Film Review: Invisible Tattoo (纹身: 西部纵横) (2022) - China
Rating: 6/10
2025 Review Count - 42
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Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
“Invisible Tattoo”, directed by Lu Yi Tong, is a film that tries to juggle too many ideas at once, resulting in a narrative that feels as uneven as the dusty, chaotic salt town it’s set in. Set in 1935 southwestern China, the film follows Ah Chang (Vincent Zhao), a master tattoo artist who becomes entangled in a web of gang violence and conspiracy. It’s a premise ripe with potential, blending martial arts, family drama, and historical intrigue. Unfortunately, the execution falls short, leaving the audience with a film that’s hard to follow and harder to fully embrace.
The film’s strongest moments come in its action sequences. Vincent Zhao, a veteran of martial arts cinema, brings his signature intensity and physicality to the role, and the fight scenes are choreographed with a visceral energy that keeps you engaged. Whether it’s a brutal hand-to-hand brawl or a larger-scale skirmish, these moments are where “Invisible Tattoo” shines. Zhao’s presence is magnetic, and his performance as a desperate father willing to do anything to protect his daughter adds emotional weight to the otherwise disjointed plot.
However, the film’s narrative is its Achilles’ heel. The plot meanders, introducing a slew of characters and subplots that are never fully developed. The gang conflicts, the conspiracy, and Ah Chang’s personal journey feel like separate threads that never quite weave together into a cohesive whole. The pacing is erratic, and by the time the film reaches its climax, it’s hard to feel fully invested in the stakes. The script, penned by Lu Yi Tong, struggles to balance its ambitious ideas, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.
The supporting cast, including Raquel Xu as Ah Chang’s daughter and David Belle as a mysterious assassin, deliver solid performances but are underserved by the script. Their characters feel underdeveloped, and their motivations are often unclear. This lack of depth extends to the film’s central conflict, which never quite resonates as deeply as it should.
Visually, “Invisible Tattoo” has its moments. The dusty, sun-baked setting of the salt town is atmospheric, and the cinematography captures the grit and tension of the era. However, these elements are not enough to elevate the film beyond its narrative shortcomings.
Ultimately, “Invisible Tattoo” is a film that feels like a missed opportunity. It has the ingredients for a compelling martial arts drama—a strong lead, a unique setting, and some well-executed action sequences—but it falters in its execution. The uneven plot and lack of clarity make it a frustrating watch, and while Vincent Zhao’s presence is a saving grace, it’s not enough to carry the film on its own. (Neo, 2025)
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