SHAOLIN

Shaolin (2011)

Summary:

During China's tumultuous Warlord Era (early 20th century), a ruthless and arrogant warlord, Hou Jie, causes widespread devastation. After his own second-in-command betrays him, leading to the loss of his family and power, a humbled Hou Jie seeks refuge at the Shaolin Temple. He gradually sheds his violent ways, learns martial arts and Chan Buddhism, and joins the monks in protecting the innocent refugees from his former ally's continued tyranny, culminating in a climactic battle at the temple.

Plot (Movie Story):

The film is set in Dengfeng, Henan, during the early Republican era of China (around the 1920s), a period marked by civil unrest and constant warfare between ruthless warlords.

The story centers on Hou Jie (Andy Lau), a powerful, arrogant, and merciless warlord. He leads his army to victory over a rival warlord, Huo Long, seizing control of Dengfeng. Hou Jie shows no compassion, even executing Huo Long in front of the peaceful Shaolin monks where Huo had sought refuge. He disrespects the Shaolin Temple and its teachings, believing only in force.

However, Hou Jie's ambition and cruelty lead to his downfall. His ambitious and cunning second-in-command, Cao Man (Nicholas Tse), who feels used and undervalued, plots against him. During a dinner where Hou Jie plans to eliminate his sworn brother, Song Hu, Cao Man sets a trap, leading to a violent betrayal. In the chaos, Hou Jie fatally wounds Song Hu, but then Cao Man's assassins turn on Hou Jie. Though Song Hu saves Hou Jie before dying, Hou Jie loses everything.

While fleeing, Hou Jie's wife (Fan Bingbing) and young daughter, Hou Sheng, are separated. Hou Sheng is severely injured in a fall. Desperate, Hou Jie takes her to the Shaolin Temple, begging the monks to save her, but despite their efforts, she dies. His wife, who was rescued by some benevolent Shaolin monks, blames Hou Jie for their daughter's death and abandons him.

Devastated, stripped of his power, and consumed by guilt, Hou Jie is a broken man. He wanders near the temple until he meets Wudao (Jackie Chan), the humble Shaolin cook, who offers him food and shelter. Through Wudao's simple wisdom and the monks' compassionate ways, Hou Jie begins a slow and painful journey of redemption. He shaves his head and becomes a novice monk, taking on the name Chingchueh. He struggles with his past violence and anger, but gradually embraces the Shaolin philosophy of martial arts and Chan Buddhism, learning humility and compassion.

Meanwhile, Cao Man consolidates his power, becoming even more ruthless than Hou Jie. He collaborates with foreign powers, ostensibly for a railway project, but secretly exploits refugees and prisoners to excavate ancient relics for profit. Once the job is done, he intends to eliminate them to cover his tracks.

Hou Jie, now committed to the Shaolin way, discovers Cao Man's heinous plans. He, along with the other monks, particularly Jingneng (Wu Jing) and Jingkong (Xing Yu), begins to secretly help the refugees and undermine Cao Man's operations. The monks use their martial arts not for aggression but for protection and justice, becoming a force for good in the war-torn region.

When Cao Man learns that Hou Jie is alive and interfering, he leads his army to attack the Shaolin Temple, intending to destroy it and silence the monks. Hou Jie volunteers to sacrifice himself to create a diversion, allowing the refugees to escape safely, led by Wudao.

The film culminates in a massive, brutal battle at the Shaolin Temple. The monks, despite being outnumbered, valiantly defend their sanctuary. Foreign forces, who were in league with Cao Man, also bombard the temple with artillery, attempting to destroy all evidence and eliminate both the warlord and the monks.

In the final confrontation, Hou Jie faces Cao Man. Hou Jie defeats Cao Man in a brutal fight but ultimately sacrifices his own life to save Cao Man from being crushed by a falling beam, showing his complete transformation and commitment to compassion. Hou Jie dies peacefully in the palm of a giant Buddha statue, leaving Cao Man wracked with guilt. The surviving monks, including Wudao, manage to stop the bombardment and save the remaining refugees. The temple is left in ruins, but the spirit of Shaolin endures through its teachings and the surviving monks who continue to help the innocent.

Cast:

• Andy Lau as Hou Jie (later Monk Chingchueh)

• Nicholas Tse as Cao Man (Hou Jie's betraying second-in-command)

• Jackie Chan as Wudao (the Shaolin cook)

• Fan Bingbing as Madam Hou (Hou Jie's wife)

• Wu Jing as Jingneng (a senior Shaolin monk)

• Yu Xing (a.k.a. Shi Yanneng) as Jingkong (a Shaolin monk)

• Yu Shaoqun as Jinghai (a Shaolin monk)

• Shi Xiaohong as Song Hu (Hou Jie's sworn brother)

• Xiong Xinxin (a.k.a. Hung Yan-yan) as Suolongtu (a mercenary)

• Michelle Bai as Singer (cameo)

• Shimada Runa as Hou Sheng (Hou Jie's daughter)

Crew:

• Director: Benny Chan

• Writers: Alan Yuen, Chi-Kwong Cheung, Qiuyu Wang, Ka Cheong Chan, Cheung Tan

• Producers: Han Sanping, Zhongjun Wang, Guizhi Xue, Huayang Fu, Albert Yeung, Benny Chan

• Music: Nicolas Errèra

• Cinematography: Anthony Pun Yiu-Ming

• Editor: Yau Chi-Wai

• Action Directors/Choreographers: Corey Yuen, Nicky Li, Hon Chun, Huang Kaisen, Jack Wong Wai-Leung, Richard Yuen Tak