This leads to Jet Li fighting the governor (portrayed by Chiu Man Cheuk) for his father's life in the grand finale. Granted there is a lot of wire-fu, but I loved the comic performances of Jet Li and Josephine Siao. Josephine Siao makes this movie with her comic portrayal as Sai Yuk's kung fu mama! Great movie for wire-fu lovers, comedy lovers, and Jet Li fans! The Dragon Dynasty version does have the original language version, which I recommend!

Despite some crummy satire, this film is the boom-diggity. The first hour (or right at the point where Beardy learns the mantis fist from his master) is where the film gets really good, because before this it's just stupid comedy. The kung fu action is, thankfully, not entirely kung foolery.

Beardy is one of my favorite actors. No one in cinema can express insanity better than he (except David Gale, of course). His screen fighting is really unique and really authentic. Completely an underrated actor. Of course, some fat retard called Ric Meyers said he knew no kung fu before he did a film called "The Victim". So what the fuck do you call this? Or "5 Shaolin Masters"? Goddamn that walrus lookin' piece of garbage.

The final fight had to be one of the best fights in kung fu film history. Not only is it very significant and dramatic, but also insane. This is why I think Beardy is one of the best when expressing lunacy. To think they implemented cannibalism in kung fu fighting. Oooooh, baby, so freakin' brilliant. And for your incentive, the action is plentiful, plus the fight choreography was excellent.

Even with the useless, pointless, worthless, listless satire, this film rules booty, bitches. Highly recommended.

Junbao lives at a Shaolin Temple when Tienbao arrives and is told to follow Junbao's directions since he is Tienbao's senior, even though Tienbao is slightly older and taller. Slowly but surely Tienbao makes friends with Junbao. Tienbao is usually teasing his "junior" but it's mostly in fun. However Tienbao doesn't like to lose, even to Junbao. After an older student beats them up they go to their Sifu and plead to learn kung fu. Junbao wants to learn so he can be of help to others and maintain health while Tienbao is more matter of fact and wants to not be beaten up and helpless. Sifu agrees but warns them he will allow no playing around though he has turned aside before when they were doing less than they should. He is a kind Master but worries about them, especially Tienbao because he is so ambitious. The visual transformation combined with the two boys talking works very well to bring the viewer into the current time. The young boys have grown into men and remained close friends. Tianbao wants to be the Abbot of the school and trains extra hard so he can take on anyone and win. Unfortunately that aspect of his nature is not exactly a part of Shaolin.

Jet does very well as the care-free good hearted Shaolin monk. He exudes a boyish charm not seen in his movies before. It doesn't come across as an act that he is not so worried about the outside world. However Tienbao is frustrated by the slow pace of advancement. He sees no reason to hold back in his goals. As the years pass they both become experts in Shaolin Kung Fu.

In order to determine who will advance to the next level a competition is held which includes a martial arts contest. Tienbao's opponent happens to be one of his enemies at the temple. When Tienbao is cheated in the match he starts beating the life, literally, out of his competitor. He would have killed the man if a high ranking monk had not intervened and worse yet Tienbao was so caught up in the haze of rage he didn't even realize what he had done. He immediately tries to apologize but the damage is irreparable. When Junbao tries to defend him they are both attacked by their "brothers" There are scenes of massive pole formations and martial arts which takes a turn into a comedy moment (?) and have Tienbao and Junbao 'surfing' on oil and students. It's intrusive and I think was only included because of the perceived need to add humor due to the sometimes dark nature of the film. But the pair is quickly surrounded and vastly outnumbered. They would have died the next moment if not for their Sifu. He saves their lives and tells them they must leave and venture out into the secular world. When Junbao is concerned about learning his Sifu tells them they can still study the ways of Shaolin even in the secular world. With no choice they leave Shaolin, and head for the nearest town.

At first they really don't know how to act when they reach the village. Junbao is amazed by all the different activities happening. He smiles like a child in delight of new things to experience. All the colors, various kinds of goods for sale and the street performers lend an almost magical ambience. Tienbao is impatient and they both are hungry. Suddenly they are involved in a fight with villains and others when a young women, Little Melon (Fennie Yuen) is about to be hurt Junbao happily steps up to the aggressor. Without even trying Junbao disarms and disables the unscrupulous thieves and villains but they don't realize the danger they are in because of who they fought with or the repercussions. The young girl who works at the restaurant leads them into hiding until the soldiers leave. They meet some of her friends and are allowed to sleep in the back of the restaurant. One night they discover that the group is actually a resistance cell that is fighting against the corrupt government. Junbao believes the people should be treated much better but Tienbao isn't quite so certain given that it might interfere with his plans to wield power someday.

