“Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge” is a 2019 American animated action film based on the Mortal Kombat video game franchise created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. The film is directed by Ethan Spaulding and written by Jeremy Adams. This animated feature serves as a retelling of the origins of the characters and storyline from the Mortal Kombat series, focusing primarily on the character Scorpion and his quest for vengeance.
Plot Summary
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge introduces viewers to the brutal and fantastical world of the Mortal Kombat tournament, a competition held by the mystical emperor Shang Tsung to decide the fate of Earthrealm. The film begins with the tragic backstory of Hanzo Hasashi, a skilled ninja who becomes Scorpion after the brutal murder of his family and clan by the forces of Sub-Zero (Bi-Han), a member of the rival Lin Kuei clan. His quest for revenge against Sub-Zero drives the core narrative of the film.
Scorpion, in his quest for vengeance, is approached by the elder god Raiden, who seeks to recruit him for the Mortal Kombat tournament, where the best warriors from Earthrealm, Outworld, and other realms compete for dominance. Scorpion reluctantly joins the tournament alongside several key Earthrealm champions, including Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, and Kano.
As the tournament progresses, the warriors face deadly opponents from Outworld, including the iconic fighters Sub-Zero, Goro, and Shang Tsung, who are all bent on ensuring the victory of Outworld. The film highlights the intense battles and rivalries among the characters, all while Scorpion struggles with his desire for revenge, his loyalty to Earthrealm, and the mysterious forces at work in the tournament.
A pivotal moment in the film is when Scorpion faces his old enemy, Sub-Zero, and confronts the ultimate question of vengeance versus redemption. The conclusion sets the stage for further conflicts in the Mortal Kombat universe, continuing the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero, and leaving open the potential for future stories in the franchise.
Cast and Characters
- Patrick Seitz as Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi): Scorpion is the central character of the film, driven by grief and rage over the loss of his family. His transformation into the hellspawn Scorpion is marked by his unrelenting pursuit of vengeance against Sub-Zero. Seitz delivers a performance that emphasizes Scorpion’s internal struggle between his humanity and his hellish wrath.
- Jordan Rodrigues as Liu Kang: A heroic fighter from Earthrealm, Liu Kang is a key figure in the Mortal Kombat tournament, representing Earthrealm in the competition. He is portrayed as a disciplined and honorable warrior.
- Jennifer Carpenter as Sonya Blade: A tough and determined soldier, Sonya is one of Earthrealm’s strongest fighters. She plays a significant role in the tournament and the fight against Outworld’s forces.
- Joel McHale as Johnny Cage: A celebrity martial artist and actor, Johnny Cage brings a humorous yet brave presence to the film. He adds levity to the otherwise serious tone of the story.
- David B. Mitchell as Sub-Zero (Bi-Han): The main antagonist, Sub-Zero, is a member of the Lin Kuei clan and is responsible for the massacre of Scorpion’s family. His rivalry with Scorpion is a driving force behind the narrative.
- Artt Butler as Shang Tsung: The main antagonist and mastermind behind the Mortal Kombat tournament, Shang Tsung is the sorcerer of Outworld, seeking to win the tournament in order to merge Earthrealm with his realm.
- Grey DeLisle as Kitana: A princess from Outworld and one of the fighters involved in the tournament. She plays a minor but important role in the film.
Themes and Tone
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge explores themes of vengeance, redemption, and loyalty. Scorpion’s quest for vengeance against Sub-Zero after the murder of his family is a key motivation throughout the film. However, as the story progresses, Scorpion faces the dilemma of whether revenge is worth sacrificing his soul and his humanity.
The film also delves into honor and sacrifice, particularly through the character of Liu Kang, who represents the noble and heroic ideal of a warrior. The characters from Earthrealm, who fight for the safety of their realm, contrast with those from Outworld, who are often driven by ambition, power, and malice.
The tone of the film is dark, gritty, and violent, staying true to the nature of the Mortal Kombat franchise. The animated feature embraces the brutal and graphic nature of the video games, with numerous intense and bloody fight scenes that are a hallmark of the franchise. However, the film also incorporates moments of humor, mainly through Johnny Cage’s wisecracks and flamboyant personality.
Animation Style
The animation style of Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge is high-quality, featuring vibrant and detailed character designs, fluid action sequences, and visually dynamic fight choreography. The character designs stay true to the look of the video game franchise, while the fight scenes are exaggerated for maximum impact, using stylized movements and exaggerated violence to capture the essence of Mortal Kombat’s action. The film is animated in a traditional 2D style, which enhances the brutal action and gives the characters a more classic comic-book feel.
Reception
Upon release, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge was met with positive reviews from both fans of the franchise and critics alike. The film was praised for its faithful adaptation of the Mortal Kombat series, with particular acclaim given to its intense action sequences, voice acting, and animation quality. Fans appreciated the film’s focus on Scorpion’s backstory, providing a more in-depth exploration of his character than what was seen in previous Mortal Kombat adaptations.
However, some viewers criticized the violence and gore, which, while typical for the franchise, may not be for everyone. Nonetheless, the film was considered a successful entry in the Mortal Kombat universe, offering both nostalgic appeal for long-time fans and an accessible introduction to the franchise for newcomers.
Legacy and Impact
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge is considered one of the better adaptations of the Mortal Kombat franchise, standing out as a strong animated feature that honors the source material. It helps expand the Mortal Kombat mythology by focusing on the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero, two of the most iconic characters in the franchise.
The film’s success led to further installments in the Mortal Kombat Legends series, with a follow-up film titled Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms released in 2021. Scorpion’s Revenge is seen as a return to form for Mortal Kombat in the realm of animated adaptations, capturing the raw energy and violence of the video games while delivering a compelling narrative that delves into the characters’ motivations and struggles.
In conclusion, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge is a thrilling, action-packed animated film that stays true to the spirit of the Mortal Kombat franchise. By focusing on the origin story of Scorpion and the iconic Mortal Kombat tournament, the film offers an exciting and violent experience for fans of the games while providing a fresh perspective on the characters and their struggles.
