The son of an indebted restaurant owner joins a foreign girl. He looks for his father, and she’s in search of her sister. Together, they’ll have to fight side by side against the most ruthless members of the Roman criminal underworld.
After watching the trailer for “The Forbidden City,” I expected a conventional action movie packed with nonstop fights and dramatic gun battles. The movie certainly meets expectations on the action front, but what caught me off guard was its unusual, deeply affecting romance—a plotline the previews never alluded to. While many Asian action films are known for their sharp choreography interspersed with quieter interludes, director and co-writer Gabriele Mainetti pushes the genre further, creating a meticulously layered crime drama that blends intense action with real emotional resonance.
The plot centers on Mei (Yaxi Liu), who leaves China for Rome in hopes of finding her missing sister, Yun (Haijin Ye). Her search leads her into the Esquilino Chinatown neighborhood, where she ends up at “La città proibita,” a restaurant run by the Chinese mob boss Wang (Chunyu Shanshan) that doubles as a cover for illegal operations, including prostitution. Mei, initially mistaken for a trafficking victim herself, clashes violently with Wang’s henchmen, only to learn that Yun is no longer at the restaurant. Clues next point her toward Alfredo (Luca Zingaretti), who owns a nearby Italian eatery.
Mei’s investigation brings her to Alfredo’s trattoria, where she confronts his son, Marcello (Enrico Borello), in the kitchen and presses him for information. Marcello, now running the restaurant with his mother Lorena (Sabrina Ferilli), claims Alfredo vanished after supposedly running off with a Chinese sex worker. Mei, believing him, accepts his explanation and leaves. Soon after, Wang orders Mei’s assassination, but she fends off the attackers and captures one, extracting more information about her sister and Alfredo. This leads her to team up with Marcello, and together they search an abandoned field, only to find Yun and Alfredo dead, hastily buried. The discovery devastates both of them, and Mei realizes Marcello had no involvement, which becomes the starting point for a surprising connection between the two.
Seeking answers, Marcello turns to Annibale (Marco Giallini), a petty criminal who preys on undocumented migrants and is both his father’s old friend and creditor. Annibale is shaken by Alfredo’s death, displaying both rage and sorrow. Meanwhile, Mei prepares for a final showdown with Wang. Before he dies, Wang confesses that Alfredo and Yun were genuinely in love and planned to escape together, but Annibale’s interference ruined their escape. With this new understanding, Mei tells Marcello, who then confronts Annibale—an encounter destined to have tragic consequences for one of them.
Much of the film’s distinctiveness lies in its lead character. Mei, with her martial arts expertise, evokes the energy of a young Michelle Yeoh. At the same time, Marcello, a chef, has always tried to keep his distance from the violence that permeates his community, where organized crime is part of daily life. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, their mutual grief and pursuit of the truth create a believable and touching bond. One of the film’s most affecting scenes comes when Mei recognizes Marcello’s anguish as he finds his father’s remains. This moment exemplifies the subtle emotional power running through the film.
This movie is an international collaboration: it’s an Italian martial arts film set in Rome, starring both Chinese martial artist Yaxi Liu and Italian actor Enrico Borello. The story offers a nuanced look at life in both Italy and China, particularly through the lens of Mei and her sister Jun, who grew up during China’s one-child policy. The family’s efforts to circumvent government restrictions and the sacrifices made so Mei could remain in China add further complexity to the narrative.
Although it features elaborate fight scenes typical of Asian action films, “The Forbidden City” stands apart by grounding its story in believable performances and complex characters. The interplay between Chinese crime syndicates and the Italian mafia gives the film a fresh setting, but it’s the unexpected romance at its core that leaves the most lasting impression. The dynamic between Mei and Marcello feels both surprising and entirely genuine.
Yaxi Liu’s experience as a martial artist and stuntwoman comes through in every scene, bringing a sense of realism that goes beyond standard fight choreography. Her performance never seems forced or staged; instead, she embodies her character with total authenticity. “The Forbidden City” is easily one of the best films I’ve watched this year, and I highly recommend it.
Now available on Digital, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD April 21st
10k
21.1k
1.5k
2.2k