No matter their aspirations right now they need a job. They come up with a street performance. It really is a very funny scene with both Jet and Chin Siu Ho playing it to the max. Thrilled it is so easy to make money they are interrupted by a local military leader. He insists they give him the money they have earned and Junbao refuses. Tienbao realizes they can't win and practically begs the officer to accept them as soldiers as he gives them all of their money. Tienbao sees this as the way to power and fortune but Junbao wants no part of being in the military especially one that is led by the cruel ruler and powerful eunuch Lui Jin. Tienbao wants Junbao to come with him but he refuses. Tienbao tells him when he is a powerful officer in the military he will come back for him.

Junbao returns to the restaurant and starts to develop friendships with the people who just want to live their lives without burdensome taxes, fear of robbery or death. Meanwhile Tienbao is doing everything he can as enlisted in the army of Master Lui to show his skills and abilities. At one point the highest ranking martial arts master in the army says he is too good and none can defeat him. Tienbao jumps at the opportunity to show his superior skill and goes into a rage snapping bones and seriously injuring his own troops. Even Jin finds his kung fu fighting to be vicious but he thinks it could come in very handy to have such a soldier in his ranks. Jin tells Tienbao he would like him to accompany him on a trip to the capital but first all of the local resistance fighters must be dealt with once and for all! Tienbao creates a devious plan and sets things in motion by dashing into the restaurant and warning everyone they have to leave because the cell has been discovered and the troops will arrest and kill all of them. They barely escape and the restaurant owner is killed. All of them head out of town to have a covert discussion regarding the next step. Tienbao tells them most of the troops will be gone and Jin will be virtually unguarded at a specific time. He encourages them to contact other cells and rebels so they can combine their forces and remove Jin and his power once and for all. At dawn the rebels combine to take out Jin and stop the suffering of the people. Tienbao leads them into the encampment area and towards an elevated platform where Jin is resting. As quick as lightning soldiers pour forth from every tent and hiding place. The rebels are completely overwhelmed but they fight their best in a hopeless battle. Slowly it begins to dawn on Junbao that the whole thing was a set up by his lifelong friend. But the fight is still on and he can only think of helping the others. One by one the villagers fall until only a few remain alive and have to retreat as they are being forced by the soldiers. One of the rebels, a Tai Chi disciple manages to save Junbao but only a handful make it out alive, and neither of the women. The brother of one man wants to kill Junbao because they trusted his friend, and think he was in on the betrayal. The Tai Chi monk tries to make them understand Junbao is in a kind of shock over the heavy emotional blow of being deceived to the point of death by someone he loved as a brother. Junbao decides he himself will go back and rescue the others.

When Junbao arrives there are only a few soldiers surrounding Tienbao who is quietly having tea (or wine) and invites his "brother" to join him, literally. The only rebel left is Qiushie (Michelle Yeoh) and she is high above the ground tied to a pyramid - type stack of timbers where she is at the top. When Junbao refuses to join Tienbao and demands he release Quishie, Tienbao uses the rebels as an example of failure, whereas he trumpets his rising career in the military as true power and says there is enough to share. Junbao is only focused on saving at least one rebel, and is consumed with fury at himself which he uses to fight Tienbao.

Though most people wouldn't refer to this film as "wuxia" it does definitely have some characteristics. Especially with the sword fight that ensues with Tienbao there are a lot of wires used. (There is once scene in this fight that is used twice. Too much effort to even flip I suppose!) However they were used to enhance and show how highly skilled the characters are and capable of amazing physical feats. After Junbao demands Tienbao release Quishie the soldiers attack him and are quickly dispatched. Now Tienbao and Junbao face each other as enemies. Tienbao doesn't really want to fight his once friend and he tells Junbao he has no chance against him, that Junbao knows he is a better fighter. It doesn't matter to Junbao as he must follow his conscience and save Quishie. The sword fight is fast paced with tight shots and excellent acting on the part of both. Chin Sui Ho is truly excellent. He manages to transform his character from an ambitious young man making his way in the world into a ruthless and brutal savage hungry for ever more power. Considering their close relationship the scene could have fallen apart with both not wanting to harm the other. But the viewer need not be concerned. There is no doubt Tienbao is a murderous villain. With a lot of great fighting, a bit of help from Quishie and a moment of luck Quishie and Junbao escape. Tienbao is furious! Having them free could hurt his career and he would let nothing interfere with that.

