The Martial Artist

From the moment the lights dimmed, the audience was irresistibly drawn into the world of Ibby, a martial artist whose journey lay fraught with unexpected hardships that resonate deeply with the struggles we all face in life. As Ibby navigates the trials and tribulations of his path, the film transcending a martial arts narrative, evolving into a spiritually guided journey that invites viewers to reflect on their own burdens and the meaning of existence when the earth beneath our feet shifts beyond all recognition.

Each challenge encountered by Ibby serves as a powerful homage to the battles we all face, making the experience feel both personal and universal. The film pays tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, portraying the undeniable collective strength that is imbedded in being an active part of, and supporting a spiritual system much greater than any individual mortal. It beautifully illustrates a system that pushes believers to the brink, where the only option remaining is to surpass what is perceived as humanly possible. It encourages us to confront our own fears that lurk in the shadows of personal doubt as we strive to overcome the most daunting obstacles.

Ibby's unwavering commitment to prevail against all odds, fueled by a belief that transcends the pain of even the darkest days, is conveyed with such authenticity that it fills the room with an overwhelming sense of collective emotion. This is a feeling I've never experienced in a cinematic setting before; it was as if we were all connected by the shared weight of our struggles and the hope for redemption. The experience lingered long after the credits rolled, leaving me with a profound hunger for understanding the strength that lies within us all, especially when it feels as though the odds are stacked miles high against us.

I enjoyed the film . Fight scenes were great , film showed the cultural differences and intra family dynamics very well. This film shows the "fighter " as a whole person who is dealing with real life situations.

These guys pulled this off is amazing all by itself. I feel we need to support the new guys otherwise all we will have is superhero movies.

Looking at it from a desi standpoint, these guys covered the social pressures and attitudes towards any career other than STEM.

From my point of view these guys did a lot with limited resources , I wish they had more dates at my local cinema. Hope people give this team the chance they deserve.

Shaz khan did a phenomenal job. From the acting to the scenes, directing as well as casting. The movie was brilliant and well put together- thoroughly enjoyable. I was engrossed in the hints as well as details of each scene curious to watch this boy find his way. I laughed and cried. The movie had depth to it and didn't feel like your average cinema. That is what made this film so special. The fight scenes were intense and Shaz's training and hard work was apparent. The spots chosen were epic, from the desert to the mountains and Belize. The green kurtas for that fight scene? Well chosen.

A heartwarming film about a young boy who finds his passion trying to make a career in fighting aka MMA. He's ambitious, it's personal but he's very angry. Angry about the loss of his father, the struggles his mother went through financially to raise them, not being able to provide for his rich girlfriend who he desires to be able to take care of, angry about the lack of support in the cultural community for his chosen career path and his mothers disappointment towards him. Shaz did a great job of capturing the cultural barriers and nuances of his character well and the perfect scene for this was at a community event where all south Asian kids can attest to- the perfect place to fall prey or find themselves in the ring with full blown jabs from uncles and aunty's.

After an incident where his mother publicly shames him at an event, he gets triggered and continues to deal with it in the way always known to him. Ibby also copes with substances and loses control of himself in an addiction. His ego doesn't allow anyone to help him, even his brother.

The turning point for him is when his brother dies. He felt responsible for his death and was unable to accept that he was gone. Ibbys compounded grief gets the best of him and the relationships around him. Ibby was strong and fought many fights and won hence "the prince" but he was not ready for the internal fight the one necessary to conquer. Ibby is lost. His brother coached him through his techniques on physically fighting but was unable to coach his mind. Ibby was not ready to listen.

The second half focuses on the art of fighting- attainting mental resilience and spiritual guidance which was intriguing. Shaz directed scenes very well capturing the state of peace Ibby reaches through profound dialogues from Farhan Tahir "dada". There was a non verbal script to tune into as well as the few words of wisdom that communicated large lessons. One of my favorite lines "you are not depressed, you are not allowing expansion". And the scene where he reaches internal peace captured through the sounds of birds and serenity atop a green mountains. Ibbys grandfather helps him face it all and Ibbys fragmented sense of self becomes whole. The message- that once you are unified, felt your pain, liberated from constructs, you can see things clearly- gauging your opponents moves, planning and problem solving

Ibbys transformation stage, the tail end of the movie was brilliant. His beard, the look of an enlightened person, grounded, ready, connected culturally- whole. There are so many themes Shaz tapped into I don't think I can compile it all here. The end fight scene captured how his body was as dada said "just a vessel" and that his mind is what kept him from falling. He won the fight because his mind kept his body strong- mind over matter. It was definitely high level but also something in it for everyone. All and all a wonderfully depicted film and definitely my favorite film so far! We need more films like this. Thank you for your contribution and epic, invigorating film.

Just got out of watching The Martial Artist, and I have to say, I'm thoroughly impressed. Shaz Khan, who not only stars as Ibby "The Prince" Bakran but also directs, delivers a compelling portrayal of an MMA fighter's journey through personal relationships. It really made me emotional. The soundtrack is out of this world!

The film kicks off with Ibby's rapid rise in the MMA world, capturing the intoxicating allure of fame and success. Khan's depiction of Ibby's initial triumphs is both authentic and exhilarating, drawing viewers into the high-stakes world of professional fighting. However, as Ibby's career begins to falter, the narrative delves deeper into his internal struggles and strained relationships, particularly with his family who have reservations about his fighting career. This exploration adds a rich emotional layer to the story, making Ibby's journey resonate on a more profound level.

One of the film's standout aspects is its authentic portrayal of MMA. Khan's dedication to the role is evident, having undergone extensive training with renowned MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro to ensure the fight sequences are both realistic and engaging. This commitment pays off, as the choreography is both intense and believable, immersing the audience in the visceral world of mixed martial arts.

Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography captures the stark contrast between the bustling MMA arenas and the serene landscapes of Pakistan's mountains, where Ibby seeks solace and understanding from his estranged grandfather, portrayed with depth by Faran Tahir. These scenes not only provide a visual respite but also serve as a metaphor for Ibby's internal quest for peace and identity. Khan's multifaceted involvement in the project-as actor, director, and writer-demonstrates his passion and dedication to storytelling. The narrative's focus on self-discovery, familial bonds, and the challenges of balancing personal desires with external expectations is both timely and timeless.

In conclusion, The Martial Artist is a commendable film that offers more than just action-packed sequences. It delves into the complexities of ambition, identity, and redemption. Shaz Khan's performance, coupled with his directorial vision, makes this a film worth watching. Whether you're an MMA enthusiast or someone who appreciates character-driven narratives, this movie has something to offer.

The Martial Artist is more than just a high-octane action film - it's a soul-stirring journey of a man caught between two worlds: the path to discovering his true self and the harsh demands of the real world. The film masterfully captures the highs and lows of the main character's internal struggle, showing us that the toughest battles are often the ones fought within. His journey is raw, emotional, and deeply human, set against a backdrop of breathtaking fight sequences and powerful moments of reflection. Amazing cast selection. A perfect blend of grit, grace, and growth - this is a must-watch.