Let the show begin in the first international trailer for Keanu Reeves' MAN OF TAI CHI

It’s been barely a week since we got our first look Keanu Reeve’s, Man of Tai Chi, the ass-kicking martial arts flick in which Reeves tries to convince us that only does he know kung fu, he can apparently now direct it as well. He’s promised that the film will revolutionize kung fu movies, but judging by this trailer it might not do it by its story, which appears to be sort-of Bloodsport for the post-Matrix generation minus the 80’s cheese and bouncing pecs.

What it does show off though, are some most excellent fisticuffs, which is afterall what we’re all really here for.

In Beijing, a young martial artist’s skill places him in position to experience opportunities and sacrifices.

Now, yes, as Reeve’s sleepy voice informs us, there’s clearly more to the story  (perhaps obfuscated a bit by the lack of subtitles in certain parts of this international trailer) but it’s essentially just a martial arts tournament movie, which is something that we’ve seen plenty of times before. And you know what? I’m OK with that. The Yuen Woo Ping fight choreography and Reeves’ utilization of the amazing “Bot & Dolly” remote controlled camera system in the fights themselves is really what I’m here for, and in those regards Reeve’s directorial debut definitely doesn’t appear to be a bogus journey.

There’s been no release date set for Man of Tai Chi yet.

Last Updated: April 22, 2013