Everyone remembers their first encounter with kung fu. Whether your dad showed you Enter the Dragon one evening, or your mom helped you learn Jackie Chan’s choreography for the school talent show, kung fu cinema holds a special place in the hearts of those who cherish it. Tran Quoc Bao’s debut feature The Paper Tigers takes us into the heart of those for whom kung fu is an even greater treasure, the master and his students.
The journey of Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan), and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) from their youth to middle-aged adulthood is a kung fu blast and a half. The story takes us from seeing their Master murdered in an alleyway, and flashes back to the three students in his garage training. The opening credits are shot in a handheld VCR-type style evoking a Hot Rod feeling of amatuer kung fu trainees creating a street fighting brand all their own. We catch up to them 30 years later and see the washed-up, responsibility-laden adults they have become. As each of them learn the circumstances of their master’s death, they will have to decide whether to follow their training from so long ago, or leave behind the spin kicks and street brawls to take their sons to soccer practice.
Exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and masculinity, director Bao navigates an emotionally driven, and yet still uproariously funny, kung fu tale that never disappoints in its entertainment. The story comes naturally with its martial arts background as a reminder of the discipline needed not only in the dojo but also in their professional and family lives. Danny struggles with co-parenting his son and teaching him what’s right while also keeping his martial arts past hidden. This becomes harder once the mystery of Master Sifu’s death entangles the three students on a path of battles they thought they’d left behind.
Taking on a martial arts film from the perspective of middle aged dads is something so unique, and yet so “kung fu” — that it’s no wonder Bao has pulled off a subject that feels both new and true to the genre giants that have preceded it. The choreography hits hard with spins, kicks, and punches landing perfectly on target, as all the leads and stunt workers commit to the work of making the fights dynamic and believable. Some of the best moments come during a three-round-challenge in an empty pool between some punks and the Tigers. And the climatic rooftop showdown against the city skyline is a perfect final showdown. I was never left wanting for more or less in these fights and there’s nothing more satisfying in kung fu than that.
The script may be the weakest part of the film, due to the mystery that develops later in the film to some clunky dialogue moments. However, it still tells a personal story about mentorship and how passing down tradition is always a circle that can’t end in order to remember those who’ve taught us. From Master Sifu’s lessons influencing the Tigers to the Tigers influencing the new martial artists. Danny teaching his son how to punch is arguably my favorite scene. The emotional moments are carried by the actors and Bao’s wonderful direction.
This love letter to kung fu, mentors, and how we evolve our disciplines is a joy to watch for anyone who’s ever thought “What would happen if Bruce Lee had gotten a beer gut and one bum leg?” The answer? He’d still kick ass.
