1911 (2011) [Li Zhang]

1911

Directed by: Li Zhang

Starring: Jackie Chan, Joan Chen

Written by: 
Wang Xingdong
Chen Baoguang

Score by: Ding Wei

Release Date: 
2011.10.07 - US Theatrical
2012.01.10 - US DVD/Blu-Ray

It's been hard to get excited about Asian cinema in general (and Jackie Chan in specific) in the same way I did in the 90's and early 00's. Once again, it's only because I'm trying to put up current DVD releases that I even wound up watching the 10 minutes I did. 


Plot: The film takes place in the early 1900's (1911, actually). In the first 8-9 minutes people speak vaguely about a revolution and talk about people you haven't met, then a lot of people with guns attack people in a building. Then it was over.

The film has a unique way of introducing characters by putting their name and who they are on the side of the screen when they show up, which means they don't have to have needless dialogue

Verdict: While I'm sure I might just not be getting the full impact of what's going on, since I'm not Chinese, even the first 10 minutes was pretty boring. Still, I think its 9% Rotten Tomatoes rating backs up my decision not to go any further.