Shaolin (2011) - Worth the Watch?

Introduction

Spring is the time of year for renewal and recommitment. We see this in nature as the trees awaken and flowers bloom. We can follow the lessons from nature and use this season to renew good habits and recommit to our training. Shaolin, a 2011 Hong Kong-Chinese film, echoes these teachings and demonstrates the importance of new beginnings and committing to the teachings of martial morality. I like this movie for many reasons. As someone who practices Chinese martial arts, I love to see it performed on screen. The cast is A-list with a director to match. And, of course, it has Jackie Chan.

Summary

Benny Chan (Heroic Duo, New Police Story, White Storm) who is known for directing martial arts movies with violence, humor, and amazing choreography directs Shaolin (2011). His approach to directing is easy to detect in this film, and with a cast starring Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Fan Bingbing, Wu Jing, Yu Shaoqun, and Xing Yu, Shaolin (2011) was sure to be a hit. And did I mention Jackie Chan?

As a remake of Shaolin Temple (1981), this film is set during the modern era in war-torn early 20th-century China. Warlord Hou Jie (Andy Lau) seizes power through betrayal and violence, and his ambitions lead to the death of his daughter and his downfall at the hands of his former ally (Nicholas Tse). He seeks refuge in the Shaolin Temple, and though initially resentful, Hou Jie undergoes a spiritual transformation, embracing Shaolin philosophy and martial arts. As his former protégé wages war against the temple, Hou Jie and the monks defend their sanctuary, leading to a climactic battle. Ultimately, Hou finds redemption through sacrifice, realizing true strength lies in compassion and humility.

Analysis

As expected from a Wu-xia film based on the teachings of the Shaolin temple, Shaolin (2011) has many layers. This film explores the violence during early 20th-century China and demonstrates the techniques and training of Shaolin kung fu. Perhaps more importantly, it focuses on the teachings of martial morality and Chan Buddhism as taught at the Shaolin temple.

Pros

My apologies to Andy Lau, but my favorite parts of this film are the scenes starring Jackie Chan. Jackie Chan portrays Wudao, the temple’s humble but skilled cook. Unlike the warrior monks, Wudao appears lighthearted and comical, often downplaying his abilities. However, he embodies the Shaolin values of humility, kindness, and resourcefulness. Of particular note is the interaction between Jackie Chan’s and Andy Lau’s characters. While Andy Lau’s character desires to be a warrior monk, Jackie Chan’s Wudao points out that the role is not as important as our intention as we fulfill it. He strives to avoid violence, but when the temple is attacked, he uses his unique martial arts skills – and his kitchen tools – to defend his community. Jackie Chan’s acting under Benny Chan’s direction provides comic relief while reinforcing the film’s themes of selflessness and inner strength.

Cons

Cons? Really? This film illustrates the importance of Shaolin’s teachings and showcases Jackie Chan – what could be considered a con? Despite the all-star cast and award-winning director, I did struggle with parts of this film. As a father, I am always disturbed by violence committed against children. This film, while staying true to historical examples, does include violence against children, and a major plot point is the death of the main character’s daughter. This was hard to watch, but it did serve to demonstrate the difficulty of the main character’s redemptive arc.

Conclusion

Shaolin (2011) – worth the watch? I can say without hesitation that this film will not disappoint. It has something for everyone – kung fu training sequences for the martial artist, analysis of early 20^th century China for the historians, and practical daily application of Chan Buddhism for anyone with a serious interest in the teaching of Shaolin. And, if I did not mention it earlier, it has Jackie Chan.