The Forbidden Kingdom 2008

A teenage enthusiast of Martial Arts embarks on a nostalgic journey through a local Chinatown pawn shop, where he discovers the rich tapestry of oriental culture. The shop owner, appreciating the boy’s eagerness, reveals some secret items from his past. However, on his way home, the teen encounters a local street gang leader. To avoid a hospital visit, he finds himself blackmailed into robbing the very place he holds dear.

The situation escalates when the gang leader, with a twisted appetite for violence, murders the old shopkeeper upon discovering the boy’s connections. Now, as the unwilling witness to this shocking act, the young man escapes with a priceless staff but soon finds himself relentlessly pursued by the gang. Just when he fears for his life, a mystical relic transports him back to ancient China.

Once there, he is captured by the soldiers of a Warlord and can’t explain how he came to possess the relic. His only chance of survival is through the assistance of a wandering drunkard. As they evade capture, he learns of a prophecy linked to ‘The Monkey King’, indicating that as the ‘Seeker’ of legend, he must find a way back home. But there’s a significant hurdle: the teenager has no combat skills!

The alcoholic turns out to be a master of Martial Arts, and together, they manage to escape yet another patrol with the help of ‘Little Sparrow’, a fierce woman on her own vendetta. Throughout their adventure, they face additional challenges, including having the staff stolen by a bizarre Monk. After retrieving it, the Monk recognizes their shared purpose and decides to join their quest. With training from a duo of Kung Fu masters, will they be able to break the Warlord’s magical curse and safely return the lost boy to his home?