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
We're using the shovels as weapons?
D.S.
(smiling)
Weapons...
(beat)
... in the war on infection.
D.S. motions with his hand, and in the distance is the latrine
building.
D.S. (CONT'D)
You will be digging today, digging our new latrines.
DREW
Latrines? Why?
D.S.
A Shaolin fighting monk-in training does not ask
questions. He just obeys.
The D.S. leads the way to the latrine building, and the disciples
follow, each of them carrying a shovel. Drew is trudging along, not
believing what they are doing.
DREW (CONT'D)
I came halfway around the world to dig latrines? I could
have just joined the army...
DISSOLVE TO:
LATRINE WORK AREA MONTAGE
MONTAGE SEQUENCE OF WORK DETAIL.
ANGLE ON DREW AND THE OTHER DISCIPLES
Digging with their shovels. Their training clothes are already
sweated through and dirty. Their shirts are off, and their arm
muscles are bulging and shining in the hot sunshine.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he lifts up two heavy buckets of dirt on a pole, then places the
pole on his shoulders, the muscles in his arms, shoulders and back
straining. He walks off to the side of the area to dump it.
As he dumps the dirt, a pole appears and CRACKS across his back. He
drops the buckets and falls to the ground. He gets up as quickly as
he can, but there is no one to be seen.
ANGLE ON DREW AND DISCIPLES
As they are working hard on the latrines. Drew is teaching them an
American song as they work.
DREW (CONT'D)
"Ain't no cure for the Shaolin Temple Blues... "
OR
"Working on a Chain Gang"
OR (CONT'D)
"I fought the law and the law won"
OR (CONT'D)
"16 tons"
The monks are singing along with him. All except for Gao.
ANGLE ON DREW AND DISCIPLES AS THEY EAT THEIR LUNCH
It is again very meager: a bowl of rice, a bowl of soup and a piece
of scrawny meat. Drew looks at it for a moment. The
D.S. is standing over his shoulder.
D.S.
Any problems?
Drew shakes his head and starts to eat, quickly.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he loads up a two baskets of dirt onto his pole. He gets it up
onto his shoulders, in pain, and starts to walk. Immediately, the
D.S. is there in front of him.
He examines the baskets. They are not full.
He moves quickly and dumps both baskets of dirt.
DREW
(shocked)
What'd you do that for?
D.S.
Do a job well or don't do it.
ANGLE ON GAO AND THE DISCIPLES
As they are in line for water. They each drink a large glass full,
then move back to their work area. Drew is the last in line. When
Drew gets to the front, the D.S. smiles and shakes his head.
D.S.
Sorry, all gone. Get some more.
Drew stares at all the water spilled onto the ground, then looks up
at the D.S., then forces a smile. He takes the proferred buckets of
water (made of wood, with pointed bottoms and large handles). The
D.S. indicates that they are to be held straight out to the sides, to
work on the shoulder muscles. Drew turns and walks away, muttering to
himself.
DREW (CONT'D)
I'm gonna get you, man. Oh, yeah...
Gao is laughing as he watches Drew go.
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW FILLING THE BUCKETS IN THE STREAM.
Once they are filled, he starts back for the temple. His shoulders
are straining from the weight of the buckets.
He goes over the path to the temple, having to negotiate logs over
chasms, etc. After various trials and tribulations, Drew arrives at
the temple, his arms incredibly tired. The D.S. is there waiting for
him.
Drew, determined not to show any weakness, raises the buckets a
little bit higher. He comes to the D.S., proud and defiant. The D.S.
motions for him to put the buckets down.
Without thinking, Drew, puts the buckets down, and they both fall
over, spilling their contents onto the ground. Drew tries to stop
them, but he's too late. The water has all spilled out onto the
ground.
DREW
Don't tell me, I know. Get more water...
INT. DORM ROOM NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DISCIPLES ALL IN BED.
They are exhausted from their work. Drew is lying in bed, his eyes
wide open, ready to get attacked.
