Based on a popular video game franchise, this 2021 martial arts fantasy-action film is a reboot of the Mortal Kombat film series.
I love pretty much most film genres, but one of my favourites is Fantasy. Who doesn’t like a bit (or maybe a lot) of make-believe and creative imagination? Throw in some martial arts action, and you’ve got me hooked. Mortal Kombat is also based on a video game franchise that I loved to play back in the day. Compared to the likes of Street Fighter and Final Fantasy, it was/is pretty gruesome… but just like the other two, loads of fun.
It’s wonderful when you are familiar with the characters and backstory already; seeing it all come to life on the movie screen – pretty amazing! I must admit, I was excited to see this latest release but a little sceptical following the disappointing delivery of 1997’s Mortal Kombat-Annihilation. It is a shame when the essence of the video game and the live-action rendition of the characters are the only things that stand out in a film.
In Mortal Kombat 2021, the story begins in 17th century Japan. We discover that two warrior clans are at war when Bi-Han/Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) leads his men to attack and kill Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion’s (Hiroyuki Senada) men, including his wife and son. Hanzo’s soul descends into the under realm while the god of thunder, Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) rescues Hanzo’s baby daughter, who was fortunate enough to have been undiscovered by Bi-Han.
In the present day, an ancient prophesy was brewing which had to be stopped by the soul-eating Outworld sorcerer, Shang Tsung (Chin Han). The tenth Mortal Kombat tournament between the Earth realm and the Outworld is due to take place soon, and the Earth realm hadn’t won any. If the Outworld secures this final victory, then they get to conquer and rule over the Earth realm.
Cole Young (Lewis Tan) is a Mixed Martial Arts fighter, and a blood descendant of Hanzo. Now, according to the prophesy, a descendant of Hanzo will bring together a new group of Earth realm champions who will defeat and gain victory over the Outworld. The group of champions have different abilities that need to be discovered and are identified by a dragon mark which transfers to anyone who kills the original bearer. To prevent them from taking part in the tournament and conquering the Outworld, Shang Tsung sends Bi-Han/Sub-Zero and his warriors to the Earth realm to find Cole Young, the other members of the group, and eliminate them.
I will stop here for those who are yet to see the film so as not to reveal any spoilers.
This film definitely hits the mark with special effects. The CGI was applaudable as it really brought to life the graphic effects we love and expected. The story also stayed true to the game’s back story and shed some introductory light on the characters. They actually nailed the signature moves of the characters. I love the fact that the costumes embodied each and every character and looked as solid, if not better, than the designs in the game.
However, I wasn’t thrilled with the plot. I felt it was a little too fast too soon, and a bit lacking in substance. That is not to say it wasn’t exciting or even interesting to watch; the combat scenes and martial art moves were extremely good and very engaging. It just means it could have been a lot better. I think what really let me down the most was the acting. Besides Hiroyuki Senada and Jessica McNamee, I wasn’t too impressed with the others. I suspect that so much time was devoted to getting the action, the moves, and characters right, not a lot of effort was put into actually delivering exceptionally on the acting front. Plus, the producers held back on showing/displaying all the true potentials and capabilities of the characters. I certainly hope to see more in the sequel we know is definitely on the cards.
Don’t expect to be totally blown away, but definitely worth watching. Some people might rate it more, but I rate it a 6.8 out of 10.
Currently showing at a local cinema near you and available to rent on SKY TV.
Further Information
Story
Greg Russo
Screenplay
Greg Russo
Directed
Cast
Lewis Tan played Cole Young
Jessica McNamee played Sonya Blade
Joe Taslim played Bi-Han / Sub-Zero
Tadanobu Asano played Lord Raiden
Josh Lawson played Kano
Chin Han played Shang Tsung
Mehcad Brooks played Jax
Sisi Stringer played Mileena
Mel Jarnson played Nitara
Nathan Jones played Reiko
Daniel Nelson (Kabal action and stunts)
Damon Herriman (voice of Kabal)
Angus Sampson (voice of Goro)
Matilda Kimber played Emily (Cole Young’s daughter)
loved it too.