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Strandburg, Keith. American Shaolin:king Of Kick Boxers2
American Shaolin: King of Kickboxers II Script
FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY SKYLINE NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF THE NEW YORK CITY SKYLINE AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTS
OF THE CITY SHINING BRIGHTLY.
EXT. WORKOUT AREA SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF MASTER KWAN’S SCHOOL, A RAMSHACKLE BUILDING IN A
BURNED OUT ROW OF STORES.
His is the only one still occupied, and it doesn’t look that
permanent. In the window is a cardboard, handwritten sign that reads
"Kwan’s Shaolin Kung Fu". What remains visible behind the poster and
the security grate is an IMPRESSION of people moving and milling
around.
INT. WORKOUT AREA SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF KWAN’S SHAOLIN KUNG FU SCHOOL.
The students are doing their own thing, and they are a mixture of old
and young, men and women. They are not dressed alike, as they would
be in a Karate school: they are dressed in old T-shirts and tattered
sweat pants. This is not a wealthy school, by any means, and that is
typified by the appearance of SIFU KWAN, who is walking through the
students as they train. He is wizened old man, 70 years old if he is
a day, and he is dressed in a fraying Chinese jacket, scruffy cloth
shoes and a discolored Chinese T-shirt.
ANGLE ON A YOUNG ADULT
Struggling through a horse stance, his face in real pain. He is
trying his best to hold the stance, but his legs are quivering. He
drops out of the stance onto his knees. Master Kwan is right beside
him.
YOUNG ADULT
Sifu Kwan, was that long enough? It’s been 10 minutes...
Sifu Kwan shakes his head and puts his hands behind his back as he
walks past the student.
KWAN
At Shaolin Temple, in misty Songshan mountains, We monks
trained in iron palm until our hands bled...
(beat)
... then we trained some more.
He walks on, leaving a puzzled student behind.
YOUNG ADULT
(getting back into horse stance)
I guess not...
ANGLE ON KWAN
As he walks around the different people training. As one woman is
moving through an intricate series of movements, he sighs and
rearranges her hands.
KWAN
Tiger grasps his tail, not hamburger!
He moves on, studying the room with his eyes, often glancing toward
the door, and then toward the small clock on a table near the door.
It is late, and Kwan is obviously waiting for someone to arrive. As
he is waiting, a young STUDENT comes up to Kwan.
STUDENT
Master Kwan, when can I learn flying kicks? I see Bruce
Lee...
KWAN
Bruce Lee actor, we fighters, warriors. A sparrow in
flight is beautiful, but a side kick to the ribs is
effective. Show me.
The boy shrugs and then starts throwing side kicks. Kwan is half
looking at the boy and half looking towards the door and the clock.
The boy throws three or four kicks and then stops. He is watching
Kwan watching the door. Kwan sees him, and turns back to him.
KWAN (CONT’D)
(shaking his head)
A Shaolin warrior lets nothing intrude. Continue, never
mind.
He continues to kick, and Kwan continues to look at the door.
Finally, the student stops kicking, half-heartedly bows to the
master, and then moves to the side of the workout room. Kwan doesn’t
know he’s gone. Kwan turns around, forgetting for a moment what he is
doing, and comes face to face with the mother of a student, MRS.
RODRIGUEZ, and she is holding a uniform of some sort. She smiles
widely at him and holds up the uniform. It is beautiful, obviously
hand made, and on the back is embroidered: "Kwan’s Shaolin" and
underneath that is "Drew Carson". Kwan takes in the entire outfit,
while the rest of the class is gathering around to have a look. They
are all very impressed.
KWAN (CONT’D)
Never in my days at the Shaolin Temple have I seen
uniform as beautiful as this. Thank you, Mrs. Rodriguez.
I wish Drew were here to thank you himself. Ta ma de!
This last he says looking at the empty door.
MOTHER
I only hope it brings him luck in the tournament.
KWAN
Luck is no concern, Mrs. Rodriguez. Shaolin warriors
depend on heart and soul that’s how they saved the
T’ang emporer.
He looks again at the door, then claps his hands together, gathering
his students around him.
KWAN (CONT’D)
Xie Xie, Mrs. Rodriguez.
(to class)
During my time training at the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of the
martial arts, I was lucky (glance at Mrs. Rodriguez)... er...
fortunate to have the best instructors in the world train me. But,
there was also time for individual training where skills were honed
like the blade of a sword. Now, it is that time for you.
He turns to go.
One of the students, before he can leave, clears his throat.
STUDENT 2
What do you want us to do?
KWAN
When the blind follow the blind, they both fall over the
cliff. Understand?
STUDENT 2
No.
The others mutter "No" and shake their heads, confused.
KWAN
No matter.
He exits, leaving his students staring vacantly after him.
They look at each other, honestly not knowing what to do.
EXT. DREW GARAGE SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF OLD GARAGE.
It is kind of spooky, and there are no lights on outside. There is
candlelight inside, and it is moving around an effect not unlike a
ghost carrying a candelabra.
INT. DREW GARAGE SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF INTERIOR.
The area is dilapidated, but very clean, with all kinds of kung fu
and Chinese paraphenalia lying around. Around the corner comes the
spooky light, and (with music building to a crescendo), we see DREW
CARSON, a muscular 16/17 year old, bowls of flaming wax on his bare
shoulders, moving through the garage, practicing his kung fu
maneuvers. He is kicking, punching, etc., occasionally spilling hot
wax on his skin (INSERT).
In the background is a TV, and on it is showing a martial arts movie.
ANGLE ON KWAN
Who is quietly settling into a shadowy corner of the garage, watching
Drew.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he continues to move around the workout area, his arms and body
moving as he tries to match the movements on the TV.
Suddenly, Kwan jumps out of the shadows, attacking. Drew reacts
instantly, evading the attack, the wax sloshing around in the bowls
but not spilling (INSERT SHOT HERE). Kwan continues the attack, and
Drew evades, their movements matching the movements on the TV almost
move for move. It is a beautiful ballet, and Drew ends it by sweeping
Kwan down to the ground. When Kwan hits the ground, hard, his face is
lit by the TV screen.
ANGLE ON DREW
Who, for the first time, sees that it is Kwan.
DREW
MASTER KWAN!
He hurries over to his master, a concerned look on his face.
He leans down to help Kwan up, forgetting about the bowls of hot wax.
It pours down on Kwan, scalding him, as well as running down Drew’s
chest. Kwan struggles to get up, while at the same time trying to
wipe the hot wax off.
