The plot, such as it is that a wealthy businessman becomes interested in a young woman who kept him from being lost at sea by Emil Chau (bad guy?) He gets Brad Allen, an American Martial Arts champion to fight C.N. with the intention of humiliating C.N. who hasn't been in the gym much and not in fighting form. What takes place next is one the most unrealistic fights I have seen in a Jackie Chan movie. Things are polite. Brad comes prepared for everything and different weight gloves. And tunes. When Jackie falls down and just stays there Brad leaves and Emil is sad rather than gloating. Emil does not work as a bad guy. Jackie wants a rematch with Allen and starts to work out again, often with the help of Ah Bu.

Of course there needs to be another fight between Jackie and Brad. It's difficult to see many shots of Jackie because he is wearing all white and every thing in the room is white too. Rather blinding. I won't spoil the outcome of the fight nor the repercussions so I'll shift to this movie apparently has had all the specials removed.

The movie itself is 120 minutes and is not a great film. Jackie seemed to be having a lot of fun when talking during interviews. He had one of his best friends act as the most useless bad guy along with a stunt team member to have pretend fights with. The only thing I have heard about this movie that is so special is that Jackie finally has a romantic kiss. Well the kiss is in the special features so no one will see it now anyway, and Jackie has kissed women before in movies like "Red Bronx" ("Rumble In The Bronx"). Jackie seemed very happy during the interview segment but this reviewer did not share in his elation. This movie did not deliver as advertised. Pretty fluff and everyone's happy does not necessarily a good movie make.

Wesley Snipes is Blade half vampire - half human with all the right stuff.

Considering it's just Blade and Whistler (Kris Kristofferson) they need all the breaks they can get. Though Blade is half vampire that gives him the additional strength and endurance but his half human side allows him to walk about in the daytime. Kris Kristofferson really does work well with Snipes. I don't think I would have thought of that combination but somehow it clicks. Partially the success is do to the commitment of both actors. Whistler provides information and cool weapons coming for Blades growing arsenal. After all this careful creation of the character the movie bringing out a shotgun with silver bullets is disappointing to say the least. They could at least have had the bullets be manufactured from titanium or something!? Or how about oak? Cedar? Call me old fashioned but one should not seriously muck about with accepted standards. As for his other weapons they certainly make up a sufficient arsenal to take out a hell of a lot of vampires. A very cool sword with an "extra" a gorgeous black muscle car, guns and ammo with other great stuff necessary for the job. Blade is hot and looking real cool.

Snipes himself is greatly responsible for the creation and quality of the film. There was no Yuen woo Ping - no one really that had any experience that wanted to take on the project So, Snipes decided to take on much of the choreography. He gathered a group of not so well known along with people with a proven resume' and added his own style of martial cool. Snipes does practice martial arts but he has never claimed to be any kind of expert. He also grew up watching and loving martial arts movies and it's obvious he paid attention!

The other character with some screen time is N Bushe Wright. Unfortunately there really wasn't much for her to do, but she went through the paces well enough.

Blade has accepted his destiny - to save the world from being dominated by vampires. These are not your typical mindless blood suckers. There is a division amongst the vampires. One side, the "pure bloods" who are born as vampires and the other group who were human before being turned into vampires. The film treats the whole vampire concept as more of a disease or condition as opposed to random tearing of flesh and snapping of bones with spurting blood. They have even developed a type of cure if taken soon after being bitten adding more weight to the illness framework.

When Lord of the Immortals' Deacan Frost declares all out killing of human kind the viewer believes him. In his own way Frost is as cool as Blade and as believable in his role. Before long Blade learns Frost has even grander plans for the vampire race. His ultimate goal involves bringing a blood god back to life, into the human world. It's a welcome aspect into a genre that seems to be all about action and/or/ gore and loses the supernatural.

The soundtrack is predominantly techno - lite with some slower music lends a surrealistic tone. It adds an element to remind the viewer he or she may not be coming back thinking the same way again about vampires. It does help the flow of the film and works well for kick ass time.

Blade is a wonderful ride with lots of popcorn. And even thought provoking in it's own way. It's damn good entertainment you will be watching more than once!

The film begins as bounty hunters are tracking Chinese, haunting their movements waiting for an opportune time to add to their murderous earnings.

Through fortune or fate seven people come together in what is known as "Martial Arts Town" to fight against the savagery of the new form of government.

Many innocent people were being slaughtered in the name of ridding the country of dangerous and dangerously thinking types which in reality meant open season upon the people. In order to save lives five rather ordinary seeming people travel to Mount Heaven. It is there they meet Master Shadow Glow who lives as a hermit and two of his disciples. The Master has been waiting for their arrival and has produced special gifts for them - very special swords, each with it's own unique qualities.

Amongst the seven actors most in real life had no martial arts or sword fighting skills. Several had never held a sword. Although there was no footage of the actors training it was obvious Lau Kar Leung is still a Master in many ways. In the special features Lau speaks about his students and seemed genuinely fond of them and thoroughly enjoyed time spent with them. It is almost unbelievable he was able to make the cast look so incredibly good at sword fighting skills, the choreography and act as the leader of the Seven Swords! I am continually in awe of this man and his never ending talent.

It really is an ensemble cast, especially the Seven Swordsmen. Some viewers felt the film should "star" this or that person. This is not a breakout movie for one star or another. Any attempt to make it so would have destroyed the film and the story. This film is about working together no matter what the odds. Staying true to the mission and not trying to be better than any of the others. It seems some viewers have no concept of such selfless dedication and so began to rip the movie apart because their personal "star" was not the focus. Truthfully if this is how a viewer feels they might as not bother watching this film because they will not be able to understand.

Despite the fact this is a nation at war and numerous bodies are decapitated, dismembered, amputated and killed with a myriad of weapons in a dizzying manner of uses there is virtually no blood. The fact is when you cut off someone's head there is going to be a lot of gushing blood. There should be blood spurting everywhere and covering everything including the wounded, the dying and the dead. Either the director, Tsui Hark was concerned about a Monty Python moment or more likely he chose the "no spurting" ban Mainland China has established policies on such things as a bad idea if he wanted that audience and support with no edits.

