Man of Tai Chi 2013

HKPD officer Sun-Jing Shi, Karen Mok, spearheads an investigation into the enigmatic Donaka Mark, Keanu Reeves, the owner of the private security firm Security System Alliance (SSA). Suspecting him of running an illegal fighting operation, Sun-Jing’s efforts to infiltrate Donaka’s organization involves turning one of his fighters, Chi Tak, into a mole, who ultimately meets a tragic end at the hands of Donaka. With the evidence insufficient, Superintendent Wong, Simon Yam, orders the case closed, but determined to seek justice, Sun-Jing continues her probing clandestinely.

The story takes a turn when Donaka notices Tiger, Tiger Chen, a young man honing his Tai Chi skills at a Wu Lin Wang Competition. Impressed by Tiger’s combat prowess, Donaka extends him a lucrative job offer at SSA. Tiger, however, is devoted to his Tai Chi training under the wise tutelage of his master, who warns him that the martial art should be a tool for good, not a weapon for destruction. Living in a rundown home with his family, Tiger feels the burden of his humble existence, struggling with a dead-end courier job. With aspirations to improve his situation, he travels to Hong Kong for the job interview, only to discover it’s a brutal test of his fighting abilities. After impressively passing the test but maintaining his honor by rejecting the violent offer, Tiger’s life soon takes a dark turn.

Facing impending eviction of the Tai Chi temple due to land inspectors, Tiger seeks aid from Qing Sha, Ye Qing, a paralegal friend who helps him explore options to protect the temple. Unfortunately, time is not on his side, and the financial strain leads him to accept Donaka’s initially rejected offer. As Tiger enters the gritty underworld of illegal fighting—a modern-day gladiatorial spectacle for wealthy spectators—he gains notoriety and immense sums of money. He uses his winnings to bless his family and begins repairs on the temple, yet his approach to fighting becomes increasingly brutal under Donaka’s influence.

Despite warnings from Master Yang, [Yu Hai], about the negative changes in his character, Tiger finds himself intoxicated by the thrill of combat. He soon unearths that Donaka broadcasts his underground fights to a global audience, drawing him deeper into the violent world he once sought to escape. His descent reaches new lows when he finds himself flying out to a battleground on a boat in the ocean to fight not just one, but two opponents simultaneously, where he succumbs to Donaka’s provocations and employs lethal force to claim victory.

In the following Wu Lin competition, Tiger’s violent actions culminate in a severe injury to his opponent, resulting in disqualification. When he returns to the temple, tensions flare as Master Yang must resort to employing his internal Chi abilities to remind Tiger of his early teachings. Unfortunately, Tiger’s actions at the Wu Lin Competition backfire as his request for historical protection for the temple is denied. Enraged and misguided, he challenges Donaka, confronting mercenary Uri Romanov, [Silvio Simac], who he nearly kills in a fit of rage, only to watch Donaka finish the job.

Realizing he must break free from the cycle of violence, Tiger attempts to sever ties with the underground ring and reaches out to Sun-Jing, all the while being unaware of Donaka’s ongoing surveillance. In a dramatic twist, Donaka organizes a deadly tournament, setting the stage for a final showdown. Sun-Jing, now a victim of fate as her car is sabotaged, learns of Superintendent Wong’s shady dealings with Donaka while planning to back Tiger. Donaka discloses the manipulative journey that transformed Tiger from a pure martial artist into a callous fighter using surveillance footage to turn the tide against him.

The tension reaches its peak when Donaka challenges Tiger to a duel amidst chaos with the HKPD crashing the scene. In a brutal clash that tests both their skills, Tiger eventually reconnects with the essence of Tai Chi, overwhelming Donaka despite sustaining injuries. As Donaka lies dying, he expresses satisfaction in witnessing Tiger’s descent into darkness.

In a climactic resolution, Tiger reconciles with his master, while Sun-Jing ascends to the rank of Superintendent. A mutually beneficial agreement is reached between Tiger, Qing Sha’s law firm, and real estate developers, ensuring the protection of their historic village. The Ling Kong Temple is preserved, allowing tourists to discover its rich, 600-year-old history. Looking towards the future, Tiger reveals his dreams of establishing his own Tai Chi school in the city, committing to uphold the legacy of his revered martial art.