HBO Max has released the opening seven minutes of the upcomingMortal Kombatahead of its release this Friday, and fans may be surprised to see the film open with so much non-ripped-open heart.
The sequence serves as the origin of the epic ninja rivalry between two of the most iconic characters inMortal Kombathistory: Scorpion and Sub-Zero. When we meet them, though, they are simply Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Bi-Han (Joe Taslim). Our own Gregory Lawrence hadthe chance to watch an extended versionof this opening prologue last month, and found it to be oddly captivating, and “more than effective in aligning ourselves to the emotional endearment and journey of the characters.”
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Indeed, the opening seven minutes are devoid of over-the-top gore, and focus on Hanzo’s quiet family life instead. Then, everything changes when the Lin Kuei clan attacks. Rather than an entertaining and thrilling action scene, Bi-Han’s massacre of Hanzo’s family is brutal and emotional, more like the opening scene ofInglourious Basterdsthan the big, sprawling action of something likeGodzilla vs. Kong. And much like that kaiju film, the opening ofMortal Kombatdefinitely wants its audience to feel more sympathy for one character over the other, with Bi-Han getting the short end of the stick. Of course, it’s likely that things will change over the course of the film when Scorpion becomes the villainous specter we know and love.
After the trailers already showcased all the brutal violence and fan service, it’s a smart move to release this opening scene online, teasing that this adaptation ofMortal Kombatis more than just cool fights — it’s got heart. Making us feel bad for a character while simultaneously making us cheer as someone getstheir spine ripped outfrom their body is a tough tightrope to walk, but this movie might just pull it off.
As we approach the release of the latest video game film adaptation, the pressure is on forMortal Kombatto not only live up to its goretastic reputation, but to the 1995 film —which still holds up! Already, producerTodd Garneris dreaming ofan extendedMortal Kombatuniversethat could go on for “years and years.”
Mortal Kombatwill premiere in theaters and on HBO Max on April 23. you may watch the opening scene below.
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