Here the title says it all. 1911 or 1911 Revolution is an epic tale of intrigue deep inside early China from Variance Films now unfolding at International Village Theatre. Making movies about historical events often is a daunting task. Set in the Orient, 1911 is a first class look at the upheaval in China during that same year. Brought to Canada by Variance Films this 117 minute movie is well acted and has enough spectacle to keep viewers in tune throughout its duration. Presented in Mandarin, 1911 looks at the final days of the Qing Dynasty and examines the role of the fighters lined up to topple the emperor. What unfolds is largely a two-fold approach. First you have the locals who are fed up with the rule of the higher ups who seem to be just feathering their own nest. Abroad is based an intellectual leader in waiting who looms large on the horizon.

While troubles begin to stir at home Dr. Sun Yat-Sen begins to plot the eventual overthrow of the monarchs that rule. Winston Chao (Eat Drink Man Woman) poses the right degree of deco­rum of an intellectual who man­ages to somehow unite the vari­ous factions in China through a network of fund-raising efforts in San Francisco. Ties to the gov­erning rulers of China are strong, however, and Yat-Sen finds it diffi­cult to get the co-operation of the regime’s financiers to help make change.

For the good of the people is how Yat-Sen defines his goal and one of his most ardent supporters is local fighter Huang Xing. For­mer stuntman turned superstar Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) tones down the martial arts acrobatics to focus on the street battles as he helps lead the freedom fight­ers in a drive for freedom. Along with cinematographer and first time director Li Zhang Chan co-directs this noble effort. 1911 proceeds on three distinct but interconnected tracks. First we have the actual rebellion done by locals sick and tired of the cor­rupt rulers of the land. Second we have the evil warlords who run roughshod over the peasants. Third we have overseas Chinese who want to bring change to their land.

Battle scenes mar the land­ scape and these are all helmed effectively. What 1911 does is shine light on a troubled time in this Asian nation and marks the first real efforts for real politi­cal change in China. Gorgeous costume, an effective cast and a sense of desperation help make 1911 an interesting slice of his­tory, albeit with an obvious bias against the rulers of the day.

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