First Trailer of Man of Tai Chi Released by Keanu Reeves

Man of Tai Chi

It is the directorial debut of Keanu Reeves. The first poster and pics of kungfu epic Man of Tai Chi were released last weekend. And now the first trailer of this movie is released by Keanu Reeves at the Beijing International Film Festival and you can now watch it online below.

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The film reunited Reeves with star Tiger Hu Chen, who was martial arts trainer for "The Matrix" trilogy, as well as Yuen Woo-ping, who was action choreographer of the Wachowskis' trilogy. The film co-stars Karen Mok and Iko Uwais. The poster intended for the Chinese market turned up last week and that has now been followed by a Chinese language trailer. Produced by China Film Group, Wanda Group, Village Roadshow Pictures, and Universal Pictures, this movie is set for a summer 2013 release in China. Reeves plays the villain in the film and utters the line "Let the killing begin" in the trailer, subverts the traditional impression toward the movie, and redefines the martial arts discipline in a commercial form in the film. "The survival of martial arts cinema depends on renewal," said Yuen. "We have to be open about new interpretations of Chinese martial arts." Reeves said he enjoyed making his directorial debut, and hopes to have more opportunities to direct. A North American release date has not been set yet.

Man of Tai Chi Story

It is the journey of a young martial artist (Tiger Hu Chen) who's lured into an underground tournament run by an unsavoury chap (Reeves) dead set on corrupting him.

Man of Tai Chi Star Cast

Joining Chen and Reeves in front of the camera are Simon Yam (Ip Man), Karen Mok (Black Mask), andThe Raid: Redemption star Iko Uwais. Former stunt man Chen first hooked up with Reeves while working on the Matrix series, as did the film's action choreographer, the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping (also of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame). To sum up, this one's boasting all kinds of ass-kicking cred, which will be on full display in a staggering 40 minutes of fight sequences. Although there is no North American push for this movie yet, the international marketing for directorial debut of Keanu Reeves is in full swing. The ass-kicking star of The Raid: Redemption, Iko Uwais, signed on for a prominent role last summer, but is nowhere to be found in this first trailer. As you'd expect, the trailer is jam-packed with kicking, punching, chopping and all-around carnage. Hit the jump to check it out.

Man of Tai Chi Trailer

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