American Shaolin Page #22

Yes.

SAN DE:

That monk was me.

ANGLE ON DREW:

Who digests this. He smiles a little.

SAN DE (CONT'D)

I would like to ask a favor.

DREW:

Anything.

SAN DE:

Before you leave for American, can you help at an international tournament in Beijing? The Shaolin temple has an entry, and he will be fighting men from all over the world – I'd like you to be there.

DREW:

No problem.

(he smiles)

Without pause.

SAN DE:

Now, a friend would like to see you.

(beat)

... alone.

From out of the bamboo grove comes Ashema, her hands in front of her and her head down. She is not sure Drew wants to see her.

Drew looks at her, then back to San De, but he is already gone. They are alone.

Drew walks to her, takes her chin in his hand and tilts it up to look at her face. Her eyes are full of love and tenderness, and a little fear.

Drew kisses that fear away.

EXT. BEIJING HALL – DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT OF HUGE EXHIBITION HALL. THE MARQUEE READS "INTERNATIONAL WU SHU COMPETITION".

INT. BEIJING HALL – SAME DAY

ESTABLISHING SHOT OF HUGE HALL, THE FLOOR OF WHICH IS CROWDED WITH RINGS.

One large raised ring is in the middle of the floor – the place for the finals.

ANGLE ON SIDE OF THE RING

Where Li, Gao, San De, D.S. and some others are waiting. They are all in monastic garb.

Drew and Ashema walk up to them, holding hands. Drew is dressed in a fighting monk's costume as well, and he bows to his fellow monks.

DREW:

Are we late?

SAN DE:

The fight has not yet started.

DREW:

Did you think he would get into the finals?

SAN DE:

Who could know? He fights the winner of the Western countries, which is why I wanted you here.

DREW:

I'll help any way I can.

ANGLE ON THE CROWD

As it parts to let someone through. Drew turns casually to look at the competitor. Slowly, a figure, followed by a large group of people, comes clear... it is Trevor!

ANGLE ON DREW:

Who is stunned.

ANGLE ON SAN DE:

Could he have known?

ANGLE ON TREVOR:

Who spots drew standing near the ring. He walks past him, trying to place his face. Then, he comes back and walks right up to Drew and slaps him on the back.

TREVOR:

Carson! Drew Carson! I can't believe it! I come half way around the world, and run into you! I heard you left the city, but I didn't know losing to me drove you into being a monk!

Drew is dumbstruck, and Trevor takes advantage of it.

TREVOR (CONT'D)

(to San De)

He take a vow of silence too? Nice hair, Drew.

(he looks at Ashema)

If he took a vow of chastity too, honey, you see me after this fight, 'Kay?

He puts his arm around Ashema and lets his hand slide down onto her rear end.

TREVOR (CONT'D)

Wish me luck, huh?

He walks off, and Drew, who still hasn't said a word, stares after him. All of the monks are looking at Drew with questioning looks, everyone that is except for San De.

ANGLE ON THE RING

As Trevor and the Shaolin entry bow to each other. The fight begins.

It isn't even close. Trevor is better than he ever was. He is incredible, and he destroys the Shaolin fighter.

Oblivious to the boos and whistles from the crowd, he plays with the Shaolin fighter, making him look like a real fool.

INTERCUT REACTION SHOTS OF DREW

Who is watching the destruction. Behind his eyes, he is reliving his humiliation.

ANGLE ON TREVOR:

Who finishes the shaolin fighter off with a devestating technique, and then immediately plays to the crowd, RIGHT IN FRONT OF DREW AND THE OTHERS.

The referee comes over to Trevor, and raises his fist up in victory. Trevor tears his arm away and SCREAMS TO THE CROWD:

TREVOR (CONT'D)

I'M NOT DONE!

The crowd, which before was wild and booing, now grows quiet.

TREVOR (CONT'D)

I want HIM!

He points right at Drew.

TREVOR (CONT'D)

I want to face the American who is now a Shaolin monk! I want to learn at the hands of a master!

The crowd, who has seen Drew and heard about him for quite a while, warms to the prospect. They start cheering for the American Shaolin to face Trevor.

TREVOR (CONT'D)

I want the American Shaolin!

ANGLE ON DREW:

Who doesn't know what to do. San De appears and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.

ANGLE ON TREVOR:

Pointing and yelling for Drew.

ANGLE ON DREW:

Who climbs the ropes and goes into the ring. The crowd is going crazy, eager to see the match. Drew, oblivious to the crowd, walks over to Trevor.

DREW:

I came to the Shaolin Temple because of you, Trevor. You humiliated me, and I wanted to make sure it could never happen again.

TREVOR:

So, let's see what you've learned.

DREW:

(shaking his head)

I've learned that... there's nothing to prove. Beating you is no longer important. It was my ego that had to be defeated, not you.

TREVOR (CONT'D)

Bull! You're just chicken!

DREW:

The arts should never be about who is best – they are too important for that.

He bows to Trevor and starts out of the ring.

ANGLE ON CROWD:

They don't know what's going on.

ANGLE ON LI, GAO AND OTHERS

They don't know either. They want Drew to fight him.

ANGLE ON SAN DE AND D.S.

Who know what is happening and are proud of Drew, prouder than they have ever been.

TREVOR:

COME BACK HERE! You can't just walk away!

Drew steps out of the ring and walks over to where San De is standing. They bow, and the pride is shining in San De's eyes.

SAN DE:

Do you turn away from him out of fear?

ANGLE ON TREVOR:

Who is seething.

TREVOR:

I thought the Shaolin monks were warriors, not babies! Look at him – he is too scared to face me!

ANGLE ON DREW:

His face calm.

DREW:

No, master. I will not fight for personal glory, or for my ego.

SAN DE:

You have learned much.

ANGLE ON TREVOR:

TREVOR:

The Shaolin monks are PUSSIES! Warrior-monks? Ha!

ANGLE ON SAN DE:

Who indicates trevor with a inclination of his head.

SAN DE:

You did the right thing.

ANGLE ON TREVOR:

TREVOR:

How about you, baldy? Or you?

He is pointing at Li and Gao and the others, who are itching to climb into the ring. Gao goes over to San De, and shoots a questioning look at Drew.

GAO:

Master, the American is insulting the Temple, and the fighting monks.

SAN DE:

(looking at drew)

What should be done?

GAO (CONT'D)

Someone should face him in combat. For the tradition of the temple.

San De looks at Drew long and hard.

SAN DE:

There are some times when a Shaolin must fight, and some people who will not learn until they are taught a lesson.

ANGLE ON DREW:

Who understands the implication of what he is saying. He starts to smile slowly.

SAN DE (CONT'D)

It's your call.

Drew nods, then turns to face the ring, where Trevor is still standing, trying to get someone to fight him.

Drew walks with Gao back to the side of the ring. He turns to Gao and Li and together they high-five.

DREW:

For the temple...

Drew climbs into the ring.

The crowd is going crazy. Trevor has a predator's grin on his face as he sits down in his corner to get ready to start the match. Immediately, his contingent of people start to work on him – massage, drinks, etc.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes