Martial arts movies. The Paper Tigers 2020
| | | |

The Paper Tigers Movie Mixes In Karate Kid Nostalgia

The Paper Tigers is a martial arts movie in a similar vein to 2018’s Netflix series Cobra Kai. Mix that with the sentiment of Karate Kid and a shot of Father of the Year and you have a basic feeling for how this movie goes. Quoc Bao Tran’s directorial debut is full of warm fuzzies, great choreography, and a likable story fresh from 2020’s Fantasia Festival.

The Paper Tigers begins with three guys Danny, Hing, and Jim. All were once at the top of their game in Kung Fu. After learning their beloved master Sifu Cheung has died, the three discover there is more to his death. At the funeral, a trio of punk martial artists appears and Danny, Jim, and Hing begin to look into who they are and what they want. Check out the trailer for The Paper Tigers which will give you a sense of the tone of the film.

Coupled with the English-speaking cast this is a truly enjoyable film. The Paper Tigers released on DVD and on demand from May 7th, 2021.

Where to Watch the Paper Tigers Movie

The Paper Tigers Movie Trailer

The Paper Tigers - “Danny in the Deep End” - Exclusive Clip

The Paper Tigers is easily an ensemble character-driven story. The trio of grown men weathered by time, each tiger holds its own individual back-stories. Assisted by an early days rival, Carter, the storyline is full of all the ingredients essential to a martial arts movie. Tradition, Chinese medicine, and compassion underpin the motivations for these forgotten prodigies. Old and new now vie for a place on the top of the mountain. Of course, there is more to the tale than just anecdotal good feelings. Writer-director Tran brings the challenges of the family unit into play with one of the Tiger’s sons and his ex-wife adding a dose of realism.

The Paper Tigers Cast

In addition to all the seriousness, there is a healthy dose of comedy. Most of the laughs come from Hing (played by Ron Yuan.) Having suffered a workplace injury, he shines in the spot of the humble jokester that always rises as the strongest at heart. Matthew Page plays Carter whose comedy comes in the form of unresolved jealousy but is nonetheless just as pleasant to see as his character grows with the film. Mykel Shannon Jenkins plays his role as Jim blending harmoniously with Alain Uy’s Danny. Together they had the perfect amount of chemistry to cover the broken friendship side of the never-too-sweet storyline.

I give The Paper Tigers

4 Death touches in places you don’t want them out of 5

4 stars out of 5
4 stars out of 5
Mother of Movies score
The Paper Tigers starring Ron Yuan, Alain Uy and Mykel Shannon Jenkins. Get a dose of Karate Kid's dad mixed with Father of the Year.
The Paper Tigers starring Ron Yuan, Alain Uy, and Mykel Shannon Jenkins

Get behind this film and follow all the social media channels. #supportindiefilmmakers

  • Tran Quoc Bao (Writer/Director/Editor), Yuji Okumoto (Producer)
  • The YEAR 2020 | COUNTRY the USA | RUN TIME 108 mins
  • Website: www.thepapertigersmovie.com
  • Twitter: @_thepapertigers
  • Instagram: @_thepapertigers
  • Facebook: Facebook.com/ThePaperTigersMovie

Similar Posts