First trailer for Keanu Reeves' martial arts epic, 'Man of Tai Chi'

It was about a year ago that Keanu Reeves set out to quiet the skeptics who scoffed at the idea of him directing his martial arts epic, Man of Tai Chi. Just because Neo said "I know kung fu" didn't mean Reeves knew how to tackle the genre, especially with it being his directorial debut. After the first poster and a handful of images began to roll out just a few days ago, today sees the kinetic first trailer arrive, and it looks like Reeves took all that fight training in The Matrix to heart.

With similarities to Bloodsport and Game of Death kicking you right in the face, the footage is a veritable flurry of action, encompassing a number of different styles and flashy characters. Reeves takes on the villain role as the head of an underground tournament, with 'Matrix' stunt coordinator Tiger Hu Chen as the fighter he wishes to defeat physically and spiritually. With Iko Uwais (The Raid: Redemption), Karen Mok (Black Mask), and Simon Yam (Ip Man) providing the fury on screen, plus boasting choreography by the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), this film comes armed with all sorts of martial arts credentials.

While Reeves was unable to use the revolutionary camera system he promised us last year during the "proof of concept" video, but the fighting is smooth and moves fluidly, so it doesn't appear to have been missed. Reeves says there are 18 fights and 40 minutes of action, a staggering amount by any measure. I think this looks incredible, but what do you all think?

Man of Tai Chi should hit theaters some time this year, and hopefully we'll get Reeves' 47 Ronin soon as well.


Man of Tai Chi - International Teaser #1 [VO|SD] by addictomovie.com