens for $3.99 and after watching it, I would easily pay $15 or more for this great piece of film. Jet Li in drag, little kids kicking ass, musical numbers, what more could you want? Great DVD transfer from Saturn Prodictions, as well. Subtitles that are easy to read, full widescreen. Great stuff.

What this film lacks in plot, cunning script and subtlety, it more than makes up for in stunning Kung Fu action and amazing acrobatics from every member of the cast (however young). It's 'Romeo & Juliet'-esque storyline is cliched and quite predictable but the the film is worth a watch simply in order to wonder 'How did Jet Li do that?'.