Tai Chi Zero is a 2012 Chinese martial arts film directed by Stephen Fung and written by Kuo-Fu Chen. The film stars Yuan Xiaochao, Angelababy, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Eddie Peng, and Qi Shu. The movie is the first in a trilogy, which also includes Tai Chi Hero and Tai Chi Summit.
The story of Tai Chi Zero takes place in a small village in China. The village is renowned for its mastery of Chen Style Tai Chi, a powerful martial art form that has been passed down through generations of its inhabitants. The villagers have been forbidden from teaching the art to outsiders, but when a young man named Lu Chan (played by Yuan Xiaochao) arrives, they are impressed by his determination to learn.
However, Lu Chan is not a typical student. He has a strange birthmark on his forehead, which gives him extraordinary powers when he is upset or angry. These powers are uncontrollable, and he has been warned that they will eventually kill him. Despite this, he is desperate to learn the art of Chen Style Tai Chi and becomes determined to win over the villagers.
The villagers, however, are less than impressed with Lu Chan. They challenge him to a series of fights, each using their own unique Tai Chi moves to best him. Even the youngest children in the village prove to be more skilled than him. Lu Chan becomes frustrated and disheartened, but he refuses to give up.
Meanwhile, a man named Fang Zijing (played by Eddie Peng) arrives in the village. Fang is a former member of the Chen family, and he has returned with a steampunk machine that he plans to use to build a railway through the village. This would mean the destruction of the village and the end of the Chen Style Tai Chi tradition forever.
The villagers must band together to stop Fang and his machine, and they realize that they may have no choice but to put their faith in Lu Chan. Despite his lack of skill, they recognize his determination and his secret power. They train him and teach him the secrets of Chen Style Tai Chi, hoping that he will be able to save their village and their way of life.
Tai Chi Zero is a visually stunning film, with a unique blend of steampunk technology and traditional martial arts. The movie features impressive fight scenes and stunning special effects, making it a thrilling and entertaining watch.