DREW (CONT’D)
Master Kwan! I’m sorry, very sorry!
KWAN
(blustering)
I’m OK, never mind! What are you doing anyway?
DREW
Is taking the glued-on cups of wax off his shoulders, while peeling
the already hard wax off his chest.
DREW
Practicing. I saw it in this movie...
Kwan shakes his head and walks over to Drew, standing in front of
him.
KWAN
Why didn’t you come to class? Why waste time with this...
Should study tapes of opponent.
DREW
I’ll still win. Besides, the Shaolin monks never had
tapes to study... they did it this way... right?
KWAN
Not quite our drills at the temple had meaning. If we
had tapes, we would have watched them.
Drew starts to protest, but Kwan doesn’t even let him start.
KWAN (CONT’D)
"The warrior who knows himself and his opponent will win
100 times in 100 battles." Study the tapes I gave you.
All these years of one on one training you’re the best
I’ve ever taught.
DREW
The best?
KWAN
Best white boy, maybe. Just fight like a Shaolin warrior
the rest will take care of itself.
(picks up tape)
Face reality, before it breaks your jaw!
Drew holds out his hand for the tape, and Kwan slaps it into his
hand. Drew smiles a defeated smile and turns toward the VCR, when
Drew’s stepfather, BOB, walks in. He is a big, overweight man, and he
is very angry.
BOB
(shouting)
Are you screwing around with this stuff again?
DREW
Look, Bob, I’m not bothering you, am I?
BOB
It’s your attitude that bothers me, son.
DREW
I’m not your son, Bob. Lay off.
It is a threat, one that Bob almost takes up. Kwan feels the tension
in the room, and starts to say something.
BOB
(cutting him off)
Don’t say a word, yellow man.
REACTION SHOT OF KWAN
Closing his already opened mouth.
BOB (CONT’D)
You’re here because I told your Mom I’d see you were
taken care of... after. At least respect my wishes, and
make something of yourself... Stop wasting your time!
DREW
(sarcastic)
When I’m the best fighter in the country, I’m not going
to let you be part of my entourage...
BOB
You mean when you’re in jail...
DREW
Just leave me alone, Bob, OK? I NEVER asked for anything
from you.
He spins and kicks one of the hanging bags, then walks out of the
workout room, leaving Bob and Kwan standing alone.
Kwan looks at Bob, who towers over him, and smiles sheepishly.
KWAN
Pressure. Big tournament this weekend.
He starts to walk out, but Bob follows him.
BOB
How would you have liked having to take care of a kid you
never really wanted... ?
KWAN
I wish I had the chance...
Kwan exits, and we...
EXT. TREVOR ESTATE DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF TREVOR GOTTITALL ESTATE, A HUGE PALATIAL SPREAD.
The grounds are immaculate and huge, exquisitely kept and beautifully
laid out. A gathering is around the pool and lawn area, where TREVOR
and his team are having an exhibition for their guests. Polite
applause is
COMING FROM THE CROWD, ALL WELL-DRESSED AND OBVIOUSLY WELL-HEELED.
ANGLE ON TREVOR
As he knocks out an opponent.
ANGLE ON CROWD
Applauding.
ANGLE ON TREVOR
Taunting a different opponent. Trevor executes a beautiful technique
and puts the guy down and out.
ANGLE ON TEAM
(Psychologist, therapist, masseur, etc.) who are cheering Trevor on.
ANGLE ON TREVOR
As he plays with the next fighter.
TREVOR
They said you were good... ha!
He knocks the guy out with a picture perfect kick. There is no
denying that he’s a superior fighter.
TREVOR (CONT’D)
Can’t you get me any quality sparring partners?
The next guy comes up, but before they can start, the psychologist,
DR. PFEELGUT, calls for "Time" and motions Trevor over.
PFEELGUT
It’s not enough just to win, Trevor. You have to destroy
your opponent completely, mentally and physically. Beat
him once, he’s a threat. Humiliate him, and he’ll fear
you forever.
Trevor listens to this, nods his head once, and when Pfeelgut goes to
leave, Trevor pushes him into the pool.
Pfeelgut comes to the surface, smiling.
PFEELGUT (CONT’D)
Exactly!
Trevor goes back to the ring. He really takes it to this guy,
alternately playing with him and hurting him. As the guy tries to
hold his own, the string to his pants comes loose and they start to
fall down. He grabs for them with both hands, and Trevor starts to
back up, laughing with the rest of the group.
ANGLE ON PFEELGUT
Toweling off, who is yelling to Trevor.
PFEELGUT (CONT’D)
GET HIM! NOW!!
Trevor looks at him for a moment, not really understanding, then sees
what the psychologist is saying. He lunges immediately forward and
(in SLOW MOTION) knocks the guy out while he is still trying to pull
his pants up.
ANGLE ON CROWD AS THEY ENJOY THE SHOW IMMENSELY
Trevor has learned the lesson of the day, and he walks off.
INT. TREVOR HOUSE SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF TREVOR BEING PAMPERED BY HIS ENTOURAGE
The masseur is massaging his shoulders, a woman is doing a pedicure
and another is doing a manicure. An exercise physiologist is going
over a computer print out with Trevor, when an old Korean master,
MASTER KIM, comes into the room.
TREVOR
Ah, Master Kim.
(to physiologist)
I’ll look at these stats later.
Trevor indicates a seat near him, much lower than the one he is
sitting in. The Korean master prefers to remain standing.
TREVOR (CONT’D)
Are all you guys named Kim? So, what did you think?
KIM
(thick accent)
You velly good fighter...
TREVOR (CONT’D)
Learn English, will ya? And, tell me something I don’t
know...
KIM
A mountain lion doesn’t ponder his weakness, and is
therefore vulnerable.
TREVOR
(after a beat)
Well, I’m pretty damn tired of this fortune cookie crap.
(beat)
You’re history. Chaunce, get ride of the bum.
The butler, CHAUNCY, comes forward and walks up to Master Kim.
CHAUNCY
Very good, sir.
TREVOR
Don’t come here any more, you hear? Over a little more to
the left, Sam.
The masseur nods and adjusts his technique accordingly.
TREVOR (CONT’D)
It’s hard being me, you know. So much pressure...
EXT. COLISEUM DAY
People are streaming into the large building. The marquee out front
reads "Diamond Nationals".
INT. COLISEUM SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING MONTAGE OF TOURNAMENT: CROWDS AND COMPETITORS.
