 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Forbidden Kingdom
- Review Date: April 22, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Mostly bloodless Chan/Li martial arts adventure.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, despite its seemingly endless parade of bone-crunching kung-fu battles, this Jet Li/Jackie Chan martial arts action movie is actually pretty tame. Since there's more focus on the artistry of fighting than on its gory aftermath, there's very little blood (despite the presence of knives and swords). Plus, the basic story -- in helping others, a young man discovers his own strength and will -- is pretty warm and fuzzy. There's minimal swearing and basically no sexual content; Chan's character drinks, but it's presented as a weakness. One warning: Younger viewers may need to be warned not to try the kung-fu moves at home.
What's the story?
Shy teenager Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano) might not seem like the most likely person to be fated to return a centuries-old golden staff that once belonged to the mythical Monkey King (Jet Li), who was turned to stone by the evil Jade Warlord (Collin Chou). But Jason finds himself in that very situation when an elderly shopkeeper (Jackie Chan) entrusts him with the task ... after Jason betrays the old man, who winds up getting shot. In no time, a guilt-ridden Jason is transported back to ancient China, where he meets up with two kung-fu masters -- Lu Yan (Chan again), whose elixir is wine, and the Silent Monk (Li, also in a double role) -- who must teach him how to vanquish the Jade Warlord, free the Monkey King, and go home. Is Jason up to the task?
Is it any good?
Its plotlines are circuitous to say the least, but THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is pure fun (there's a message somewhere about "learning the form but seeking the formless," but it's almost unimportant). The fighting sequences are exhilarating, especially those that pit Chan against Li. Seeing Chan in action, it's clear that the pure martial arts genre is the best showcase for his talents; in his sidekick movies, he doesn't get to unleash his prowess as extensively as he does here. Angarano also holds his own, and the villains are deliciously over-the-top, especially Li Bingbing, who plays the devious, white-maned Ni Chang.
But anyone who's expecting Kill Bill-style action will be disappointed. Though the fighting moves on display here are legit, there's little gore. Arrows cartoonishly pierce skin but don't draw blood (which is good if you plan on taking kids to see it). The film could also have done with less forced banter; the "witty" repartee isn't really all that witty. And the film's present-day bookends, though they inject Forbidden Kingdom with some semblance of a frame, are forgettable throwaways.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie depicts martial arts battles vs. other fights. What's the difference between martial arts and "regular" fighting? What makes the former an actual "art"? What message is the movie sending by presenting the martial arts sequences beautifully and casting the present-day brawls in an ugly light? Are some forms of combat more acceptable than others? Families can also discuss Jason's choices in the movie. In the end, does he redeem himself?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Much better choice than Karate Kid (2010)
Watched this on movie channel with my son. Liked it much much much better than Karate Kid (2010). What a bonus to have both Jet Li and Jackie Chan in the movie playing multiple roles. (Too bad Jet Li's English is not as good). The kungfu fighting was good (not gruesome/violent/brutal). Movie was funny with positive message and character development.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
One wild art
Kids love to see kungfu action, with sci-fi flying, weird mutation, and magic. And the fact the story is extremely stupid is the reason why you should take your kids to see this.
I have to say, it is better, than i thought, not the story of the monkey king who lost his staff, but the acting. Some of the action was okay, but some parts were actually funny. And there was development.
The plot is simple, the monkey lost his staff as t flew all the way to modern Boston. A boy falls to the kingdom and is to return it.
Overall, above average flick, but if you want a DvD, try "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Fun, hilarious, and (for the most part) clean; a very good choice
Whether your a fan of Bruce Lee movies or kung fu in general, you will love The Forbidden Kingdom. It's full of high-kicking, high-flying fun with amazing stunts and great fight sequences. Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee are a dynamic duo, making the film even more enjoyable. There are also some very funny scenes that will make the whole family laugh. Frequent and intense martial arts violence abounds, as does passing references to suicide and force sexual contact. There are language problems as well, making this movie OK for 11+ only. Other than this however, there isn't much to point out, other than a scene when the monk urinates on the traveler (a very funny scene).
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A great all round martial arts-action movie meant for the complete family. It contains bloodless fighting scenes. A great entertainer.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good Combat movie
This is realy a good movie for any age.This movie doesn't have sexual content.No heavy violation.No heavy language.Good.Watch it write now.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great action film!
This film has some of the best fighting scenes in any movie that I have ever seen. I LOVED IT!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Rob Minkoff |
| Cast: | Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 113 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 18, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | September 8, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of martial arts action and some violence. |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