ANGLE ON DREW
As his eyes go closed, finally.
EXT. WORK AREA DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW WALKING ON A RIDGE BETWEEN TWO LARGE HOLES,
CARRYING HUGE BASKETS OF DIRT ON HIS POLE.
He is balancing as he walks.
ANGLE ON GAO
Who is working at the other end. He starts across the same ridge.
They come to the middle: a stand off.
GAO
Back up and let me pass.
DREW
No chance, Gao. You back up.
Gao smiles and shakes his head. Gao starts forward, and WHACKS Drew
in the leg with a leg sweep. Drew tries to keep his balance, and
fights a valient, but losing battle. He falls over the side, the dirt
in his buckets flying everywhere. Gao wipes his hands off and
continues walking.
CLOSEUP ON DREW'S BLOODY HAND
A huge splinter sticking out of it. He is in real pain. The D.S.
walks over and looks at the splinter, and in one move pulls it out.
D.S.
(heartlessly)
Shaolin monks feel no pain. Rub some dirt on it and you
will be fine.
He walks away.
ANGLE ON DREW AND THE DISCIPLES
On a work break. They are watching the monks training in the
distance. It is all the more desirable because it is unattainable.
In the distance, a monk can be seen walking between two other monks.
They are leading him out.
The monk continues walking until he walks right in front of the
disciples. His face and body are covered with bruises and welts. The
two other monks don't say a word, their faces grim.
Li turns to the D.S.
LI
What happened?
D.S.
He failed to pass through the wooden man chamber. He must
leave the temple.
The D.S. walks off.
LI (CONT'D)
The "Wooden Man Chamber"! The ultimate test of a Shaolin
monk...
WU
Did you see his face?
SHU
Poor guy.
GAO
He just wasn't good enough. I wouldn't be surprised if
half of us go out the same way.
The D.S. appears and motions for them to work.
INT. MEDITATION HALL DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DISCIPLES, DREW IN THE MIDDLE, SITTING IN ROWS
IN THE INCENSE-FILLED MEDITATION CHAMBER.
The monk in charge of the chamber is talking to them.
MEDITATION MONK
Breath in through your nose, out through your mouth.
Imagine yourself sitting on the bank of a river watching
your thoughts flow by. Clear your mind... Think of
nothing.
Drew sits, trying to think of nothing. He is not succeeding.
INT. DINING AREA NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW WASHING DISHES, ALONE IN THE KITCHEN AREA.
He bends over to get a dish, when a pole comes and SMACKS him on the
rear end. He turns immediately in one direction, but gets hit again
from the OTHER direction.
Drew is furious, and he can't even see the attacker.
DREW
Come out, goddamn it! Show yourself!
No answer, as we HOLD on Drew looking around.
EXT. WORK AREA DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DARK BROWN LIQUID BEING POURED INTO A LARGE PIT.
Drew is walking with Li, having just dumped their buckets into a
large hole.
DREW
So what is this 'night soil' stuff anyway?
LI
Human waste.
DREW
Oh, man! You guys actually use this as fertilizer? That's
disgusting!
They turn to go back, and there is Gao, balancing a huge basket of
night soil over his head, peasant-style. He is on the same ridge that
they are going to walk on.
DREW (CONT'D)
Hi, Gao. How you doing?
GAO
(a little worried)
Let me pass.
He reaches down and plucks a stick out of the earth at his feet, and
then closes on Gao a little bit.
DREW (CONT'D)
There's something on the bottom of your basket.
Drew pokes at the basket for a moment, right over Gao's head. Then,
he JAMS the stick in, and holds it there.
DREW (CONT'D)
Oops! I think I found the problem.
(beat)
A hole.
Drew pulls the stick out and watches as the night soil cascades down
onto Gao's head. They back away as Gao goes running towards the pit
where the night soil is deposited.
DREW (CONT'D)
(to Li)
Well, somebody sure smells!