(SOME IDEAS, NOT IN ORDER)
Competitors warming up (wall front stretch, very high; one guy
kicking another in the head tap, tap, tap; two man routine
practicing another one jumps in?; two beautiful girls sparring;
crowd assembling; group of kids waiting call comes over public
address system, they run off; stand outside selling high tech
equipment; different styles of fighter’s clothes camo, stars &
stripes, "headhunter"; stern 9 year old girl doing kata; two toddlers
barely seen through their safety equipment fighting furiously; two
twins doing identical kata; breaking; etc.)
ANGLE ON DREW AND KWAN
Walk into the area Drew is dressed in the ill-fitting handmade suit
by Mrs. Rodriguez. People recognize him as he walks past.
ANGLE ON TREVOR
Making his entrance. He is in a perfectly laundered and pressed suit,
and his assistant is carrying another suit pressed and ready to go.
COMPETITOR
Hey, Trevor! What’s the 2nd uniform for?
TREVOR
The finals.
COMPETITOR
(after he’s gone)
Cocky bastard...
ANGLE ON TREVOR
As he wins a fight.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he wins.
ANGLE ON TREVOR
Drew watching, as he wins again.
DREW AGAIN
Winning. The stage is set for the finals.
ANGLE ON THE RING
Drew and Trevor are already inside, waiting. Drew fights in a mish
mosh of gear (different colors, different makes), while Trevor is
decked out in designer, personalized gear.
ANNOUNCER
Fighting for the Grand Championship: Trevor Gottitall and
Drew Carson. 3 rounds, max point. Gentlemen, bow to the
ref, to each other...
The referee gives them a signal and the fight begins. Drew is holding
his own, but Trevor is scoring. After several flashy moves, the round
is over.
Score: 6 - 1. We see Trevor’s cheerleaders cheering.
ANGLE ON TREVOR’S CORNER
Where he is given mineral water to drink, his shoulders are massaged,
etc.
ANGLE ON DREW’S CORNER
Kwan sheepishly offers him a sip of water from a battered paper cup.
2nd round: Drew’s getting beaten worse than the first round. Nothing
he tries works. The score at the end of the round is 15 - 4, in favor
of Trevor.
ROUNDBREAK
Drew is exhausted, frustrated and worried. Trevor is pumped and ready
to go on forever.
KWAN
You only lose if you give up.
ANGLE ON TREVOR’S CORNER
The psychologist is exhorting him to destroy Drew. Trevor leans back
on his padded stool, smiling.
The 3rd round starts. In this round, Trevor is destroying Drew,
making him look ridiculous. A clinch comes, and
(INSERT HERE) before they can break, Trevor grabs the drawstring
around Drew’s waist and pulls.
They face off ("20 seconds" comes the call), and Trevor charges. As
Drew blocks, his pants begin to sag. Trevor, not trying to score,
just trying to keep Drew’s hands busy, keeps coming.
Drew’s pants drop lower and lower.
When they get around his knees, he finally notices them, and reaches
down to get them. Trevor drives and picks him up in a throw,
effectively showing Drew’s bare ass to the world.
CUT AWAY to crowd laughing, girls shocked, cameras poised and
recording, one mom puts her hands over her daughter’s eyes, etc.
Trevor dumps Drew and scores the final point, just as time runs out.
A buzzer goes off, signaling the end of the round.
Trevor thrusts his fists into the air in celebration. Drew tries to
crawl out of the ring, and everyone is watching him.
DISSOLVE TO:
ANGLE ON TREVOR
As he is being interviewed by tv reporters.
TREVOR
I was never worried. He’s no match for me. I just hope
the 2nd place trophy is a belt!
Crowd laughs, Trevor’s entourage laughs the hardest.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he packs up his stuff.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. NEW YORK BRIDGE NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW AND KWAN WALKING ALONG A BRIDGE, THE ENTIRE
NEW YORK NIGHT SKYLINE IN THE B.G.
They are not talking, they are just walking, Drew kicking a can and
contemplating the future, and the past.
INT. KWAN HOUSE SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF SMOKING ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLE, ITS TIP EMBEDDED IN
DREW’S FOREARM.
Kwan’s hand COMES INTO FRAME and flicks the needle, sending it
vibrating back and forth.
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL Drew sitting at the table in Kwan’s
house, the acupuncture needle in his arm and his face pensive and
sad. Kwan busies himself around the needle, trying to alleviate the
pain of Drew’s bruises.
KWAN
Next time we get that guy...
DREW
(shaking his head)
No next time, Master. Maybe...
(big sigh)
... you should find a new student. I just can’t do it
I’m not getting any better!
KWAN (CONT’D)
Don’t talk like that. At Shaolin...
He pauses, and decides not to tell another Shaolin Temple story. Drew
looks at him funny this is very against his character.
KWAN (CONT’D)
I saw a Shaolin monk once. I was only 5 years old at the
time, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I was
coming back from the market with my father. Soldiers
stopped us and were taking the food we had just bought.
It was all we had left to eat no more money. These were
hard times in China, people were selling their children
for food, and the soldiers had no right. Who can stop
soldiers with guns, though? Yes?
He pauses, and takes a sip of tea, checking the needle, adjusting it
and turning it slightly this way and that.
KWAN (CONT’D)
Just as the soldiers were leaving, a monk stepped out of
the crowd and told them very calmly to put the food back.
Well, naturally, they didn’t. They pushed the monk, and
the next thing I knew the soldiers were in the street,
and the food was back in my father’s arms. 5 soldiers,
and they were in a heap on the ground, their blood mixing
with the dust of the street.
Kwan smiles with the memory it is a sweet and heroic one.
KWAN (CONT’D)
The crowd whispered "Shaolin", and he bowed to us,
touched my cheek and smiled, then just walked on. I
watched him until he disappeared in the distance. He was
larger than life, a hero to a little boy of 5. I vowed
then and there to become like him, fight for right like
the Shaolin.
He pauses again, looking at Drew. Drew meets his gaze, wondering why
he is telling him this story.
KWAN (CONT’D)
I never did, though. My family left China and ended up
here in New York, a young boy’s dream left behind in
China.
DREW
You mean... all the stories...?
KWAN
(nodding)
Made up. I never trained at the Shaolin Temple. When I
realized my dream couldn’t come true, I convinced myself
that it had anyway. It was a small step to convince other
people.
DREW
Why are you telling me this?
KWAN
I’ve given you all I can, and it’s not enough. It was
never enough. You’re like a son to me, Drew, and you have
all the potential in the world, but I can’t take you
where you want to go.
