Soundtrack Review: The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

Posted by Jorn Tillnes

September 11, 2008

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091108-0238-soundtrackr1 Soundtrack Review: The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) This is a review of the motion picture score for The Forbidden Kingdom by David Buckley.

“At times David Buckley visits the past with 70s beats wrapped in a modern setting”

Kung Fu! I laughed when I saw this movie, not because it’s very funny, but because I can relate to the kid who watched Kung Fu and wanted to be like the masters. It was me 20+ years ago (yes I am getting old). I watched all those kung fu movies and practiced moves; I even took karate classes in order to be like the greats. It wasn’t meant to be though, but at least I had a lot of fun watching the movies and this movie was fun to watch. David Buckley isn’t one of the most active composers these days, but after listening to the score I wonder why. This is the track list of The Forbidden Kingdom:

TRACK LIST

The Mountain Of Fruit & Flowers
The Peach Banquet
Monkey Business
China Begins
Hops’ Shop
J & J Temple Fight
The Legend Of The Temple Staff
Two Tigers - Two Masters
Tea House Fight
The Tyranny Of War
Don’t Forget To Breathe
Ni Chang & Her Cult Killers
Drunken Master Wounded
The Seeker Of The Prophecy
Let The Journey Begin
Monkey King Released
Battle Of The Bride
Her Destiny Was Written
”as One Tale Ends…”
”…Another Tale Begins”

Action-Friendly

We get over 1 hour of music, 1 hour and 6 minutes to be exact and it’s a fine mix of tracks which combines comedy and action. There is of course a very Chinese sounding score which I expected. I am also happily surprised that David Buckley has made them “action-friendly” with some great use of drums and short strings. The point is that it sounds great to listen to. When I watched the movie, I didn’t hear much of the music, but I am not surprised when I got the actual soundtrack that the music is really good. It’s a light score for the most part, easy to listen to and easy to like. At times David Buckley visits the past with 70s beats wrapped in a modern setting. The only thing is that it lacks a theme and might feel a little similar from track to track. I am however looking forward to David Buckley’s forthcoming work with great anticipation. Listen to The Forbidden Kingdom by David Buckley below:

091108-0238-soundtrackr2 Soundtrack Review: The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)