Blu-Ray Review: 1911

Blu-ray Reviews, Reviews

A celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wuchang Uprising, which overthrew the Qing dynasty and transformed the nation into the Republic of China, and also Jackie Chan’s 100th film, 1911 seems to have everything going for it. However, in spite of its wonderful cast and honorable intentions, 1911 unfolds more like a tedious history lesson than riveting war drama.

Jackie Chan stars as Huang Xing, a military leader of the revolution, and Winston Chao as Sun Yat-sen, the man who would be China’s first President. The first half of the film focuses on the bloody battles and the oppression of the people, while the second half focuses on the political transformation of China spearheaded by Sun with Huang as his right hand man. Sun fights battles of his own with the Empress Dowager, who wants her son to be the next Emperor of China (but who will become the Last Emperor), and with the world’s political leaders who are uneasy about the new development of the nation.

1911 could be a very fascinating way to introduce this epic historical story to Western audiences but it’s entirely too clunky and disjointed. While trying to follow the subtitles during key speeches, every new character whether they be important to the story or not, gets a barely readable onscreen introduction in both English and Mandarin. In between scenes, text in both English and Mandarin appears to fill us in on other events taking place during the Revolution. All of this reading makes watching the movie very difficult on the eyes, and feels more like watching a Wikipedia page unfold.

On the other hand, this format could possibly make the film an easy lesson on the Chinese Revolution in schools, if it weren’t for all of the blood in the battles. War movies always have some degree of bloodshed, and that’s understandable. But 1911‘s blood is bright red, squirty, and the first half feels more like a Yoshihiro Nishimura (Helldriver) film than a respectable war film.

The film’s clumsy composition still doesn’t detract from the talented cast. Jackie Chan, who it seems never ages, is a powerful onscreen force even when he’s not doing his trademark fight scenes. About halfway through the film, Chan finally has one of his famous fight scenes but it seems very out of place in the film. Winston Chao, who has played Sun Yat-sen four separate times, has all of the compelling fervor that a revolutionary should. Joan Chen is sorely underused, as her Empress Dowager is mostly seen crying.

It only goes to show that America isn’t the only country who can have a big bloated studio production with a big name cast, and also have it be a poorly constructed film. 1911 was a very noble attempt for producer, director, star Jackie Chan, but sadly, it just makes for a very frustrating film experience.



The big budget definitely LOOKS good on Blu-ray. The big battle scenes, the contrast between the greys of the land destroyed by battle and the bright red blood, all looks fantastic. But the sound mix is definitely off in places. For example, Sun is giving a speech in front of leaders of nations from around the world, and the background music nearly drowns him out. Then the next minute, the background music is gone completely. The extras on the Blu-ray release include an extensive behind the scenes, which has no narration, no subtitles, just strung together behind the scenes footage, the original trailer, and the theatrical trailer. Previews on the disc include other Well Go released The Stool Pigeon and A Better Tomorrow.

I wanted so badly to like 1911, if for nothing else but for all of the reasons it was made. Jackie Chan’s 100th movie – an amazing accomplishment! The first Chinese film released simultaneously in American and in China – finally! Released on the day of the 100th anniversary of the Wuchang Uprising – such a great tribute to the history of China! But the movie is such a chore to sit through, and such a disappointment.

Well Go USA presents 1911. Directed by: Jackie Chan, Li Zhang. Starring: Jackie Chan, Li Bingbing, Winston Chao, Joan Chen. Written by: Wang Xingdong, Chen Baoguang. Running time: 118 minutes. Rating: R. Released on Blu-ray: January 10, 2012. Available at Amazon.com.

Jenny is proud to be the First Lady of Inside Pulse Movies. She gives female and mommy perspective, and has two kids who help with rating family movies. (If they don't like 'em, what's the point?) She prefers horror movies to chick flicks, and she can easily hang with the guys as long as there are several frou-frou girlie drinks to be had.