General Fire Winds leads an army of ruthless, mostly unintelligent brutes from one village to the next and the next killing any who knows martial arts and killing the rest as well. Every dead Chinese adds more to his coffers. He is a very bad guy.

These are people and events that are fantastic in the truest sense of the word!

Tools such as wire and tubing are used to help "normal " actors or stunt people do outrageous takes that make them appear to be impossibly talented. Now to impress you need an ultra special entity they must be better in most ways. In many ways we have reached a relative plain on tech and it will be some time before the next major changes in the world of sight and sound. (Well a few weeks anyway)

Tsui Hark helmed a truly fantastic film! The story is solid enough, the acting surprisingly good from a mostly unknown cast and Lau Kar Leung to help pull it all together and lead the Seven Swordsmen. The pacing isn't bad although it's not three hours of kicking ass. You must have character development or the viewer will not become emotionally involved with the characters. That bond is essential or you lose your audience.

The gorgeous shots of the landscape were absolutely beautiful! Such wide expanses and open tundra with mountains shooting up through the earth. Breathtaking! One of the most beautifully shot films I have ever seen! Hark knew when to let the beauty of nature be the 'star'.

The score by Kenji Kawai is fair to good. Nothing really special here but it's not invasive.

I'm not including any negative points as I think most are unjustified and they have already been discussed extensively.

I have a prediction. In five years people will be calling it an epic masterpiece.

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.

Jet plays a Taiwan agent sent to the US to retrieve some stones that look like black diamonds, except they are in reality miniature weapons of mass devastation. In order to get them back, the original thieves kidnap the leader's daughter Vanessa. Some stuff happens and there is a four wheeler whatever vehicle chase up and down stairs and across building roofs.

It's inconceivable that the thieves would have something so completely priceless they didn't bother to think about guarding them! However we do need a reason for the big fight. Sigh, unfortunately the big fight is short and poorly edited. It's an okay rental to watch while doing something else but not much more.

Huo Yuanjjia (Jet Li) was born in turn - of - the - century 1900 era China. It was a time of grand possibilities but also of great uncertainty and hints of betrayal But Yuanjiia knew nothing of such things. His world was still innocent enough he had no such worries. There was but one thing he desired; the one thing his father could not give. His father was a well respected, highly regarded Master of the martial arts. His character (played by the much under rated Colin Chou) had hoped for a child to follow him and his school. It was difficult to forbid his son from training and fighting, mostly fighting, but absolutely essential as Yuanjjia was born with severe asthma. Other children taunted him about his lack of fighting skills especially considering who his father is, and often it was the teasing that brought out the urge to fight back physically. He always lost. His only support is from his great friendship with Nong Jinsun. Jinsun is very good in school and is often manipulated by Yuanjjia to do his school work for him. When he got into trouble and was punished by writing he would always manage to have Jinsun help him out of it. One day Yuanjjia took the book his father used and had, of course, his friend Jinsun copy it although he didn't know exactly what he was copying. Once he had his own book Yuanjjia wanted to do nothing else but train. At first he was not making much progress but his increased efforts brought about more skill. The next time he is bullied he goes on the attack much to the unpleasantly surprised bully. When his parents see he has been fighting again there is more writing to do.

Against his parents wishes he continues to train, challenging anyone he could find. He was even willing to take a beating in order to discover the ways of different styles and techniques. He was invincible! Every contest made and every battle fought he could find none better. Some challengers refused to fight him until he taunts them about their house and family history. All fell before him. When he returns home we see only the love for his mother and his absolutely gorgeous young daughter. He also visits his father's grave but instead of paying honour and tribute he essentially throws away an integral part of the Chinese family culture. It's a very odd feeling to see "Jet/Yuanjjia" be so angry and disrespectful. His mother is worried about his daughter growing up without a mother and a father who would leave at the hint of a contest. Before the tea is cool he is challenged by a competitor he beat in a fight prior to his journey. At home so little after fighting across the land he still jumps at the opportunity to fight.

Yuanjjia made a considerable reputation for himself fighting without fear or mercy, or regret. The more fights he won the more students would go to his school. But unlike his father's teachings Yuanjjia would take in most anyone who could help pay for his increasingly extravagant lifestyle. He ignores his mother's pleas and spends virtually no time with his wonderful sweet daughter. It was easy to become a favorite of Yuanjjia. Usually a flurry of complements directed to him and he would consider one a friend. His life long friend Jinsun owns Yuanjjia's favorite establishments and keeps reminding him he owes a lot of money, and not to continue to pay his lackeys. There have been rumours about the family and the Masters ways. But as far as Yuanjjia is considered let the good times roll!

One night Yuanjjia is brought one of his students with an injured leg. When he demands to know how it happened he is told a rival Master attacked him for the sole reason of being a student in Yuanjjia's school. Yuanjjia is enraged! This act reflects poorly on him and his school, he feels he must show everyone he is a man to be respected! His arrogance and ego have escalated beyond the point of rationality into madness and what ensues is the most brutal, savage, vicious and seemingly instantaneous fight moves you will see. This fight shows Jet in his most emotionally demanding film from Hong Kong. Though it sounds cliché you haven't seen Jet like this before! There is no trace of compassion no sense of honor or respect even when at his fathers grave. Yuanjjia is far beyond a jerk, he is a son of a bitch.

Some have said YWP did an inferior job, that the moves looked old and bordering on boring. There are moments but then it cuts to something that engages you. It's nearly dawn as Yuanjjia staggers outside throwing up. When he is informed that his competitor has died his world begins to splinter.

Through luck and kindness and acceptance Yuanjjia begins to understand that he does have a purpose.

Jinsun is surprised to see how much his friend has changed. It reminds him of when they were kids and how simple those days were. There is something more important than just their friendship - China.

I will leave the viewer to discover the rest of this amazing film. I know there is a theatrical version, meaning playing in large theaters that has been sliced and diced for who knows why. The WHOLE movie is what you want because much of what they cut out explains so much about Yuanjjia and what happens when he returns home. Unlike fighting for pride or gain, or even life itself the stakes are so much higher. Who said one person can't change the world?

