“Mortal Kombat” is an American action-fantasy film released in 2021, directed by Simon McQuoid, who was making his feature film debut. The film was produced by James Wan, Todd Garner, E. Bennett Walsh, and Lawrence Kasanoff. It serves as a reboot for the Mortal Kombat film series and is based on the legendary Midway Games fighting video game, Mortal Kombat, which was later purchased by NetherRealm Studios.
Mortal Kombat is one of the oldest and most beloved fighting game series in the gaming world, distinguished for its ruthless fights, iconic finishing moves known as “Fatalities” and its memorable characters. True to the legacy the games have built, the 2021 film offers an high octane, visually stunning and absurdly violent movie experience for both fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Synopsis
The film begins in 17th century Japan with the conflict of two clans, Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei, which becomes the backdrop for a centuries-long struggle. Shirai Ryu clan leader, Hanzo Hasashi, who would later be known as Scorpion, is attacked by a Lin Kuei assassin and powerful cryomancer, Bi-Han. Bi-Han slaughters Hanzo’s family and kills Hanzo, or so it seems. Hanzo’s soul is drawn into the Netherrealm by unknown forces.
Let’s jump to the present where the movie begins with Cole Young, a washed-up mixed martial artist who has a mysterious dragon-shaped birth mark. Cole is now Sub Zero’s—Bi-Han—target. Unaware of the Mortal Kombat legacy, Cole is saved by Jax, a special forces major who thrusts him into the hidden battlefield of realm to realm warfare.
Cole finds out he is one of the chosen warriors who is destined to protect Earthrealm from Outworld’s forces and its leading sorcerer, Shang Tsung. Earth is at the risk of being invaded because it has lost nine out of ten Mortal Kombat tournaments. Should it lose one more, it will permanently fall under Outworld’s rule. Shang Tsung, however, plans to break the rules of the tournament by assassinating Earth’s defenders before the official combat begins.
Cole is joined by Sonya Blade, Kano, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao and they all gather at the temple of Lord Raiden, the thunder god and the protector of Earthrealm. Together, they train as the chosen fighters and must unleash their Arcana, a unique power connected to their will and the mark of their fate.
As the battles rage on, the stakes become more critical as alliances get pushed to the limit. Building on iconic deaths from the franchise, the heroes now have to face off with Shang Tsung’s assassins, Mileena, Reiko, Kabal, Nitara, and the terrifying Sub-Zero. In the end, Cole learns that he is indeed a descendant of Hanzo Hasashi, and calls upon Scorpion’s spirit to duel Sub-Zero in an epic, fiery showdown.
Characters and Performances
Cole Young (Lewis Tan)
Cole serves as the audience’s guide to the universe of Mortal Kombat. Since he is a new character generated specifically for the film, he gets divided reactions from the fanbase. Lewis Tan does infuse the role with some physicality and sincerity, but some critics did argue that his character arc of ‘learning about his ancestry and powers’ felt a bit on the generic side. In his case, the Arcana appears as a suit of armor and energy weapons, emblematic of his ongoing transformation and his capacity to shield others.
Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada)
Bringing Scorpion — arguably the franchise’s most recognizable character– to life is Hiroyuki Sanada, who delivers a commanding performance. Although he does not have extensive screen time, Sanada’s performance is powerful and bookends the film. One of the stand out portions of the film is Scorpion’s resurrection and duel with Sub-Zero.
Bi-Han / Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim)
Joe Taslim delivers a chilling performance as the ruthless Sub-Zero. He’s portrayed more as a horror movie villain than a mere fighter, using his ice powers in brutal and inventive ways. Taslim’s martial arts prowess and his commanding screen presence makes him stand out as a villain.
Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) and Jax Briggs (Mehcad Brooks)
These two Special Forces soldiers give some sense of continuity and coherence to the franchise for the audience that has been following it for years. Sonya is tough, smart, and determined to earn her place among the champions. Jax loses his arms early in the film, but later on, in a form of a battle, manages to unlock his Arcana and powers his mechanized arms, turning him into a fierce combatant.
Kano (Josh Lawson)
Kano serves as the film’s comic relief, but Josh Lawson’s performance is so charismatic that he often steals the show. Vulgar, selfish, and hilarious, Kano teeters between villain and anti-hero until he fully exposes himself.
Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) and Kung Lao (Max Huang)
These two monks bring proper martial arts as well as some form of spiritual grounding to the team. Liu Kang is humble and disciplined, while Kung Lao, while featuring some more flamboyant traits like his arrogant demeanor and his deadly hat with the throwing technique, adds cheek. Both characters honor their game counterparts with faithful portrayals.
Shang Tsung (Chin Han) and Raiden (Tadanobu Asano)
Both actors add weight and authority to their respective roles as realm rulers. Shang Tsung is manipulative and ambitious, while Raiden is neutral, protecting Earthrealm and guiding its champions without interference.
Themes and Style
Mortal Kombat (2021) grapples with familiar, and at times, over-explored themes of the modern world, like: destiny, family legacy, and self-discovery. The film adheres to a typical plot structure of a hero’s journey, but also showcases a devotion to the source material’s spirit, especially in combat and violence.
The idea of unlocking one’s Arcana is a unique plot device that works both as a metaphor for self-actualization and a way to introduce the characters’ powers more organically to the grounded story.
The film is visually striking as well, with rich production design, such as the mystical serenity of Raiden’s temple, and the menacing otherworldly vibe of Outworld. The choreography is very good, with the majority of stunts performed by the actors themselves. The use of slow motion, elemental effects (Sub-Zero’s ice), and brutal finishing moves add to the film’s rootedness in the games.
The film also honors fans by including such iconic lines as “Get over here!” and “Flawless Victory,” as well as other references to the franchise’s extensive lore.
Reception and Impact
Mortal Kombat stirred controversy upon release, earning both praise and blame. Appreciation came from fans for the character portrayals, the fight sequences, and the nostalgic elements. Critics, on their part, seemed to be stricken on the film’s plot and character development, most particularly with the new lead Cole Young.
Regardless of the mixed reviews, the film successfully sparked interest in the franchise and worked as a reboot. It performed well on streaming services, select international markets, and sparked the debate of possible sequels and the expansion of a cinematic universe based on the game.
Conclusion
As the title suggests, Mortal Kombat (2021) captures the essence of the franchise: martial arts with high-octane energy, externally and internally gory fatalities, and well-loved characters in a modern movie. It does not seek to reshape the action industry for the fans and does not try to meet story-telling expectations, but stays true to the action movie and offer fans a fulfilling, bloody, warm feeling stroll to the world where realms clash and warriors do everything to stay alive.
Mortal Kombat is a mixture of an adaptation with new and refreshing ideas, making to think of the love letter to one of enduring franchises in gaming, but also ensuring that the gaming franchise’s fans can look forward to even more devastating battles.
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