Director: Yang Lei
Notable Cast: Darren
Wang, Zhang Tianai, Sheng Guansen, Simon Yam, Wang Xun, Zhao Jian, Xing Yu, Hu
Bing, Sui He
From the outside, it seems that Chinese film audiences love
big, special effects packed spectacle films. Even when a film is more personal
and less fantasy driven, like the record breaking Wolf Warrior II, it follows the pattern that audiences love to be
entertained by the outrageous more than anything. Which is why Legend of the Naga Pearls seems so
fitting. Even for those more in tune with the robust style of Hollywood, this
film can seem a bit overwhelming as it takes the popular fantasy adventure film
and slathers it with stylish elements of the popular tomb raiding design and
classic wuxia aspects. As a film, obviously meant to be more of a family
friendly affair, Legend of the Naga
Pearls is not groundbreaking and it follows a lot of tropes that make it
predictable and easy to consume as a narrative. Yet, it also carries with it a
rambunctious energy and spirit that makes the more ridiculous nature of its
style and the bland plotting something much better than it should be. Legend of the Naga Pearls is big,
spectacular fantasy action with enough charm to quench the blockbuster popcorn
tone that it’s aiming for even if the foundation its built on is thin.