November 2, 2024 (NYC)– The Tai Chi Master (2024) is High Flying Fun.  The Tai Chi Master (2024) is the newest Chinese martial arts epic hitting US markets next week.  This Hi-YAH! Original, action packed epic will be available on Digital on November 12, 2024. Here is a synopsis and review of this Well Go USA Entertainment release.

In the strife of the Song Dynasty’s end, Zhang Sanfeng forges Tai Chi amid sect wars and demonic intrigue. At the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, as the country was troubled by domestic and foreign aggression, foreign countries were eyeing the dynasty, trying to invade the Central Plains. One day, when the foreign enemies attacked the city, Zhang Junbao, a disciple of the Wuji faction, turned the tide and helped Wei Linchuan, the general of the Song Dynasty, successfully defend the border. Zhang Junbao returned to the sect to participate in the selection ceremony of the sect leader.

REVIEW:

The Tai Chi Master (2024), is a martial arts, action-fantasy film that is hitting US markets next week from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The film is the story of the legendary, purported of Chinese Tai Chi, Zhang Sanfeng.  While Zhang may have really lived in the 12th Century China, and while he may have created Tai Chi, this is hardly a historical biography.  This film is an epic martial arts, action, and fantasy film.  It is, actually, quite a lot of fun to watch.

The film is a large scale historical epic with elements of fantasy and mythology guiding the story and the characters.  This is, essentially, a film about the historic battle for control of the Chinese Empire; not an uncommon theme in Chinese action films.  Similarly, it weaves in elements of revenge and betrayal; themes present in martial arts films from all parts of the world.

The film is a large scale endeavor.   It has beautiful visual imagery.  It has a large cast.   There are epic battle scenes and is filled with stunning special effects.  While there are a lot of han-to-hand fight scenes, as well as fight scenes with weapons the fight choreography is not gritty and realistic.   The fights are large scale, and fanciful; more in the vain of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.  Nonetheless, they are great to behold.

The film has a very good cast. cast. Yue Wu, who previously played in one of the many Ip Man saga films, is really very likable and compelling in the lead role.  His martial arts fighting and acrobatic skills equal his screen presence.   He is the perfect choice to play this historical martial arts legend to a modern, international audience.

This entire supporting cast has great screen presence and does a good job carrying the story.

The Direction by Co-directors Siyu Cheng (Fists of Fury: Soul, The Grandmaster of Kung fu) and Zhenzhao Lin (Restart the Earth) is really very good.  They do a good job of including a lot in the visual palette without overwhelming the senses.

This film, like many coming out of China, have underlying themes that are present in many State backed cinema.  In some they appear more “preachy”.  In The Tai Chi Master the filmmakers do a good job of integrating them into the overall themes of the story.

The Tai Chi Master is a worthwhile endeavor, and knowing the back story enriches the viewing experience.  It is a family friendly film.

We recommend it.

DETAILS:

The Tai Chi Master, debuting on  Digital November 12, 2024 from Well Go USA Entertainment.  The film contains English subtitles.

 

–review by Marc Zirogiannis