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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

[9.50/10] Shaolin (2011)


Shaolin (2011)

Brief review: Benny Chan's latest effort, "Shaolin" is a martial arts movie with heart, brain and soul, and it delivers on almost every single level, as it manages to be dramatic, serious, funny and action-packed all at the same time, due to it's well-balanced and thought out script and pitch-perfect execution. Benny Chan is an incredibly versatile and very capable Asian filmmaker, and "Shaolin" is a significant projection of his talent, imagination and skills as a director. His positioning of the camera mount achieves a sensational diversity of camera angles, plus, the dynamic camera movements emphasis and enhance certain scenes. The action is just one of the film's major strengths. The fight sequences and the stunts are extremely high-octane, fast-paced, and briskly-shot and edited by the legendary action director Corey Yuen. Chung Chi Li also does a brilliant job with the choreography, as he increases the effect with a fair use of flawlessly-executed wire work and some polished CGIs. Visually, "Shaolin" also never fails to impress. The production design is as beautiful as it's authentic, and the refined, eye-candy greenish cinematography pleases the eye throughout the film. The intense, yet beautiful music score adds depth to the picture. The acting ranges from good to exceptional. The widely popular Andy Lau's delivers, arguably, the strongest performance of his career. He conveys different emotions with ease, and makes us really care about his evil-turned-good character, General Hou Jie. Jackie Chan brings comic relief, but without being over-the-top this time around. Each and every one of supporting actors also do an excellent job in portraying their characters and making them incredibly sympathetic and likable.

Overall summary:
With its compelling story, brilliantly-portrayed characters, fantastic visuals and stupendous action sequences, Benny Chan's "Shaolin" ranks as one of the most accomplished, profoundly-engrossing and slickly-crafted martial arts movies ever made.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy, Happy Birthday!!! Damn, but I am going to have to see this. I'm a sucker for a great martial arts flick. Intelligent and thoughtful review. By the way, I'm having b-day cupcake in your honor tonight along with that beer. My sister's baking as I write this. She has a friend with a b-day today as well.:) Hugs!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Happy birthday, dude!

✗✗ said...

Oh wow! This film sounds pretty good!! I will have to tell my brother about it. He loves martial arts so he would definitely appreciate this one.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! How exciting! I hope you have a great one!! YAY! ; )

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Thanks, dear! :) If you're dying to see a compelling and well-made martial arts flick, then this is the one. Or give a shot to last year's "Reign of Assassins" - it's even better. Thanks for the compliment :)

Oh, really?! That is so cool! I love cupcakes, so I wish I could taste those :)

I really appreciate the fact that you celebrate my birthday, even if you're thousands of miles away from me ;) It is so sweet of you, Mel!
Happy birthday to your sister's friend! I wish him/her all the best.

The interesting thing is, March 9 is officially World DJ's Day, and since I'm crazy about house music, I couldn't be happier that this particular date is chosen :)

Hey, did you get my e-mail from yesterday? I'm asking because I have some issues with my e-mail lately, and I'm not always sure if you receive my e-mails.

By the way, I'm so glad that you decided to put a real pic of you on your profile. You look adorable on that photo! :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Thank you so much, Alex! :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Nicole, dear, it's as good as it sounds, and more :) Just like your brother, I'm a huge, huge martial arts fan, so I definitely recommend this one.

Thanks for your birthday wishes, sweetheart! It means a lot! :) And, yes, I had a great time yesterday. :)

FilmMattic said...

Happy Belated Birthday Blogger Brotha! (That is one incredible alliterative statement, lol)

As always, very insightful review!

Dempsey Sanders said...

ohhhhhhhhhhhh yes I will watch this one George, thanks for the post.
And a very Happy Birthday to you my friend, I hope you have a great day and lots and lots of prezzies.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Thank you so much, Matty! Oh, and I loved your statement... your choice of words is always impressive ;) 'Blogger Brotha' was my favorite part :P

Thanks, pal. Glad you thought so.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Demps, "Shaolin" is a must-see, no matter if you're a martial arts geek or not. It's exceptional!

Huge thanks, mate! :) I've had a great day indeed and I got many wonderful gifts. Take a look at this:

http://www.go-distribution.co.uk/gorock/product.asp?product=Go-Rock-Stereo-Portable-Speakers

Maynard Morrissey said...

oh, Happy Birthday!!! Keep on the great work!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Maynard, thanks, buddy. I really appreciate it! :)

Ty said...

Happy Birthday! and Shaolin looks Awesome!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Ty, it is awesome... beyond awesome, actually ;)

Welcome to my blog, and thanks for the following.
Please, leave me a comment with a link to your blog, so I can follow back. Thanks :)

Ty said...

Your Welcome! Also here is a link to our site:

http://www.comeuppancereviews.com/

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Ty, I;ve already found it, but thanks anyway ;)