Watch American Shaolin

American Shaolin is a 1991 martial arts film directed by Lucas Lowe and starring Trent Bushey, Kim Chan, and Reese Madigan. The movie is loosely based on the real-life story of Matthew Polly, who traveled to China to study at the Shaolin Temple and became the first American to train there. The film follows Drew Carson, a young man from Ohio who dreams of becoming a martial arts master. After a chance encounter with a Shaolin monk who offers to teach him kung fu, Drew travels to China to fulfill his dream. But when he arrives at the Shaolin Temple, he finds that the monks are reluctant to teach him because he is a foreigner. Drew's determination and talent eventually win them over, and he begins his training under the tutelage of Master Li.

As Drew struggles to adapt to the rigorous training and customs of the Shaolin Temple, he also faces challenges from a rival school of martial arts led by the ruthless Master Jiang. Drew's love interest, Sunflower, is also a student at the Shaolin Temple, and the two begin a tentative romance amidst the chaos.

The film features a series of martial arts sequences that showcase the Shaolin monks' impressive physical abilities, from acrobatic flips and kicks to displays of strength and precision. The fight scenes are choreographed with a mix of traditional kung fu moves and modern cinematic techniques, including slow motion and quick cuts.

The movie also explores themes of cultural identity and the clash between Eastern and Western values. Drew's journey to China is not just about becoming a better martial artist, but also about discovering his own cultural heritage and finding a sense of belonging in a foreign land.

The performances in the film are solid, with Bushey delivering a convincing portrayal of a young man on a quest for self-discovery. Kim Chan, a veteran actor known for his roles in films like Kung Fu Panda and The Fifth Element, brings a quiet wisdom to his character, Master Li. Madigan plays the villainous Master Jiang with a menacing intensity that makes him a formidable opponent for Drew.

Overall, American Shaolin is a satisfying martial arts movie that blends action and drama with a touch of romance. While it may not be a groundbreaking film in the genre, its heartfelt story and impressive fight scenes make it a worthwhile watch for fans of kung fu cinema.