Kwan takes the needle out of Drew’s arm, and then rubs the spot where
it was with a cotton ball.
KWAN (CONT’D)
There, that should control the swelling.
He watches Drew, who is pondering what Kwan has said.
DREW
So you’re not a Shaolin?
KWAN
No.
DREW
Never were?
KWAN
No.
Drew nods, an idea forming in his head. A slight smile forms on his
face. Kwan was expecting him to be angry, he never expected this.
KWAN (CONT’D)
What?
DREW
If you are not a Shaolin warrior, then I will become one.
KWAN
What are you talking about?
DREW
I’m going to the Shaolin Temple they can train me so I
will never lose like that again.
Kwan feels Drew’s forehead. A long beat here as Kwan studies Drew’s
eyes.
KWAN
He hit you so hard, you’re delirious. I’ll get a cold
cloth.
He starts to get up, but Drew grabs his arm and forces him back down.
DREW
(eyes intent)
Don’t you see? You said yourself I needed the right
training where better than the Shaolin Temple? What’s
holding me here? I have the chance to do what you
couldn’t. I will go to the Shaolin Temple.
Kwan looks at him, realizes he’s serious. He nods his head, giving
the idea serious consideration. He smiles along with Drew.
KWAN
I must pay for your ticket...
DREW
No! I’ll make it there myself.
KWAN
I grew up on the stories of the Shaolin, and you can be
those stories. You can live my dream for me at least
let me help you. Let an old man make up for the trouble
he’s caused.
Kwan touches Drew’s bruised cheek, fatherly love in his eyes. Drew
nods his head, then bows in the traditional Chinese manner.
DREW
Master...
MONTAGE OF DEPARTURE
ANGLE ON DREW AND KWAN AS KWAN HANDS HIM A "NORTHWEST AIRLINES"
TICKET.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he packs for China.
ANGLE ON KWAN AND DREW
As Kwan drops drew off at the AIRPORT. Drew takes his suitcase and
walks into the airport.
EXT. CHANG AN LU DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW RUNNING ALONG BEIJING’S CHANG AN LU, A SEA
OF BICYCLES AROUND HIM.
Bicycle bells ring loudly as figures dressed in the same drab clothes
ride around him, their faces covered with scarves and surgical masks
against the northern China dirt.
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL TIAN AN MEN SQUARE and the huge photo of
CHAIRMAN MAO on the front of the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City.
Drew continues his run, past a group of western-dressed lyou mang,
who watch him run by through dark glasses.
Drew runs through a large city park, stopping to watch a group of
older citizens going through Tai Zhi routines under the weeping
willow trees there.
Drew runs through an open air food market, picking his way through
flipping fish, dead frogs and all kinds of fruits and vegetables.
People yell at each other, trying to get the best price. Young man
brushing his teeth in the street. A group of toddlers, strung
together with rope, walks down the street, their split pants showing
glimpses of bare bottoms as they walk.
EXT. TRAIN STATION SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF SERIOUSLY OVERCROWDED TRAIN, PEOPLE PUSHING AND
SHOVING TO GET ON.
Drew walks up to it, a huge backpack on his back. He hesitates a
moment, then starts forcing his way onto the train like everyone
else. He manages to get in through a window.
INT. CROWDED TRAIN SAME DAY
There are no seats. Drew takes his pack off and sits on it.
Next to him is an old man, his teeth red and rotted from betel nut
juice. The man smiles at Drew.
EXT. CHINA COUNTRYSIDE DAY
TRAIN RUSHING THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE.
DREW POV EXT. COUNTRYSIDE DAY
Drew watches the countryside go by. Temples, farms and rice paddies
slide by, with an occasionally glimpse of the Great Wall.
EXT. GREAT WALL DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW, BACKPACK ON, AS HE WALKS ON THE GREAT
WALL.
EXT. CHINA COUNTRYSIDE NIGHT
TRAIN RUSHING THROUGH DARKENED COUNTRYSIDE.
INT. LUOYANG TRAIN STATION DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW GETTING OFF THE TRAIN.
He stops on the platform for a moment, a huge colorful Chinese
billboard in the b.g. A transit cop quickly comes up to him and prods
him into motion. Drew walks on, passing a sign that reads "Luoyang".
EXT. CHINESE STREETS DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW MAKING HIS WAY TOWARD THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE.
He stops at a drink stand and orders one. As soon as he stops, he is
ringed with people watching his every move he feels almost like a
movie star. The woman in the stand hands him a drink, and takes the
money out of his hand.
DREW
Where is the Shaolin Temple? Shaolin?
The woman just smiles and shakes her head, not comprehending.
ANGLE ON DREW
Walking aimlessly. He comes to an intersection and sees a sign that
says "Shaolin Temple" with an arrow. He goes in the direction that
the arrow points.
EXT. GIRL’S SCHOOL SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF GROUP OF GIRLS STANDING OUTSIDE THEIR SCHOOL.
Drew walks up and says hello.
DREW
Hello, ladies! Can you tell me how to get to the Shaolin
Temple?
They titter with laughter, covering their mouths with their hands.
Drew is not really amused, however, he is frustrated and tired.
DREW (CONT’D)
The Shaolin Temple? How hard can that be? Geez, doesn’t
anyone speak English here?
ANGLE ON ASHEMA
As she pushes her way to the front of the group. She is a strikingly
beautiful young woman.
ASHEMA
I do. But wouldn’t it make more sense for you to speak
Chinese than to expect us to speak English?
DREW
(flustered)
You’re right. I apologize I’ve just been trying to get
to the temple for a long time now.
ASHEMA
Why do you want to find the temple?
DREW
(not without pride)
I am going to join the temple as a monk.
Ashema translates this for her friends, and they titter anew. They
gesture to Drew’s longish hair and laugh, and then make some attempts
at martial arts movements.
ASHEMA (CONT’D)
I’m going that way I can take you.
DREW
You have a car?
ASHEMA
The next best thing.
(beat)
This is a Chinese car.
She pulls out her standard-issue black bicycle she has customized
it, however, with some colorful additions.
ASHEMA (CONT’D)
Hop on.
Drew does, and they take off, the girls from the school tittering as
they drive off.
EXT. CHINESE STREETS SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF ASHEMA PEDALING DREW.
It is not the most stable ride Ashema is struggling to keep moving,
while Drew is doing his best to stay on the bike.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CHINESE STREETS SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW PEDALING ASHEMA.
