The Drummer

Reviewer: James van Maanen
Rating (out of 5): ***½

Mayhem, martial arts and… Film Movement: together? The distributor known for bringing us classy, tasteful films from around the globe offers up a movie that features Triad bosses, blood and violence? Well, yes and no. While all of these things are present in The Drummer, which arrives on DVD this week, the resulting film is surprisingly gentle, thoughtful and sweet -- when measured against almost any other in this overcrowded Hong Kong genre.

The film’s beginning and climax offer the expected thrills, with the odd moment occurring, too, during the lengthy and more interesting middle section, yet The Drummer is actually a mash-up of genres: coming-of-age (a tad late, in our hero’s case), family saga, crime boss competition and -– most importantly –- the deep study of a musical instrument and the discipline that this entails. That all these can work together as well as they do is mostly to the credit of writer/director Kenneth Bi, whose third film this is (first to get an American DVD release). He tells the story of a crime boss’ son, played quite well by Jaycee Chan (son of international star Jackie Chan) and his discovery one day, while hiding out in the mountains, of a group of drummers who make a kind of sound that enraptures the young man. He asks to join the group and so begins a journey that will change his life.

Young Chan is very good indeed, both as the heedless and cocky youth who fights with everyone, and as the emerging and finally mature adult who allows his love for drumming to best his need for some of the baser instincts. The rest of the large cast -- playing mobsters, monks, acolytes and family members -- is well-chosen for both looks and acting ability (this is one of the more attractive ensembles seen in some time). But it is the drumming itself, and the discipline and rigor this entails, that is likely to most fascinate viewers. Because Bi makes his hero’s journey as beautiful visually as it is intellectually stimulating and psychologically sound, it becomes a genuine pleasure to accompany young Chan on his trip.

If there’s a downside to the proceedings, it is only that things seem a bit too simple at times. Bi has bitten off quite a chunk of story, and even at nearly a two–hour running time, the packaging of it becomes a bit tricky. Fortunately, the welcome simplicity of the camerawork and performances trump the occasionally simple-minded plot machinations, leaving The Drummer a movie of memorable beauty.