The camera work was excellent but a little too tight in some fight scenes but altogether well filmed. The colors were bold and meshed nearly perfectly with the music. Every bit of real location was used to the maximum. There is a funereal quality to the movie that is present from the beginning. We know this is Jet's last, definitely last Wushu and period piece films. How can there not be a sense of inescapable sadness and loss?

I wouldn't really categorize Fearless as a "kung fu" movie though martial arts carry the story. After giving it much thought if I had to sum it up in one word I would have to say "respect.* See the film and you will understand.

RE Michelle Yeoh. The extended version states Michelle Yeoh's scenes have been returned to the film. Don't worry about not having that version as I thought it was condescending and irritating. Essentially she does as "Advertisement" for having Wushu in the Olympics as a demonstration sport.

However it is vital that you have the extended version because some wonderful and necessary information is communicated in those scenes.

My ability to read Chinese was a little less perfect than now, and I thought it was about a heroic woman cop fighting drug lords. Well it is, sort of. I think the title was "Heroine", or maybe not, as I was beginning to perceive there was something unholy about the wretched thing! I also began to wonder why I had not found this "Jackie movie" when I had found much older and superior films such as the Shaw Brothers.

The ONLY reason I am writing a thorough review is in an attempt to save those amongst you who think you can handle it. And you must have in your possession every movie Jackie is in--or not really in, but was on the set, or a guy who kinda' looks like him, or...but I digress.

People: don't go there, in any sense of the phrase! I would like to say something good about the flick, but there is naught but dark grainy film--shadows, mysterious lights--no wait, that's the guy with the camera. Where is our star? Despite the horrid clothes, sets, vehicles, and acting, you will be able to find his bell bottomed butt underneath the "Guinness World Record Of International Silly Costumes AND Cosmetic Prosthetics". Just look for a guy who seems to be fighting off an attack by a marmot about the neck and face. There ya' go.

Jackie was supposedly the action director, but he seems AWOL on that job. Sometimes people kicked or hit each other and occasionally a car would drive around a parking lot pretending to be chased. I can't take anymore! It's awful! It's some kind of mind control experiment gone horribly wrong! And be not fooled by the treachery of its name of "Rumble In Hong Kong". Only those well experienced in dealing with terminal tediousness should even allow themselves to be within a few meters if possible, BUT DON'T PICK IT UP! DO NOT LOOK UPON THE CRAPPY VHS TAPE!

My duty done I will rest a bit easier hoping a few people be spared the catatonic experience.

With any space/time/other universe films you have to suspend your disbelief in order to accept the premise. Because Jet believed in the charactor the audience does as well. And there is always something that defies explanation you must accept or stop watching films of this nature. The One has the same obstacles. Jet did a great job! He made the roles in other universes believable. For once they actually had a real story behind the action. Gabe (Li) has a wife and dog and a house. Jet was exceptional in coming to terms with another 'him'. People usually expect kick butt action with Jet and there is plenty to go around. Having to fight yourself is a huge undertaking and thankfully they didn't resort to the old split screen. The One really hinged upon the believability factor that it was possible for other universes; another "you". Fortunately the film makers did not try to explain too much which would have really bogged down the story.

The differences between the good and bad Jet were present but the director does not hit the viewer over the head to make sure the audience knows what is unfolding. The scene where both are "getting clear" but in such very different ways made the viewer believe there were two! Fans of sci - fi or martial arts will definitely enjoy The One!

It's worth the cost of rental just to see Jet as a blond. :)

He learns this person is the "unicorn" a member of their family. Unicorn is disabled and requires a crutch but with Jackie so upset even he can take him down. In order to have a match and win for the sake of his grandfather he must train to build his body and mind. Some of the training is amazing, but then what would we expect of an early Jackie Chan movie? In order to win he has to use all of his emotions to confuse the enemy and to bring forth all of his skills.

One day after training he goes home only to find Unicorn missing. He follows the tracks and just barely saves Unicorn from death. The rest....well see for yourself!

The second disc. Remove from package, throw in the trash and never look back.

It isn't even a movie. This is a pieced together mess courtesy of Lo Wei. By this time in Jackie's career he and Wei were not on good terms. Wei was demanding another movie and when Jackie refused Wei dredged up clips from other Jackie movies including edited portions of Fearless Hyena, Spiritual Kung Fu, etc. I couldn't stand watching the whole thing and so made much use of the FF option. A lot of people including the "unicorn" take a sword to the gut or neck. I lost track of how many get killed off but it was indicative of Wei's anger. Jackie fought hard to prevent the second film from ever being released, but Golden Harvest settled out of court with Wei, and the horrid movie remains today.

Mom and dad are brilliant, capable fighting machines for the goverment. A new and improved weapon, the Power Glove, was designed to supersize the abilities of the person using it. But as such things usually turn out to be it was not only used for good. One of the agents steals the Power Glove with help from a dazed and sedated looking Biao. Through flashbacks we learn that dad was working on an invincible type of martial art called the "Avenging Fist" when things started to go wrong. While mom is about to deliver *enhanced* twins dad is being brain - washed by the evil leader and Samo must use the Power Glove to stop a still dazed looking Biao, and everyone presumes he dies from his injuries. But no, he lives on as a virtual slave. One day Darth, I mean dad is sent to bring back one of his own children to the evil leader. It so happens it is the kid's birthday. Mom decides it's time to give Nova the Power Glove his father wanted him to have. Just in the nick of time because dad is breaking down the walls and engages mom in a fight as she tries to protect her kids. Of course she loses quickly and evokes a memory in dad of early times. We know that he is tortured because he makes a tortured soul yell under the cheap mask over his nose and mouth. Mom is fading and in her last few breaths she tells Nova to save his sister, whom has just been kidnapped by dad. However there are still bad guys remaining so he practices on them and then falls apart because he killed someone. This is to show us he has emotions plus it gives a couple of lines to his girlfriend. Meanwhile Ironsurfer is fighting dad, and unlike every other person who dared battle with Darth dad he isn't dead yet. Dad knocks down Ironsurfer about twenty times. This is to show us the kid is not a quiter and he will not give up a battle. Right before he is incinerated or tossed through a wall Samo shows up to save him and to blast his opponent. Oops too late. Dad has carried off daughter. Darn! This means the movie is not over yet!

