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Chow Yun-Fat’s Charm Captivates Audiences in Bulletproof Monk
A Film Review By Anna Mai
Bulletproof and Monk. Two words that really don’t go together. So imagine my sentiments when I found out there was a movie called “Bulletproof Monk.” Definitely not a film I was going to be seeing. But I saw it -- and it wasn’t all that bad.
Based on a relatively unknown 1999 comic book mini-series by Flypaper Press, “Bulletproof Monk” stars Chow Yun-Fat as a nameless Tibetan monk who inherits the responsibility as guardian to a mysterious and powerful scroll in the year 1943. Sixty years later, his time is up and he must find a successor to protect the Scroll of the Ultimate.
Finding himself in the U.S., the Monk crosses paths with a street savvy pickpocket named Kar (Seann William Scott, “American Pie”) who seems to have a lot of potential despite his cocky and immoral basis. As the Monk continues to protect the ancient scroll from it’s most avid hunter, an old Nazi commander (Karel Roden), Kar proves to be a prime candidate to take over the Monk’s role. Along the way, they get mixed up with the beautiful Jade, a.k.a. Bad Girl (Jaime King) who turns out to be not that bad at all.
Seann William Scott and Chow Yun-Fat star in “Bulletproof Monk.”
Courtesy of MGM
“Bulletproof Monk” is chock full of Eastern philosophical statements straight from those yummy lil’ fortune cookies, and fight scenes meshing Hong Kong style martial arts reminiscent of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and Matrix-style special effects. The film definitely cuts it close when it comes to being over the top. But after a while, you just come to accept it. After all, the story is based on a comic book -- it’s supposed to be over the top!
Once you sit back and just enjoy this ridiculously entertaining film, one that completely ignores the existence of the laws of gravity and all common sense, you’ll find yourself smiling along with Chow Yun-Fat every time he flashes his charmingly shy smile.
The character of the Monk is played very well by Yun-Fat in his first film since the successful “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” In this role, he gets to show us more than his martial arts abilities. He successfully commands his comedic side, providing audiences with a charismatic subtlety and sarcasm. Seann William Scott, on the other hand is known for his comedic performances and tests out his action star potential in his role as Kar. But it’s just too hard to see Scott as a serious character after you’ve watched him as Stifler (“American Pie”).
There’s more to the Monk than his martial arts.
Courtesy of MGM
Go see the film but don’t expect too much. Just sit back, relax, and have a good time. “Bulletproof Monk” opened this week in theatres everywhere Wednesday, April 16.
Directed by Paul Hunter in his film directorial debut and produced by John Woo and Terrance Chang (Lion Rock Productions). Released by MGM. Rated PG-13 (for violence, language and some sexual content). Running time: 103 minutes.
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