Tai Chi Boxer (1996)

Tai Chi Boxer aka Tai Chi 2 was Wu Jing’s first film and he did not disappoint even if the film was often lackluster. The cast was composed of nearly all fighting experts which made the fights exciting even when Yuen Woo Ping overdid the wires and trampolines.

Hok Man and his cousin have been stuck in a room studying the classics, regimented by his overbearing father. Luckily, his mother has mercy on him, allowing him to escape occasionally. After 10 years he and his cousin break out to do a lion dance in a celebration and Hok meets Rose who has recently returned from studying overseas. She is engaged to Lin Rong/Wing, though doesn’t take it seriously as it was a birth betrothal. She does take a shine to Hok. Hok’s mother studied abroad, too, and teaches her son some English and gives him the English name Jacky. The way of true love is not smooth, because Jacky and Rose don’t only have to deal with Lin, there are foreign opium dealers they run afoul of.

This film felt like a patchwork of other films, primarily, Once Upon a Time in China. The story was rather weak, but the fights were strong. Billy Chow, who was nearly allows cast as a villain showed up first to challenge Jacky’s father. Billy showed off his kicking skills even though his character got his butt kicked. The father was played by Mantis expert IRL, Yu Hai. I always love watching Yu fight, especially when he drops down into Mantis pose. Wu Jing as grownup Hok Man was quick, strong, and athletic. He’s always a delight to watch, even in this early film. Mark Cheng may not have been the most skilled fighter but he honed his acting skills in numerous kung fu and action films. The foreign villain, Mr. Smith, was played by Darren Shahlavin who trained in various styles. He also was accommodating enough to rip his shirt off and pose with his well-muscled body.

Yuen Woo Ping’s fight choreography was fun and destructive. Boards were splintered, vases were smashed, not much was left standing when the fights were done. In true 90s style, not so subtle wire work and trampoline work were used. Fortunately, when Yuen wasn’t undercranking the shots, seriously, these guys were fast enough, the pros took over. That’s not to say there weren’t a lot of missed kicks and hits but the guys and stuntmen knew how to sell every supposed connection.

This lite version of OUATIC was diverting enough, the fights were the reason to watch. Each one used the environment and different skill sets to perfection, in a 1990s way. You can't go into this film expecting modern polished overly crafted fights. Wu Jing hadn’t hit his stride as an actor, yet he was still charming as the impish and thoughtful kung fu hero. And it might also be the first time, or only time, you’ll see Pigtail Fu. Past the time I usually grant a grading curve, but for Wu Jing’s introduction, I’m feeling generous.

7 July 2026

Tai Chi Note: This film was billed as Tai Chi 2, but had nothing to do with the original, Tai Chi Master, which starred Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh. Much of the cast from this film did return for a 1998 Taiwanese television drama called The Tai Chi Master. I’d watch it for sure if I came across it.

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