‘Man of Tai Chi’ Directed by Keanu Reeves: A Hidden Martial Arts Gem of the 2010s

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In the 2010s, Keanu Reeves experienced a remarkable comeback in his career. Not only did he get to play in one of the most highly praised action series ever (John Wick), but he also demonstrated his directorial skills by creating a martial arts movie that was highly appreciated by critics. The 90s were particularly favorable to him, with films like Point Break, Speed, and The Matrix under his belt. However, the 2000s seemed less promising for him, as movies such as Thumbsucker and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee didn’t fare well. For a while, it seemed like his career might be waning, as is often the case with actors from the late 20th century. However, fortune had big plans in store for this Canadian actor.

Reeves, often referred to as an action star, demonstrates a broader range than many other actors labeled similarly. He’s ventured into various genres and has contributed significantly beyond mere acting on camera. This A-list talent has also produced films, created documentaries, and in the 2010s, directed one of the top martial arts films – “Man of Tai Chi“. Unfortunately, his remarkable work on this film is often overshadowed due to his subsequent success with “John Wick” shortly thereafter.

‘Man of Tai Chi’ Is All About Desperate Times and Desperate Measures

In addition to his role as director, Keanu Reeves portrays the antagonist in the film “Main of Tai Chi“. His character, Donaka Mark, is the mastermind behind an illicit fighting ring where combats are staged as contemporary gladiatorial contests for entertainment of the upper class. To boost his clientele, Donaka targets Tiger (Tiger Chen), a gifted young Tai Chi practitioner. He attempts to lure him with a substantial offer, but the fighter declines, asserting that engaging in fights for monetary gain goes against his moral code.

The trigger for action occurs when inspectors announce that Tiger’s Tai Chi temple is structurally unsound and threaten to tear it down if significant repairs aren’t made promptly. Recognizing that he can’t afford even minor fixes, he agrees to Donaka’s proposition, swearing to leave once he gathers enough funds. However, as we’re well aware, tales like this often follow a predictable pattern.

To secure triumph, Tiger adopts a harsh tactic. He becomes overpowering, yet the repercussions he hadn’t considered start to unfold. The authorities decline his application for temple preservation due to its historical and cultural importance, pointing out that his recent engagements in paid fighting contradict established moral standards.

Recognizing he’s transformed into a stranger to himself, he ceases his efforts for Donaka. His newfound sense of justice also prompts him to act against his old superior. He gets in touch with a local sheriff, ready to assist in bringing the man to justice. A fierce battle ensues, but defeating the cunning Donaka won’t be easy through mere kicks and firearms. And a surprising turn of events is just around the corner as well.

‘Man of Tai Chi’ Was Keanu Reeves’ Passion Project

It’s no wonder that Keanu Reeves excels in action roles, so it was expected to see him shine in such a genre. This lesser-known martial arts masterpiece was released a year before ‘John Wick’, and it shared the same ability as that film to portray the intricacies of overcoming oppression, leading to a satisfying, almost unexpected conclusion.

Following his collaboration with fight choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping on The Matrix, he became convinced that operating the camera was a crucial step for him. He was also positive that he’d produce something distinctive. By employing a dim color scheme to symbolize a rigid, oppressive bureaucracy, Reeves crafted an engrossing narrative about a principled fighter compelled to abandon his values for financial gain. Although the storyline followed a typical pattern, the film stands out due to its exceptional fight scenes. The timing and flow of each strike sync beautifully with the energetic music, giving the impression of a ballet performance, making this one of the most captivating and unforgettable martial arts films.

As a movie enthusiast, I find the extended shots and fewer cuts in this film truly set it apart from others within its genre. Moreover, Keanu Reeves’ choice to take a backseat as a character was insightful because it allowed him to devote more attention to his directorial responsibilities rather than acting. Tiger Chen, who has collaborated with Reeves on The Matrix, masterfully orchestrates the events of this film. Additionally, Iko Uwais’ brief yet impactful performance in this production is nothing short of delightful. Known for his role in The Raid, it appears that he relished the opportunity to contribute to this project.

The concept for The Man of Tai Chi took shape when Reeves encountered Chen and was awed by his skills. Working together with Michael G. Cooney, they crafted a script. This idea was subsequently presented to the China Film Group in 2007. The studio showed faith in him, granting a budget of $25 million. By 2008, pre-production commenced; however, it took several years for principal photography to finally begin, likely due to Reeves’ busy schedule.>

The movie ultimately debuted at both the Beijing and Cannes Film Festivals. Reeves initially sought a PG-13 rating, but it was classified ‘R’ due to its violent content. It garnered a 71% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but underperformed financially, earning just $5.5 million. This isn’t surprising given that the actor’s popularity was waning at the time.

On why he decided to go this route for his directorial debut, Reeves told Screen Daily:

I take pleasure in engaging in physical activities. I truly relish using them to portray a narrative through confrontations and struggles. The strife, the struggle, the defense – all these elements resonate strongly with me, particularly within dramatic contexts.

In simpler terms, Keanu Reeves (the lead in John Wick) acknowledges that the action-focused directors he’s collaborated with have inspired him to create his own film. He also credits his acting experiences for providing valuable insights into crafting an exceptional movie.

Actors Don’t Like Directing Movies and Keanu Reeves Has Proved It

Since starring in “Man of Tai Chi”, Keanu Reeves has not taken on a directorial role for any other film, an unexpected move given the positive reception it received from critics. It’s possible that his busy schedule is to blame, but it seems he could find time for directing if he chose to do so. This decision suggests that acting in movies may not be as appealing to him as the process of directing.

Sometimes, actors find themselves drawn to the director’s role, either fueled by curiosity or long-standing frustration. Just like an employee who may dream of starting their own business to escape reporting to someone else, actors might view directing as a means to grow and gain more autonomy. However, it doesn’t always turn out to be a smooth journey for them.

Many individuals in recent times have had brief film careers, opting instead to focus on their familiar talents after making a single movie. Notable examples are Marlon Brando, Bill Murray, Nicolas Cage, Mike Myers, Michael Keaton, Eddie Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Edward Norton.

Managing multiple actors and ensuring the editing process runs smoothly can be incredibly demanding, and the criticism that sometimes follows can be disheartening as well. Filmmakers, on the other hand, know that a significant portion of their reputation hinges on a movie’s box office success. Consequently, they have become adept at handling such outcomes and making necessary adjustments. When faced with allegations of poor work, they strive to appease their critics while also surpassing the acclaim they received for their previous projects. Actors, however, often find it difficult to adopt this mindset.

Despite the passage of time, we’re optimistic that Keanu Reeves hasn’t retired from filmmaking. Given his current career phase, he could undoubtedly achieve greater success. Moreover, he has the ability to captivate a major studio and secure a larger budget for any project he chooses. Fingers crossed that this occurs before Hollywood once again overshadows his talent with a series of shallow, sugary sweet films. Here’s hoping for a sequel called Another Man of Tai Chi.

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2025-04-06 18:32