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Cast: Shu Qi, Chen Kun, Huang Bo, Angelababy, Xia Yu
Some people have a special gift. They're able to travel between the realms of the Living and the Dead...and Tomb Raiding can mean Big Business.
Welcome to the world of the Mojin. Based on the #1 Bestselling series of novels and starring Shu Qi, Chen Kun, Angelababy, and Huang Bo, MOJIN: THE LOST LEGEND pits a trio of legendary grave robbers against scholars, rivals, and the law – until an offer from a mysterious stranger tempts them into one last heist…an adventure that will test their skills, their friendship, and ultimately – their mortal souls.
"Mojin: The Lost Legend" tells the story of three tomb raiders and close friends, Hu Bayi, Wang and Shirley. Their job is to borrow gold from the dead but there is one major rule they must follow, before opening a coffin they must light a candle on the southeast corner. If the candle goes out they must abort and leave the tomb immediately. As the film opens, the three are on such an adventure but when something goes wrong they decided to call it quits and move to New York but things in the big apple are not easy and they begin trying to sell old relics on the street which gets them into trouble with the INS. But before long Wang gets an offer from a rich client to find a rare stone that will reunite Hu Bayi and Wang with a past they have never forgotten.
I am not going to dive into any more plot details here so not to ruin the film for those wanting to see it but I will instead talk about the film itself a bit. The film is an action/adventure at heart but there is a lot more going on as far as the story and the characters go. The film does a nice job of introducing us to the main characters and giving us a little background on what it is they do. It also tosses in a back story that happened 20 years before, it does this in the form of flashbacks throughout the film. With the two plots running along side each other one might think the story would suffer but it doesn't at all and both stories run seamlessly together. I thought the story from 20 years ago gave the characters a lot more development than they might not have had if the film stuck to its straightforward tomb raiders plot.
A lot might compare this to "The Mummy" but this film has a lot more to offer and it brings with it a unique story only Asian cinema could provide. I was excited to see the film after I watched the trailer and I was not disappointed. The film clocks in at two hours and four minutes but it never once drags because there's always some action and adventure at hand. The film also supplies some good drama as well as some comedy.
And then there is the action and adventure, I had a blast watching this, the action is breath taking and the effects used in the film rival anything that Hollywood produces. As always when it comes to Asian cinema the film has high production values, it is beautiful to look at and the sound is amazing as well.
The cast all did a fantastic job playing their characters including, Shu Qi, Chen Kun, Huang Bo, Angelababy and Xia Yu. It was a pleasure to see the beautiful and talented Shu Qi again. Credit also goes out to Director, Wuershan who did an amazing job with the action scenes while keeping the more grounded story in the forefront as well.
"Mojin: The Lost Legend" is an action packed adventure that is full of excitement that keeps it always entertaining. I can only imagine how terrific it must look on the big screen and everyone can find out now because the film is currently playing in theaters across the country. You can find out where you can see the film by visiting its Official page HERE.
Check out the trailer for the film below and then run out and see one of the most fun and enjoyable films this year.
Released by Well Go USA
**** 1/2 Out Of *****