DVD Review: Martial-Arts Double Feature with 'Wushu' and 'Fireball'
Could I possibly have picked two martial arts films further apart on the ratings scale than Wushu and Fireball? On one end of the spectrum is the first "family" martial-arts film I've ever seen that wasn't American in origin, and on the other end is pure martial-arts porn, in which whatever plot is present serves to string hard-core brutal action sequences together. Both films are now available on DVD from Lionsgate Films.
As executive producer of Wushu, martial-arts legend Jackie Chan introduces a new generation of talented martial artists in such a way that this film will please fans young and old. Antony Szeto -- known for his animated fantasy film Dragonblade -- directed Wushu and also choreographed all the stunts.
Talented and seasoned actor Sammo Hung Kam-Bo (Kung Fu Hustle, The Medallion) supports the young cast as Li Hui, father to brothers Li Yi (Wenjie Wang) and Li Er (Fei Wang). Szeto discovered Wenjie Wang at Sonjiang Wushu College, which is where Wushu was later filmed.
The film introduces the Li family as the young boys are taken to their wushu academy by their father, who happens to be an instructor at the school. The boys become friends with a few classmates, and they form a club known as "Jin Wu Men," dedicated to learning martial arts and supporting one another. Time flashes forward as they become young adults, and along with their friends Xiao Zhang (Yongchen Liu), Yang Yaowu (Fengchao Liu) and female fighter Fong Fong (Fei Wang), they compete for places in the regional wushu competitions. Complications set in as the villianous ex-student Ke Le (Nan Tie) kidnaps some younger students, along with one of the Li brothers. Their father along with the remaining members of Jin Wu Men must save the day.
This film focuses on wushu as a competitive sport, as well as the positive aspects of inner transformation and understanding one's role in the world. In Chinese, "wushu" literally means "martial arts," and a focus on unity of form and content, of body and spirit is the main principle of wushu. In 1949 wushu was completely forbidden in China and many monks moved to Taiwan, the U.S. and other countries where they opened training academies and began incorporating gymnastics. Almost 40 years later, wushu experienced a revival in China. The Chinese government decided to make traditional wushu a national sport and began developing special programs.
Wushu is full of action, and its positive energy delivers a feel-good attitude along with morals of right and wrong. A central theme is the importance of friendship and the support it provides. Although it's never quite explained why the children are being kidnapped -- illegal fights and gambling, perhaps? -- this subplot isn't instrumental in the overall story. What makes this film work is the cameraderie of the ensemble cast of young and promising actors along with Sammo.The final act alone is enough to make me want to settle in with some Chinese take-out and view Wushu again.
DVD Special Features: Behind-the-scenes featurette and Cannes World Premiere footage with Jackie Chan.
Don't be mistaken -- Fireball is nothing like Shaolin Soccer. The only thing in common between the two films is the combination of martial arts and a team sport. Fireball, which played Fantastic Fest 2009 here in Austin, is hardcore, balls-to-the-wall death sport. The premise is simply underground basketball games of five-on-five, with the winning team being the first team to score. If a team fails to score, the team with the last man standing is declared the winner.
Fireball begins with central character Tai (newcomer Preeti Barameeanant) being freed from prison, thanks to his brother Tan who has used money to arrange for his release. However, Tai discovers that his brother is in the hospital, in a coma as a result of injuries. Tan's girlfriend confirms that he had been involved in some suspicious activity that had generated the funds for Tai's release, quite possibly illegal in nature. Determined to find out the truth and exact his revenge, Tai assumes his brother's identity. As Tan, he becomes part of an ultra-violent game hosted by criminal drug lords including Boss Den (Phutharit Prombandal), who gamble on the outcome and fix the matches. The competitive sport of fireball is based very loosely on basketball and Muay Thai, full of brutal action and violence. Very few rules apply in this game.
Supporting Tan/Tai are several other players, each with their own personal motives for being part of the competition. Team captain Zing (9 Million Sam) works in retail, and winning the prize money means not having to deal with disgruntled customers; Muk (Kumpanat Oungsoongnern) works in a slaughterhouse, slinging meat; K (Anuwat Saejao) is suspected of having thrown a match before -- but is it tied to Tan's source of money for Tai's release? -- and finally there is the youngest member, teen IQ (Kannut Samerjai), who just wants money to help his mother pay rent.
Did I mention how brutal Fireball is? No mercy is shown between teams, and even the fans participate in the bloodletting brutality. Weapons are used on the court, and only the strongest have any chance of surviving. The action sequences are nonstop, I found the training sequence with the team parkouring (similar to "free-running") through the neighborhood more enjoyable. Having just watched Fight Club again this weekend, my recommendation is that if you are bothered by the brutality of Fight Club than give Fireball a pass. On the other hand, if you are a hard-core martial-arts fan than Fireball is worth a watch for the fight choreography and special effects.