Quishie and Junbao take refuge with the Tai Chi monk. Junbao is emotionally and psychologically severely injured. For lack of a better term they refer to him as crazy or being mad. And it would certainly seem so. He can't sleep and is haunted by visions of those who died under the hand of his former friend. He feels he has killed them and he cannot forgive himself. Quishie tries everything she knows to bring him back to sanity but it is just still too painful to deal with reality. The monk has been working with him since they returned but had no luck. They try curing him with everything from acupuncture to long walks in the quiet perfect-ness of nature. Slowly Junbao begins his return from madness. Not all at once but daily he seems to make a little progress. He starts to read a book Sifu had given to them when they fled the temple. It isn't a book about fighting and yet if he can truly understand the lessons it is a book overcoming fighting. Junbao learns that with Tai Chi the strength of your opponent is not a decisive issue in a fight. In Tai Chi you reflect your attacker's energy back to them. The harder they fight, the more of the energy that returns to them. Tai Chai cannot really be considered an aggressive or offensive form of martial arts however it can be most powerful in deflecting harm. Junbao not only finds healing in nature but his new form of fighting is found in nature and the balance of the forces, such as the wind, water and the earth itself. The fighting styles are designed to express the personality difference between Tienbao and Junbao. Junbao has found a sense of peace in the world and in his soul as well. The teachings of Tai Chi emphasize balance in movement with nature. Tienbao is a sadistic power seeker and that is turned back to him through Junbao's use of Tai Chi. The more cruelty Tienbao throws at Junbao the greater the return of savagery.

The only reason the plot works so well and makes an exciting movie is primarily due to the fine acting of Chin Sui Ho. He is another multi - talented fighter/acrobat/actor who never seemed to be recognized for his enormous level and range of skills. He was in "Fist Of Legend" and was excellent as a considerate man who could fight extremely well. It's a mystery why his star was never seen. He is very believable as the young mischievous Shaolin pupil and as an adult out in the secular world for the first time since a young child. His transformation into an evil general for the corrupt government, willing to maim and kill his fellow soldiers if they do not train to the intensity he feels they should is very convincing.

All of the cast brings forth quality acting and Jet, Michelle, Chin Sui Ho and Fennie Yuen are fantastic in both acting and fighting. I highly recommend this film for purchase because you will want to watch it more than once.

Lau Kar Leung doesn't just make up ideas for movies, he uses real events from different periods in China as the basis for most of his films and this is no exception.

Some viewers who may think a premise is silly or stupid would do well to have a bit of general information about China and the basic major facts about the area and the time period. In all of his films, including some you might have not given much thought to he managed to work in some history or way of life in China. This movie focuses on a very turbulent time of serious changes that would have a far reaching effect. There was indeed a group of primarily young people who believed that if they focused and practiced very hard they could withstand any injury or weapon, even bullets. They would be unaffected by the foreigners invading their land with guns. As difficult as it is to understand there were men who honestly believed they were impervious to bullets. They already held a reputation of being unharmed by swords or spears and other weapons so it wasn't that much of a leap some thought to expect bullets would not harm them either. The Dowager Empress wanted to use unarmed men to fight the intruders with guns. The Boxers would save an enormous amount of money if they could take on guns with just their bodies. Unfortunately good but deluded men died. The cells kept things very quiet because if the Dowager Empress discovered the truth she would have disbanded the organization and had all members killed.

The movie really depends on the Boxer cells and their believability. It's imperative that people believe and understand that these men (perhaps women too) did indeed possess extraordinary powers. That is what made the "magic" work. They worked and trained hard and possessed astonishing skills. It was the very "magic" that was real that allowed them to convince others they had super - human abilities.

Chief Li, the go - between for the Boxers and the Dowager Empress informs the cell leaders that Lui Gung, another cell leader has betrayed them. He not only gave up being a Master of the Boxers but disbanded every cell member in different directions to seek peace and harmony despite what they were taught. This seemed to be the only course of action to take to save their very lives. Chief Li makes certain the cell leaders understand the gravity of Lui Gung's betrayal, and that he must die. Li doesn't want to send in a large force because it might alert their target. Instead he wants the cells to send in one man each to kill Lui Gung. In addition the man who goes to kill him, successful or not must be killed as well to leave no trace. The Master of the Magic Fighters sends in the best of the best, as the other cells do the same.

This movie should be considered part mystery as there are a lot of people who are not necessarily telling the truth about who they are or why they are there. Some are in disguises, some use their money and others their guile to try and bring out Lui Gung. Hsiao Ho hit gold when he choreographed a fight between Tieh Hau and Fong Shau Ching in a cramped attic. It might not have been a death match but it was amusing and great fighting too! This fight introduced a number of weapons you certainly don't see in many martial arts films.

