Kung Fu Rookie

Kung Fu Rookie
Stars: Timur Bakthbayev, Kuat Kharmitov and Irina Azhmukhamedova
Director: Aman Ergaziyev
Scriptwriter: Anuar Turizhigitov
Composer: Zhasular Norgaziyeus
Cinematography: Nursultan Bazarbay
World Cinema
Rating: PG 13
Running Length: 90 Minutes

Kazakkh and Russian languages with English subtitles
Jackie Chan may have retired from martial arts films, but the younger generation carries on. In this film from Kazakhstan, we have a humorous adventure into the life of a young man who has greatly practiced martial arts with the help of a relative, and then goes to a larger city to try out for their police academy. From the beginning--when the van doesn’t start and they are late to the official meeting--to the end, there are chuckles. The martial arts sections, which takes precedent over the plot, are choreographed to perfection. Just sit back and watch the clockwork in action.

Timur Bak plays “Timuchin,” the main character, and in the film, though he has come from a small community, he is a fast learner as far as protocol both in and out of the police academy. Yes, there is a girl involved, Irina Azmukhamedeva as “Samal,” the daughter of a police officer. Timuchin stays with his uncle and the uncle watched him practice with a Jackie Chin fight dummy, all the while, the uncle thinking it was a coat rack. It is only when the uncle’s business stall is destroyed by local thugs and the uncle lands in the hospital, does Timuchin, the girl and her police father, go after the thugs. The chase scenes are quite good, including the one with Timuchin chasing a thief virtually all over the city. More mayhem is committed and through it all, there is a touch of humor. Your eyes will need a rest from watching all the action on a large screen.

As for acting, Timur Bak plays “Timuchin” as being shy in meeting people, but ready for action when it is called for. Irina Azmukhamedeva is a good match as she is trained, also. The rest of the cast are there for action sequences, All in all, this is an action film with humor and for Jackie Chan fans, you can picture a young Chan in his first films here. Life goes on and so does agility and kindness. The cinematography by Nursultan Bazarbay is right on target with precision. The composer Zhasular Norgaziyeus soundtrack is what catches attention, also, with music to fit every situation. Quite a memorable feat here.

So, martial arts fans, here is the film for you--- a first-rate action film from Kazakhstan

Three Tocks

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