The Forbidden Kingdom

Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Michael Angarano, Yifei Liu, Juana Collignon (Actors). (2008) Lions Gate. Rated PG-13. B001BEK8HO

PLOT SUMMARY

During a robbery of a pawnshop, Jason, and American teenager, somehow slips into the past with an enchanted staff belonging to the Monkey King in China. He must return the staff with the help of a drunken kung fu master, a monk, and a pretty martial artist in order to find his way home.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

The movie has appeal to those who are interested in fantasy and epic journeys. The dialog was sometimes hard to understand because of the Chinese accents. There is the classic idea of a novice becoming a master through hard work and training, and it was enjoyable to watch the character develop his skills utilizing the conflicting teachings of his newfound friends. Martial arts scenes are highly stylized with unbelievable stunts, contributing to the air of fantasy in this film. The movie follows a typical formula and is highly predictable, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.

GENRE

Fantasy

CURRICULUM TIES

History

Discuss some of the Chinese proverbs mentioned in the film. How are they applicable to modern life? Have students research the history of these proverbs.

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

12 and up

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Violence, extended martial arts scenes, racial epithets, some language, crude humor.

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Martial arts scenes have similarities to fight scenes in video games. Library has policies against censorship and parents must be aware of what their own children are watching.

WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE?

I appreciated the relationships developed among the four friends who had to band together for a single purpose. Purely for entertainment purposes.