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U.S. 2008
Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Cast: Kristin Kreuk, Robin Shou, Neal McDonough, Michael Clarke Duncan, Chris Klein, Taboo, Moon Bloodgood, Elizaveta Kiryukhina
Release Date: February 27th 2009
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour 36 mins 35 secs
Review of the Movie
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STREET FIGHTER:
The Legend of Chun Li |
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Among fellow Moviegoers, I'm 99% positive that those who have laid their hands on an old console named Super Nintendo, especially back in the early 90s, must've been really familiar with the name Chun Li. And if we mention the names of Chun Li, Ken, Guile, Ryu and Bison, gamers' mind think only of one thing... Street Fighter. The simple good 'ol days of fighting game. And the hot dish of the game, none other than Chun Li with her famous blue Chinese dress, spiky armband and her spinning kick, it brings good memory to gamers. She's the first female character in Street Fighter (even before Cammy and Rose) and probably even the first ever in Fighting Game. I guess Chun Li deserves the title 'Legend'.
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li is the second entry in Street Fighter franchise after the first one which was released mmmm just like 15 years ago! The reason behind this movie being produced and the release date in February probably to accompany the release of Street Fighter IV game on Play Station 3. However I refuse to think negatively of this movie, because for me personally I get to remember those times exercising my thumbs to beat the heck out of Bison. On the other hand I would be very critical if this movie could not live up to the expectation. The first Street Fighter in 1994 at least could deliver many many aspects that fans of the game were hoping for, I know I was excited.
Round 1! What's up this time with Chun Li anyway? Well this it's all about Chun Li and revolves solely around her. Chun Li (Kristin Kreuk) is raised in a wealthy family with her mother is an American and her father is a Chinese. Chun Li grew up well under the guidance of his father who teaches her Wu Shu, a Chinese Martial Arts. It's a happy family, but it's about to end abruptly when Bison (Neal McDonough) storms in with Balrog (Michael Clarke Duncan), they take Chun Li's father away and she never heard of him since. But one day, Chun Li's is given a secret scroll which leads her to Thailand to go and find Gen (Robin Shou). It is there in Bangkok resides the headquarter of Bison's terrorist organization called "Shadaloo" and it is also there in Bangkok that Chun Li will learn the harshness of real life and become more than just a fighter. But what does it all have to do with the secret scroll and Gen? And will she get her revenge on Bison?
Round 2! If a movie is based on a very popular video game, then it's actually has the advantage. It already has fans or enthusiastic people even before it's released. So, enthusiasm is something of a life saver for a movie like this.
Unfortunately, this movie suffers severe blow from delivering action scenes that appeals only to pre-teen with ninja or Karate Kid-craze on their mind. Every gamer has their own fave character in Street Fighter, and so did I. But how wonderful it'd be, if we could see more characters other than just Chun Li, Bison or Balrog (the famous ones), but wait! Where's Vega who's played by Taboo (from Black Eyed Peas)? Oh he is present alright, but the one that I admire for his mask and wolverine-like claw turns out only appear for a very short time and Totally Unsatisfying. And for me personally, Chun Li is not my favorite. Even sometimes the reason I played her character was to see her panties by making her doing up-side down rotating kick, and I'm sure most of you guys did too. No? Really?! Well I just embarrassed my self then ;-)
Anyway, what is more ridiculous about this action flick is every time Bison appears, you could hear the sound of a tiger. Duh! Quite different with the game, as cute as Kristin Kreuk is, Chun Li is not a brunette, and in this film Chun Li has the energy ball called "The Hadouken" which is actually a range weapon privilege to Ryu and Ken. Concerning the fighting scenes, they are of nothing special, but I have to give applause to the finale death scene, now that's cool. Another positive point that viewers could get is the history of the characters especially Chun Li and Bison. I've read several Street Fighters comic books which versions are stranger than the other, and I have to say I really enjoy and accept the logical explanation behind respective character's behavior.
Round 3! Street Fighter VS Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li... The winner is Street Fighter!!!. Yes after 15 long years, instead of getting much more improvement in the FUN department, it turns out that Street Fighter (1994) Rules! It wins completely over Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. From the originality, the amount of characters, the fighting moves, the winning/taunting signature moves, the stage (places) and most importantly The Fun Factor! So don't watch Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li if you're not a fan. This movie is way too serious. But if you're curious enough like me, try to go for a rent or wait for it to be aired on TV.
© iwan pranowo of Movielogy.com
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