Lau Kar Leung was working with probably the best all time cast. With his brother, Hsiao Ho, Gordon Lui, Kara Hui and Alexander Fu Sheng what more could you ask for? To be fair to Fang Shau Ching (Kara Hui) did keep up the extra deception rather well, all things considered, and she also had a legitimate reason for doing so. The viewer is more willing to suspend disbelief if it is somehow believable in the storyline.

As I have said on numerous occasions Lau Kar Leung is a genius. When you have a decent basic plot the action fills in any feeling of incompleteness. Especially given that Lau used real events or incidents to base the films on. Even practicing with weapons is wonderful to watch not to mention the fighting! The choreography is stunning, especially since much of the movie is spent fighting or training to fight. You also get a look at a number of weapons being used in the introduction. But you never get tired of seeing the assortment of weapons! Or people using them! It's a beautiful sight to behold.

Lau Kar Leung knows what looks great that's for damned sure!

This film was the absolutely perfect place to fully explore Lau's family martial arts form. Although a great deal of fighting in other films was using the same form, the action demanded extraordinary things moving quickly. And the remarkable thing is that he did all of that without once sacrificing any other part of the film!

The cinematography was excellent, always keeping the frame full of detail. The fights were tight and had long takes without a cut. It has always been a goal of directors and other members of the cast and crew to find a way to get their own style of martial arts on celluloid. This film was ideal to show once and for all what was so important to Lau Kar Leung and his brother - their family form. It is fascinating to see the dazzling display of cool weapons and what could be done with them by a person with great skill. Most of them are used in the rather extended two part finale. I'm not complaining by any means. I had the impression they had sparred more than a few times growing up and now considered it a labor of love to show so much of their family style. The form is not only about violence and killing but also contains ethical and moral philosophies. But the two sides of kung fu are not easily woven together. Violence - and yet sometimes violence brings about peace. If justified it is not mere pugilism but a note of harmony.

The bad news: this movie is a big incoherent mess in every other way. The narrative is all over the place. The episodic nature of the story is vexing at best. And the comedy goes from sort of fun, to bad, to awful. But the worst offense has to be the rampant anachronisms. Seriously, I haven't seen it this bad since "Fantasy Mission Force".

Sammo is no dope, so this was obviously a conscious choice. Why? I have no idea, and no idea what to make of it this, really. First off all, WHERE is this supposed to take place? It was shot in Canada, Thailand, and HK but looks like some weird version of the old west.

Secondly, WHEN is this supposed to take place? There are people in cowboy gear, trenchcoats, and fedoras, classic Chinese garb, samurais, Russian soldiers...what the fuck!? Is this set in some kind of timewarp? Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton looks like American Civil War soldiers, Richard Ng looks like Sherlock Holmes, and people are driving 1930's cars and motorcycles! What in the name of Buddha's ballsack is going on here? Pick a style, a time, a place, and stick with it. This is ridiculous!

The cast is so impressive, and the action is so damn sweet, but everything else is on acid here. This was a real opportunity to make a great period spectacle, like "Project A" or "Pedicab Driver". But unless this is a time travel movie, you should stick to one period, and work your magic within that frame.

I don't know what Sammo was thinking with this misguided effort. I don't get it, nor do I like it. I'll give this pile of wasted potential a generous 2.5 stars for the cast and the action.

Yes, another one of those "artsy fartsy" films where people cry over this film's ridiculous cinematography and say, "What brilliance! What flair. Holy crap, I just nutted in my underwear." God! This film bored me to tears with its stupid art film idiocy. Zhang Yimou is so overrated and a lousy director, much like Ang Lee and any other art filmmakers.

This film is somewhat of an improvement from Zhang Yimou's previous effort "Hero", 'cause yes the story is more consistent and easier to understand. Although the poetic garbage in "Flying Daggers" is more straightforward rather than just going all over the place and being absurdly paradoxical like "Hero" was.

The martial arts action was okay, I suppose. It's the only thing I really cared about and it's not anything to gloat about. It wasn't that great.

The cinematography was nice if you like that sort of thing. I can admire the flowy shit but it's just not my style.

The sex scene was awful. I swear it looked like Takeshi Kaneshiro was having sex with a praying mantis. Ugh!

Well, there you go! Slave loses more credibility because, unlike most people, he can see through these films' deceptions and does not comply to mainstream idiocy. Glad you people like this garbage but I don't. Completely boring and self-indulged piece of crap.

"The butterflies scream in agony, the love you show through apathy, the facade you wear is cruel, as the mountains play the fool." What the f@#$ are you talking about!?!