The ambience has been said to be "dark", like Blade Runner. Unfortunately it is nothing like Blade Runner. The darkness doesn't tell us anything - except it is dark. We know it is in the future because Samo wears a hat covered with aluminum foil (really!)The CGI looks as though it was done on an Atari computer. The bad guys were Nazi looking clothing right down to the boots. I suppose they were going for a good vs. evil tone but it didn't work. The film just dissolves into a mess all the time playing loud and annoying muusic. People flying around sans flight vehicles, ridiculous dialogue and atrocious acting with nary a plot - don't get this one or you will most definitely regret it!

Dragon (Jackie) and Mars, long time friend and stuntman, are buddies who like the same girl. However they both push love aside to save some of China's precious treasures the bad guys are sending out of the country. Dragon is innocently trying to retrieve a kite he sent with a love note attached. As he is on the roof getting his kite he overhears the villains making their plans to ship the valuable items out of country for sale. Dragon and Mars can't allow their country's valuables be sold! That leads them in the end having to deal with the gang leader, none other than Whang In-sik, the Korean Hapkido master. Whang In-sik, who also had an end fight with Jackie in Young Master, battles with Dragon and some with Mars in this movie. The production values are nearly nonexistent, but though the fights on the surface are not as intense as Young Master they are still very good. Not many props just hard hitting from Whang In - sik and Jackie's manic determination to beat the gang leader and save the royal treasures.

There are two unique things about Dragon Lord. One particular scene is listed in the Guinness Book Of World Records for the most takes - allegedly nearly 3000!! Also this is the first movie Jackie had real outtakes. Jackie proves once again that movies don't have to cost millions of dollars to be entertaining. You have to let go of the "Hollywood" expectations and enjoy it for the movie it is.

(I always thought this movie was what inspired Drunken Master 2!)

If you haven't seen this film, you need to do so ASAP, and you need it in your collection. There are a lot of references here that people still use when talking about film. It is much more than bullets-o-rama, although there is no shortage of ammo in most any John Woo film. If you look beyond the action, there is a core of highly charged emotion regarding love of family, "brothers", and loyalty to the triads. It manages to show there is more to triads than bloodthirsty guys with no personality or values. A great film!

Warlords is based on real events that occurred in the mid 19th century China during the Qing dynasty. It is truly a film of epic proportion. Covering more than five years during a most terrible time in the country's history, civil war had raged for over fourteen long bloody years including the Taiping Rebellion. The country was ravaged by so many hardships seventy million people died in battle or from illness and starvation. Between the poverty and desperation and the seemingly never ending lust for power and riches of the royalty China was being destroyed from the inside out.

The film opens to major battle scenes with convincing realism. Hand to hand combat, stabbing, slashing, amputations, decapitations with bloody dead and screams of the dying. Smoke drifts across the massive battlefield. Everything is gray, and dirt punctuated by darkening blood. General Pang (Jet Li) had 1600 men in his army and was to have an additional significant number of troops from the Kui army. But it was treachery on the part of the Kui. They stood idly by while Pang's men were slaughtered. Pang manages to be the sole survivor from the massacre.

Li is completely convincing from the very beginning. As he stumbles across the dead, his men - his brothers, a range of emotion sweeps across his face. As Pang is leaving you see the horrifying numbers of mutilated bodies, a sweeping expanse that seems to go on forever. Pang simply starts walking, it doesn't matter where he goes. He is deeply psychologically wounded and considers himself a dead man.

Pang meets a woman who cares for him in his despondent condition and they spend the night together. When he awakes she is gone and he is left to wonder if it was just a dream. Soon after the story introduces Jiang Wu Yang (Takeshi Kaneshiro) who brings Pang to a ramshackle mountain village to meet the leader. Pang goes along simply because he has nowhere else to go. He discovers the village is made up of mostly thieves and robbers who attack soldiers and shipments headed for the nearby city.

The group is lead by Zhao Er - Hu (Andy Lau). He is surprisingly dynamic at times and inspires tremendous loyalty amongst his people. When the robbers make a raid on a passing Kui army division Pang merely watches. When he realizes Jiang is about to be killed he intervenes and saves him as the men cheer. This earns him an elevated status among the group. There is great feasting when they return and for the first time in months there is enough food for everyone with some left over. Pang realizes that the woman he knew that first night was Lian

(Xu Jing-Lei) who not only lived there but was with Er - Hu. Suddenly the warm atmosphere is shattered by the Kui troops. They are there to retrieve what was stolen and anything else they can find. When the Kui depart despondency moves in like a fog, covering everyone and everything in tones of hopeless gray and black. Now the village has even less than it had before. Pang sees the suffering and tells the men they should join the army. Then at least they would be fed and paid wages to take care of their families. At first no one will even consider it. But the more Pang tells them of the benefits the better it sounds and many men volunteer to join the army. There are a few who refuse and they are allowed to leave, none knowing what their fate would be.

To make certain they agree on working together, and on a much deeper level, to become "brothers" they take a blood oath. Becoming *Brothers* goes beyond loyalty, beyond love. There is really no similar relationship in the west.

The cinematography presents the battle scenes very well with massive sweeps of endless dead and covers all in hues of mostly grey with a hint of reddish browns scattered here and there. There is one shot where all you see is the sky filled with arrows. It sounds ordinary but it makes an important statement. Having real dust and smoke and ashes in abundance definitely made the film much more realistic than post production grading or cg effects but it also took a toll on the main cast and crew. In the special features you see scenes with many people wearing basic dust masks and Jet is wearing a slightly better filter mask and no doubt the rest of the crew were tired of the dust and grime and dirt being hurled in their faces. The natural winds made for dramatic battle scenes but even when there was no wind fans were used to punch up the reality factor of a desolate land that was swept barren and always would be.

At times the close-ups were way too close up, usually when the director wanted to show extreme moments or emotions, especially with Jiang's character. The effect was jarring, annoying and almost into melodrama.

This was Peter Chan's first major film. He did fairly well and I think will grow to be a good director. He has the right instincts and with more experience he will learn.

