When an Italian filmmaker tackles a martial arts-inspired thriller, the results are often unpredictable. However, in The Forbidden City (originally titled La città proibita), director Gabriele Mainetti proves he has a profound appreciation for the genre. Delivering a high-octane experience that bridges the gap between Eastern action and European drama, Mainetti offers a refreshing, albeit slightly overstuffed, cinematic journey.
The Story
The narrative begins with a poignant look at the “one-child policy” in China, which lasted from 1979 to 2015. We follow the Xiao family in Fujian, who secretly raise a second daughter, Mei, in defiance of the law. Years later, we meet a grown-up Mei (played by Liu Yaxi) as she surfaces in Italy.
Her path crosses with Marcello (Enrico Borello), a frantic chef at a Roman restaurant. As Mei hunts for her missing sister, Yun, and Marcello seeks his disappeared father, they become entangled in a dangerous web involving the Chinese Triads and the Italian mob. Relying on translation apps to bridge the language gap, the duo must navigate a conspiracy that stretches from the rural provinces of China to the cobblestone streets of Rome.
Performances
The absolute standout is Liu Yaxi. Previously known as the stunt double for Liu Yifei in Disney’s Mulan, Liu transitions into a true leading lady here. She possesses an undeniable screen presence, effortlessly handling both heavy emotional beats and grueling physical sequences. Enrico Borello brings a grounded, comedic energy as the harried chef, though the romantic subplot between the two feels somewhat inorganic. Marco Giallini delivers a dependable performance as the mob boss Annibale, adding gravity to the film’s underworld dealings.
Behind the Lens
The first twenty minutes of The Forbidden City are a masterclass in pacing, blending tension with explosive choreography. Gabriele Mainetti avoids the “shaky cam” cliché, opting instead for crisp, dynamic shots that allow the viewer to appreciate every strike. The fight choreography by Yang Liang is particularly inventive; a standoff in a restaurant kitchen sees Liu Yaxi utilizing everything from meat slabs to a cheese grater to fend off attackers.
The film’s main hurdle is its 138-minute runtime. While the mid-section meanders into family melodrama and triad politics that lack the punch of the opening, Mainetti’s visual flair keeps the viewers engaged. The screenplay, co-written by Stefano Bises and Davide Serino, reaches for many themes at once, succeeding most when it focuses on the visceral connection between the two leads.
Final Verdict
The Forbidden City is a bold, genre-defying experiment that announces Liu Yaxi as a legitimate action star. Despite a secondary act that occasionally loses its momentum, the film is a vibrant showcase of cross-cultural storytelling and top-tier stunt work. If you are looking for an action thriller that offers more than just standard tropes, this is well worth the watch.
The Forbidden City is available on various region-specific digital platforms starting March 17.
