Directed by
Simon McQuoid
Made by
Warner Bros.
In 17th-century Japan, a deadly conflict unfolds as the Lin Kuei assassins, led by Bi-Han, launch a brutal attack on the Shirai Ryu ninja clan, commanded by Hanzo Hasashi. This onslaught claims the lives of Hanzo’s family, including his wife and son. However, in a desperate attempt to protect her infant daughter, Hanzo’s wife conceals the child just before falling prey to Bi-Han’s cold cruelty. In a fierce battle, Hanzo manages to slay his attackers but ends up dead at the hands of Bi-Han, who possesses the chilling ability to conjure ice from thin air. This results in Hanzo’s soul being trapped in the dark and malevolent Netherrealm. Luckily, the deity Raiden arrives just in time to rescue Hanzo’s surviving baby girl.
Fast forward to the present day, the Outworld realm has triumphed over Earthrealm in nine out of ten Mortal Kombat tournaments. Should Earthrealm lose the impending tenth, it faces domination by Outworld. However, an ancient prophecy claims that the “blood of Hanzo Hasashi” will provide a new generation of warriors to thwart Outworld’s ambitions. A malevolent sorcerer, Shang Tsung, aware of this prophecy, sends his champions to eliminate those marked by the dragon symbol before the tournament can commence. One such champion, an ex-MMA fighter named Cole Young, finds himself in peril when Bi-Han, now known as Sub-Zero and portrayed by Joe Taslim, attacks him and his family, which includes his wife Allison and daughter Emily. Fortunately, Jax, a Special Forces Major with the same dragon tattoo as Cole, rescues them but loses his arms in the confrontation.
Cole follows Jax and eventually tracks down Sonya Blade at her hideout, where she is interrogating Kano, a mercenary with a dragon marking of his own. Their conversations reveal that they have been pursuing the existence of Mortal Kombat and that the dragon mark signifies those chosen to fight for Earth. During an unexpected attack from Shang Tsung’s minion, Syzoth—a reptilian creature—, Kano manages to eliminate him with Cole and Sonya’s assistance. They embark on a journey to Raiden’s temple, the sanctuary where Earth’s champions train, with Kano leading the way for a price of three million dollars.
At the temple, they encounter current champions such as Liu Kang, who wields fireballs, and Kun Lao (Max Huang), who boasts a deadly metallic hat. Raiden, however, voices his skepticism about their qualification as newcomers. The tide of battle shifts when Shang Tsung tries to invade the temple but is thwarted by Raiden’s protective barrier. As Sonya tends to Jax’s recovery, Cole and Kano engage in rigorous training with Kang and Lao to unlock their unique abilities known as “Arcana.” There, Kano discovers his Arcana, a powerful laser he can shoot from his eye, while Cole struggles to awaken his potential.
In a moment of disappointment, Raiden reveals to Cole that he is a descendant of Hanzo and therefore must tread cautiously. Meanwhile, Shang Tsung rallies his warriors—including Kano’s former ally Kabal—for an assault on the temple. During the chaos, Kung Lao brilliantly kills Nitara (Mel Jarnson), and Jax’s Arcana unveils itself, overcoming his limitations with newly enhanced strength. Amidst these battles, Cole faces Prince Goro and manages to harness his own Arcana, equipping himself with armor and tonfas that grant him victory over Goro.
As the battle intensifies, Shang Tsung grows furious upon discovering Cole’s lineage, prompting Raiden to relocate the Earthrealm fighters to a safe haven called the Void. Tragically, Lao sacrifices himself in defense of Cole, which marks a turning point in their battle against Sub-Zero. When Sub-Zero captures Cole’s family to provoke a confrontation, Cole channels Hanzo’s essence through a bloodied kunai gifted to him by Raiden. In an epic showdown, he releases Hanzo’s spirit, now known as Scorpion, who assists him in defeating Sub-Zero with flames of vengeance. Grateful for Cole’s efforts to liberate him, Scorpion entrusts him to protect the Hasashi legacy before ascending into the afterlife.
With Shang Tsung vowing revenge and banished from the temple, Raiden recognizes the need to train new warriors and tasks his current champions with recruiting them. Armed with a newfound mission, Cole sets off for Los Angeles in search of iconic Hollywood martial artist and movie star Johnny Cage.
Attack on Shirai Ryu
In 17th-century Japan, Bi-Han and the Lin Kuei assassins launch a brutal attack on the Shirai Ryu ninja clan. This ruthless assault leads to the massacre of Hanzo Hasashi's family, marking the beginning of a harrowing conflict.
Hanzo's Wife's Sacrifice
As the raid unfolds, Hanzo's wife takes desperate measures to protect their infant daughter. She hides the child just before succumbing to Bi-Han's merciless attack, showcasing the lengths a mother will go to for her child's safety.
Hanzo's Final Stand
In an attempt to avenge his family, Hanzo confronts his attackers in a fierce battle. Despite his bravery and skill, he ultimately falls to Bi-Han, sealing his fate as he is struck down by the ice-wielding assassin.
Hanzo's Soul Captured
After his death, Hanzo's soul is trapped in the Netherrealm, a dark and malevolent realm. It symbolizes the tragic outcome of his fight against the Lin Kuei, leaving his legacy in jeopardy.
Raiden's Intervention
Just before the chaos settles, the deity Raiden intervenes and rescues Hanzo's surviving baby girl. This act of salvation marks the beginning of a new hope for the Hasashi lineage and sets the stage for future events.
Outworld's Dominance
Fast forward to the present day, where Outworld has won nine out of ten Mortal Kombat tournaments against Earthrealm. The looming threat of total domination hangs over Earth's champions, raising the stakes for the upcoming battle.
