Enter the Fat Dragon

Enter the Fat Dragon, a 2020 film that melds the genres of action, comedy, and drama, is a martial arts spectacle starring the legendary Donnie Yen, basis its storyline on a theme that is reminiscent of the classic 1978 Hong Kong movie of the same name, yet with a modern twist, and an entirely different storyline.

The lead actor Donnie Yen, globally recognized for his role in the IP Man series and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, brings his inimitable martial arts finesse to the fore in this movie. Yen plays Fallon Zhu, a highly-skilled police officer with a record of success. Zhu is trim, athletic, and a force to be reckoned with, especially given his virtuosic skills in martial arts. But a series of unfortunate occurrences leads to Zhu's life unraveling, and ultimately, becoming almost unrecognizable.

Charlotte, played by Niki Chow, is Zhu’s fiancée who, discouraged and disapproving of Zhu's workaholic lifestyle and lack of time for personal life, breaks off their engagement. Niki Chow, known for her roles in modern dramas, contributes significantly to the chemistry that keeps the storyline engaging. Zhu's heartbreak, combined with an unexpected career transition, results in a drastic change in his lifestyle and physical appearance.

Thrown into desk duty because of a misfortune on a mission, Zhu's life undergoes a complete change. This desk-bound lifestyle, away from the rigors of field policing, hitting the offenders, and safeguarding the city, leads to Zhu dealing with severe weight gain. The man once known for his agility, physical prowess, and quick reflexes is now overweight and out of shape. Such a drastic change for Zhu is entertaining and charming—a man once adept at handling evildoers, now struggles with everyday tasks while battling obesity.

Teresa Mo stars as the feisty Thor, the owner of a Japanese restaurant, who ends up becoming one of Zhu’s unexpected allies in his mission. Her character adds an element of comic relief, imparting light-heartedness to the movie's overall seriousness.

Enter the Fat Dragon takes an interesting turn when an unexpected mission comes calling for Zhu. Despite his altered physical attributes, Zhu must now take up the challenge of transporting a witness back from Japan to Hong Kong. Here the film amplifies Zhu’s mental stamina, showing that martial arts is not just about physical strength, but mental resilience too. The amazing part is how Yen makes his fight scenes look extraordinarily natural, even with his fat suit.

While Zhu takes it upon himself to tackle both personal and professional battles, the movie also touches upon pertinent themes such as body-shaming, love, and friendship. As a story, it empowers and uplifts, reminding audiences that it's never about how you look on the outside but rather about the strength that lies within.

Enter the Fat Dragon is an engaging blend of action-packed sequences, showcasing Calligraphy-style Chinese martial arts and modernistic visuals. It is further enhanced by breathtaking cinematography that takes viewers across the dreamy landscape of Japan and the bustling city of Hong Kong. The film combines thee elements with a soundtrack that beautifully complements the high-speed action, with a good dose of humor, love, and heartfelt emotions.

It’s a testament to Donnie Yen's acting and martial arts skills that he pulls off the role of Fallon Zhu flawlessly. His ability to portray various emotions amidst challenging action sequences will leave viewers amazed. It is a unique take on action-comedy by director Kenji Tanigaki and presented in vibrant aesthetic style bringing together the retro vibe of old-school martial arts films with a contemporary touch.

In conclusion, Enter the Fat Dragon is a one-of-a-kind film, a unique action-comedy which not only gives an impressive display of martial arts but also highlights an individual's personal journey amidst crisis, challenges and life-changing transformations. It is an entertaining, thought-provoking film which parallels the themes of honor, valour, resilience, and redemption with an undercurrent of humor and charm. The film reinstates the fact that every individual, no matter their external appearance or age, has the ability to conquer his fears and rise to his challenges.