Introduction
By now, you know what I am going to ask. Is The Paper Tigers (2020) worth the watch? It is not a new question, and The Paper Tigers (2020) was actually reviewed five years ago in Martial Journal. So, why review it again? I have three reasons for reviewing it, and I am sure many others will be able to relate. The first is that it has been five years since the last review. In that time, we have seen the conclusion of the Cobra Kai series which might have stirred a wave of nostalgia for traditional martial arts. Some movies hold up under the test of time. Has The Paper Tigers (2020) held up well? The second is that I teach (and love!) kung fu. I loved The Paper Tigers (2020) when it came out, and if I am being honest, I have watched and rewatched it many times. The third reason is perhaps the most important one for the approach I am taking on this review. Each Father’s Day I review a martial arts movie with my children. I am preparing for next month’s review and getting into the “feels” about being a dad, a martial artist, and being in what I will politely call middle age. Not many movies can address all of these, and I need the Three Tigers to help me push through.
Summary
The Paper Tigers (2020) is multifaceted, and any summary of this film will be based on how it is approached. The story is about a martial arts community and how it has changed over the decades. The story is about the toll age takes on marital artists and how training, or walking away from the training, impacts that. For me, the story is about relationships. The relationship between teacher and student. The relationship between students who share the same teacher. And, as I prepare for Father’s Day, the relationship between a father and his child. The Paper Tigers (2020) includes training sequences, great stunt work, and even a rooftop fight scene. However, this film is not driven by the action. It is driven by the characters and their relationships.
Analysis
Pros
Five years ago, Cabellero’s review of The Paper Tigers (2020) highlighted the fight sequences and the amazing writer and director, Quoc Bao Tran. Another pro for this film is the starring cast, Alain Uy as Danny, Ron Yuan as Hing, and Mykel Shannon Jenkins as Jim – aka the Three Tigers. These three actors explored what it means to be man as he ages and struggles with maintaining connections, with teachers, children, and spouses. Their depictions, while not always “heroic”, were honest. Alain Uy’s Danny struggled to reconcile with his past, to connect with his son, and to maintain meaningful relationships with his wife and friends. The real application of his teacher’s martial art was not demonstrated in the fight scenes, but in the final moments of the film when he is back to training in the garage – with his son!
A surprise standout performance was delivered by Matthew Page as Carter. Mathew Page (aka Master Ken) portrayed Carter, the jealous rival. Unlike the Three Tigers, Carter continues to train and maintains a strong relationship with his teacher. Decades later, Carter serves as reminder of what could have been and of the real meaning of kung fu. His reconciliation with the Three Tigers toward the end of the film demonstrated the maturity needed in martial arts and in the world.
As a big fan of Martial Club, it was exciting to see Andy Le and Brian Le performing their unique brand of martial arts. For a film about the passage of time and teaching the next generation, it was good to see the next generation of movie martial arts depicted.
Cons
Much like the summary, the cons of this film are based on how it is approached. It is not purely any one genre, which can disappoint a viewer who is not expecting a multifaceted look at life.
Conclusion
Is The Paper Tigers (2020) worth the watch? Yes, it is. It is six years old, but the story is still relevant, and the film does not betray its age. For all my fellow martial arts dads out there, watch this film now before Father’s Day. Clean out some space in the garage and train a little with them. If you think it does not matter, this film will change your perspective.
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