EXT. WORK AREA DAY
THE DISCIPLES ARE WORKING EXTREMELY HARD.
As they work, a group of fighting monks walk by after a workout. Drew
stops working and watches them pass.
DREW
This is ridiculous.
Suddenly, a bamboo pole CRACKS Drew on the shoulder. He turns around,
ready for a fight, only to see the D.S. standing there, the pole
raised for another strike.
D.S.
Back to work.
Drew is about to say something, but doesn't. He returns to work.
DORM AREA NIGHT
ANGLE ON DREW MASSAGING HIS MUSCLES
He is sitting with Li and a couple of the other disciples, Wu, Shu
and Low.
DREW (CONT'D)
I've got an idea on how to get even with our beloved
Drill Sergeant...
They all huddle a little closer.
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF D.S. AS HE WALKS ALONG THE PATH.
In the b.g. can be seen Drew, Li, Wu and a couple other of the
disciples. They are waiting for something.
The D.S. hits the trip wire and suddenly two bamboo poles HURTLE
towards him, ready to slam him in the shoulders.
With one beautiful move, the D.S. breaks both poles, shattering when
they hit his arms.
The D.S. hardly breaks stride and continues walking. He looks back
once, and sees the outline of the group of disciples.
ANGLE ON DREW AND THE GUYS
Who are up and running as soon as they are spotted. They run by Gao,
who was watching from another area.
EXT. D.S. QUARTERS SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF GAO WAITING OUTSIDE D.S. ROOM.
He looks around, knocks, and then goes in.
EXT. COURTYARD SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF ENTIRE CLASS GATHERED TOGETHER.
The D.S. walks into the front of the courtyard and addresses the
group.
Gao is standing off to the side, a smug smile on his face.
D.S.
You are all responsible for anything that happens within
your group. What happened yesterday falls on everyone's
shoulders. So, all of you will do double work...
ANGLE ON GAO
The smug smile gone now.
INT. MEDITATION ROOM DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF GROUP OF DISCIPLES SEATED ON ROUND PILLOWS
PRACTISING ZAZEN, SITTING MEDITATION.
Drew is in the center of the room, and the sound of light snoring is
heard.
ANGLE ON DREW
It is him, he is asleep!
Suddenly, a bamboo shinai is SLAMMED across Drew's back, waking him
up.
MEDITATION MONK
Bodhidharma meditated for 9 years without sleeping. Think
you can manage 9 minutes?
EXT. WORK AREA DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF THE ENTIRE GROUP LABORING IN THE FIELDS.
They are all singing "Chain Gang".
TIGHT ON SEVERAL OF THE DISCIPLES
They are good workers, and they don't mind the hard work nor the hot
weather quite so much.
ANGLE ON DREW
Working hard.
INT. DORM AREA NIGHT
ANGLE ON DREW
Who is holding court.
DREW
We came here to train, not to be slaves! We're free
men...
MU
But we swore to obey them...
DREW
An uninformed choice is no choice at all!
MU
Huh?
DREW
We have to stand up for our rights! If they don't even
know we're dissatisfied, things will never change.
GAO
They haven't changed for centuries, why should we listen
to you?
DREW
Are we men or mice? Sheep or the shepherd?
WU
I'm with you!
The others are with him too, except for Gao. They are ready to
explode, and Drew has the match.
DREW
I'm for going to the Headmaster right now!
They are all ready. They head for the door, but Gao doesn't move.
Drew stops at the door and turns to Gao.
DREW (CONT'D)
You're either with us, Gao, or you're against us.
No answer from Gao. They exit the room.
INT. HALLWAY SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW AND THE BOYS RUSHING DOWN THE CORRIDOR,
HEADING FOR SAN DE'S QUARTERS.
ANGLE ON D.S.
Heading for the same place but from a different direction.
INT. SHAOLIN HALLWAY SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF GROUP ASSEMBLED OUTSIDE SAN DE'S CHAMBERS.
