Yuen Woo-ping is the legendary Hong Kong action choreographer, who Hollywood eventually took notice of, working on films like The Matrix and Kill Bill. Wire work was one of his signature techniques, delivering beyond the athletic prowess of the actors and stunt people to depict them flying through the air. In Tai-Chi Master (1993; also known as Twin Warriors), there are fantastic fight scenes where opponents spin upwards, continuing their battle up a structure, extending the action into the hyperreal.
The film’s story follows two childhood friends studying in a Buddhist monastery. Tienbou (Chin Siu Ho) who wants to gain power and ascend the social order, while Gwanbou (Jet Li) other who wants to do good and help others. When they move to the city as adults, their paths eventually diverge between imperial military rule and rebellion freedom fighter, their friendship inevitably fraying. This is the type of tale that work as a historical epic, but Tai-Chi Master rushes along at a sharp pace, continually incorporating action scenes and comedy gags within its handsome production (particularly the military training ground where a hundred or so extras are in uniform).
Jet Li (who also produced the film) and Michelle Yeo are youthful and energetic, at the peak of their careers as Hong Kong action stars. And though Yeo is more of a supporting character, despite being second billed, she has some knock out sequences including a bar fight on stilts. While the stretch where Li is traumatised to the point of child-like regression lacks the comedy chops of say, Jackie Chan, his goodness and prowess as a character shines through. Particularly when he masters the secret of Tai-Chi, practicing moves in an open field, and creating a mini-tornado of leaves swirling around him.
Available to stream on Tubi in either Dubbed or Subbed versions. Recommended.
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