When battles were relatively easy the three brothers couldn't have been closer. But during a siege on one city Er - Hu tries to prevent an order being carried out, disobeying an order. Pang tells him that war fighting for good meant freeing both men and women from oppression. At that point Jiang carries out the order. The cracks are beginning to show between the three and Pang's growing love for Lian only complicates matters. Pang is a military general who understands war as only he can, from his experience and his mind for strategy. Er - Hu is there to find a way to save his village of people and hoping there will come a day he no longer has to fight or steal food just to survive. He has no political aspirations. After making a promise Er - Hu essentially commits mutiny defying the soldiers to carry out Pang's orders. Er - Hu is physically restrained as once again it is Jiang that carries on with Pang's command. Jiang is nearly fanatic about the brothers and the rules they must live, and die by. He is significantly younger than his two brothers and spent years growing up at Er - Hu's side. For Jiang everything is black and white in his world, no gray. A thing is either right or wrong, there is no in between.

When the army has been under siege, without food or weapons, dying in the trenches Pang now tells Er - Hu that war is about winning. At that point Jiang realizes what Er - Hu always suspected. Pang still has aspirations of political power.

Pang's intent to bring about peace to China was sincere however the mechanism had now changed.

Warlords succeeds because of Jet Li. He was greatly deserving in winning the Best Actor award. Li began to show his acting abilities years ago but it wasn't really until 'Danny the Dog' and even 'Fearless' that many fans discovered what a lot of us already knew. That man can act! The roles are so different it makes comparison difficult but I believe Jet showed more of his range of acting. Even though I knew he could act and act well his performance really impressed me to the point I would say that this indeed thus far is his best role. With just a look he can convey so much. He is not an evil man in any way yet because of his position he had to make choices some might consider evil. Civilians and even some soldiers did not understand why strategy must be invoked, thinking an all out attack is not only best but the right way to fight. Jet's Pang is intense, intelligent, and always looking ahead. His presence overshadowed Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro. It wasn't just the character he played but because he played it so well. When Pang is on the screen it's as if he represents everything that has happened and will happen. I was transfixed.

A very powerful performance by an extraordinarily talented man.

Lau plays a man of the people. It becomes more difficult as time passes for him to except some of the decisions made by Brother Pang/General Pang. His performance is a bit uneven. At times he seems expressionless, and at others on the verge of overacting. Jiang narrates here and there which I found unnecessary. I can only guess that the director felt people would not understand left to their own devices.

All of the brothers realize on some level they are pawns in a very dangerous game they do not control. Er - Hu is even offered untold wealth and power if he would work with General He of the Kui army to destroy Pang.

Pang is changing and his brothers see a different side of him as he works towards establishing himself in a position of power in Nanking. Lian still loves him and is starting to enjoy a better life with him and Er - Hu and isn't going to make changes. It would have improved the film if Lian's character was fleshed out more. The fact that she played a role in Pang's decisions was never really touched on or even talked about. That's a shame.

The colors only return when in Nanking and with Pang although even he is wearing black until his Governorship ceremony. No longer the coal color black but it feels symbolic - they can't leave their pasts behind them. Warlords is an exceptional film and should be watched more than once. There are so many conspiracies and so much political intrigue it's impossible to absorb everything at once. A multi - layered work of high quality and solid entertainment.

A couple of notes:

• There was a movie called "Blood Brothers" that was made about the same events. It was released in 1973. The movie was naturally far less grand in scale and production due to the high cost of equipment and much of the technology had not even been invented yet that was used in Warlords. It is a good film, with Pang being played as more ruthless than ambitious. I don't feel they should be compared in every way because of the time difference of the filming. Blood Brothers is still definitely worthy of a viewing and as an addition to anyone's collection.

• Kudos to the arts/costume departments. The film was shot in chronological order. The task of continuity and especially aging clothing, people - everything was daunting but they did an excellent job!

• The research department did a fantastic job of making sure the weapons, costumes etc. were all from the correct time frame. Well done!

The bad guys are led by Daniel Wu (Purple Storm). I had a real problem separating Daniel from Purple Storm where he was older (acting older?) and gave a great performance. NPS really didn't give him a lot to work with. Spoiled very wealthy and living in an emotional shell with his parents. But he is not the first to suffer such things and most people do not turn into crazed killers who just like to be cool and kill people. All the while wearing the most pathetic masks ever seen. So bad they are very distracting and didn't do anything to hide who they were. Ahh buts it's all fun because the search for the criminals triggers an online/real time game with the bad guys and the cops. The young and hip police play the game online for their part and Jackie traces leads after being "brought back to life" by an enthusiastic young rookie (Nicolas Tse) assigned to him. His investigation leads him to some disturbing conclusions about people he knew as reliable friends and co workers. Without his new partner Jackie may have been a bit slower putting the pieces together.

The fights were few and none done very well. Jackie doesn't need to do kick ass fights but if he is going to do them it shouldn't be so damned easy to see his double. Jackie is getting old - that is getting too old to beat up his body and act like he feels fine. Jackie doesn't seem to understand what his fans have said for years. That when the time comes to leave the hard fighting and stunts he still can have an amazing career! Movies such as Crime Story didn't have a lot of "action" but it was a very good film and gave me a lot more respect for Jackie and his acting ability.

Jackie was asked once how he would prefer to die, in a movie, in his sleep, etc. Immediately Jackie said he wanted to die during one great big stunt! Sometimes I think he fears getting older more than death.

NPS has some problems with pacing. I suppose they thought they needed more back story but it felt more like rehashing the same thing. The tragedy, his guilt for leading his team into a deadly situation. If he hadn't been so cocky might the outcome have been different? I think fewer flashbacks and a bit more showing strength overcoming his doubts would have made a better film.

Keep in mind that director Yip took quite a few liberties and the movie is definitely not a fact based biopic, but there simply must be time compression in order to make an entertaining film. There had never been a film made about Ip Man and his teaching Wing Chun. However it was obvious that everyone wanted to do their best, especially Donnie Yen. It was important to director Yip and Sammo Hung as well. Sammo is really the right man to work with as action choreographer. He directed “Prodigal Son” with Yuen Biao which demonstrated some of the real martial art of Wing Chun. An amazingly talented cast of actors and martial artists help carry the story but it is Donnie Yen that brings Ip Man to life!

