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IS there any one in the world who doesn't love Jackie Chan? I mean honestly, one look at his face is enough to leave you in stitches and one kick from his foot will also, ironically, leave you with stitches!
Set in ancient China, Little Big Soldier is the tale of an easygoing farmer who just so happens to be caught up in the ongoing civil war (an oxymoron if ever I heard one). After a brutal battle leaves both sides practically annihilated, only two men are left alive, one from each side, a farmer and a wounded general.
Ever the optimist, the farmer (Chan) decides to take the general as his prisoner and hopes to exchange him for five acres of land so he can avoid the war and spend his remaining days tending to his crops ... the good life! The plan sounds good, in theory, but things become more and more complicated for poor Jackie with the general constantly trying to escape, his baby brother hot on their heels and a nomadic tribe thirsty for their blood.
This is a comedy with a heart and, amidst the gags, there is quite a touching sub-plot about finding friendship in the most unlikely places. The two protagonist make an adorable odd couple, who quickly reaslise they must work together if they want to get out of the situation alive. Their dysfunctional relationship is the heart of the movie and big praise goes for the on-screen chemistry between Chan and Wang Leehom.
Since this movie is Jackie Chan's brainchild, you can be assured of two things, action and lots of it! There are some amazing action sequences and the stunts are simply mind-blowing.
Also, for me, one of the highlights of the film is Jackie Chan's singing ability which is something quite surprising. As the plot progresses and he edges closer and closer to the 'promised land' he constantly sings a harrowingly beautiful song about what he will grow on his five acres.
In the film, Chan is a flawed yet lovable figure whose own interests and moral values seem to always come into conflict, for example he'd happily hurt people someone but not kill them. Such depth from a seemingly simple-minded character is especially rare in an action movie, much less a Jackie Chan one, where he is all too often the flawless good guy.
In my opinion, this is the best thing Chan has done since Rush Hour 1, where he teamed up with the eccentric Chris Tucker to form a hilarious double act. Chan is great in buddy movies and this one is refreshing because the two don't start off as friends, their relationship grows slowly, much like the crops in Chan's coveted five acres.
This movie may not be everyone's cup of tea, some of the action sequences are longer than they need to be, but for Chan fans, this film is sure to be a delight that will leave you laughing until you cry.
Showing in Cineco, Seef I, Saar Cineplex and Al Jazeera Cineplex
