By [ad_1]
Snake Eyes features three unique trials for the titular hero to complete in order to join the Arashikage Clan.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, in theaters now.
Snake Eyes (Henry Golding) spends much of the film trying to sneak his way into Clan Arashikage, a storied and powerful force within Japan. Endearing himself to the heir apparent to the Clan, Tommy Arashikage (Andrew Koji), Snake Eyes is given the chance to take part in elite training for a position by Tommy’s side.
However, to do so, he’s forced to confront three challenges — each one proving to be a serious test of Snake Eyes’ ability, spirit and courage. The challenges are a surprising mix of engaging martial arts, spiritual examination, and also… some giant snakes.
THE FIRST TRIAL
The first trial for Snake Eyes puts him in front of the assembled Clan Arashikage, watching as he joins Hard Master (Iko Uwais) in a sparring match. The trick to the fight against the incredibly skilled Hard Master is not to defeat him. Rather, the challenge forces Snake Eyes to try and take a cup of full water from Hard Master, while carrying his own. He has four attempts to claim the cup, and cannot have his water spilled. If he fails all four attempts, he will be considered a failure in the eyes of the Clan, and will be forced to leave.
Despite his own impressive abilities, Snake Eyes fails to take the cup three times, but on the fourth attempt, he realizes that earlier Tommy’s advice was actually the key to the challenge. Turning back to Hard Master, Snake Eyes simply walks forward, and with humility and respect, asks if they may exchange cups. Hard Master agrees, allowing Snake Eyes to pass the test.
THE SECOND TRIAL
The second trial has a much more personal feel. There is no strict way to fail, as Blind Master (Peter Mensah) explains to Snake Eyes. Instead, it’s more about facing one’s own failings and fears, giving one the chance to try and overcome their ego in the name of Clan Arashikage. Bringing Snake Eyes into the nearby woods, Blind Master reveals a strange and almost ethereal blue orb, which draws Snake Eyes’ attention and leads him into a flashback — a vision of the night his Father (Steven Allerick) was murdered by Augustine (Samuel Finzi).
Snake Eyes is confronted by the memory of his father, softly explaining that it’s okay that he wasn’t able to prevent the attack, and that even in his final moments, he was just happy his son had escaped. Snake Eyes leaves the trial with his resolve in the plan to betray the Clan shaken — but discovering that Kenta (Takehiro Hira) and Baroness (Úrsula Corberó) have Augustine in their possession, he commits to his revenge and continues to go through with the plan.
THE THIRD TRIAL
Repeatedly, Snake Eyes is warned about the third and final trial. Any who pass the test are accepted into Clan Arashikage. Any who fail seemingly die a horrible death. It’s revealed that this is because of the trio of giant anacondas hiding within the caverns underneath the clan. Lowered into a stone pit, Snake Eyes activates a trigger that unleashes the three mammoth serpents. They are intended to sense mistrust or failings within the candidates — consuming any they deem unworthy.
Initially, Snake Eyes proves that unworthiness, with the anacondas trying to kill him for hiding secrets from the Clan. He only survives thanks to Akiko (Haruka Abe), who comes to his rescue. Later though, Snake Eyes is able to use the snakes to prove his noble growth, with the snakes sparing him but killing Kenta as soon as they have the opportunity to.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, starring Henry Golding as the titular ninja, is currently playing in theaters.
About The Author
[ad_2]