This is a period film of revenge set in a turbulent time of Thailand/Siam's history. Tony Jaa watches his parents die on order from the King's mad heir, in order to secure his power. Tony escapes and is taken in and trained by a community of pirate mercenaries from childhood. When Tony comes of age he leaves the adoptive father and leader of the pirates for revenge! Along the way is plenty of action and a good plot twist leaving the viewer wanting more!

The cinematography was excellent! The stunts and action outstanding. Tony Jaa shows that he is more than just a Muay-Thai expert by using various forms and weapons! The story was straightforward and simple with a great supporting cast portraying the villains, fighters, and family! I think many overlook the acting in favor of the action. The actor portraying Cher Nung, the pirate leader, was excellent. The ending is not what you expect but sets you up for a sequel, kind of like the ending of " The Empire Strikes Back ". All in all this is a must-see film for action lovers. The stunts are fantastic!

Chin Kar Lok and his father travel to the city to find a better way of life. Chin's father wants him to have a good education but Yu Shu prefers to imagine himself in a fantasy life where he is the good guy saving damsels in distress. Don't worry about the first few scenes it gets a lot better! Enter 'better' known as Kim Won Jin! This man is at the top of the kicking world! And his Scorpion form, as he scuttles across the floor or ground is the best I have ever seen! It's truly a different kind of fighting that's for damn sure! If you haven't guessed by now Kim Won Jin steals the show. His first fight gives you an idea what this guy can do. Those who refuse to watch wire fu do not bother but you are really going to miss one hell of a good time! The laws of physics cannot be changed even by the bad guy. You can't make a movie like this without wires but it doesn't matter! It's great entertainment and not all is wire assisted. Kim Won Jin kicks like no one else and I mean No One!

Yu Shu (Chin Kar Lok) is young and has a temper. Most of his time in high school he is getting into trouble for drawing his hero comics or beaten up by the police chief's son. In a series of coincidences he befriends a lovely young girl in servitude to a nasty guy (the Scorpion's father) who sells women locally and abroad. Unfortunately that leads to his father getting beat up and Yu Shu is looking for some help. He finds a temporary refuge with a group of body builders at their school. Yu Shu is so impressed, especially by the instructor Little John he decides he must become his student. That is one of those nicknames that use the opposite. Little John is anything but little!

Yu Shu, his father and the ex-slave go to stay with an old friend, Lo (Lau Kar Leung) at his noodle shop and Yu Shu makes tentative steps at romancing . It must be remembered that Yu Shu's character is supposed to be high school age and cannot be expected to be super talented since he has never had any training other than in his imagination. Although Yu Shu attends a few lessons with Little John his real training begins as every day work for the restaurant.

Knowing his helper wishes to learn Kung Fu Sifu Lo uses everyday items and tasks to train the impatient Yu Shu.

Things grow worse when Yu Shu's friends maid is sold into a prostitution ring by her mother and Yu Shu and his friend get Little John to help them get her back. The big man versus the thin guy with legs that seem to go in 360 degrees is excellent. The gauche riches of the gangsters is shown well as the two square off and Little John breaks a number of things including a wall. At first Little John is quite the opponent but the villain uses his Scorpion (damn he is good!) and amazing kicking skills. The only hope now is to run away. Yu Shu and Little John make it out but the girls are trapped.

It's obvious Lau Kar Leung did a lot of the choreography and some damned good fighting as well especially his fight with the scorpion. Lau being in his fifties didn't look like he had lost a thing since the hey day of the Shaw Brothers. A truly amazing man. But of course Yu Shu needs to try out his skills against the villain and it takes everything he has been taught plus a form of his own creation, the Eel style.

Chin Kar Lok is at a decided disadvantage. No matter how much he could train or do quality acrobatics there is no getting away from the kicking Master. It's difficult to watch anyone else unless he is tearing their head off at the time. And with Lau in the film it leaves the "hero" in third place. Chin is underrated and does have martial arts skills worthy of being on film. But the star is Kim Won Jin, no one will argue with that!

There is humour added naturally but it does help lighten up the story considering it is built around selling girls/women into slavery and prostitution. But as I said earlier don't worry too much about the plot. It's there to add some comedic filler into what could have been a very dark and depressing film.

Back to the Master of kicking - he needs to make more films! I can't say enough about how astounding he really is, just wish there was more of him. I have seen every kicker anyone could name and none of them are better than Kim Won Jin. I'm familiar with wire work and using tubing. I don't think he is on any wire as the Scorpion. And there are other instances where it certainly looks like pure talent.

