Sunday 1 April 2012

Little Big Soldier (3 Stars)

Inside the wok the eagle and the chicken are both meat.

The film takes place in China in 227 B.C. The kingdoms of Wei and Liang have gone to war. Before they can fight they're ambushed by a third party -- the Qin? -- and both armies are slaughtered, There are only two survivors: a simple farmer from Liang, and the general of the Wei army, who is also heir to the throne of Wei. The farmer takes the general captive, hoping to take him home and claim a reward. But as they fight for survival they become friends.

This is an epic historical film of the type frequently made in China. It stars Jackie Chan as the farmer, and I'm a big Jackie Chan fan. And yet I didn't really enjoy the film. Maybe it was the wrong role for Jackie. I've grown so used to seeing him as a comedian, but the Liang farmer is only slightly amusing. With the exception of the general's younger brother I didn't understand the motivation of the other characters. Various individuals or gangs come and fight against the two main characters, or against each other, but why? Maybe it was a time of chaos and turmoil in China, but as a viewer I would like to get to know the characters who are battling.

Click here to view the trailer.

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