Film Review - Bulletproof Monk
I nailed my prediction about this film. I said this would be a bad movie we would enjoy. A guilty pleasure.
Bulletproof Monk is a mediocre Kung Fu movie that stops every once in a while to preach eastern philosophy. I almost thought this was going to be an Indiana Jones film.
During World War II, a Nazi makes his way to Tibet looking for a sacred scroll. Meanwhile, a young monk is being anointed with the power to protect the scroll which will give the person who speaks the words aloud, ultimate power on earth. The young monk barely escapes with the scroll, thwarting the Nazi thug. See, it does feel like Indiana Jones.
60 years later the same monk, not looking a day older meets a young pick pocket. In the short time he spends with the thief, the monk begins to see hints that the pick pocket might be the next to fulfill three prophecies, and thus become the next keeper of the scroll.
Next thing you know, neo-nazis show up and lots of chop sockey ensues. That's the movie. Beat a lot of guys up, pause and speak peaceful thoughts. Bulletproof Monk in many ways reminds one of a long episode of Kung Fu only there aren't a lot of flashbacks before the ass kicking, and there's less story.
So I was right. This is a bad movie that I really liked. If you like stunts and fight choreography this might be a movie for you. If you're looking for another Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, this isn't going to be what you're looking for.
Film Facts
Directed by Paul Hunter
Released in 2003
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Reviewed by Mongo