Title: Forbidden Kingdom Cast: Jacky Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano, Liu Yifei, Collin Chou Director: Rob Minkoff Producer: Casey Silver Screenwriter: John Fusco Music: David Buckley Editor: Eric Strand Genre: Fantasy Action Cinematography: Peter Pau Distributor: Viva International Pictures Location: Ancient China Running Time: 153 min.Technical Assessment: 4
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: For viewers age 13 and below with parental guidance
Jason (Micheal Angarano) is a young timid boy from Boston who loves Martial Arts. He frequents Old Hop’s (Jacky Chan) pawnshop/video store in the Chinatown area to rent kung-fu movies. On one of his trips, a group of bullies manhandle him and force him to lead them to the Old Hop’s store for them to rob. In the mayhem, Old Hop gets shot and turns over a mysterious staff to Jason for him to “return to its rightful owner”. Jason runs for his life and falls off the roof just to wake up transported back in time to ancient China where the supernatural Jade Warlord (Collin Chou) rules with oppression. Jason learns that he is the “seeker” and reluctantly fulfills the ancient prophesy to find the Monkey King (Jet Li) and return his staff. Unfortunately for him, he has to deal with the Jade Warlord and his formidable army. He is aided and tutored by a wine-loving poet and comical fighter Lu Yan (Jackie Chan) and the pensive Silent Monk (Jet Li). They are also joined by the exquisite orphaned Golden Sparrow (Liu Yufei) who vows revenge for her parents’ death and kills her enemies with hairpins. Together, they must free the Monkey King so he can fight the Jade Warlord and return peace to the empire.
The movie is delightful to watch with its breathtaking scenery, creative sets and costume design, graceful and impressive martial arts sequences and a few funny quips every now and then. The plot seems to be a
combination of borrowed themes from other Hollywood fantasy movies and Ancient Chinese legend but with a competent direction and straightforward storytelling, audience can follow the story effortlessly. Although Chan and Li play supporting roles to American teenager Angarano, there are still enough fight sequences and comic moments where the two martial art legends are pitted against each other. Overall the movie may not be memorable compared to other Chinese epics but is enchanting enough for the audience to want to watch it again.
The movie talks about friendship, perseverance and unity. At first the main characters have a low regard for each other but eventually learn to appreciate, respect and care for one another all in the effort to accomplish a common goal. It shows also how people, once consumed with the moral obligation and desire to do what is right can be willing to risk and sacrifice himself. The movie also makes a stand against revenge and hate. There are several words of wisdom offered by Chan’s character which will be remembered and can be used for one’s daily life choices. Although the movie is light and seemingly harmless, the charmingly choreographed fight scenes are violent although bloodless. There are a few cuss words and sexual reference although not portrayed explicitly. Substance abuse is apparent with Chan’s character. Viewers below 13 should be guided by mature adults.
