Street Fighter arrived in cinemas in October, but it did not match the success of Capcom’s other video-game film of the year, Resident Evil. The adaptation has a messy, sometimes incoherent story, although its colourful fights, attractive cast and ’90s soundtrack can still make it entertaining viewing.
The film’s abrupt conclusion is one of its major weak points. Callina Liang, who plays Chun-Li, has admitted that she was disappointed that her character does not settle her score with M. Bison.
Spoilers for the ending of Street Fighter follow.
Chun-Li’s revenge remains unfinished
M. Bison, played by David Dastmalchian, stages a fake tournament to draw the famous fighter Ryu, portrayed by Andrew Koji, out of hiding. His plan is to steal Ryu’s power.
Chun-Li, played by Presence star Callina Liang, infiltrates Bison’s organisation for two reasons: she wants to stop his scheme, and she wants revenge for his murder of her father.
Bison defeats Chun-Li and escapes before the film ends. The movie also gives him the memorable “Tuesday” line associated with the 1994 adaptation. With Bison still undefeated and Chun-Li’s revenge unresolved, the closing moments feel especially abrupt.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Liang was asked whether she wished Chun-Li had achieved her revenge.
“Oh, man. Honestly, a little bit.”
Liang said she hopes a sequel could give Chun-Li the chance to defeat Bison, adding that the payoff would be epic.
For fans revisiting the character through a home setup, RETROCADE’s arcade machines offer a natural way to keep the fighting-game legacy close at hand.
What could happen to Chun-Li next?
Liang is also interested in what Chun-Li might become after her revenge is finally complete. The film gives Chun-Li more than one chance to attack Bison, including after he brands her, but she chooses not to take it.
Liang suggested that Chun-Li may have been reluctant to finish her mission because she feared what would follow emotionally. Once Bison was dead, the purpose that had driven her would be gone, leaving her uncertain about life afterwards. Liang said she could not be sure how Chun-Li would feel after accomplishing Bison’s death.
The branding scene was nearly more graphic
The branding sequence also changed during development. The original version of the script called for Chun-Li to cut off one of her fingers. After discussions with Capcom, the filmmakers replaced that idea with hand-branding.
That decision also avoided the need to digitally remove Liang’s finger in later instalments if a sequel is eventually made.
Street Fighter is in cinemas now. Readers following the series beyond film can also browse RETROCADE’s arcade news and gaming coverage, or use the arcade machine buying guide when planning a dedicated fighting-game setup.
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