Little Big Soldier

While action legend Jackie Chan's career continues to wane in the United States, he has in recent years enjoyed a revival in his native Hong Kong, and the period-action comedy Little Big Soldier is perhaps the best of those efforts. Set during China's Era of Warring States (roughly 475-221 BC), the story centers on Chan as a farmer-turned-soldier who survives a bloody battle with a valuable prize--a wounded general (Wang Leehom) from the opposing army. The personality clash between the savvy, scrappy Chan and Wang's initially aloof warrior makes for some amusing comic moments before the pair are forced to bond in order to save each other's lives; what follows is a traditional buddy/road comedy, enlivened by the chemistry between the leads and a handful of fight sequences that show Chan still nimble and physically adept after three decades of martial arts movies, most notably in a sequence where Chan brawls while using only one leg. Director Ding Sheng's eye for period detail and grime is also a plus, but the key appeal to Little Big Soldier is seeing an invigorated Chan in his classic underdog role and clearly enjoying the opportunity to bring this long-gestating personal project to life. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack includes the film's domestic and international trailers, as well as a standard-issue behind-the-scenes featurette and a music video featuring Chan in a recording studio.