Drew goes to knock on the door, when it opens and San De is standing
there. The D.S. has just arrived. He looks at San De for
instructions, but San De indicates that he will deal with them.
DREW
Master San De!
SAN DE
Who else?
DREW
We have something to say...
SAN DE
This is an interesting coincidence, as I was just on my
way to your sleeping quarters to talk with you all.
DREW
I request permission to go first.
SAN DE
I think I'd better...
DREW
No, really, I want to...
San De holds up his hand. He is the final authority.
SAN DE
Here at the temple, we use a period of intense physical
labor to test your patience, and to teach you humility
and self-reliance. As you continue training, you will be
given chores every day remember the first time you saw
me I was sweeping? Physical labor keeps us humble.
ANGLE ON THE DISCIPLES
Who tonight have been anything but humble.
SAN DE (CONT'D)
You've all performed admirably, and have learned an
important lesson to obey your shr fu without question.
Because of this, I've decided to begin your martial
training sooner than what is prescribed. Tomorrow
morning.
The disciples can hardly believe their luck.
SAN DE (CONT'D)
And, what did you have to say to me?
ANGLE ON DREW
Who is sputtering now.
DREW
I... I mean we, just wanted to... thank you for the
opportunity to be part of the illustrious history of the
Shaolin Temple.
(beat)
Yeah, that's it. Right, guys?
They all say "Thank you" as one, and then bow to the headmaster with
their hands clasped in front of them. They turn away and head down
the hallway.
ANGLE ON THE DISCIPLES
As they increase their pace, almost running through the halls with
their excitement.
INT. DORM AREA SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DOOR TO THE SLEEPING QUARTERS.
Suddenly, it BURSTS open and in come the disciples, led by Drew. They
fan out into the room, Drew in the center.
DREW
Gentlemen, this calls for a party!
He runs to his backpack and pulls out a boom box with speakers, and
puts on some good old American Rock 'N' Roll.
Everyone, but Gao, is moving in time with the music. Drew is the most
accomplished dancer, but the others are pretty bad.
The entire effect of the bald-headed monks rocking out is very comic.
Drew starts showing Li and Wu a couple of dance routines (old stuff
the swim, the twist, etc.). Everyone is having a great time.
ANGLE ON GAO
Glowering, as he moves toward the boom box.
He reaches for the "Stop" button.
Drew blocks the arm, and a pushing and shoving match starts.
GAO
You're trying to get us all kicked out!
DREW
I'm just trying to have a party. Chill out!
They push and shove into the middle of the room, a couple of kicks
and punches thrown, then they face off, ready to duke it out.
The party is raging, while Gao and Drew are the only ones static, set
to do battle.
Just then, the door starts to open. Everyone freezes and looks toward
the door, including Gao. Drew, meanwhile, has the presence of mind to
jump onto the boom box, shutting it off and hiding it with his body.
ANGLE ON DOOR
As the D.S. opens it and sticks his head in.
He surveys the room, seeing the tableau of frozen monks, with Drew
lying on his bed.
ANGLE ON DREW
Who waves to the D.S.
ANGLE ON THE D.S.
Who knows that something is going on.
D.S.
Go to sleep. Lights out.
He hits the lights and then closes the door. In the semi-darkness the
room relaxes in a collective sigh. Drew stands up and packs up the
stereo.
Gao walks over past Drew.
GAO
It's not over, American.
INT. MAIN CHAMBER MORNING
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF CHAMBER FULL OF FIGHTING MONKS, ALL GOING
THROUGH THE SAME SET OF MOVEMENTS.
Kick. Punch.
Kick. Punch.
INTERCUT of feet striking the stone floor, depressions in the floor
testifying to the centuries of training this chamber has seen.
Through the door come the D.S., Drew and the others. They line up
along one wall, watching the fighting monks go through their form.
It is beautiful: powerful, graceful and intimidating.
