July 4 through 6: “The Mystery of Chess Boxing” Celebrates Kung Fu Mastery
The kung fu expertise is mind boggling
In Taiwanese writer/director Joseph Kuo’s “The Mystery of Chess Boxing,” throughout the opening titles, before the film proper begins, the kung fu expertise is mind boggling, a teaser for the spectacular action highlighted for the next 90 minutes. In fact, the straightforward, simple story exists primarily to showcase the astonishing, acrobatic martial art proficiency on full display for all the principal actors: Lee Yi, Jack Long, Mark Long, and Simon Yuen.
In a formulaic narrative, novice Ah Pao persuasively petitions to train in kung fu, a term identifying any skill acquired through unreserved commitment and vigorous training, here specifically meaning the legendary martial art. However, not motivated merely for the desired mental and physical discipline, for student Ah Pao, the stakes are high. For he seeks revenge against his father’s murderer, the Ghostface Killer, who employes the Five Elements style (Fire, Gold, Wood, Water, and Earth) to subdue and conquer others. To his dismay, Ah Pao’s training poses more daunting challenges than he anticipates since the school’s students and teachers ridicule and bully him. As Ah Pao’s salvation, the chef, a skilled kung fu practitioner, takes mercy on him. But success does not come easily to Ah Pao who faces a lengthy, disciplined regimen before he can confront Ghostface, aka Won Cheun San, whose unique, red faced symbol circulates and identifies this killer.
Significantly, in living up to the title, Ah Pao must submit to the insightful wisdom of Chinese chess master Chi Sue Tin, another former enemy of Ghostface. In fact, teacher Chi Sue Tin embodies the wisdom Ah Pao desperately needs, for after Ah Pao complains that for a month he has only played chess, Tin explains, “The first virtue is to be calm. Calm must be the basis of kung fu. It’s a mental discipline, and playing chess will teach you to achieve calmness of mind. I’ve never discovered a better way.” Later he elaborates, “Your style must combine toughness and gentleness. It’s outwardly placid and inwardly decisive.” Single minded, Ah Pao embraces this insight, to his advantage.
“The Mystery of Chess Boxing” gained prominence after the Wu-Tang Clan promoted the film with one member called Ghostface Killah. Their 1993 album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” featured “Da Mystery of Chessboxin,’” increasing accolades for the film. Moreover, the film’s training and fight scenes have been praised by martial arts experts. From a new DCP sourced from the only known 35mm print, “The Mystery of Chess Boxing” screens at Webster University’s Winifred Moore auditorium in Mandarin with English subtitles on Friday, July 4, and Sunday, July 6. It will screen dubbed in English on Saturday, July 5, only. The time is 7:00 p.m. for all of those evenings. For more information, you may visit the film series website.