He is riding strongly, and she is comfortable in the back. They are
getting stares from the people they pass, but Ashema seems to be
enjoying the attention. Drew hits a bump, and Ashema holds his waist
a little tighter. Neither of them mind in fact, Drew starts looking
for more bumps.
He pulls around the corner into a wide area lined with drink and food
stands.
ASHEMA
We are here.
DREW STOPS THE BIKE AND LOOKS BACK AT HER. ASHEMA GESTURES TO THE
TEMPLE FRONT, AND DREW TURNS IN AWE.
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF THE TEMPLE.
This is it the temple he came halfway around the world to see. The
Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of the martial arts.
DREW
Whoa!
Ashema climbs off the back and takes the bike from Drew, marveling at
his awe-struck face.
ASHEMA
I have to help my grandfather with our stand. If you get
a chance, come by later.
DREW
(distracted)
I’ll try, but monks aren’t allowed to be around girls.
ASHEMA
Good luck.
DREW
Shaolin monks don’t need luck...
(beat)
Hey, thanks a lot for the ride. I hope I see you again.
They wave at each other, and Ashema pushes her bike off.
Drew turns back to stare at the front of the temple. He is letting it
all sink in.
After a moment, he picks up his backpack and heads for the front
door. He pulls it open and disappears inside.
INT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF TEMPLE INTERIOR AS DREW OPENS THE HEAVY DOOR.
The muted half light inside is in direct contrast to the sunlight of
the day outside. Drew quietly closes the front door, and the half
light takes over.
He walks through the temple proper, and what follows is a MONTAGE of
temple shots, establishing the feeling of the
temple: the famous Shaolin monk painting, the depressions in the
floor of the training hall, the incense blackened walls of the
temple, the temple figurines, the red lanterns hanging from the
ceiling, a huge wooden carving of
Bodhidharma, etc.
No one is around.
Drew continues to explore, looking for someone to talk to. He wanders
into another hall, following the O.S. sounds of CHANTING.
Once inside this hall, he sees a group of monks, amid hanging incense
burners and paper lanterns, sitting down on the floor chanting in
rhythm. No one notices that Drew is standing there. The monks eyes
are open, but they don’t seem to see him.
He stands there for a moment, then shrugs and walks out of that hall.
He goes into a corridor, then passes the "Wooden Man Chamber".
HE STICKS HIS HEAD IN, AND SEES ALL KINDS OF WOODEN STATUES LINED UP.
HE ALMOST STARTS IN, BUT IS DISTRACTED BY THE SOUNDS OF TRAINING
OUTSIDE (O.S.). HE WALKS OUT IN SEARCH OF THE SOUNDS.
EXT. TRAINING AREA SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF TRAINING AREA.
All manner of training equipment is standing outside (wooden men,
posts, hanging targets, heavy bags, iron palm jugs, balance beams,
etc.).
A monk, the DRILL SERGEANT (hereafter D.S.), is standing in front of
a wooden post, driving his hand into the wood.
The post TREMBLES with every strike.
Drew stands next to the monk, watching him intently. Again, the monk
takes no notice of him.
DREW
Excuse me, Master.
No answer.
DREW (CONT’D)
Hello? Busy, huh?
Still no answer. The man is just slamming his hand into the post,
over and over.
Drew sighs and walks on. He goes down a path, and flowering bushes
are on either side of him. He can see the "pagoda forest" in the
distance. At the end of the path, a monk, SAN DE, is sweeping up the
path.
Drew walks up to the monk and bows.
DREW (CONT’D)
Master, may I ask you a question?
No answer nor response. Drew’s kind of tired of this treatment.
DREW (CONT’D)
What’s the deal here? Is everybody deaf in this temple?
Even if you heard me, you wouldn’t understand, would you?
Huh, baldy? Shine your head for a quarter?
He walks off frustrated, wondering what he has to do to get noticed.
He walks back into the chanting chamber.
INT. TEMPLE SAME DAY
The monks are still chanting. Drew stands there, listening some more,
moving with the beat, until they stop chanting.
Drew, thinking it was some kind of performance, claps his hands.
DREW
That was great! Great!
The monks finally take notice of him, and they are shocked.
MONK 1
No tourists! Temple closed!
DREW
So you can see me?!?
Several monks rush up and start herding Drew towards the exit.
MONK 1
(very agitated)
No tourists! No tourists!
Drew stops their progress and makes sure he has the monk’s attention.
DREW (CONT’D)
I’m not a tourist! I want to be a monk!
The monk stops, his face a mask of shock. He calls to another monk,
and they have a short conversation in Chinese.
ADMISSIONS MONK
That’s not possible.
DREW
What do you mean, sir?
ADMISSIONS MONK
The training is too difficult. Besides, Shaolin policy is
no foreigners.
DREW
I didn’t come all this way, from America, to get turned
away. I want in. I want to become a Shaolin monk.
ADMISSIONS MONK
What people want and what they can have are often not the
same.
DREW
Not in this case.
MONK
Oh, yes, especially in this case.
DREW
I’m not leaving.
Drew starts to sit down, intent on staying, almost like a kid who is
going to hold his breath until he turns blue.
MONK
You give me no choice.
(to other monks)
Remove him.
He continues in a stream of Chinese, and the other monks grab Drew
and physically force him to stand up and start moving him towards the
door.
DREW
I just want to be a monk!
Drew is forced through the courtyard to the front door.
They pass the monk who was sweeping up in the back of the temple. He
watches with interest as they open the door and force Drew through
it, out of the temple.
He smiles.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHAOLIN COURTYARD SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW LANDING ON THE FLAGSTONES OF THE COURTYARD
WITH A THUMP!
A group of people stop and watch the foreigner. The temple door
closes with a solid boom.
DREW
Hey! What about my...
The temple door opens again, and out comes Drew’s backpack.
It lands next to him, but spews out a couple of pairs of underwear,
and some socks.
The people standing around laugh.
Drew gathers up the clothing and stuffs it back into his pack. He
sits there for a moment, then gets up and heads for the small shops
and stands ringing the courtyard.
He walks past a couple of the stalls, looking at the people running
them. He doesn’t see Ashema. He passes a tea stall, where one old man
is sitting down sipping his tea.
The old man looks at Drew and smiles, and Drew is about to walk on,
when Ashema stands up from where she was squatting behind her stall.
ASHEMA
Drew?
DREW
Hi.
Drew sits down heavily, putting his pack down next to him.
Ashema places a cup of tea down in front of him, the steam rising
from it.
DREW (CONT’D)
Make it a double. Rough day.
ASHEMA
What happened?