Their form done, they file out of the chamber, leaving the D.S. with
his group, along with one fighting monk. The D.S. motions for them to
line up as the monks had.
D.S.
You will train 6 days a week, from 5 am to 9 p.m.,
alternating with work and meditation. Sunday afternoon is
free time.
D.S. lets that sink in, then motions for the monk to take over.
MONK
In order to keep our bodies strong, Bodhidharma gave us a
series of exercises and breathing techniques. Because the
times demanded action, we developed Shaolin style wu shu
from these exercises.
He goes through a couple of martial movements.
MONK (CONT'D)
The spirit of Bodhidharma remains. Training is like
meditation. Be aware of everything, but aware of nothing
in particular. Think not thinking.
DREW
What do you mean, 'Think not thinking'?
MONK
Non thinking.
ANGLE ON DREW
Confused.
ANGLE ON MONK
Who doesn't explain any further.
MONK (CONT'D)
Your training begins today, in this most sacred of
training halls. The floor bears witness to the efforts of
fighting monks from centuries past.
ANGLE ON FLOOR
Where there are depressions and worn spots, the result of thousands
of hours of training.
MONK (CONT'D)
At the Shaolin temple, we forge our bodies in the fire of
our wills. We adhere to a vow of non-violence, unless
someone else is in danger... Follow my movements...
He starts moving through a series of techniques, and the rest of the
disciples try to mimic his actions. He is moving around the room, and
they are trying to do what he is doing.
Some are getting it, some aren't.
Drew, used to a more individualized type of training, isn't getting
it.
EXT. TRAINING AREA DAY
ESTABLISHING TIGHT SHOT OF WEDGE THWOCKING INTO THE GROUND.
A hand COMES INTO FRAME, grabs the wedge and pulls it back out of the
ground.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL Drew, along with the other disciples, lined up
and throwing these sharp wedges into the ground and pulling it back
out. Their muscles are bulging with the effort.
ANGLE ON HUGE SMOKING BRASS URNS
Filled to the brim with small stones. Drew is forcing his arms into
the urn in "Iron Palm" training.
ANGLE ON MONK ON A SET OF POLES
He is going through a complex form, kicking and punching, never
missing or faltering a step. Some of the poles are as high as 6 feet
off the ground.
ANGLE ON GAO ON THE POLES
He is less sure, but at least he doesn't fall.
ANGLE ON DREW
Trying the poles. He starts out well, but he soon misses and falls,
almost impaling himself on a pole.
DREW
I can't do this!
D.S.
Here at Shaolin, can't doesn't exist. Only won't.
EXT. TRAINING AREA DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DISCIPLES PAIRED OFF.
Drew is working with his friend Li. They are moving through a series
of techniques, ending with a flashy kicking technique which is to
blocked by a special Shaolin technique.
Each time Li throws the final kick, Drew gets hit, HARD.
His block isn't working. A monk comes up to him.
MONK
Block the way I showed you.
DREW
(showing him a block)
This is the way I was taught.
MONK (CONT'D)
Do it this way. You won't get hit.
Drew bows and turns to continue working with Li. By this time,
however, the ranks have shifted, and Gao is opposite Drew.
Drew attacks first in the series, and Gao uses the block to easily
deflect Drew's kick.
GAO
(menacingly)
My turn.
He attacks, and Drew gets to the final technique. He blocks the way
he did before, and he gets slammed brutally by Gao.
Gao stands over him, smiling.
EXT. TRAINING AREA DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF MONKS FLIPPING THROUGH THE AIR, DOING FLYING
KICKS, AERIALS, ETC.
A monk is alternately falling down and kipping up, falling down and
kipping up.
Drew's group is working on several very athletic maneuvers, none of
which Drew is especially good at. Gao, of course, is having no
trouble.
Drew tries a flying move and falls into a heap on the ground. He is
very angry, and he hits the ground with his fist.
MONK
Emotions cloud the spirit eliminate them.
