Is Rising Shaolin: The Protector Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

📖 The Core Premise

Rising Shaolin: The Protector stands as a 2021 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Action landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Ximen Debao is an innkeeper without big ambitions. In order to attract business, he instructs his younger brother Tu Hao and his friends to pose as robbers and rob passers-by, and at critical moments he assists them by posing as a saviour and crime-fighter, and then guides the customers into the shop. The good times don't last long, as Tak Po's scam is exposed by a mysterious monk who finds it difficult to continue. In the meantime, the assassin of Lingzhou, He Snap, kills the imperial envoy in order to seize the treasure map hidden in the inn, and frames Debao for the crime. Overnight, Debao becomes a wanted criminal and his son, Yau Fei, dies. In order to take revenge, Debao begins to train with a monk."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Wang Baoqiang's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Rising Shaolin: The Protector worth your time? If you appreciate Action films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Rising Shaolin: The Protector is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.