My only real complaint is that some scenes were shot in a hand held and the fights too close up in places. The finale fight is too dark, visually. It is supposed to be night but it makes some action difficult to see. But after you watch it a few times, and then a few times more with friends you will get the full effect.

Buy it, it's a keeper. Maybe buy two in case it wears out. : )

If the producers could have found a better actor, I believe the film would have been better. Not by much, because fans were expecting Jet and Jackie to be the main focus and not supporting characters on a mission of destiny for Michael Angarino. On the plus side, I thought the cinematography, costumes, and supporting cast in the fantasy world were good. The real world scenes left a lot to be desired due again to Angarino's personality. The plot was ambitous, about a teen transported to a land of immortals and tasked with freeing the imprisoned Monkey King. He is helped by a misfit group of companions in his quest and learns about not only kung fu but also friendship, loyalty, and life.

The Hollywood influence is clearly felt on this film. It was not what I expected, but it did keep my interest. As others have pointed out, if I saw this back in my sense-of-wonder days as a child, I would have loved it. Upon seeing it as a jaded adult, I expected more, but I did manage to enjoy what was there.

Free from the constraints of Lo Wei's half-assed approach to filmmaking, and with his own Concord Productions set up under the Golden Harvest banner, Bruce was now in control, and decided to go big. Setting the story in Rome gave the movie its own distinct feel, a fresh look for its time, and a chance for Bruce to play another fish out of water, country bumpkin character, much like we saw in "The Big Boss". And to me, he was way more appealing as the reluctant hero than the hell-bent killing machine from "Fist Of Fury". This "stranger in a strange land" angle added a lot of well placed levity, and is one of the aspects of the film that works the best, in my opinion.

The characters are a fun assortment. Especially the badguys. They are a pretty non-threatening bunch, and you don't for one minute believe that they are any sort of match for Bruce. Which they aren't. He does his thing, and everyone drops like a sack of potatoes. This is nothing new. But at least there is a semi-comedic twist to it here, which makes it more fun to watch.

Finally, towards the end, the villains call in the big guns, in the form of Bob Wall, Whang In-Sik, and one disturbingly hairy Chuck Norris. I never thought much of Bob Wall, and this doesn't do much to change that. Whang In-Sik, however, was a human tornado. Look at him in "Hapkido" or "When Teakwondo Strikes" for proof of that. Yet here, he looks just as inept as the rest of the hapless buffoons. There was no room for others to shine in the Bruce Lee show.

The closest we probably come to Bruce fighting a worthy opponent ,in any of his movies, is the end fight here. You actually get a sense that at one point, Chuck poses an actual threat to Bruce--but only for a minute or two. After Bruce switches styles, it is clear that he has the upper hand (as the overt symbolism with the cat and the rock also suggests). But this is still a great fight for a number of reasons. The epic setting, a showdown at the coliseum (well, an interior set at Golden Harvest, but still...). Two modern day gladiators square off in the ancient arena of battle (well, at least in a hallway next to it). An Asian vs. a westerner, kung fu vs. karate, speed vs. power, Bruce in black, Chuck in white. A great setup. Also the pacing of the fight is good, great build up and nice pay off. The music is great, the editing is tight, and the choreography was fresh and fluent for its time. A classic showdown to a classic movie.

Why did I wait? This turned out to be one of the best martial arts movies I've ever seen. Yeah, sure, it's not realistic that this little chick could kick all this ass; but let's call a spade a spade: we don't watch martial arts movies for realism. Uma Thurman got to do it in "Kill Bill", and Jeeja Yanin deserves the same kind of props for the incredibly acrobatic, intricate, and downright dangerous screen fighting she unleashed in "Chocolate".

I know that giving a film 5 stars is a loud statement, and I'm not trying to state that this film is perfect. It's not. Definitely not. But despite its imperfections, the action was just so fun, the choreography so exciting and often unexpected, that I'm willing to err on the side of generosity for this little film that could.

I, for one, can't wait to see more of Jeeja Yanin. If this is just her starting point, I can't imagine what else she could achieve onscreen in the coming years.

There are lots of little nods to the kung fu flix of old that will likely appeal to genre fans, but I couldn't help wondering while I was watching the film who the intended audience really was. True genre fans would likely find this film to be childish and unengaging on the whole. Casual fans whose primary exposure to the genre has been through crossover films like "Crouching Tiger" would also likely find this film lacking in emotional depth and motivation. And kids--well, kids would probably like most of it, though a lot of the violence did seem a bit harsh for a young'un. I guess the idea was to make something for young teens whose parents might have been Shaw Brothers fans back in the day? I'm just guessing here.

