Jackie Chan Scores a Win With 'Little Big Soldier'
Period film greatly eclipses any of Chan's recent Hollywood efforts
By Eric Chu | Thursday, March 18, 2010
As is the custom in Hong Kong, Chinese New Year brings presents, firecrackers, lucky money, and of course, the annual opening of a new Jackie Chan movie. The problem is, over the past few years, Chan has been trying to make films to appeal to both Asian and Western audiences, with little to no success. Laden with crappy CG animation and poor writing, Jackie has been trying to play the Hollywood game without realizing that his appeal is not to be gained by westernizing his films. Even a western attempt at portraying Chinese fables with last year's The Forbidden Kingdom was a catastrophic embarrassment for Asian audiences who were long-tired of western cliches about Chinese culture.
Then came this year's The Spy Next Door. Completed in 2008 and shelved until 2010, it was yet another dud in a long line of martial arts misfires, and many feared that Jackie's best films were already behind him. The star's box office power has long been dwindling to a fizzle and insiders within the industry began equating any given year's dismal box-office receipts to the release of a Jackie Chan film.
So, as with many action stars facing the effects of age, he decided to expand his acting repertoire by starring in a non-action movie, and the result was Shinjuku Incident. While it was an admirable effort, audiences just didn't want a serious drama from him and the film failed to jumpstart his career.
However, with Little Big Soldier we are happy to report that he may have found a film to do just that, or at the very least, earn himself a temporary reprieve.
Set during China's Era of Warring States (475-221 BC), Chan plays an unnamed Liang soldier who survives a devastating battle between Liang and Wei armies by playing possum. He soon discovers he isn't the only survivor and takes the last remaining Wei captive, a general (singer Wang Leehom), in hopes of being rewarded. The two mismatched characters are, at first, polar opposites, but in time, and after many adventures, come to a mutual understanding and respect for one another.
Instead of an improvised mash-up, as most of his films are, here we are treated to a more mature piece of filmmaking, worthy of Jackie's name.
Some may find the initial premise similar to John Boorman's Hell in the Pacific, but that's where the similarities end…and the fun begins. The adventure that follows feels more integral and fully-realized than Chan's previous films and has moments that one can describe as "thoughtful." Instead of an improvised mash-up, as most of his films are, here we are treated to a more mature piece of filmmaking, worthy of Jackie's name. Make no mistake about it, though, this is a Jackie Chan movie, and there are fights, stunts, and general buffoonery as per usual, but they are more intimate than epic, and thankfully, CG-free.
The film is, however, is not completely without its problems, as some characters are seemingly superfluous to their respective journeys. Still, the leads are reasonably likable and carry the film with enough chemistry and humor to forgive its minor faults (which is more than I can say for Chris Tucker's toxic chemistry with Jackie in Rush Hour!).
And while not exactly death-defying, the action is still innovative and surprising, and shows that even at 55, the action star still has some steel in his stride and tricks up his sleeve.
In development hell for 20 years, Little Big Soldier was a pet project of Chan's. He not only stars, but also wrote, co-produced, and action-directed the film. It certainly feels like more thought and care went into the production and the result is a satisfying friendship story of which he can be proud.
Welcome back, Jackie. We missed you.
Happy belated Chinese New Year!
Genre: Action/Adventure
Starring: Jackie Chan, Lee-Hom Wang, Rongguang Yu, Ken Lo, Sung-jun Yoo
Director: Sheng Ding
Screenwriter: Jackie Chan
Producer: Jackie Chan
Studio: Bona Entertainment
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Rated: N/A
Synopsis: It was the darkest of times in China, when ruthless warlords waged battles to satiate their endless aggression. Millions of lives perished, and those who survived had only two choices - kill or be killed.
The battalions of warring states Liang and Wei collided in a bloodbath that lasted from dawn until dusk. Only two men were left standing—a foot soldier from Liang and the rival General from Wei. The Soldier survived because he is an expert in playing dead, with a device strapped on his body which protruded like an arrowhead for added realism. The Soldier captured the wounded General, hoping to use the enemy as his ticket to freedom—by handing the General to the Liang warlord, the Soldier could be honorably discharged and return home to his peaceful life. The young General, though taken captive, was condescending towards the Soldier. The two men were often at loggerheads during the long and winding journey.
OUR RATING
* * * * *