The multi-award-winning martial arts starDonnie Yenhas appeared in some of the greatest martial arts movies of all time, and, after his iconic performance inJohn Wick: Chapter 4, he is busier than ever.Donnie Yen has five upcoming action movies, but he has also returned to the director’s chair after a 19-year break. In 2023, Yen both directed and starred in the martial arts movie,Sakra.Sakrais about a martial arts expert, Qiao Feng, played by Yen, who is accused of the murder of his adoptive parents and goes on the run while trying to clear his name.
Many ofYen’s best movieshave become instant successes and martial arts classics, likeHerowith its 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating. However,Sakrawas less well-received than many of Yen’s other movies, earning a 67% Rotten Tomatoes critical rating. Critics found the storyline overstuffed and a little confusing, but it appears thatSakrais finding more appreciation lately and may even become a hit in time. Audience reviews were more positive, including in Southeast Asia and Mainland China. As Yen’s movieshares many elements with classic martial arts movies,Sakrawill likely become one of them.
Why Donnie Yen’s Sakra Is Destined To Become A Future Classic Of The Martial Arts Genre
Sakra Is Donnie Yen At His Best And Hits All The Notes Of An Action Classic
The best martial arts movies are defined by their stunning fight choreography and make even the bloodiest fights look beautiful.Donnie Yen’s best fight scenesoften pit him against multiple opponents at once, andSakrasees him at his outnumbered best.Sakrawas nominated for Best Action Choreographyat the Hong Kong Film Awards. The movie has an accomplished martial arts movie cast in addition to Yen, excellent choreography, and it fits in the very popular Chinese storytelling genre, “wuxia,” givingSakrathe hallmarks of a future martial arts classic.
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Sakrais a typical wuxia genre story, and the word translates as “martial arts and chivalry.” Fights in wuxia movies usually have a fantasy element, like the iconic fights in thewuxia classicCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,with characters flying through the air, or shooting lightning bolts out of their hands. Yen’s character inSakrais a typical wuxia archetype, and the fights are a mix of the outlandish wuxia style, combined with some brutal moments.Sakraappears to be a solid wuxia story, so Yen may have been surprised when its reviews were not outstanding.
Why Sakra Reviews Were Good, Not Great, Upon Release In 2023
Sakra Left The Possibility Open For A Sequel, Also Starring Donnie Yen
Sakrahad the potential to be a martial arts classic, with Yen giving a strong performance and excellent fight scenes. Reviewers praised these aspects of the movie, but one possible reason for its middling overall reviews is the source material.Sakrais based on the wuxia novel,Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, by Jin Yong, which features several separate but intertwining storylines. The “overstuffed” plot is likely the result of the attempt to adapt such a complex story into one movie. A better approach might have been to adapt smaller parts of Qiao’s story, which Yen might still do.
10 Movies Where Donnie Yen Fought Another Action Icon
Donnie Yen has a long history starring in films alongside other action icons, from martial arts movie stars to Hollywood regulars to real athletes.
Sakracontains two post-credits scenes that suggest that Yen has not finished telling Qiao’s story yet. In a mid-credits scene, the antagonist is revived by his father, and it is implied that he will live to fight another day. Another mid-credits scene reveals a potential new antagonist for future Qiao movies.Sakrawas one of the most streamed movies in mainland China in 2023, so itmay get at least one sequel. IfDonnie Yengoes on to adapt smaller pieces of Qiao’s story, the underratedSakracould still become a martial arts classic.
Donnie Yen
Discover the latest news and filmography for Donnie Yen, known for Ip Man and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
