Tai Chi Boxer (1996)

Posted in Reviews by - March 28, 2014
Tai Chi Boxer (1996)

A fusion of romance, action and political intrigue from acclaimed fight choreographer and director Yuen Woo-ping. Despite the title, the film features very little authentic tai chi action. Jacky Wu Jing plays a spirited adolescent with dazzling kung fu abilities who looks set to steal the heart of Christy Chung, playing a daughter from a powerful family. The plot abruptly shifts tone when an opium smuggling ring is uncovered, masterminded by savage gweilos and led by Darren Shahlavi. The plot threatens to get too big, especially after Wu’s character matures and becomes increasingly closer to his mother (which offers the wonderful Sibelle Hu more screen time), but thankfully the fighting breaks up any chance of it becoming too melodramatic. Its a great vehicle for Jacky Wu, who looks awesome kicking and slapping people in the face with his extremely long ponytail.

AKA: Tai Chi II; Tai Chi Fist

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Editor and creator of Kung Fu Movie Guide and the host of the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast. I live behind a laptop in London, UK.

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