Cast
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Chow Yun-Fat
as The Nameless Monk
Seann William Scott
as Kar
Jaime King
as Jade
Karel Roden
as Strucker
Victoria Smurfit
as Nina
Mako
as Mr. Kojima
K.C. Collins
as Sax
Rob Archer
as Buzz
Marcus Jean Pirae
as Mr. Funktastic
Roger Yuan
as Master Monk
Sean Bell
as Diesel
Kishaya Dudley
as DV
Joel Harris
as Kommando
Bayo Akinfemi
as Shade
Russell Yuen
as Brother Tenzin
Crew
Director
- Paul Hunter
Producer
- John Woo
- Charles Roven
- Terence Chang
- Douglas Segal
Reviews
John Chard
Chop Schlockery.
Chow Yun-Fat and Sean William Scott buddy up to retrieve an ancient scroll from baddies, chop sockery does follow.
That’s pretty much it really, the two characters obviously poles apart, but coming together as one in a series of action scenes that are both laughable and enjoyable because of the former. The script is poor, with much of the dialogue of the tripe delivery kind, and in truth Yun-Fat is wasted in a thankless role. Story throws in a Nazi baddie, a girl on girl scrap and Sean William Scott casting off his petty crime ways to become the way of the samurai – or something like that.
Brainless but fun, but also instantly forgettable into the bargain. 5/10
Jun 27, 2014
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Comedy/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Bulletproof Monk distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Paul Hunter brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2003, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Bulletproof Monk took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $52.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2003, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bulletproof Monk shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman, which focuses more on action than character development, Bulletproof Monk offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like My Wife Is a Gangster and My Wife Is A Gangster 2 explore similar territory, Bulletproof Monk stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 28, 2003
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $52,000,000
- Revenue: $37,713,879
Where to Watch
