There are many movies that we watch for entertainment but there are few movies which contain moral or philosophical messages. Therefore, it is always good when a meaningful film comes along once in a while, of which “The Forbidden Kingdom” is among them.

Having watched the movie over the weekend, I will like to bring out some meaningful lessons that can be learnt (Please read these only if you have watched the movie or if you do not mind knowing some details about the movie, including the ending):

• Forgiveness: In a particular scene, the Silent Monk (Jet Li) told Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei) that vengeance has a way of rebounding upon oneself when the latter said that she wishes to kill the Jade Warlord (Collin Chou) to avenge her parents’ deaths.  This advice is meaningful since when we examine any conflict in the world, the primary causes can be found in having the intentions of payback. It’s only through forgiveness that reconciliation and goodwill are possible.

• Determination: In the film, a group of individuals try their very best to return a treasure to the rightful owner in the face of adversity and challenges. Besides honesty, determination is highlighted as a positive quality to have in life. Indeed, every success that we have in life can be attributed to the determination that we put in in the face of obstacles. This fact is further reinforced by the rigorous training undergone by the male lead Jason Tripitikas (whose name pays a tribute to the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West) where Lu Yan (Jackie Chan) told Jason that pain always come before pleasure.

• Kung Fu: In the film, the term “Kung Fu” is defined as something that someone is good at. It is not confined within the realm of martial arts but in all aspects of life. For example, good writers who are able to evoke the emotions of their readers have “kung fu”. Carpenters who are able to produce a durable cupboard have “kung fu”. Business professions with excellent business acumens who are able to expand their businesses globally have “kung fu”. It can be said that our strengths are all “kung fu” in its various forms. Besides breaking the conventional definition of “kung fu”, this realisation has also enabled us to know that each of us have our own strengths and talents.

• Timing: When Lu Yan was seriously wounded in a battle, Jason wanted to snatch the antidote from the Jade Warlord immediately. However, he was stopped by the Silent Monk who advice him to wait two more nights since timing is very important. This is a very insightful message since timing is crucial to success in life. For example, we do not approach our friends for a favour if they are in a bad mood. We do not jog outdoor if we know that an impending storm is brewing. And we do not leave our houses late if we know that we will be late for school.

• Mortality versus Immortality: In the film, this issue is explored in great detail. Golden Sparrow died in her attempt to avenge her parent’s deaths. However, Jason met her again in another world. This leads the audience to think about human’s existence. When a person is gone, is he or she really gone? And having drank the potion of immortality, Lu Yan, survived throughout the ages, aging over the years but never dying.  This leaves the audience wondering if immortality is a blessing or a curse.