The Hidden Gem That Will Ignite Every Mortal Kombat Fan

In the past, video game storytelling was largely disregarded as an inferior form of art. This was especially true for fighting games, which often lacked any substantial narrative in gameplay. However, since 2011, Mortal Kombat has emerged as a shining example in this genre. While there have been a few attempts to adapt the franchise into film, projects like Jiu Jitsu strive to meet the high standards set by fighting games by drawing inspiration from the classics.

The iconic Mortal Kombat series, created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, may not necessarily possess the deepest themes, most original concepts, or most captivating characters. Its storytelling approach prioritizes quantity over quality. Yet, it still manages to captivate through its multitude of subplots, conflicting factions, and ever-evolving revisions.

What is Jiu Jitsu about?

In the dense jungle of Myanmar lies an ancient temple, shrouded in mystery. Every six years, a peculiar comet passes overhead, causing a fissure to open on the temple walls. Emerging from this enigmatic void is Brax, a formidable alien invader. Brax poses a challenge to the people of Earth: to battle against him, nine human warriors must be chosen. If the defenders of Earth triumph over Brax, he will retreat through the fissure for another six years. However, should the humans fail, Brax will summon his entire species to conquer and dominate our world. Throughout history, the valiant human warriors have successfully defeated the alien adversaries, ensuring the survival of our planet.

As the latest challenge is issued, war hero Jake Barnes, renowned for his gallantry, attempts to evade his duty. However, his escape is cut short when he tumbles off a cliff, suffering a debilitating head injury that leaves him devoid of memories. Luckily, Jake is rescued by a compassionate couple while they are out fishing. Eventually, he comes under the care of the US Military, who relentlessly interrogate him for information he cannot provide. Unexpectedly, a skilled martial artist named Keung appears and single-handedly incapacitates the soldiers, boldly snatching Jake away. Alongside Keung, Jake is introduced to Harrigan and Carmen, who enlighten him about his crucial role in the ongoing conflict. Despite his amnesia, Jake gradually discovers his innate expertise in martial arts, confirming the claims made by his newfound allies.

Jake encounters Wylie, a wise and enigmatic warrior, who comprehensively clarifies the gravity of Brax's game. Reluctantly, Jake is subsequently escorted back to the military base, where he successfully convinces more soldiers to join him in the fight. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Jake and his resilient allies endeavor to unveil Brax's vulnerabilities and carry on the enduring tradition of driving him back to his home realm.

How is Jiu Jitsu related to Mortal Kombat?

Jiu Jitsu bears resemblances to the plot of Mortal Kombat, focusing on a masked conqueror who enters a portal to challenge Earth's inhabitants to a fighting tournament. Despite the more compelling character of Shao Kahn compared to Brax, both characters serve a similar purpose. Similar to Mortal Kombat, the heroes in Jiu Jitsu consist of soldiers and martial artists, such as Shaolin Monks and Special Forces characters. The key difference lies in the genre, as Mortal Kombat blends science fiction with fantasy elements, while Jiu Jitsu explicitly revolves around aliens with advanced technology. This film's structure closely mirrors that of a poorly executed Mortal Kombat movie, lacking the presence of gods to enforce tournament rules and lacking depth in its cast.

Jiu Jitsu can be likened to a fan-made Mortal Kombat movie that managed to attract notable celebrities. Headlined by Nicolas Cage, whose performance combines elements of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jack Sparrow, the film also features Tony Jaa showcasing his usual Muay Thai routines. Despite efforts from character actor Eddie Steeples in a comic relief role, action star Frank Grillo's performance falls flat in a largely inconsequential role. Many critics draw comparisons to a video game. Though Jiu Jitsu's biggest flaw is its failure to push boundaries due to budget constraints, particularly with Nic Cage's hefty salary consuming around 20% of the overall budget, it still manages to provide some mindless entertainment. Jiu Jitsu can be deemed as shallow, disposable, action-packed fun with a few enjoyable moments. While it is worth investing the 102-minute runtime, it would likely benefit from incorporating fast-paced fighting sequences in between the cutscenes.

How does Jiu Jitsu end?

The final confrontation with Brax results in the swift demise of multiple competitors. Jake, Carmen, Tex, and the two Burmese fishmongers launch an assault on Brax within the temple. During the intense battle, Jake discovers several vulnerabilities in Brax's abilities. Notably, Brax's thermal vision hinders his ability to see through fire, while his regenerative powers require a momentary healing process for any inflicted injuries. Ultimately, Jake manages to eliminate Brax by slashing open his chest with a sword and cleverly inserting a pair of hand grenades into the closing wound. Brax's detonation occurs just as Jake forcefully propels his lifeless body through the portal. Following their victorious triumph, Jake and Carmen embark on a romantic relationship, while the heroes depart in triumph.

Jiu Jitsu, as a film, can be viewed as somewhat lighthearted. Despite lacking the exceptional action scenes that are standard in the industry, the borrowed storyline from Mortal Kombat, and the absence of enthusiasm from the majority of the cast, there is still one actor who manages to evoke a sense of enjoyment. While there are undoubtedly superior action films available, Jiu Jitsu can provide a pleasurable viewing experience. It can suffice as a temporary source of entertainment for enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the release of the next Mortal Kombat installment.