The film opens in the early to mid 1930's Ip Man is a wealthy man married and with a young son. His wife Cheng is played by Wong You-nam. While she is sometimes more like a set piece it must be remembered that the wife of such a man would be watching the child and running the house. However she is really never presented as a fleshed out character. Ip Man is more accepting of her feelings knowing her “tantrums” when he practices or spars. And he does make efforts to keep those away who wish to see him perform, challenge or beg for teaching. But he loves to practice and perhaps even enjoy sparring more than he will admit. She does however support her husband in a more subtle manner, encouraging him and not complaining when things start to look ugly with threats of violent times. It would have been nice to have more of her character explored. However all of the cast knew who the real deal was and that was Donnie Yen! That man has worked his way through many obstacles to finally be recognized as a true legitimate world class martial artist and now one hell of a good actor! Yes I said the “A” word - act. He has labored through some pretty hard years without appropriate recognition. I believe part of his unpopularity came about as a consequence of his not kowtowing his way into the main stream. Donnie has an interesting effect on people. Viewers seem to either love him and any role he plays or they can't stand him or any role he takes. Donnie Yen comes across as a man of ethics and completely believable in holding on to some values no matter what.

When a northern style fighter Jin Shan (Fan Siu-Wong), comes to Fo Shan he goes from school to school challenging every Sifu and style and beating them all. He feels he has proven himself as the best fighter and will open a school there. When he learns of Ip Man and the form of Wing Chun he marches up to Ip Man's impressive residence and insists on a duel. Of course Ip Man is not interested in such a crude display but is convinced that he needs to fight and win to reclaim the Province's considerable reputation. Within only a few moves it is obvious that Jin Shan is out classed and no match for Ip Man and Wing Chun. However he does not give up easily and continues to fight until Ip Man has his life in his hands. Jin Shan leaves humiliated with an uncertain future.

This was a big budget production especially for a Hong Kong movie and it shows! The attention to detail is striking. Fo Shan is a bright and colorful place with sumptuous settings and hundreds of set pieces made just for the film. The street re-creations are sun filled with trees, plants and people in all manner of dress bustling about their daily business. There is even a full scale working cotton mill which was built in a gutted warehouse.

When the Japanese invade the Province during the Sino - Japanese war everything quite literally becomes ashen gray or industrialized coal dust and soot. The Japanese General assigned to the area takes over Ip Man's home and sends the family into the streets to exist in abject poverty. Ip Man no longer practices Wing Chun because he would then eat more food and they have precious little with none to spare. There is little left of the city of Fo Shan that is not dark and menacing. When someone invades your country and does what the Japanese did it is entirely understandable to think of them as sadistic natural born tormentors and killers. The Japanese soldiers radiate rabid hate and seem to think the only good Chinese is a dead one. The Japanese General is played by Japanese actor and Judo black belt holder Ikeuchi Hiroyuki. He isn't really evil but he does believe the Japanese are superior in general and definitely in the realm of martial arts. Japanese soldiers especially one gutless Colonel who is rather sadistic are not portrayed as decent soldiers but then that is only to be expected. If not for the violence against the people of Fo Shon Ip Man would not have come forth as a man of the people, teaching the workers at the cotton mill Wing Chun so they might be able to defend themselves against the Japanese oppressors. The mass instruction scenes are powerful and do give a glimpse into the way Wing Chun can be used for self defense against a stronger opponent.

It's important to know a bit about the Wing Chun style to fully understand the film. Wing Chun is a very specific martial art. Unlike most martial arts forms Wing Chun was created to be used in real life situations, not just at tournaments or on stage. The form was created by a woman, for use against larger and stronger men. Despite research I have not found the woman who supposedly originally developed the form. I think her story would be utterly fascinating. Those who have not seen Wing Chun will be just as thrilled with the movie as those who practice it. There was some talk of Donnie Yen not being able to be convincing with the form considering how often his raw power is used in his martial arts. This reviewer had a few similar concerns. But to his credit, Sammo Hung's fight choreography and Wilson Yip helped to make Ip Man an outstanding film! Any concern about Donnie Yen not pulling off Wing Chun in a true and realistic manner faded with the very first time you see Ip Man fight. Wing Chun focuses on self defense and deflection of strikes and rapid open hand or punches when properly executed that does not depend on weight, height or muscle mass. One of the absolute key elements is balance, while countering or delivering strikes. The form works well in close quarters as well making it immensely useful in a variety of situations. Most of the martial arts or kung fu in films want to show that power and devastation which might lead one to think it might not come across in film as very interesting. On the contrary most people have never seen martial arts moves like Wing Chun. The close quarters, kicks delivered a bit lower on the body, such as the knees. There are higher kicks as well to the torso, elbow and knees takedowns works amazingly well The form emphasizes rapid punches and strikes that are so fast you have to run slow to see them. At times it is very difficult to see what all is happening, but weapons use is also a part of Wing Chun although unfortunately this film doesn't include that aspect except for one very brief scene with a pole, and another with a feather duster. (Can a feather duster be a weapon - in Ip Man's hands it definitely can be considered a weapon, at first rather comically but in the outcome potentially lethal).

The Japanese General Miura is amazed at Ip Man's ability and has never seen anything like it in Japan. He decides to have Ip Man train Japanese soldiers in the form, and of course become better than any Chinese. Ip Man will not do any such thing. But as the violence escalates he decides to challenge the General hoping to bring about some sense of fairness to the people. That he will sacrifice himself so that no one else would have to and to stay strong no matter what.

The second disc has quite a lot of information including interviews with the primary actors and Donnie speaks about what he did to prepare for this special role.

Yip and Hung talk of pre - production and how it was to work with Donnie and the other primary actors.

I only have two issues with the film. The first being how much liberty is taken with the story itself. There are those who believe major changes were made in the film to capture an audience. It has even been suggested that Ip Man and his family escaped to Hong Kong much earlier than indicated. Although somewhat disquieting I did not have the impression the story was so extremely different from reality. Perhaps the specifics were changed but there is a feeling of realism. Ip Man can make it difficult to separate the character and the actor. Donnie has put so much into the role it is as if he is Ip Man.

My other issue is really a small one however Sammo can be infuriating when he decides wires must be used, and in places they look odd as well. Thankfully there were not too many scenes wired.

The other two films are supposed to focus on the Hong Kong years. There are many, many fans of Donnie and now also of Wing Chun who can't wait!

