Film: Little Big Soldier
Release date: 8th November 2010
Certificate: 15
Running time: 96 mins
Director: Sheng Ding
Starring: Jackie Chan, Leehom Wang, Yoo Seung-yun, Lin Peng, Xiao Dong Mei
Genre: Action/Adventure/Comedy
Studio: Cine Asia
Format: DVD & Blu-ray
Country: China/Hong Kong
The talented and nimble Jackie Chan gives a commemorative performance in this martial arts comedy caper set in China during the Warring States period, just before the country was unified. Directed by the relatively unknown Ding Sheng, Little Big Soldier sees the kung fu icon return to form, even if it’s the younger members of the cast – including pop star Leehom Wang – who ultimately steal the show.
Much blood has been spilt between two opposing armies, the Liang’s and the Wei’s, and thousands of casualties lay motionless among the battlefield. However, the conflict has spared the lives of two men, Old Soldier (Chan) from the Liang Army, who shamelessly played dead, and a prince (Wang), from the Wei Army.
Unscathed, Old Soldier takes the wounded prince as his captive in the hope of handing him over to his superiors for a reward. But the journey to the state of Liang proves a long and treacherous one with many bandits and barbarians waiting in the wings. The unfortunate twosome also has to deal with the aggressive pursuit of prince’s brother Wen (Steve Yoo) and his entourage, who seek to kill him and take his place as the future ruler of Wei.
Through the formidable circumstances that start to emerge, the pair help one another during the many sticky situations, and come to rely on each other to survive. A tolerance and understanding between the two soldiers emerges, each finding a new respect for the other and a dignity within themselves...
The main script, written by Chan, is relatively straightforward. But beneath the simplistic plot lays a moralistic tale of honour, loyalty and brotherhood. Whatever the film lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in the fine acting capabilities of the cast, especially that of Chan. His portrayal of the seemingly gutless scallywag showcases his brilliance at comedy timing - his acting ability has vastly matured, and takes preference over his skill as a martial artist. Chan and Wang play-off each other very well and make a very convincing pair whose characters are inevitably bound together. Through the events that take shape, Chan’s character, Big Soldier, who is referred to as Small Potato by his hostage, proves to have admirable qualities he never thought he had - supposedly a coward at the start of the film by playing dead on the battlefield to avoid being killed.
The film is laced with subtle metaphors such as the poignant performance on a mountain top by the girl singer (Peng). Dressed in a white rope with long flowing sleeves, she moves swiftly like a bird, possibly signifying a dove of peace flying over the zenith. Although she plays a minor role, Peng’s delicate deliverance as the singer has a beauty that is most welcome, and doesn’t feel out of place or contrived. Even in this small part, Peng shows she has a graceful quality that could potentially take her to the heights of Zhang Ziyi (House Of Flying Daggers) or Xun Zhou (The Banquet). Overall, the film has a great supporting cast, even minor characters like the scholar and his students stand out. In fact, it’s a shame they didn’t have more screen time as they worked really well.
Director Ding Sheng presents us with the vastness of a dry wasteland, incorporating stunning panoramic views of jagged mountains that are used as a backdrop to the narrative; the camera sweeping over the summit giving scope to the terrain, and the environment showcasing the harsh conditions of the journey in which the foot soldier undertakes with his captive in tow. The costumes depicting ancient armour and the rugged look of Old Soldier and that of the barbarians blend in with the scenery, making the overall look of the film a character in itself. Vibrant colours are used sparingly throughout the film but are put to good effect during a dream sequence that has Old Soldier blissfully running through a field of yellow canola flowers.
The soundtrack is also underplayed, not being excessive for the sake of it, or for needless sentimental reasons. Often the score goes unnoticed, but that’s a good thing as it blends in with the whole presentation, never being unnecessarily dominant or distracting.
Chan bounces back from a string of uninspiring Hollywood films with Little Big Soldier in which he brilliantly demonstrates his acting ability that has improved immensely over the years. Although his action sequences emphasise his expertise in acrobatic manoeuvres rather than his proficiency in the art of kung fu, Chan fans won’t be disappointed. Strong performances from a competent supporting cast and genuinely funny successions of comedic moments, as well as striking visuals, makes this a must see film. SLP
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