Action,Comedy
United States of America
The Paper Tigers is a martial arts comedy-drama film written and directed by Tran Quoc Bao. The movie stars Alain Uy, Ron Yuan, Mykel Shannon Jenkins, and Jae Suh Park. It premiered in 2020 at the Fantasia International Film Festival.
The movie follows three former martial arts prodigies - Danny, Hing, and Jim - who were once known as the Paper Tigers due to their unwillingness to fight. They were trained under Master Huang, who taught them not only martial arts but also life lessons. However, as they grew older, they drifted apart and became estranged.
After Master Huang's sudden death, the trio reunites for his funeral and discovers that his death was not accidental. They decide to investigate and avenge their master's murder. However, their skills are rusty, and they quickly realize that they are no longer the young men they used to be. They struggle to keep up with the younger and stronger opponents, often injuring themselves in the process.
As they delve deeper into the investigation, they confront their past grudges and regrets, reflecting on the choices they made in life and the paths not taken. They also reconnect with their families and friends, who support them in their journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The Paper Tigers is a heartfelt and entertaining movie that balances comedy, drama, and action. It celebrates the martial arts genre while subverting its tropes and cliches. It also portrays Asian-American characters in a nuanced and authentic way, exploring their identity, culture, and experiences.
