Batman: Soul of the Dragon

In the retro-futuristic world of 1970s martial arts and kung-fu cinema, Bruce Wayne finds himself facing a formidable foe from his past. This adversary is not the usual array of supervillains but a dark presence from a time when Bruce Wayne's life was not quite as he had envisioned it. Batman: Soul of the Dragon takes on a different narrative, deviating from the traditional origin story and character development that fans have come to expect from the DC Comics universe. The film starts with a series of events that have transpired some years prior to the main storyline. We see Bruce Wayne, played by an adult Bruce Greenwood's voice-over, reminisce about his days at the prestigious O'Shannessy Academy, a martial arts school where he had honed his physical prowess alongside three former classmates – Richard Dragon (voiced by Jeffrey Wright), a world-renowned martial artist and philosopher with a deep understanding of the human mind, Ben Turner (voiced by Mark Dacascos), a deadly assassin and mercenary in his younger years, and Lady Shiva (voiced by Kelly Hu), a skilled and deadly martial artist driven by a troubled past. As the narrative unfolds, Bruce Wayne finds himself face to face with Naga Poison, portrayed by Josh Robert Thompson, also known as Kobra, a ruthless and cunning assassin with the ability to deliver a poisonous strike that could be fatal to almost anyone. The enigmatic assassin, it is revealed, had been responsible for the death of Richard Dragon's mother, sparking a deep sense of vengeance within him. As a series of gruesome and well-executed murders unfold in the city, Richard Dragon seeks Bruce Wayne's assistance in uncovering the mystery behind the tragic events. Together, they team up with Ben Turner and Lady Shiva to track down Naga Poison, each with their unique set of skills and motivations adding a layer of depth to the narrative. Richard Dragon is driven by his unwavering need for justice, while Lady Shiva is consumed by a sense of loss and a desire to reclaim her past. Meanwhile, Ben Turner walks a thin line between loyalty to his team and the moral complexities that come with being a deadly assassin. Throughout the story, Batman's involvement remains ambiguous, as Bruce Wayne's dual identity has been stripped away. We are left to assume that Bruce is working in tandem with the other three vigilantes, using his strategic brilliance and martial arts skills to dismantle Naga Poison's nefarious plans. The film is filled with fast-paced martial arts choreography, action-packed sequences that blend seamlessly with the retro aesthetic of the era. Inspired by the works of martial arts maestro and Hong Kong action cinema legend, Bruce Lee, the film's protagonist Richard Dragon serves as a poignant tribute to the kung-fu legend. The movie draws on the iconic visual elements and martial arts philosophy of the era, while incorporating Batman's dark, gothic, and atmospheric elements that are characteristic of the Batman universe. While Batman: Soul of the Dragon may not fit neatly into the larger DC Extended Universe, it is an intriguing exploration of Bruce Wayne's past, delving into the themes of trauma, redemption, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. It is an alternate take on the traditional Batman narrative, using the character's past and his complex relationships as the core to construct a gripping, fast-paced story, infused with action, intrigue, and a poignant message about the weight of the past and the human spirit that binds us together.