DREW
This isn't martial arts it's gymnastics!
MONK
This is Shaolin Wu Shu. Continue.
Drew sits in the dirt, watching everyone around him sail through the
air and flip over the ground. He is not a happy camper.
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF TRAINING AREA.
The entire group is gathered in a sort of pit, on a hard concrete
floor. D.S. stands in the middle.
D.S.
I want to go over some takedowns before we end for the
day. I'll need a partner...
He scans the group, and then points to Drew. Drew smiles ruefully,
walks to the front and bows to D.S.
D.S.
Watch carefully as I take him down, using techniques from
shwai jyau, Chinese wrestling.
DREW
(looking at ground)
Excuse me, Master, but there aren't any mats here.
D.S.
Do they always use mats in America?
The group laughs a little at that, and Drew's manhood is now
challenged.
D.S. (CONT'D)
If you are scared, I'll get someone else. Perhaps Gao
would assist me...
ANGLE ON GAO
Who is already getting up, ready and willing.
This changes Drew's mind right away.
ANGLE ON DREW AND D.S.
DREW
Let's do it.
D.S.
Attack me straight on...
Drew attacks, and is taken down brutally, smashed into the hard
concrete floor. No attempt is made to cushion or soften the blow.
Drew gets up right away, and attacks again. Again he is driven to the
ground. This continues from all angles and all methods of attack.
ANGLE ON THE GROUP
Who can barely watch the destruction.
ANGLE ON THE FIGHT
The D.S. does not let up at all, taking
Drew down hard each time. Every time, regardless of the impact, Drew
gets right back up. His eyes are dazed, there is a little blood
coming out of his nose, but he keeps coming back for more.
Finally, after a high arcing back throw, a real thumper, the worst of
all of them, the D.S. calls it a day.
D.S.
Any questions? Good, that's all for today.
Before anyone can move, however, Drew raises his hand as high as he
can, obviously in pain.
DREW (CONT'D)
I'm not sure I got that last throw clear in my mind.
The group gasps, knowing how much Drew must be hurting, admiring him
for his guts. Even Gao is impressed.
D.S.
I said that's enough.
DREW (CONT'D)
If you're getting too old for this kind of training, I
understand.
D.S.
Attack!
Drew attacks, and the D.S. executes the manuever perfectly, crashing
Drew down almost on his head. Luckily, Drew is able to twist at the
last moment and take the impact on his already bruised shoulder. He
moans and groans and lies there.
DREW (CONT'D)
I think I've got it now. Xie Xie!
The group disburses, shaking their heads in wonder. Li comes up to
Drew, who is still lying on the ground.
LI
Are you trying to kill yourself?
DREW
He hurts more than me, he's just not bleeding, that's
all.
He tries to get up, but moans in pain and falls back down.
Li helps him up and takes him to the showers.
ANGLE ON D.S.
Watching them go. There is a slight smile on his face.
EXT. DORMITORY SAME DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF LI RUBBING THE BRUISE ON DREW'S SHOULDER WITH
TIGER BALM.
It is huge, and looks really painful.
LI
If you go to San De, he can send you to a doctor...
Drew pulls away and stands up. He backs up to the wall of the
dormitory, right underneath a window.
DREW
I appreciate your concern, Li, but it's not that serious.
I'm all right.
Just as he is talking, Gao comes to the window with a pan of dirty
water (from washing the floor of the dorm).
GAO LOOKS DOWN (GAO POV) AND SEES DREW
Hhe smiles, then pours the huge bucket over the edge, dousing Drew.
ANGLE ON DREW
As the dirty water hits him, drenching him.
EXT. WATERFALL DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF WATERFALL.
It is huge, and the water is crashing down from high above.
ANGLE ON A MONK, INSIDE THE WATERFALL
He is going through martial arts techniques as the water thunders
onto him.
ANGLE ON D.S. AND GROUP
As they stand on the bank.
D.S.
