Road to Vendetta and The Forbidden City were highlights at Fantastic Fest 2025, America’s biggest festival for genre films. This year’s Austin-based event offered a mix of action, horror, and sci-fi, along with insightful documentaries about filmmakers and their stars.
What defines a “kung fu” film? It’s a mix of martial arts, relatable themes of honor and justice, and often, a contemporary setting. Both films fit snugly into this description while offering unique narratives.
Road to Vendetta introduces us to Jeffrey Ngai, who plays a hitman called Number 4. His mission sends him to Japan, where he faces a language barrier with his client, portrayed by Sara Minami. This leads to humorous situations as they try to communicate despite their differences.
The Forbidden City takes us to a Chinese restaurant in Rome, where the main character Mei, played by Yaxi Liu, searches for her kidnapped sister. The restaurant hides a dark secret: an underground sex-trafficking ring. Mei teams up with Italian chef Marcello, played by Enrico Borello, to confront this evil.
Both stories touch on relationships and the complexities of love and friendship amidst chaos. The characters face tough choices, and these emotional threads resonate well with the audience.
Martial arts plays a vital role in both films. In Road to Vendetta, the action kicks off right away with an intense scene on a moving train, showcasing the cold efficiency of Number 4. Meanwhile, The Forbidden City begins with Mei’s childhood martial arts lessons, setting the stage for her character’s journey and motivations.
When Mei arrives in Rome, the action ramps up. She navigates fights in kitchens, using clever tactics like slippery oil and frying pans as her weapons. The audience found these moments thrilling and inventive, reflecting the creativity that’s often missing in many action films today.
Both films are not just entertaining; they weave in stories of resilience and the fight for justice. The blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments offers something for everyone, making them excellent additions to your watchlist.
For more about next year’s Fantastic Fest, you can check out their updates on Facebook, their X page, and Instagram.
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Fantastic Fest,Japan,kung fu,Road to Vendetta,Rome,The Forbidden City
