Review of Shaolin (2011) by Nilesh J — 01 Aug 2018

A well-made movie with big stars and good action, however, the narrative style and purposes are highly unusual, at least for the foreign viewers. The climax might make perfect sense for the locals, but could befuddle any outsider.

For example, a HK moviegoer may see the end as a positive where the villain is transformed, the heroes have made great sacrifices while the population is happily on its way to a better life. To a foreigner, the same end might appear extremely dissatisfying where the heroes die violently for a peace that never is, the temple destroyed, the population evicted and the murderous villain the only survivor.