Shaolin

Another very good surprise: Shaolin (released in January 2011 in Hong Kong), with nobody else than and , and directed by !

China is plunged into strife with warlords fighting against each other to expand their power. One of them is Hao Jie, extremely succesful, dangerous and obnoxious. He despises everyone, including  the Shaolin masters who live in a nearby temple. He even goes as far as killing one of his enemies on their grounds. However, Hao soon finds himself compelled to take refuge it the very same monastery, a rival having killed his family and wanting him dead. This is a revelation for Ho, who finds a new meaning in life.  As civil unrest spreads and people increasingly suffer, the monks, under Ho's impetus, decide to take action.

Chinese movies can be hit and miss, especially for Westerners, but this one is definitely a hit. The story is good, and for those who don't like kung fu, there is not much of it – in fact, it really serves the story. The plot is made even more interesting by the numerous sub-plots: Ho's love for his wife and child, and what happens to them; the enmity between Ho and his rival, a former subaltern; the meaning of live that Ho discovers in the temple; and the life of the poor and the peasants in those turbulent times. The story is complex, yet driven and simple to grasp. Images are beautiful, music is perfect. And as for the acting, no problem there. This is definitely one that I will be watching again in the near future. Don't hesitate to do the same.