The cast of heroes from THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM.
© Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Mania Grade: B+
Rated: PG-13
Cast: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano
Writer: John Fusco
Director: Rob Minkoff
Distributor: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Original Year of Release: 2008
Extras: Audio commentary, six featurettes, bloopers, deleted scenes
Buy it now!
Rated: PG-13
Cast: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano
Writer: John Fusco
Director: Rob Minkoff
Distributor: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Original Year of Release: 2008
Extras: Audio commentary, six featurettes, bloopers, deleted scenes
Buy it now!
DVD Review: THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM Two Disc Special Edition
By: Tim JansonReview Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Director Rob Minkoff’s The Forbidden Kingdom is at once influenced by, and a tribute to early martial arts films, notably the Shaw Brother’s classic, Come Drink With Me. In fact, two of its main leads Yifei Liu’s Golden Sparrow and Jackie Chan’s drunken master Lu Yan, are directly derived from that 1966 pioneering Kung-Fu film. Minkoff however adds an element of fantasy and even tosses in a sprinkle of The Karate Kid.
The film opens in modern day Boston. Jason (Michael Angarano) is obsessed with Kung-Fu films and frequents a pawn shop run by Old Hop (also played by Chan) to buy DVDs. When a neighborhood gang forces Jason to help them rob the old man, Jason escapes with an antique staff he finds himself transported back to ancient China. Jason learns the tale of the Monkey King (Jet Li), and immortal Kung-Fu master who was tricked and turned to stone by the ruthless Jade Warlord. Only the return of his staff can free the Monkey King and end the Warlord’s rule.
Jason meets the drunken Lu Yan and the beautiful Golden Sparrow, who seeks vengeance against the Warlord for the murder of her family. They are soon joined by the Silent Monk (also played by Jet Ji) who recognizes Jason as the Seeker of prophecy to return the staff. Soon both Lu Yan and the Monk are tutoring Jason in the martial arts as they trek towards the Five Elements Mountain and a showdown with the Warlord, the White Witch, and the entire Jade army.
At its heart, Forbidden Kingdom is a typical fantasy quest story, not unlike the Lord of the Rings or hundreds of other books lining the fantasy shelves. We have the reluctant hero in Jason who only wants to go home, his wise (and wise-cracking) mentors, and the vengeance-driven heroine. On the other side, Collin Chou is charmingly evil as the Jade Warlord and Lin Bingbing rounds things out as the dangerous White Witch.
So while the plot isn’t necessarily original, the film excels in its production, action, and special effects. The set design is simply magnificent, from the breath taking scenery from the tops of the mountains to the meticulous authenticity of the Jade Warlord’s palace. While some of the fight scenes may go on too long, there’s no denying the dynamics of the choreography and incredible high-wire stunt work. There are moves and maneuvers pulled off that you’ve never scene before in martial arts films. Lu Yan’s battle with the White Witch whose long tresses are her main weapon was one of the true highpoints of the film. The Monkey’s King’s final showdown with the Jade Warlord is also fantastic.
As you might expect from a film with Jackie Chan, there is a good deal of humor in the script, most of it initiated by him or at the expense of his character. While not known for humor, Li holds his own as the straight man.
You do have to suspend beliefs on a few things, such as how Jason is able to communicate with the rest of the characters when he doesn’t speak Chinese and they, presumably, don’t speak English. Also there is the fact that Jason seemingly becomes a Kung-Fu master with just a few days training but if you can believe that Sam was able to mortally wound Shelob than you can certainly believe this as well.
Extras:
The Two Disc set is loaded with bonus features including:
Audio Commentary with Director Rob Minkoff and writer John Fusco
“The Kung Fu Dream Team” featurette
“Dangerous Beauty” featurette
“Discovering China” featurette
“Filming in Chinawood” featurette
“Monkey King and The Eight Immortals” featurette
Bloopers and Deleted Scenes
Digital Copy of the film
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