Jiu Jitsu
Ratings: 3.4/5
Duration: 1hr 42 min
Language: English
Genre: Martial Arts Fantasy Action
Director: Dimitri Logothetis
Writer: Dimitri Logothetis, James McGrath
Based On: Comic book of the same name by Dimitri Logothetis and Jim McGrath published in 2017
Producer: Martin Barab, Chris Economides
Music: Mocean Worker
Cinematography: Gerardo Madrazo
Editing: Danny McDonald
Release Date: 20 November, 2020
Released In: Theatres
Star Cast: Alain Moussi, Frank Grillo, JuJu Chan, Tony Jaa, Nicolas Cage, Rick Yune, Marie Avgeropoulos
Plot:
Every six years, an ancient order of jiu-jitsu fighters joins forces to battle a vicious race of alien invaders. But when a celebrated war hero goes down in defeat, the fate of the planet and mankind hangs in the balance.
Review:
Based on a comic book by director/co-writer Dimitri Logothetis, Jiu Jitsu assembled a lot of great martial artists to join Moussi. Director Dimitri Logothetis and cinematographer Gerardo Madrazo showcase their work in clear action scenes. When the film introduces Tony Jaa, the camera is always following his moves, never trying to obscure them.
Alain Moussi stars as Jake, being chased through a forest by a seemingly invisible enemy, pelting Ninja stars in his general direction. He escapes but ends up cracking his head underwater, potentially left for dead. He isn’t. He is pulled to safety and eventually taken to an army encampment but does not remember who he is. From here kicks off a sci-fi tale that gives a feeling of early 90’s kids TV.
Jake is rescued by Tony Jaa and finds out he is from a secret order of fighters who every 6 years have to have a scrap with an all-powerful alien fighter. Inevitably, it comes down to a one on one between the alien fighter and Jake, the chosen one. Anything other than an honourable battle that satisfies the creature will result in the destruction of the entire planet.
A major reason why people may get drawn to Jiu Jitsu is Nicholas Cage. Manic and wild, he lives in a cave, walks around with a staff, and makes hats out of newspapers, uttering wisdom like, “There’s no honor in killing crazy.” With his long, dirty hair and head band, his scenes are a cinematic goodness, getting his own action sequence.
Some of the repeated treks through jungle can get a bit repetitive. There is some nice set design in the film’s final sequence. The action will undoubtedly be a big selling point and it is full of fight sequences, all nicely choreographed. Occasionally, some of the camera work is a bit too long and dynamic. One sequence that goes in and out of first person P.O.V without cutting doesn’t quite come off. Still, Tony Jaa gets some fight good sequences, and JuJu Chan is always a welcome addition. There is an upsurge in female action lead films.
Overall, this film seems a lot of fun, promising a greater story to follow, with more elaborate settings.
