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Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms
7.6

Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021)

The Earthrealm heroes must journey to the Outworld and fight for the survival of their homeland, invaded by the forces of evil warlord Shao Kahn, in the tournament to end all tournaments: the final Mortal Kombat.

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Directed by Ethan Spaulding

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ethan Spaulding
Writer
  • Jeremy Adams
Producer
  • Rick Morales

Reviews

JPV852
6/10

Entertaining enough animated action sci-fier has a more than healthy amount of gore that I think would satisfy hardcore fans and there was enough story to keep me engaged. Not great but worth at least one viewing. **3.25/5**

Sep 4, 2021

james4715

Really enjoyed this one like Scorpions Revenge. I liked how Liu Kang moved into the role as the protagonist and had Kitana as a co protagonist. Together they have to work with the others to defeat Shao Kahn while Scorpion and Sub Zero are simultaneously working to defeat shinnok and the one being. Was really awesome to see. I particularly enjoyed kitana and Liu Kang. They developed them well and it was nice to see them get a happily ever after since they still haven't had that in the game's. Shao Kahn is also incredible in this movie and shinnok is pretty good too.

Jan 7, 2025

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Animation/Action/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.

Director Ethan Spaulding 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 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Strange Case of Dr. Toñito, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Resident Evil: Extinction and Far Cry explore similar territory, Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 30, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 20m