The Taking Of Tiger Mountain Movie Review

The Taking of Tiger Mountain is a Chinese-Hong Kong period action film, written and directed by Tsui Hark. The script for this film has been co-written by Tsui Hark, along with Huang Xin, Li Yang, Wu Bing, Dong Zhe, and Lin Chi-an. The screenplay for this film is adapted from the novel ‘Tracks in the Snowy Forest,’ written by Qu Bo, and based on a mission between the PLA Army and a bandit gang. Huang Jianxin, Shi Nansun, and Yu Dong have co-produced this film. This film is distributed under the combined banner of Tianjin Bona Cultural Media, Huaxin Film Distribution, Wuzhou Film Distribution, Beijing Sankuai Online Technology, and Distribution Workshop. Choi Sung-fai is the cinematographer, while Yu Baiyang is the editor of this film. This film stars Zhang Hanyu and Lin Xengxin in the lead. The supporting cast of this film comprises

Tony Leung Ka-fai, Yu Nan, Tong Liya, Han Geng, Chen Xiao, etc. The film got a theatrical release in China on 23 December 2014.

Plot

Post World War II, a depleted PLA unit, comprising Captain 203 and his comrades find it hard to keep up their battle against the bandits raiding the Japanese arsenals. They are informed by the villagers about a warlord named Hawk, who has made their lives a living hell. It is up to Captain 203, and his trusted aide, Yang Zirong, to stop Hawk and his band of bandits in time.

Star Performances

Despite the movie reeking of propaganda, what makes its engaging is the conviction of the writer cum director Tsui Hark, and his team of writers and performers, who give it all to make an engaging experience.

Zhang Hanyu leaves a memorable impression as the undercover warrior Yang Zirong. Even if his role wasn’t properly written, Tony Leung also makes a decent impression as the antagonist bandit Hawk.

Analysis

Tsui Hark and his choice of films have been mostly debatable. Either they are visually breathtaking or just simply bizarre, nowhere in between. However, with ‘The Taking of Tiger Mountain,’ Tsui Hark has attempted to blend period fantasy and action in one product.

If you are one of those, who like period action films, with a certain tinge of fantasy, then you can try this one. Director Tsui Hark and his team of writers have done a fine job of creating a visually engaging narrative. With actors like Zhang Hanyu, Lin Xengxin, Yu Nan, etc., the film certainly boasts an impressive star cast.

However, the film is not completely flawless. To begin with, the character development of the antagonist, despite the settings, is quite flat, and rather forgettable to be honest. Given that this is a Chinese production, based on a borderline propaganda novel, one would be surprised if the focus was solely on entertainment, and nothing else. That wouldn’t have been a problem, had it not ruined the overall experience to an extent.

What's There?

• Great camerawork by Choi Sung-fai
• Good direction by Tsui Hark
• Great performances from Zhang Hanyu, Lin Xengxin, and Yu Nan

What's Not There?

• Predictable Plot, with a dash of Chinese propaganda
• Weak antagonist
• Not so impressive second half

Verdict

‘The Taking of Tiger Mountain,’ for all its flaws, is a visually entertaining action flick. Director Tsui Hark and his team of writers have ensured that the product is at least an entertaining experience, if not completely outstanding.