DREW
They kicked me out...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. TEMPLE STAND EVENING
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW, ASHEMA AND OLD MAN, STILL SITTING AT THE
TABLE, NOW LIT BY CANDLES AND A LANTERN.
A bunch of tea bowls are scattered in front of Drew, as if he’s been
drinking heavily. He points to his teacup, and Ashema shakes her
head.
ASHEMA
You’ve had enough.
Drew’s shoulders slump even more.
ASHEMA (CONT’D)
Maybe it’s for the best, Drew. You belong in America. New
York.
DREW
I have to do this. I can’t go home, not until I’m a monk.
I’d be even more of a disgrace...
The old man talks to Ashema for the first time. He chatters in
Chinese, motioning towards Drew.
ASHEMA
Not now, Bau Bau.
DREW
Bau Bau?
ASHEMA
My nickname for him. He wants to tell you a story about
the temple.
The grandfather keeps talking, even though Ashema and Drew really
don’t want to listen.
ASHEMA (CONT’D)
He is telling a story about a monk who was refused
admission into the temple. It broke his heart not to be
allowed to be a monk.
DREW
What did he do?
Ashema says something to him, and he continues in Chinese.
ASHEMA
He decided not to leave. He stayed in the courtyard until
they let him in.
DREW
How long?
ASHEMA
A long time through the worst weather. He just sat
there, unmoving, through rain, sleet, snow.
DREW
Did they let him in?
ASHEMA
No.
(beat)
Of course they did what kind of story do you think my
Bau Bau would tell? He stayed in front of the temple
until they could no longer say no. He went on to become
one of the most famous monks in the history of the
temple.
Drew sits there, thinking, letting it all soak in. He then gets up
and smiles.
DREW
Please tell your grandfather, your Bau Bau, he is a wise
man. And that he tells a good story.
The grandfather smiles at him, nodding his head.
ASHEMA
What are you going to do? Are you going home?
Drew shakes his head.
DREW
I’m camping out.
He starts away from the stand.
DREW (CONT’D)
In front of the temple.
He walks off into the Chinese night.
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE EARLY MORN
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF MIST-LADEN COURTYARD.
The sun is barely coming up, and only a few shafts of light are
illuminating the darkness. A figure can be seen sitting cross-legged
in front of the door.
It is Drew, backpack at his side.
The front door opens and a monk pokes his head out to look around,
and he sees Drew sitting there. His eyes widen in shock, then he
quickly disappears inside.
Almost immediately, the door opens again, and the Admissions Monk is
standing there, surprised and angry to see Drew sitting there.
ADMISSIONS MONK
Go home! You cannot stay here!
No response from Drew. He just sits there, staring straight ahead.
ADMISSIONS MONK (CONT’D)
Do you hear me? Go away!
Drew doesn’t move.
San De, the sweeping monk, walks out of the open door, a monk behind
him carrying a suitcase. He walks past Drew, noticing him sitting
there. He walks on.
The Admissions Monk slams the door, angry.
EXT. TEMPLE MONTAGE SECTION
ANGLE ON DREW SWEATING IN THE HOT SUNSHINE
Sweat is running into Drew’s eyes, and he is trying to keep them from
stinging.
ANGLE ON DREW BEING TORMENTED BY LOCAL KIDS
They are playing games around him, throwing stones at him, messing
with his hair and his clothes, touching the things in his backpack
(frisbee, football, walkman), etc.
ANGLE ON DRILL SERGEANT
As he comes out of the temple, chasing away the kids.
When they are gone, he turns to Drew.
DRILL SERGEANT
Will you give up? I think so.
ANGLE ON DREW SHIVERING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT
His eyes are closed, and it is obvious he is very uncomfortable.
ANGLE ON SPIDER AS IT CRAWLS OUT TO SEE DREW
It lingers for a moment, then goes away.
ANGLE ON DREW BEING FED BY ASHEMA
She is giving him food, and all he is moving is his mouth. They do
not speak.
ANGLE ON DREW SITTING IN THE RAIN
He is miserable, and he is looking at the relative comfort of the
stands around the temple, where there is food, warmth and light. His
spirit is wavering.
ANGLE ON DREW BEING FED BY ASHEMA AGAIN
ASHEMA
Give this up, Drew! Please?
No response from Drew. Just a small smile.
ANGLE ON SPIDER, WHO IS BACK
This time it stays even longer. Drew looks down at it and smiles.
ANGLE ON MONKS FROM TEMPLE
Looking out the windows at the crazy foreigner in their courtyard.
ANGLE ON DREW IN COURTYARD
As a school group comes through the temple.
The children are tied together with a rope, and the teacher motions
to the crazy American. Drew has become an attraction!
ANGLE ON DREW, SURROUNDED BY OLD MEN
They are marveling at his perserverance.
ANGLE ON DREW, WIND AND RAIN
This time it doesn’t seem to bother him so much.
ANGLE ON DREW WITH ASHEMA AND HER BAU BAU THERE
Bau Bau speaks quickly in Chinese.
ASHEMA (CONT’D)
My Bau Bau says, keep it up! He is proud of you...
Drew nods.
ANGLE ON DREW SURROUNDED BY KIDS
They are no longer tormenting him, they are playing around and with
him. Drew is not moving, but he is part of their group.
ANGLE ON DREW, THE SPIDER NOW SITTING ON HIS HAND
Drew stares at the spider, his companion in the vigil.
ANGLE ON DREW, BIRDS ALL AROUND HIM
The birds are keeping him company, and they are singing for him.
ANGLE ON DREW, THE FULL MOON IN THE B.G.
Drew’s form is firm and solid, the determination in his eyes easily
seen as he stares at the moon. He will see this through.
EXT. TEMPLE DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW STILL SITTING IN THE COURTYARD.
The old monk, San De, comes back, the same monk following behind him
with the suitcase. He looks at Drew, a little surprise showing in his
face at seeing the American still there. He doesn’t stop, though. He
goes into the temple, shaking his head.
ANGLE ON DREW
Same as the first shot, all alone in the temple.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF COURTYARD, DREW ALL ALONE.
The door to the temple opens and out comes San De, alone this time.
He walks over to where Drew is, stares at him for a moment, then sits
down across from him.
Drew tries not to look at him.
San De runs his hand across his bald pate and smiles.
SAN DE
My head is shiny enough already, don’t you think?
Drew, in shock at his ability to speak English, sputters
DREW
You... You speak English? I’m sorry, I was just
goofing... I apologize, master. I didn’t mean to make fun
of you...
