Many thanks to Titta for the link!
@Filmenomenon has posted a review of Man of Tai Chi by Ronnie Yeo. Although Mr. Yeo said the film’s weaknesses are the poor acting and flat characters, over all the review was positive. Here are some money quotes:
…the excellent action directing and choreography can get one’s adrenaline going even though one is seated in a movie theater. Even so, the plot is never compromised for the action.
Yes, the plot is clichéd. But it is the combination that makes Man of Tai Chi stand out. Reeves successfully integrates the two into a well-paced film with an overarching moral/philosophical message: that the practice of martial arts is not just about fighting and winning, but also about character-building.
Reeves’s directorial debut is one of the few good modern martial arts films today, although it is far from perfect. The film should be an entertaining one for the average audience, but a must-watch for fans of martial arts films due to its presentation of the relationship between martial arts and morals, as well as the impact of modernity on traditional Chinese martial arts.
Mr. Yeo gave the film the following ratings: B+, 8/10, 3.5/5 stars depending on your preference.
The Global TImes has posted their review of Man of Tai Chi – ‘Keanu Goes Retro’ . While there are a few criticism, the review is positive over all. Mr. Danlinr said the film was thorough, included Kun Fu philosophy and high production value, giving examples of each. Over all they said:
It might not have many sophisticated lines or a complex plot, but the Chinese-US co-production Man of Tai Chi packs a wallop where it intended – in a series of one-on-one martial arts bouts. The result: Audiences see a very conventional, even old-school action movie.
The link was via a google alert.
MX, Movie Exclusive, which appears to be based in Singapore, has posted their review of Man of Tai Chi. Gabriel Chong appears to have understood Keanu Reeve’s intent for the movie and his ability to convey it to the screen. Overall this is a positive review that is well worth the read. Here is the money quote.
Far from a no-holds-barred smackfest some may be expecting this to be, Keanu Reeves fashions an unusually thoughtful but no less thrilling martial arts movie that focuses on the spirit behind the art.
Mr. Chong gave the film 3.5/5 stars. Link via a google search.
Channel NewsAsia has posted their review of Man of Tai Chi. The film appears to have been seen at a press screening of the film in Asia. In a nutshell, the reviewer has said that both Tiger and Keanu’s acting is wooden. Both Yuen Woo- Ping and the fight scenes were amazing. In short they said that MOTC is more a collection of well executied fight scenes than a film and it is strictly for fight fans.They gave the film 2.5/5 stars. Link via a google alert.