Man of Tai Chi is a 2013 Chinese-American martial arts action film on DVD, directed by and starring Keanu Reeves – a multilingual movie partly inspired by the life of Reeves' friend, stuntman Tiger Chen.
Tiger Chen is a Tai Chi student who is rather rebellious and uses Tai Chi to fight despite his master's concerns. When the temple where he studies get threatened from modern redevelopment, he fights in an underground fight club to get money the temple needs. However he soon realizes that his employer has other negative motives.
Man of Tai Chi Movie Reviews
“Keanu knows exactly what kind of movie this is, and doesn't pretend for a second that it's more important than it really is. It's a solid kick-ass martial arts movie, nothing more. I miss movies like this.” Film Geek Central
“Takes a zen-like approach to the kung fu movie, but when it comes to the big fights, it's as ferocious as they come.” IGN
“Reeves has clearly seen many Hong Kong films, and with the help of two veterans, Hollywood cinematographer Elliot Davis and HK editor Derek Hui, he's replicated one.” NPR
“Cinematographer Elliot Davis films the fight scenes with thrilling immediacy: lots of long takes, so you realize you are actually seeing these guys actually do this, as opposed to watching something pieced together later in the editing room..hugely entertaining” RogerEbert.com
“this China-U.S. co-production is the real deal for hardcore chopsocky fans.” Variety
“For fans of wushu flicks — or action movies in general — Man Of Tai Chi presents a rare appreciation for the art of conveying movement on screen, while also serving as an impressive physical showcase for its star, stuntman Tiger Chen.” AV Club
“The picture isn't exactly an intellectual pursuit, but the essentials of brutality, choreography, and cinematographic patience are well cared for under Reeves's watch.” Blu-ray.com
“The brutally efficient shooting style Reeves employs to film master choreographer Yuen Woo Ping's breathtaking fights…is refreshingly grounded and old-school kinetic.” LA Times
“The fights are spectacular – Tiger Chen doesn't need wires – the camera work is cool, the music sizzling.” Detroit News