San De shrugs it off. Apology accepted.
SAN DE
What are you trying to do?
DREW
I want to become a monk they won’t let me in... Hey,
you’re just a grunt, a janitor sweeping up and all, don’t
sweat it. It’s not your problem...
SAN DE
Why are you sitting here?
DREW
I got the idea from a story about a monk who wouldn’t
leave. I thought...
San De nods.
SAN DE
Has it been hard?
DREW
It was at first. I was uncomfortable, in pain, actually,
but as time went on, I got... into it, I guess. The
sacrifice made me feel... in control, you know what I
mean?
SAN DE
(nodding)
Much of the training at the temple is in that direction
self sacrifice. Tell me more.
DREW
At first I was really bored, and very lonely. But then,
things changed. Maybe it’s like hitting the wall in
running it was like I became part of the courtyard, and
I felt powerful. Even the spider became my friend...
Drew opens up his hand to reveal a spider sitting in his palm.
DREW (CONT’D)
It was an incredible experience I said I’d do it, and I
did it.
San De, watching Drew intently, smiles at this last. He stands up and
bows to Drew. Drew bows back, from his seated position.
SAN DE
I wish you all the best.
DREW
Same to you.
San De turns and goes into the temple, leaving Drew still sitting in
the courtyard, the setting sun in the b.g.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF COURTYARD, DREW ALL ALONE.
O.S. comes the sounds of gongs and drums.
A crowd has gathered in the courtyard. Ashema and her grandfather are
in the crowd, and they work themselves up to where Drew is.
Drew turns his head, and a procession of kids about his age (some
older and some younger) come walking into the courtyard.
The front door to the temple opens wide, and a column of monks, all
in their best saffron robes, are lined up waiting to receive them.
The young men who are walking in all still have hair, and they are
carrying some baggage. They begin to enter the temple.
ASHEMA
They are disciples. This is the last class for fighting
monks at Shaolin.
Drew, very concerned, watches as the monks-to-be file through the
temple doors.
The mothers and fathers of the boys watch proudly as the last ones go
through.
The temple doors close.
ANGLE ON DREW
Who is crushed. His chance is gone.
ASHEMA (CONT’D)
I’m sorry, Drew. It was a good effort.
Drew is sitting there, trying to understand what is happening when
the door to the temple opens again. The Drill Sergeant appears in the
doorway and impatiently motions for Drew to come in.
The crowd has stopped and is watching the drama unfold.
Drew gets up warily, expecting some trick.
The Drill Sergeant motions again, wanting Drew to hurry up.
Drew looks at Ashema and her Bau Bau and smiles. He picks up his
backpack and starts towards the temple, limping from sitting for so
long.
The crowd goes crazy, clapping and yelling.
Drew runs into the temple. The door closes behind him.
INT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF INTERIOR OF TEMPLE.
The line of disciples has stopped, waiting for Drew. Drew, back pack
in hand, takes his place at the end of the line.
They parade past a line of monks assembled in the courtyard inside
the temple.
As they walk by, some of the monks look nonplused, while a few are
put out by the fact that Drew is among them.
Several of the disciples turn around to look at Drew, and a couple
are openly hostile to him.
They file up to a raised platform, on which stand 20 monks, each
holding a scroll in their hands, one monk for every new disciple.
A gong sounds, and the questions begin.
ANGLE ON FIRST DISCIPLE
Who is asked...
MONK
Do you accept the authority of the Shaolin patriarchs?
DISCIPLE 1
Yes, without pause.
ANGLE ON DREW
MONK
Do you renounce the earthly world?
DREW
Sure do, master. You bet.
The monk pauses, for that is not the ritual answer to the question.
The Drill Sergeant comes up to him and whispers in his ear, and the
monk then continues.
MONK
Will you abide by the rules of the temple, even if it
means death?
DREW
I do.
The Drill Sergeant comes up behind Drew and WHACKS him in the side
with his elbow.
DRILL SERGEANT
(whispering)
Answer "Yes, without pause."
DREW
(rubbing his side)
Yes, without pause.
ANGLE ON ANOTHER DISCIPLE
MONK
Who is the patriarch of the Shaolin Temple?
DISCIPLE 2
Bodhidharma.
ANGLE ON DREW
MONK
Do you accept the shr fu at the Shaolin Temple as your
spiritual leaders?
DREW
Yes, without pause.
The Drill Sergeant nods his head.
MONK
Will a fighting monk ever use his skills for personal
gain?
Drew pauses, looking at the Drill Sergeant. The D.S. nods, urging him
on.
DREW
Yes, without pause.
The D.S. puts his hands over his eyes.
DREW (CONT’D)
I mean, no, of course not.
Then, another gong sounds, and the quizzing is concluded.
A figure moves down a corridor in beautiful robes. Everyone bows
down, their eyes on the floor, to the figure, who is moving towards
the raised platform in the center.
Drew, also bowed down, sneaks a peak at the figure.
It is San De!
San De catches his eye and smiles slightly. He winks at Drew, then
clears his throat.
Everyone stands up again.
SAN DE
Do these disciples accept the authority of the Shaolin
Temple?
DRILL SERGEANT
Yes, without pause, Master San De.
ANGLE ON DREW
Who now knows that the monk he called a "Janitor" is the headmaster!
DREW
(under his breath)
I’ll be damned!
The DISCIPLE next to him, GAO, pokes him sharply in the ribs.
GAO
Shut up!
DREW
(holding his side)
Oh, unbelievable, in the same place...
SAN DE
Are they ready to begin their training?
DRILL SERGEANT
They are.
SAN DE
Then, let us welcome them into our ranks!
Gongs go off, firecrackers are set off, and a special flag is raised
on the flag pole. A roar comes from the crowd outside.
ANGLE ON THE DISCIPLES
All of whom are happy. All, that is, except for Gao, who is staring
at Drew.
Drew, notices the stare.
DREW
You got a problem, man?
GAO
You, American...
ANGLE ON SAN DE
When the noise subsides.
SAN DE
Your training begins tomorrow. For now, your shr fu will
introduce you to our temple. Welcome to Shaolin.
San De walks away, and the disciples are split into several
"platoons". Drew is matched up with the Drill Sergeant, and Gao is
also in his group.
DREW
Great, just great.
They are motioned to follow Gao out of the courtyard and into the
temple proper.
INT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE SAME DAY
Drew walks behind the other disciples, who are lining up to get their
robes. As he takes his place in line, a monk comes up to take Drew’s
backpack. Drew resists, and a tug of war ensues.
