Jackie Chan stars in and co-directs the epic Chinese film 1911, which not surprisingly in today’s global market of awareness and synchronicity opens this weekend, right before the day celebrated in China, October 10, that marks the end of two-thousand years of imperialism. This was a revolution spearheaded by people in the streets, supported by covert groups that sought financing abroad. Sound familiar?

Chan plays Huang Xing a Chinese militarist who led the people’s army and later became head of the post-revolutionary army, or commander in chief of the Army of the Republic of China. Other actors include Joan Chen, Zhang Ziyi, and Winston Chao as Sun Yat-sen a historical figure seen as the Father of the Nation. Chan’s seen on the street under fire while Chao raises coin and plots strategy. There aren’t a lot of Chan signature moves as the film never ventures into martial arts.

1911 has considerable firepower in its numerous battle sequences, all well staged. The counterpoint to the battle sequences are countless scenes of people talking about the uprising and remembering others who died.

1911 is a dry film, not a lot of emotional attachment to be made on this journey. We’re certainly not in Gettysburg territory where the film is a total bore, just a bit of a chore. However as a bit of history the film fascinates with its pitch perfect moments of aggression mixed with royal pageantry. 1911 will find an audience appreciative of all things Chinese as well as historical epics. The film marks the 100^th anniversary of the people’s uprising as well as Jackie Chan’s 100^th film.

- Michael Bergeron