Concentrate on your stance. All I want you to do is try
to hold your stance. Li, you're first.
Li smiles and walks into the waterfall, using a walkway that goes
behind the thundering water.
He moves into the water a little, and gets into a deep horse stance.
He stand there, immovable. After a moment, he turns to look at D.S.
ANGLE ON D.S.
Who motions him farther into the water.
ANGLE ON LI
Who nods his head and walks into the thundering water. As soon as he
gets into the main stream of water, he is forced off the ledge and he
falls about 20 feet into the pool below.
D.S.
Next...
Each of them try it in turn. Everyone fails.
Gao goes in, and he manages to stand under the impact of the water
for a moment, before he too succumbs and goes down into the pool.
ANGLE ON DREW
It's his turn. He walks to the waterfall and goes in. He picks up an
umbrella he stashed behind the waterfall (imprinted with a "NEW YORK
GIANTS NFL" logo on it unmistakably American).
He walks into the waterfall, and the umbrella works for a moment.
Drew is holding it with both hands, and he gets into a deep horse
stance.
He turns to smile at the D.S., and then waves at the others. As soon
as he takes a hand off the handle of the umbrella, the water slams
him and off he goes into the pool.
He lands with a huge splash, doing a painful bellow flop. Drew comes
to the surface, still clutching the now- destroyed umbrella. He
smiles at the other disciples, who are still swimming, sheepishly.
DREW
Thought I'd join you guys.
INT. TEMPLE TRAINING HALL DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF GROUPS WORKING OUT.
Drew is in with the group. Gao and Drew are chosen to do a training
exercise together.
D.S.
In this exercise, you try to touch your partner's chest
lightly, and your partner tries to block.
The group gets started doing the drill, and Gao is almost caving
Drew's chest in with his blows. He is so close to Drew that Drew
doesn't have a chance to block it. On the last strike, Drew falls
back to the ground.
The D.S. is there immediately.
D.S.
Something wrong?
Drew shakes his head and gets back up.
D.S.
Switch!
Now it's Drew's turn to strike, and he tries to hit Gao with the same
amount of force as he did, but Gao avoids his attack, throwing him
off balance. He throws another punch out, and Gao grabs it and pulls.
Drew falls to the floor again. A monk who was watching walks over.
MONK
The goal of this drill is not to hurt your partner. Just
try to tap his chest.
DREW
I know, but...
MONK
Then do it that way...
The Monk walks away, shaking his head.
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE EVENING
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF TEMPLE COURTYARD, EMPTY EXCEPT FOR DREW AND LI
PLAYING CATCH WITH A FRISBEE.
Drew is flipping it in a bunch of different ways, and Li is enjoying
watching him.
To the side of the courtyard are two brooms leaning against the wall.
DREW
This sure beats sweeping...
ANGLE ON FRISBEE
Floating past temple statues and ancient Chinese decorations, barely
missing them.
Drew makes an acrobatic catch and then flicks it back to Li, harder
than he should have. It heads for an ancient statue and smacks it
dead center, right in the face.
The statue starts to tip!
Drew and Li rush for the statue and catch it, just before it tips
over and smashes on the ground.
They look at each other, thanking their lucky stars the statue didn't
fall. They start to throw the frisbee again, when Drew spots the D.S.
coming towards them.
Drew stashes the frisbee in his shirt and grabs the brooms.
He tosses one to Li and they just begin sweeping again when the D.S.
rounds the corner.
The D.S. knows something is going on, but they look so innocent.
D.S.
Sweep the main chamber, Drew.
DREW (CONT'D)
Yes, master.
He bows and smiles goodbye to Li. He walks into the main training
chamber.
INT. CHAMBER SAME EVENING
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF DREW WALKING INTO THE CHAMBER.
This is the chamber where they had their first workout, and Drew just
stands there for a moment, soaking up the tradition of it.
He walks to an area of the chamber under the famous painting and
stands staring at it.