DREW
What are you doing, man?
MONK
You must surrender this.
DREW
No way, man! Get your own...
The Drill Sergeant sees the scuffle and walks over.
D.S.
It is unseemly to argue like this. Take the backpack into
the sleeping quarters.
(to Drew)
Do not cling to material things it is not good for your
soul.
He walks away, and Drew reluctantly gives up his backpack.
Drew lines back up, and is about to get his robes, when Gao slides
over and takes them from him. Drew immediately shoves him and tries
to grab the robes back. Gao smiles and moves away, holding the robes
up and away from Drew.
Drew is pissed and ready to go after Gao. Before he can, however, LI,
another disciple, grabs another set of robes from the table and gives
it to Drew, pulling him away from the confrontation.
DREW (CONT’D)
What’s with that guy?
LI
Watch out for Gao. He’s trouble.
DREW
Really? I hadn’t noticed... Why’d they let him in,
anyway?
LI
Who knows? Maybe for the challenge?
DREW
No, that was me...
They both smile and walk off.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. TEMPLE SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF MONKS HAVING THEIR HEADS SHAVED.
THE CAMERA MOVES DOWN the line of monks, as their hair is shaved off
in clumps. Drew is standing next to his chair, arguing with the D.S.
about the haircut.
DREW
Mr. James designs my hair, master. I don’t think...
D.S.
This will symbolize your final break from the outside
world.
DREW (CONT’D)
Can’t I just wear a patch?
The D.S. shakes his head, and Drew sits down, unhappy.
The barber starts on Drew’s head, big clumps of hair falling down to
the floor.
EXT. SHAOLIN COURTYARD EVENING
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF MONKS, THEIR HEADS NEWLY SHAVED, STANDING OUT IN
THE COURTYARD.
They are running their hands over their heads. Drew comes out of the
building, his head shaved completely clean.
DREW
What outside world? I don’t want to be seen by anybody...
He rubs his hand over his head, and then sees the others.
Li is smiling.
DREW (CONT’D)
If I look half as stupid as you guys do, I’m really in
trouble...
INT. DORM NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF THEIR SLEEPING QUARTERS, AS THE MONKS FILE IN,
LED BY THE D.S.
A number of cots are lined up side by side. The D.S. has assigned a
bed to each monk. Drew finds his bed, which is right next to Gao’s.
GAO
I want another bed.
D.S.
Why?
GAO (CONT’D)
I won’t sleep next to the American.
D.S.
We are no longer Chinese or Americans, Han or Mongol. We
are Shaolin. Everyone is a monk.
GAO (CONT’D)
Well, this monk smells!
Drew unconsciously smells himself. He shakes his head.
Li goes up to the D.S. and points to the bed he was assigned.
LI
I will switch with Disciple Gao.
D.S. nods, and then starts for the door.
D.S.
Go to sleep. No talking! We have an early day of training
tomorrow.
Gao collects his stuff and starts off to the new bed, hitting Drew
with his shoulder. Drew trips him as he walks away, all done very
secretively since the D.S. is watching.
DREW
Jerk!
Li comes over to the new bed, and in silence they get climb into
their respective beds. D.S. switches off the lights, then leaves, and
Drew stares up at the ceiling.
DREW (CONT’D)
Thanks for what you did.
LI
Where are you from?
DREW
New York City. You?
LI
Beijing. What is New York like?
DREW
Amazing. I’ll tell you about...
GAO
Shut UP!
DREW
Blow me!
Drew waits for a moment, fearful that the D.S. will be coming back
in. He doesn’t.
DREW (CONT’D)
Good night, Li.
LI
Wan an.
DISSOLVE TO:
ANGLE ON DREW, SLEEPING
All is quiet.
Suddenly, a huge stick ENTERS FRAME, and it pauses for a moment above
Drew, before THUMPING down on top of him.
Drew cries out when he is hit, and jumps out of bed, looking all
around him. No one is there. A few of the disciples are moving around
because he yelled, but there is nothing else there.
Drew, belatedly, gets into a fighting stance, but no other attack is
coming.
ANGLE ON GAO
Who seems to be sleeping peacefully.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he climbs back into bed, bone-weary. He lies back down to sleep.
INT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE MORNING
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF LATRINE.
Drew stumbles in, bleary-eyed, to relieve himself. He stands at the
urinal, relaxing as he starts. Suddenly, a huge stick WHACKS Drew
across the rear end, the SOUND reverberating through the latrine.
Drew yelps and jumps, looking around for the attacker.
No one is there, and his underwear is now all wet.
INT. DINING ROOM SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING TIGHT SHOT OF RICE GRUEL ("WATER RICE"), A SPOON
STIRRING THE MEAGER MIXTURE.
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL Drew sitting with Li and some other
disciples.
Drew makes a face.
DREW
You got to be kidding.
The D.S. comes up behind and grabs the bowl from him.
D.S.
You don’t like it, don’t eat it.
He takes the bowl away.
DREW (CONT’D)
I didn’t say I wasn’t going to eat it... Geez!
He turns to the rest of the disciples.
DREW (CONT’D)
Well, at least we start training today, right, guys?
A chorus of Yeahs.
INT. DORM ROOM SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DORM ROOM, ALL THE DISCIPLES CHANGING INTO THEIR
WORKOUT CLOTHES.
They are the standard fighting monk issue suitable for martial arts
training.
DREW
Wonder what they’ll start us with first?
LI
Iron Palm?
SHU
Wooden Man, I think.
WU
No, it’ll be basics, first day. Horse stance, kicks and
punches...
When they are all dressed, they run out of the room.
EXT. TRAINING AREA SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF ALL THE DISCIPLES LINED UP, READY FOR THE
TRAINING.
In the b.g. are the fighting monks, going through their routines.
ANGLE ON FIGHTING MONKS
As they go through forms or free sparring. There are SHOTS of monks
throwing stars, working with weapons, etc. It is all very exciting.
ANGLE ON DREW
Who is more excited than all the others.
ANGLE ON THE D.S.
As he walks to the front of the group. In his hand he is carrying a
shovel.
D.S. Bodhidharma, the patriarch of the Shaolin Temple taught us that
to train the mind, we first have to train the body.
ANGLE ON WU, WHO SHIELDS HIS MOUTH AND WHISPERS
WU
Basics, I told you.
ANGLE ON D.S.
Who motions to one of the monks behind him, who has a wheelbarrow
filled with shovels.
D.S.
Each one of you take a shovel.
DREW
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