The bottom line is that if you're watching this with your 13-year-old son, you'll probably come away mildly entertained and he'll come away with possibly a new favorite movie. But if there's no 13-year-old boy in your scenario, then you might want to skip this one and seek out something a bit more decisive--a movie that has actually something to say or at least an innovative way of saying it.

The only word that keeps popping into my head when I think about this movie is "cute". If "cute" is enough for you to justify a couple of hours, then more power to you. Otherwise, don't lose any sleep over missing this one.

I have noticed on a couple of sites where this film was mentioned that a lot of the people reviewing it who DIDN'T like it seemed to not like it for what I would call rather small-minded reasons. Personally, I thought the story was fine--I think I saw it called "simplistic" or "childish" or some such. From what I could gather (keep in mind I have a version with no subtitles!), the story was a rather poetic adult fairy-tale affair, great for losing yourself in--something along the same lines as "The Company of Wolves". Most other folk seemed to have nothing else on their minds but the fights--and if you can find anything to complain about in those, even (or perhaps especially!) WITH the CGI and wires, then you ain't watching the same Tony Jaa film as me!

One of the best martial arts films I've seen in ages, made all the better by the storytelling element lifting it out of the "brainless thump and crash" fodder that too many people are happy to settle for.

It was not Lau Kar Leung's idea to do a broad humour movie at this time but the Shaw Brothers were looking for anything to expand their audience beyond the martial arts fans. Golden Harvest was becoming a serious threat to the Shaws. There was an agenda for Golden Harvest to essentially put Shaws Brothers out of business, with some help from their well off investors. Martial artist and director Lau decided if it was to be comedy he would give them comedy! He also knew he needed a well known (and loved) cast to do at least some martial arts or that segment of the audience would be very disappointed. The decision was made to do a current day martial arts comedy spoof. Unfortunately quite a few people did not realize going in that this was never intended to be taken seriously. Lau lampooned everything he could think of and still managed enough kung fu to satisfy the fans. The few people left complaining about "too much stupid humour" failed to realize despite the material that this was satire, and took everything much more seriously than was ever intended, especially by Lau. He was making fun of his own movies, the genre, the student - master relationship, training, killer stances and even being overly conservative and rigid was fair game.

The movie begins with Wong Hsia Yuan (Lau Kar Leung) asking for help to prevent his martial arts school from being torn down. His colleagues try to get him to be reasonable but it was founded by Wong's Master and he refuses to leave unless told to do so. Just as things are getting really serious a message comes from Wong's Master that they should move to a better place for the school. Now given no choice Hsia Yuan reluctantly moves the school and his five students to new quarters. The school founder lives in the US but is coming to Hong Kong. Sifu Wong along with several other well respected schools leaders and the students go to the airport to meet the now elderly Master. But when they pick up the new school "Master" they get one hell of a surprise! However Wong tries to keep things flowing smoothly and at least giving face to some of the ideas offered. But it seems at every turn they disagree! Wong complains to the other teachers and elders he can't comply with the new Master's wishes and ideas, particularly since she is a young woman Chan Mei Ling (Kara Hui), The Founder's daughter. He is encouraged to let her make a few minor changes and that she will soon grow bored and go back to the US. He does try to allow her to tell his students what to do but she does everything wrong! At least as far as he is concerned including some of his students, especially Hsiao Ho. The humour is mostly involving the clashes, between cultures, ages and, especially Hong Kong and the "rules for women". Mei Ling's ideas about training, and even the reason to practice kung fu conflict with Wong. Frustrated he tells his students they have a new boss now and he leaves.

Mei Ling uses his absence to make more changes to draw attention and therefore potential students. They set up ways to attract attention, including a public demonstration of young children sparring. I must admit the little guys were fun. So fierce! Unfortunately the ideas land everyone at the police station. Sifu Wong tells Mei Ling he feels the entire mess is so embarrassing he has lost all face because of her. He leaves the school and doesn't tell them when or if he is going to return.

Mei Ling thinks the guys need a definite change of appearance if they are going to attract young people. The results of her martial artist makeovers are …interesting. I think they went a wee bit overboard with some of the changes but it was done for laughs and it was the single incident that finally separated Mei ling and Sifu Wong. In their new wardrobes they go where they can find young people who are not set in their ways and have the strength to pursue martial arts. This also leads to a disco where Mei Ling hopes to pick up more students. The cream of the crop these students are definitely not. There are groups of all sort and Mei Ling makes sure everyone gets a great example of the kung fu style. Gay, transvestites, prostitutes and other assorted students all go to the school.

