Mortal Kombat
For nine generations an evil sorcerer has been victorious in hand-to-hand battle against his mortal enemies. If he wins a tenth Mortal Kombat tournament, desolation and evil will reign over the multiverse forever. To save Earth, three warriors must overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, their own inner demons, and superhuman foes.
Despite a moderate budget of $18.0M, Mortal Kombat became a massive hit, earning $122.2M worldwide—a remarkable 579% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Mortal Kombat (1995) exhibits precise narrative design, characteristic of Paul W. S. Anderson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 41 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Liu Kang trains in the Shaolin temple, mourning his brother's death, disconnected from his purpose and refusing to compete in Mortal Kombat despite his abilities.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when The champions board Raiden's boat to travel to the mysterious island where Mortal Kombat will be held. They are swept into a world beyond their understanding, leaving the ordinary world behind.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 51 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Shang Tsung raises the stakes by sending the deadly Princess Kitana's evil twin Mileena and other champions are killed. The tournament becomes deadlier. False defeat: the champions realize they're outmatched against Outworld's supernatural powers., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 76 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Johnny Cage is seemingly killed by Goro, thrown off a cliff. Art Lean, their ally, is murdered by Shang Tsung who steals his soul. The mentors and hope are being stripped away. Death pervades as the champions face their darkest moment., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 81 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale: Johnny defeats Goro, Sonya kills Kano, and Liu Kang faces Shang Tsung in the final battle. Liu uses both his martial skills and his spiritual growth to defeat the sorcerer, saving Earthrealm and winning the tournament., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Mortal Kombat's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Mortal Kombat against these established plot points, we can identify how Paul W. S. Anderson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Mortal Kombat within the action genre.
Paul W. S. Anderson's Structural Approach
Among the 10 Paul W. S. Anderson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Mortal Kombat takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Paul W. S. Anderson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Paul W. S. Anderson analyses, see Resident Evil, Pompeii and The Three Musketeers.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Liu Kang trains in the Shaolin temple, mourning his brother's death, disconnected from his purpose and refusing to compete in Mortal Kombat despite his abilities.
Theme
Raiden tells Liu Kang: "Your heart is still filled with anger and grief. You must let go of your past to embrace your destiny." The theme of accepting one's true purpose through letting go of the past is stated.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of the three champions: Liu Kang (seeking revenge), Johnny Cage (arrogant actor seeking validation), and Sonya Blade (tracking Kano). The mystical tournament rules and the stakes of Earthrealm's survival are established.
Disruption
The champions board Raiden's boat to travel to the mysterious island where Mortal Kombat will be held. They are swept into a world beyond their understanding, leaving the ordinary world behind.
Resistance
Raiden serves as guide on the journey to the island, revealing the true nature of the tournament. The champions doubt themselves and debate whether they can face supernatural warriors. Rules of Mortal Kombat are explained.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The fun the audience came for: spectacular martial arts battles. Johnny Cage fights Scorpion, Liu Kang battles Sub-Zero, Sonya pursues Kano. The champions prove themselves capable, winning their fights and exploring their powers.
Midpoint
Shang Tsung raises the stakes by sending the deadly Princess Kitana's evil twin Mileena and other champions are killed. The tournament becomes deadlier. False defeat: the champions realize they're outmatched against Outworld's supernatural powers.
Opposition
Shang Tsung manipulates events and pressures increase. Johnny Cage faces his mortality fighting Goro. Liu Kang is tormented by visions of his dead brother. Sonya is captured. The champions' flaws and fears are exploited.
Collapse
Johnny Cage is seemingly killed by Goro, thrown off a cliff. Art Lean, their ally, is murdered by Shang Tsung who steals his soul. The mentors and hope are being stripped away. Death pervades as the champions face their darkest moment.
Crisis
Liu Kang faces his brother's spirit in a dark confrontation with his guilt and anger. He must process his grief and find new resolve. The surviving champions regroup and face the seeming impossibility of victory.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale: Johnny defeats Goro, Sonya kills Kano, and Liu Kang faces Shang Tsung in the final battle. Liu uses both his martial skills and his spiritual growth to defeat the sorcerer, saving Earthrealm and winning the tournament.