Mun is a rather casual sort, kick backed and dealing with problems in a calm fashion. When strange events start to happen she doesn't wait to be saved she takes action on her own. That's really wonderful to see especially if you look at roles for most of the actresses. Mun does have some difficulties at first but that is only normal the doctors explain. Since she was so young when rendered blind she has no concept of writing or reading or what most things are called. Mun is very believable as she discovers what she looks like in a mirror. At first she does not even recognize herself. Quite understandable. She is not looking at herself. Many things in her world no longer exist and some things not in her former world of blindness have no meaning to her. Her doctor's tell her that it will take some time before she has completely clear sight and it's normal to see odd shadows or things that might startle her. It seems though as her eyes do adjust the disturbing images and shadow forms only increase.

Considering the scope of the challenges and adjustment Mun will need some professional help. She is assigned to Dr. Lo (Lawrence Chou) a young psychotherapist. He is the nephew of the doctor who performed the cornea transplant. At first he dismisses Mun's visions and mounting confusion as a normal response to such an immense change in life. However as time passes Mun is having more and more frightening visions.

One night in the hospital she talks to a young girl in the bed beside her. Her name is Ying Ying and she tells Mun she has a serious brain tumor that's required many surgeries. As they both recover they play and even take a picture together. Ying Ying has made Mun smile again and encourages her to keep going because the world is a beautiful place. Just before Mun leaves she is awakened in the middle of the night when she observes a shadowy figure go to the elderly lady in the bed across the room from hers and lead her out of bed. Mun thinks her vision is playing tricks but she follows them out into the hall. Mun can see the woman but the man is blurry and unfocused. In the morning Mun asks where the elderly woman is she is told the woman died in the night.

The more Mun tries to ignore the visions and nightmares the more unbalanced she becomes. She is borderline hysterical and with every new vision of dark figures and people who are not really there the more stressed she becomes. She tries to explain this to Dr. Lo and he is naturally skeptical, but he recognizes she is almost over the edge of sanity. Lo has begun to care for Mun as more than just another patient but he cannot find any way to help her despite everything he tries. At first he really does not believe her but as she worsens he decides it might be more therapeutic to investigate her frightening visions. The scenes are nearly constant. When she is not beleaguered by the shadowy people who seem to be harbingers of death to nightmares of people and places she does not recognize and has never been.

"The Eye" is an intense psychological thriller of the highest quality! There is very little bloodshed but a few people who have traumatic deaths and it shows. But this no gore fest, this is an edge of your seat taught psychological part horror - part mystery and completely chilling. From the very beginning credits in Braille to hands grabbing and pushing on a wall behind and a world behind. Other cast members perform adequately and are believable.

Mun has you pulled in very quickly. We care about this woman and when something happens we want her to be okay. Lo tracks down the donor and they try to get more information. They know the woman was named Ling and she lived in a village in Thailand. They also discover that Ling was clairvoyant but she was unable to save the others from an enormous fire that swept through the village. She became extremely depressed and she committed suicide. Mun has now inherited the same abilities to see the future and ones who are about to die. She is slowly able to try and communicate what Ling needs so she can rest in peace. The ending is spectacular although I am not certain I would have chosen that venue. It is definitely unexpected and keeps cranking up the level of tension

This film proves you don't need buckets o' blood and other gore to make a very creepy film! The co - directors are Danny and Oxide Pang. They were responsible for "Bangkok Dangerous" and this time Jojo Hui also did much of the script. It is to their great credit they didn't take the easy way out and have Mun's character be unbelievable screaming all the time. Although the film certainly has enough other world events that would justify a few screams! The FX were done with special attention to lighting and the use of angles and shadow. Some of the most frightening scenes use very little CG, but added with the music and sound effects to Mun's ordeals. The film runs approximately 96 minutes but it feels like it is much shorter. The directors knew when to stop that would have the most terrifying responses. "The Eye" is one of the best horror/mystery films I have seen in a long time!

"The Eye" won numerous awards in 2002 and 2003, including:

• Golden Horse 2002 Best Actress - Angelica Lee
• Hong Kong Films Awards 2003 Best Actress - Angelica Lee

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.

Jackie plays a world famous archeologist who is well known by even those outside of his colleagues. He is invited to help another archeologist find the tomb of China's very first emperor! While he is excited about the mission he has begun to have disturbingly real dreams about being a warrior of some position in ancient China. He is stunned to realize his dreams are not just REM stage random images but actually based upon the truth! A spirit of a princess of the time is played by India's Mallika Sherawat. She helps out when the warrior dreams come into conflict with the present which is not just about the dig, but that there are those who would stop at nothing to learn the tomb's secrets. It could have been done well but alas, it was not. There are more than a few times the scenery looks great but not enough to save the movie as for some reason they used what appears to be some of the cheapest, lousiest CG I have seen in a big - budget film. In addition they used the CG with stunts and action which made both look cheap and almost like an old days trick. There is no reason in the world it had to be that way. Although Jackie always complains about having to spend money, he never talks about making it. He has more than enough bucks to have top notch effects. If it doesn't enhance the film - don't use it! Aside from two or three fight scenes there is not a lot of action, at least it doesn't feel that way. There is something strangely two dimensional about the whole movie. A lifelessness that permeates the whole film. Even though there are a half dozen spirit angles it just doesn't work.

Jackie doesn't have to do risky stunts and major kick ass fighting to be entertaining. Nor does he need to play the goofy fish - out - of - water scenario. But he absolutely must do something besides fax in the performance! Jackie can act well -when he wants to do so. I didn't get the impression he really wanted to be there. He was not alone! Jackie still wields a lot of power/money. He doesn't have to "settle".

The offers he has had for other films do not show Jackie as a superstar of action and desire of every women and he doesn't want to lose that. The only way is to make himself the star. I was a hardcore fan well before "Rumble in the Bronx", the real name of the whole unedited movie is "Red Bronx". I watched the original "Police Story" until the VHS tape snapped. I lost count of how many times I watched the early years with "Drunken Master" "Young Master" and "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow". I was enthralled - there was something about Jackie that was special that went beyond stunts and acrobatics. There were a lot of years and many fantastic movies and for that I am very sincerely grateful. But things began to change a few years ago. By the time I purchased (I know, I know) "Medallion" and "Tuxedo" I began to worry about Jackie and where his films were taking him.

