Writer/Director Tran Quoc Bao and Producer Yuji Okumoto talk about Paper Tigers a martials arts comedy from Well Go USA.
Writer/Director Tran Quoc Bao and Producer Yuji Okumoto talk bout Paper Tigers Paper Tigers a martials arts comedy from Well Go USA available today on VOD and in theaters today, May 7, 2021.
Writer/Director Tran Quoc Bao and Producer and most hated man of 1986, Yuji Okumoto (who I still have his action figure somewhere in the house) sat down and spoke to me about their new feature film Paper Tigers, a martial arts action comedy that connects tradition, honor and family.
Throughout our interview with Tran Quoc Bao and Yuji Okumoto, we joke how it went from popping and locking to popping and our joints locking up, tradition, the loss of emotional disciple in the transition from traditional martial arts (TMA) to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and how promotions like ONE Championship is bridging that gap.
Sadly, through the new Invisalign I had just gotten pronouncing Yuji sounded more like Yuri, of which many apologies were made. What is absolutely amazing about this picture is from the opening song with the use of Kid Sensation’s Back to Boom, instantly we were teleported to 1991 Seattle, WA and the early years of the Three Tigers.
The beautify in everything is that using the title Paper Tigers, plays off the notion in combat sports of Paper Champion, a term used to describe an undeserving champion, or someone who didn’t beat the actually champion, but won the vacated title.
The word play, humor and comedic timing of everyone made this one of my favorite films of 2021 and I definitely would like to see it again.
Official Synopsis:
As teenagers, kung fu disciples Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan) and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) were inseparable. Fast forward 25 years, and each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from pulling a hamstring—and not at all preoccupied with thoughts of martial arts or childhood best friends. But when their old master is murdered, the trio reunites, soon learning that avenging their sifu will require conquering old grudges (and a dangerous hitman still armed with ample knee cartilage) if they are to honorably defend his legacy.
Paper Tigers is available today on VOD and in theaters today, May 7, 2021.