Sifu comes home to discover his school packed with very interesting groups of people. When he demands of Mei ling to tell him why they are there she tells him they are all his new students. If that is not enough of a shock he sees his five students dressed up like as he says, "freaks" There is a major argument between Mei ling and Wong even in front of so many people. When Sifu refuses to teach them Mei ling says she will train them all. Mei ling is going to have the five senior students teach the newly recruited students along with her. One of the students has had enough and follows his former Sifu and back to the old ways.

One night the group of prostitutes don't arrive for class. At first it's thought they just had enough of practice but Mei ling doesn't believe it. On her own she goes to the "ball room" (insert your own joke here) only to discover her students had all been beat up by the guys there for resisting the customers. She is furious and starts beating up the male staff. Eventually they subdue Mei Ling and it becomes necessary for Wong to compensate for any damages. Once Mei Ling is freed she is furious that he didn't do anything to the ballroom owner and she plans revenge. However things don't go the way she planned and that leads to the finale which takes place in a gymnasium complete with balance beam, parallel bars etc. Lau had kept the students under a tight reign it seemed but wow when he did turn them loose it was great!! Especially Hsiao Ho and Gordon Liu. Gordon harkens back to the "36th Chamber" San Te Monk. Hsiao Ho returns to "Mad Monkey" and is dazzling and amazing as he takes on about a dozen guys with machete/knives and looks in great form. It's not unusual for people doing martial arts to get injured but Hsiao Ho must have had more than his share. At different points in the movie especially the gymnasium he is wearing bandages on his back and a couple places on his leg and foot. But it certainly did not hurt his terrific performance! And last but most definitely not the least is the fight with Lau Kar Leung/Master Wong. The fighting is top notch and Lau looks incredible. What an amazing man! However if not for Gordon Liu and Hsiao Ho the end would have been most disappointing.

This is a difficult film to rate. There are scenes that are great, and some not so great. But you need to have this movie because you will watch it again, at least the finale fights. All things considered it's not a bad movie but it isn't great either. A big deciding factor in my rating is due to the last fight ensemble.

* Okay you who think you know all the trivial trivia about such films. What's the answer to this question. Well one thing is 'borrowed' from "My Young Auntie". More of a prop really. Here's a hint - Kara Hui doesn't use it in this movie but Hsiao Ho did in My Young Auntie.

Let's get the obvious out of the way and just say the film had excellent martial arts action. I like the fact that we get to see different forms of martial arts, from Japanese style to Chinese style. The ninja stuff was a wee bit absurd, but it had to be put in somewhere and I loved it regardless. The story is actually quite good also, even with the comedy.

The best thing about this film is that they used actual Japanese martial arts actors. I sometimes get agitated when I see films like "Memoirs Of A Geisha", where they used Chinese actresses to play Japanese roles. It ruins the ethnicity of the film and, simply put, it's ignorant and bigoted. I'm glad to see a bit of unity in this film between the Japanese and Chinese because, as you are aware, there was a high level of hatred between these two countries. Not quite sure how it is now.

[SPOILERS] Also I loved how the film ended. Yes, I actually smiled and got all stimulated at the end seeing that Kendo master all happy when Gordon Liu's character accepted the sword when before he didn't because of his ignorance towards samurai ethics. I usually favor hatred and death, but because of the nature of this film, it is what I hoped for and that is a happy ending. [END SPOILERS]

One of the best Shaw films ever made, if not one of the best martial arts films ever made. For those who think this film is overrated, suck the sweat off my blubber! (Couldn't resist.)

Hands down one of the best kung fu films ever conceived. This film defines how great martial arts films are crafted, and I'm not talking about just the kung fu action in general. The film for me succeeds in its over-embellished acting--I mean everyone in this film was pissed off. Also the music was completely awesome and mingled in with the film just perfectly. The cinematography was, of course, beautiful. The story was straightforward but still completely over-the-top. And for your consideration, the kung fu choreography is dead-on perfect. Very well performed and beautiful and DEATHLY! :)

Of course, even with a film like this, there are a couple of absurdities, if not counting the over-acting and the vehemence. The background scenery for the first battle--my god, how factitious that was. Geez, talk about fake. It makes an Ed Wood movie seem like a $1,000,000,000 budget movie. Secondly, the final fight--I was laughing so damn hard at the teeth-pulling scene. I mean come on, what hell is up with that? I mean I understand the logic the monks were going at, driving the wolves away, but wouldn't it be more humane to just kill these people?

Lau Kar Leung should have done more movies like this instead of his dumb-ass comical garbage like "Cat Vs. Rat" or "My Young ASS"! This is kung fu filming perfection at its highest. AND NOT OVERRATED! Ba-zing!