Tekken (2010)

 

Okay, so I'm not familiar with the lore behind the 'Tekken' games. I know they are tournament fighters, but that's about it. But apparently, the makers of this film didn't know the lore behind the games either or chose to ignore it, so that makes it a little easier. I guess the only thing they did keep was several of the characters and the fact that this is a film about a martial arts tournament. 

So, in the relatively near future, the world is divided into parts all ruled by several corporations, of which Tekken is one. Every year, a tournament called Iron Fist is held and champions of each corporation face off against one another. The people from the slums also get a chance to join in through qualifying bouts, although almost no one ever manages to get into the tournament this way. 

Ah, but then there's young Jin Kazama, whose mother trained him well for years and who was killed by the militia that Tekken employs. So now Jin wants to avenge his mom by killing Heihachi Mishima, CEO of Tekken. 

So yes, Jin gets in, because determination is half the battle, and then there is lots of fighting. Rinse and repeat.

The fact that the makers didn't want to stray too far from the game as far as setup is concerned, is cool. I mean, a film about a game that is essentially just fighting and that has essentially just fighting during a tournament is okay. Sure, the story just goes all over the place and nowhere near as focused as for example 'Mortal Kombat' (still one of the best videogame adaptations ever). Yeah, there is some sidenote stuff, such as Jin and fellow competitor Chrissy Monteiro having the hots for one another, or the fact that one of the fighters cheats by having metal bones and the usurpation of the Tekken company by Heihachi's son Kazuya, but it never amounts to much. 

Did I mention that Jin is actually Kazuya's son and therefore the rightful heir to the throne? No? Doesn't matter, they don't do anything with it. It's just a plot device for some payback-style battle, but it's over in a jiffy.

As brainless fun goes, this isn't too bad. There's some fun choreography and colourful characters who you'll instantly forget the moment they're off screen. I'm not even kidding: I've seen this film a grand total of three times through the years, and I honestly can never remember what happens. Heck, I can't even remember most characters, save for Kelly Overton's buns and the always engaging Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Mr Tagawa is always a pleasure to see perform and he steals the show in every shot he's in. But other than that? Pretty big blank.

This is one of those films that is fun when you have got some time to spare and like to watch acrobatic fighting. Sure, the editing is a little blurry at times, but it's fine for what it is. But it's no big loss if you never see it.