Review of Shaolin (2011) by Mz.gie G — 30 Jan 2011

This film comes as a surprisingly fine production. Although the plot is pretty much expected, the execution of the film by Benny Chan is of decent quality. As he did in previous films like Big Bullet (1996) and New Police Story (2004), Chan has done well to inject Shaolin's action pace with commendable intense.

The scene where Andy Lau's warlord character was being assassinated is notably breathtaking. The darker, more bloodily violent elements of this version should also serve as distinct points to the old version, to which I personally prefer.

Nicholas Tse's villain character could well be the worst casting of the film, not because he can't act, but he just doesn't suit the character. His portrayal looks more like a modern street thug than as a warlord.

There are also a few cliche scenes involving the little monks (which are supposed to be funny) which could have been edited for faster pace sake. But with less and less quality HK films, this one should easily make into the nominees of best movie in HK Film Award.