Wu Assassins

“Wu Assassins” is a supernatural action series that combines martial arts, ancient mythology, and a gritty modern-day setting. The story revolves around Kai Jin, a young Chinatown chef played by Iko Uwais, who finds himself entangled in the Chinese triad’s pursuit of deadly ancient powers known as the “Wu Xing.” After an encounter with a mystical spirit, Kai is granted the power of the Wu Assassin, tasked with recovering these powers from five criminals who threaten to use them to destroy the world.

Main Characters:

• Kai Jin (Iko Uwais): A chef who becomes the Wu Assassin, using his martial arts skills to recover the elemental powers.
• CG (Li Jun Li): A talented artist and Kai’s friend who becomes embroiled in the supernatural events.
• Lu Xin Lee (Lewis Tan): A smart and suave friend of Kai’s who runs a car theft ring.
• Tommy Wah (Lawrence Kao): A DJ and drug addict, who is also the brother of a triad leader, struggling with loyalty and his own identity.
• Uncle Six (Byron Mann): Kai’s adoptive father and a fire Wu warlord, balancing his criminal life with the love he has for his son.

Themes: “Wu Assassins” delves into themes of destiny versus self-determination, as Kai grapples with his new role as the Wu Assassin against his personal desires and relationships. The series explores the concept of legacy, both familial and cultural, and the responsibilities that come with it. It also touches on the fight between good and evil, and the gray areas that exist within those moral confines.

Rating: 3/5 “Wu Assassins” has received a moderate rating of 3 out of 5. Critics praised the show for its well-choreographed fight scenes and the strong presence of Southeast Asian martial arts. However, the series received criticism for its inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped characters. Despite its shortcomings, the show has been recognized for its unique blend of crime drama and supernatural elements.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: The series has been rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to its intense violence, language, and some sexual content, making it unsuitable for children under 17.

Broadcast Details: “Wu Assassins” premiered on Netflix in August 2019.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed “Wu Assassins,” you might also like:

1. “Into the Badlands” – A post-apocalyptic series that features martial arts and a quest for power.
2. “Marco Polo” – Historical drama with a strong emphasis on martial arts and political intrigue.
3. “Iron Fist” – A superhero series with martial arts elements set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
4. “Daredevil” – Another Marvel series that is known for its well-executed fight sequences and dark tone.
5. “The Witcher” – While a fantasy series, it offers a similar blend of action and ancient mythological stakes.