Tai Chi Zero

Tai Chi Zero

See the extraordinary life of founder of the Yang style Tai Chi.

Directed by Stephen Fung

Produced by Huayi Brothers Pictures, Diversion Pictures

2012100 min6.0 / 10

A stylish martial arts film blending traditional Tai Chi philosophy with steampunk aesthetics, centered on an outsider's journey to prove himself and save a village from industrial encroachment.

In legendary Chen Village, everyone is a martial arts master, using their powerful Chen Style Tai Chi in all aspects of their lives. Lu Chan has arrived to train, but the villagers are forbidden to teach Chen Style to outsiders, and do their best to discourage him by challenging him to a series of fights. Everyone, from strong men to young children, defeats him using their Tai Chi moves. But when a man from the village's past returns with a frightening steampowered machine and plans to build a railroad through the village at any costs, the villagers realize they may have no choice but to put their faith in Lu Chan... who has a secret power of his own.

Questions people ask

  • Is Tai Chi Zero violent? Yes. More violent than 80% of films.

  • Is Tai Chi Zero sad? Not especially. Less sad than 67% of films.

  • Does Tai Chi Zero end with hope? Somewhat. More hopeful than 62% of films.

  • Is Tai Chi Zero easy watching? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is Tai Chi Zero scary? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

25/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

You have seen this shape before.

Rarity46

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise13

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love22

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Tai Chi Zero

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Tai Chi Zero

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Tai Chi Zero, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Tai Chi Zero, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Tai Chi Zero, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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