Shang Tsung's Plan
Aware of an ancient prophecy regarding Hanzo Hasashi's blood, the sorcerer Shang Tsung devises a plan to eliminate those marked by the dragon symbol. His ambition fuels his malevolent actions in the lead-up to the next tournament.
Cole Young's Family Under Threat
Ex-MMA fighter Cole Young and his family find themselves in danger when Bi-Han, now known as Sub-Zero, launches a deadly attack. This confrontation forces Cole into a fight for survival, with his loved ones at risk.
Jax's Heroic Rescue
Jax, a Special Forces Major marked by the dragon symbol, arrives just in time to save Cole and his family from Sub-Zero's assault. However, he suffers grave injuries, losing his arms in an act of bravery to protect them.
Meeting Sonya Blade
Cole tracks down Sonya Blade at her hideout, where she interrogates the mercenary Kano. Together, they unravel the truth about Mortal Kombat and their connection to the dragon symbol, drawing them deeper into the conflict.
Journey to Raiden's Temple
After defeating Syzoth, a minion of Shang Tsung, Cole, Sonya, and Kano embark on a journey to Raiden's temple, where warriors are trained. Kano demands a hefty price for leading them, showing his mercenary nature amidst the chaos.
Training at the Temple
At Raiden's temple, Cole and Kano meet current champions Liu Kang and Kung Lao, who begin to train them. Despite skepticism from Raiden, they push to unlock their unique abilities known as Arcana, vital for the battles to come.
The Assault on the Temple
Shang Tsung's forces launch a surprise attack on the temple, creating chaos among the fighters. During the skirmish, Kung Lao displays his prowess by eliminating the vampire Nitara, while Jax discovers his powerful Arcana.
Cole's Triumph Over Goro
In an intense battle, Cole faces off against Prince Goro. With the aid of his newly harnessed Arcana, he equips himself with powerful armor and tonfas, ultimately defeating the formidable foe and proving his worth to the team.
Awakening Hanzo's Spirit
As tensions peak, Cole uses a bloodied kunai gifted by Raiden to channel Hanzo's essence. In a climactic showdown, he releases Hanzo's spirit as Scorpion, who aids him in defeating Sub-Zero, finally avenging the past.
Future Challenges Ahead
With the immediate threat neutralized, Raiden recognizes the need to prepare for future battles and recruits new warriors. Cole now sets off for Los Angeles, determined to find iconic martial artist Johnny Cage to join their fight.
Bi-Han, Sub-Zero
Bi-Han is depicted as a ruthless and cold assassin leading the Lin Kuei clan. His mastery over ice powers makes him a formidable opponent, embodying the chilling presence of death as he seeks to eliminate those who threaten his mission. His betrayal sets off a cycle of vengeance that haunts many characters.
Hanzo Hasashi, Scorpion
Hanzo Hasashi emerges as a tragic hero whose desperate attempts to protect his family lead to his downfall. His journey from a murdered clan leader to a vengeful specter showcases his resilience and tenacity. His character arc is central to the narrative, as he influences Cole’s path towards heroism.
Cole Young
Cole Young evolves from an average ex-MMA fighter into a crucial warrior for Earthrealm. Carrying the weight of his ancestors’ legacy, he struggles to unlock his hidden powers. His journey symbolizes growth, self-discovery, and the ability to confront formidable foes with newfound strength.
Shang Tsung
Shang Tsung is the malevolent sorcerer orchestrating the chaos to eliminate Earthrealm's champions. His intelligence and cunning nature make him a central antagonist, representing the threat that looms over the heroes. His ability to manipulate souls adds a layer of danger to his character.
Raiden
Raiden serves as the guardian of Earthrealm, guiding and training its champions. His divine wisdom and protective nature mark him as a pivotal figure in the battle against Outworld. Despite his enormous power, he maintains a cautious outlook on the newcomers' potential.
Time period
17th-century, Present Day
The movie spans across two time periods, starting in the 17th century when Hanzo Hasashi faces a tragic fate at the hands of Bi-Han, setting the tone for a legacy of vengeance. Fast forward to the present day, Earthrealm stands at the brink of domination by Outworld, necessitating the emergence of new heroes to uphold their legacy and fight for survival in the looming Mortal Kombat tournament.
Location
17th-century Japan, Netherrealm, Outworld, Earthrealm, Raiden's temple, Los Angeles
The film features various significant locations, starting with 17th-century Japan where the fierce conflict occurs between the Lin Kuei and the Shirai Ryu clans. The Netherrealm serves as a dark, malevolent realm where trapped souls linger, notably Hanzo's spirit. Outworld is portrayed as a victorious realm that has defeated Earthrealm in previous tournaments, heightening the stakes. In present times, Raiden's temple acts as a sanctuary for Earth's champions, and the journey concludes with a quest towards the vibrant setting of Los Angeles.
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Vengeance
Vengeance is a central theme as characters like Hanzo and later Cole channel their desire for retribution against their enemies. Hanzo's spirit, trapped in the Netherrealm, seeks to protect his lineage while Cole rises to fulfill the legacy of his ancestor, battling against those who seek to destroy them.
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Heroism
Heroism emerges prominently as characters band together to fight against tyranny. Cole Young’s evolution from an ex-MMA fighter to a protector of Earthrealm signifies the emergence of a new generation of heroes tasked with thwarting Outworld’s ambitions.
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Legacy
The theme of legacy is intricately woven through the narrative as Cole discovers his lineage linked to Hanzo Hasashi. This heritage not only burdens him with expectations but also empowers him to embrace his Arcana and combat evil, marking the importance of familial ties and the influence of the past on the present.
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