Maybe it was the low expectations - Keanu Reeves’ directorial debut that didn’t even muster a theatrical release in the UK - but I enjoyed the hell out of Man of Tai Chi. Much like its director it is a film of limited talents but what it does it does very well. There is something refreshingly old fashioned about it, not only in its seen-it-all-before plot but also in its general execution.

For Reeves’ bow behind the camera he shuns Hollywood and heads East to create a back-to-basics action movie. Tiger Chen is a young man skilled in the arts of Tai Chi. His talents bring him to the attention of Donaka Mark (Reeves in a rare villain role) who…