‘Wu Assassins’ Lacks Punch

Netflix is often firm-footed when it comes to their original series, but their balance is a bit off with ‘Wu Assassins’.

Starting with an epic fight scene in the hallways of an apartment, the story introduces the audience to Kai Jin (Iko Uwais), an upcoming chef with side business as a food truck owner and part-time job at a restaurant, who sees his life turned upside down in an instant. Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the storyline flits between present and past and across dimensions, and features Kai’s mentor, Ying Yang, the first Wu Assassin.

The Wu Assassin has one purpose on earth – kill the five Wu Warlords who possess the elemental powers of fire, wood, earth, metal and water. With increased strength, speed and guidance of a thousand monks within him, Kai discovers his adoptive father, Triad head Uncle Six (Byron Mann), is the Fire Wu.

Starting off on an interesting note, the storyline falls short of holding your attention, with little character development, bland dialogue and poor execution of computer-generated imagery (CGI), however, the well thought-out and intense fighting sequences save the series.

Besides wanting more from the show, the plot resembles Nickelodeon’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ in terms of the ability to control elements, spirits taking over and guiding the body of the ‘chosen one’, the fight between good and evil, and the tension between father and son.

With some big names like Uncle Six’s Mann, who made a name for himself in action films in the 90s, most notably as Ryu in ‘Street Fighter’, there seems to be hope for the series to continue on a good note.

An aged Mark Dacascos takes up the role of an unnamed monk, and it’s lovely to see the martial arts actor returning to the screen. Tommy Flanagan, Tzi Ma and Kevin Durand are other notable names on the roster.

By easing up on the CGI and focusing more on character chemistry, growth and a solid plot which leaves no questions unanswered, the cast should be able to deliver a solid second season – if there’s going to be one.

Generally, ‘Wu Assassins’ has received positive reviews across the board, especially for its action choreography, but also left critics wanting. The series received an approval rating of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 21 reviews. The critical consensus states: “Though its story at times leaves something to be desired, ‘Wu Assassins”
exceptional choreography and bold aesthetic makes it an action-packed delight”, while Stephen Harber from Den of Geek says: “I think this show has potential. I like the cast. I like the premise. I like the Shaw Brothers vibes and that faint odour of tokusatsu I’m picking up on, too.”

A love for Chinese action, kung fu choreography and blood splattering made the show’s first season just bearable to watch.

– @jonathan_sasha on Twitter; @jonathan.sasha on Instagram

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