Mortal Kombat

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 23, 2021

Genre
Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts

Cast & Crew

• Lewis Tan as Cole Young
• Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade
• Josh Lawson as Kano
• Joe Taslim as Bi-Han / Sub-Zero
• Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion
• Ludi Lin as Liu Kang
• Chin Han as Shang Tsung
• Tadanobu Asano as Raiden
• Mehcad Brooks as Jax
• Max Huang as Kung Lao

Director
Simon McQuoid

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Mortal Kombat is Simon McQuoid’s feature directorial debut

Producer
James Wan, Todd Garner, Simon McQuoid, E. Bennett Walsh

Writer
Greg Russo, Dave Callaham, Oren Uziel (story by)

Budget
$55 million

Production Company
Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster Productions

Running Time
110 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Strong language
• Gore

Movie Story
“Mortal Kombat” is a high-octane action fantasy film that serves as a reboot of the beloved video game franchise of the same name. The story follows Cole Young (Lewis Tan), a down-on-his-luck MMA fighter who discovers that he is marked with a mysterious dragon symbol, identifying him as one of the chosen warriors destined to fight in an ancient tournament known as Mortal Kombat.

Cole’s life takes a drastic turn when he is hunted by Bi-Han, also known as Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim), a deadly cryomancer sent by the sorcerer Shang Tsung (Chin Han) to eliminate Earthrealm’s champions before the tournament even begins. Desperate for answers and protection, Cole joins forces with Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) and Jax (Mehcad Brooks), two Special Forces operatives who have been tracking the existence of the tournament.

Guided by Raiden (Tadanobu Asano), the god of thunder and protector of Earthrealm, Cole and his newfound allies are introduced to Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Kung Lao (Max Huang), and the rogue mercenary Kano (Josh Lawson). Together, they must train and unlock their inner powers, known as “arcana,” to stand a chance against Shang Tsung’s forces, which include iconic villains such as Sub-Zero, Mileena, and Kabal.

The film builds toward the climactic showdown in the Mortal Kombat tournament, where Earthrealm’s fate hangs in the balance. Cole’s journey is one of self-discovery and heroism, as he uncovers his connection to the legendary ninja Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada) and embraces his role in the fight against Outworld.

“Mortal Kombat” is packed with action sequences that pay homage to the brutal and bloody combat of the video games, complete with the franchise’s signature “fatalities.” The film balances fan service with its own narrative, introducing new characters while staying true to the essence of the source material.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Mortal Kombat” are a major highlight, particularly in the depiction of the characters’ supernatural abilities and the iconic fight scenes. The film uses a mix of practical effects and CGI to bring the violent, over-the-top nature of the Mortal Kombat universe to life. Sub-Zero’s ice powers, Scorpion’s fiery attacks, and the gruesome fatalities are rendered with impressive detail, adding to the film’s visceral impact.

Box Office Performance
“Mortal Kombat” was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, a strategy influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The film performed well at the box office, grossing over $83 million worldwide and becoming one of the most-watched films on HBO Max upon release. It garnered a strong following among fans of the video game franchise, though its reception among critics was mixed.

Filming Locations

• Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Notable Quotes

• “Get over here!” – Scorpion
• “I am Sub-Zero.” – Sub-Zero
• “Flawless victory.” – Kung Lao

Behind-the-Scenes
“Mortal Kombat” marked Simon McQuoid’s directorial debut, and he worked closely with producer James Wan to create a film that would satisfy longtime fans of the franchise while appealing to a broader audience. The filmmakers emphasized practical stunts and martial arts choreography, working with a cast that included experienced fighters and stunt performers to ensure the fight scenes were authentic and dynamic.

Awards

• Nominated for a Critics’ Choice Super Award (Best Action Movie)
• Nominated for a Saturn Award (Best Special Effects)

Final Verdict
“Mortal Kombat” delivers a thrilling and bloody adaptation of the iconic video game franchise, with plenty of action, fan-favorite characters, and jaw-dropping fatalities. While the film’s story and character development may be uneven, its commitment to capturing the spirit of the games makes it a must-watch for fans. The visceral fight scenes and impressive visual effects ensure that “Mortal Kombat” is an entertaining ride from start to finish.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10