QUICK CUTS to different ANGLES of the painting.
ANGLE ON DREW
Who begins to sweep.
His broom is going over the depressions where the monks train, and
soon he loses his desire to sweep. He takes the broom in his hand as
a weapon and starts to spin it, going through a martial arts form,
his feet moving naturally into the depressions in the floor.
He finishes with a flourish, having moved into a shadowy area in a
corner, and then bows to an imaginary crowd, using the broom as a
microphone.
DREW
(imitating an announcer)
Presenting, the greatest fighter in the history of the
Shaolin temple... Drew Carson!
Drew holds his broom over his head, nodding his head to the imaginary
crowd.
DREW
The crowd is going wild.
Just then, out of the shadows comes an attacking staff, SLAMMING into
Drew's unprotected stomach!
Drew, ready to double over in pain, hears the staff hit the frisbee,
and stands up straight, adjusting the frisbee that saved his stomach.
Before he can react, the staff SMACKS him in the back of the head and
sends him pitching to the floor.
ANGLE ON DREW
As he lands face down in the pile of dust and dirt he already swept
up.
EXT. SHAOLIN TEMPLE EVENING
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF TEMPLE COURTYARD, THE SUN SETTING IN THE
DISTANCE.
Drew is standing in front of a painting-statue of Bodhidharma, one in
which he is made to look extremely fierce.
San De walks up behind Drew and stands there for a moment.
SAN DE
He was an amazing monk...
DREW
Yeah, what's up with him?
SAN DE
Come with me...
San De walks away, and Drew follows him.
INT. SAN DE'S CHAMBERS SAME NIGHT
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF SAN DE BREWING TEA.
The room is filled with paintings and scrolls. A Golden Sash hangs in
a place of honor.
San De puts the tea leaves into the pot, then soaks them with boiling
water. He pours the water out, then repeats the process several
times. His movements are all very precise and careful it almost
looks like a martial art kata.
SAN DE
Legend states that Bodhidharma gave us tea. Once, while
meditating, Bodhidharma fell asleep, a natural reaction
we all have to fight against.
San De looks pointedly at Drew, who doesn't meet his eyes.
SAN DE (CONT'D)
When he awoke, he was so enraged at his eyelids for
betraying him, he tore them off and threw them to the
ground.
(beat)
From those eyelids grew the first tea bush. You see, even
the leaves look like eyelids.
San De shows Drew a tea leaf.
DREW
Impossible.
SAN DE
Nothing is impossible if your spirit is pure, and your
will is strong.
The tea is ready, and San De begins to pour for Drew.
SAN DE (CONT'D)
I understand you've been questioning some of the
teachings of the temple...
DREW
It's just not the way I was taught...
San De keeps pouring into Drew's cup. It is getting to the rim. San
De is not stopping.
DREW (CONT'D)
Master! Stop! No more will go in!
San De continues pouring until the tea runs all over the table.
SAN DE
Exactly! You are like this cup, full of what you have
learned. How can we show you Shaolin unless you first
empty your cup?
He picks up the cup and tosses the tea through an open window. He now
pours into the empty cup.
SAN DE (CONT'D)
The rules and disciplines of the temple exist to free
you, not restrict you. They keep your mind from harmful
thoughts.
(beat)
Drink your tea.
Drew nods and sips at his tea.
EXT. TRAINING AREA DAY
ESTABLISHING SHOT OF ONE OF THE INSTRUCTORS TEACHING A SOFT STYLE OF
SHAOLIN WU SHU.
His body moves with the wind, bending and swaying. Another monk is
attacking him with a hard style, and the soft style is very
effective.
Drew and Li try it, and Drew is having a lot of trouble. He is used
to training hard style, and the soft style seems too weak for him.
D.S. comes over.
DREW
It's not fighting I feel like I'm dancing or
something... This soft stuff is unnatural Fighting
should be hard, tough...
The D.S. holds out his hand, in a tight fist.
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