I am often accused of disliking a movie because Jackie is no longer able to be an action superstar. Nothing could be more from the truth. I don't want him injured or in pain because of a movie! What I don't like seeing is Jackie, well, embarrassing himself. It has to be damned difficult to age graciously when you have been so very physical all of your life. But there are still avenues open to Jackie that don't require jumping off an eleven story building to grab onto a helicopter.

Here's to many great films from Jackie and company to come! (But "The Myth" just isn't one of them.)

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. : )

Although this movie is already pretty spoiled! However for the low price I can't complain in that regard.

It began promisingly enough with some creepy goings on and started to ramp up the tension. So far so good.

There is supposed to be a big mystery surrounding the house and people that die there. Everyone who lives there, goes there or knows someone who has been there die, not necessarily right away. Some have time to freak out and one soon to be victim closes her curtains and hides her head under a pillow. A sure cure for evil supernatural killers! Even knowing this people continue to go there, by themselves so they can die or they can leave and have others they know die and then they die. There is even a cop who quit the force years ago because he was part of an investigation and the cops all died so he retired. But then he goes back to the house and....yep he dies! Here's the big secret...someone who lived in the house got offed a few years back and yes they certainly do hold a grudge. There is a little boy in the house that shouldn't even exist at least at his young age and then there is this black blob that looks like a guy in a black scuba suit with red scary eyes.

Obviously I did not enjoy this movie. Worse I wasn't frightened by this movie! After awhile you see the pattern and it doesn't change. I admit the ending did surprise me. It surprised me because there was absolutely no resolution whatsoever! They could have torn the house down. Or called in a Buddhist Monk or an exorcist or a Feng Shui expert - someone or something! Anything! The only time I felt fear was when I realized the way they ended the movie there could be a way to do a sequel or twenty sequels and people just keep going off to die!

I saw a film recently called "The Eye" which is quite good although the plot is totally different. I highly recommend it for a movie that keeps up the psychological tension and it does have a resolution.

Skip this one. HKFlix has a number of good quality scary movies to choose from. Ju-On isn't one of them.

Henry (Jack Nance) is the primary character and his hairstyle is responsible for the name of the film. His world has always been black and white, figuratively and literally. I suppose shooting B&W was meant to add to the classic appeal. Henry's world, at least what we see of it seems bereft of any of the things you would usually see. People coming and going, cars and maybe even a taxi, people going about their lives and work. The viewer doesn't really know if there are three people in Henry's apartment building or three hundred. If they are there they don't show themselves with one exception.

One day Henry's girlfriend comes to tell him he should come to her home for dinner right away. He does and meets her family who are all at least as strange as Henry if not more so. Before too long his girlfriend's mother backs him into a corner and insists upon knowing if he and the daughter have had sex. When Henry finally says yes she immediately hits on him. More than the daughter can bear as she blurts out that she had a baby and they must pick it up from the hospital. Even more shocking is that the doctor's don't know if it IS a baby! Her mother says it was just premature. The next thing you know the girlfriend and the "baby" have moved into Henry's apartment. The baby is driving his mother crazy because he won't ever let her sleep. One day her frazzled nerves get the best of her and she leaves telling Henry he better take good care of the uhm, baby. (At this point my other friend asked if I had any beer. Then the other friend asked the same question and picked up the newspaper). After Henry's girlfriend leaves he discovers the baby won't let him leave, or sleep much either. The entrapment Henry feels about commitment, marriage, having children are pretty obvious. Day after day he grows more and more delusional. The radiator talks to him with a tiny singing lady who serenades him at times. He sees things that turn out to be but shadows. He grows more and more angry and frustrated by this kid and it's behavior - it's begun to take a physical and mental toll. The suspense I guess is when will Henry go completely out of his mind.

Everything in the movie is industrial, old technology, grimy, grainy, dim with lots of mechanical noises even in the soundtrack. There are deformities of all kinds everywhere. Disfigurement seems to be a common theme, who knows why. The creator, David Lynch is supposed to be so edgy, so willing to take a risk and totally unwillingly to talk about this crap.

I don't care what people say about me this film is crap! And the horror label? Just because the kid looks kinda like ET's head with it's body swaddled in wraps? It actually reminds me more of Little Shop of Horrors plants. Of course any woman would be horrified to give birth to…whatever it is but I still couldn't find the horror aspect unless Henry getting married and having kids is a "horror" to him. For what it's worth my two viewers rated it "1" and "½" stars. And Lynch took five years to make this stuff!

I gave this movie every chance but I just did not like anything about it. I wouldn't even advise a rental! One thing no one could argue with is that there are a whole lot of movies to watch before you see this one.

Without Kaori's help the agency would be insolvent. She makes sure he takes care of business however his personal business is centered on women. Gorgeous women! Everyone in the cast looks cool. And hot! They could have titled this one "Gorgeous!" The single person who does not look cool, but rather the fool, is Kaori's cousin. Every person ever on camera is just perfect. The makeup and costume departments must have worked overtime. No hair out of place, no mussed clothes. Perfect people!

Rich people too!

Ryu is hired to find his missing daughter of a very wealthy man. She has become rebellious and took off on her own. He agrees to find her not only for the money but also because the daughter is also a beautiful gymnast. While looking for a disguise Kiyoko Inamura (Kumiko Goto), discovers a ticket for a cruise ship and decides that's exactly what sounds like fun.

There are several running gags. Some run better than others. When Ryu isn't looking for women he is looking for a meal. Kaori goes to his place to deliver birthday greetings and finds him surrounded by, yes, gorgeous women! Lots of beautiful girls showing off their best assets. She is furious! She still wants to go on the cruise so she asks her cousin to accompany her on the trip.

Ryu follows Kiyoko and has to smuggle himself on to the ship. And he is still hungry! In the meantime Kyoko accidentally discovers there are terrorist thieves on board who plan on robbing and kidnapping all the passengers! She runs to tell a ship officer what she knows and unfortunately he too is involved. She ends up in the baggage area where Ryu has been hiding.

Ryu saves her but then he must find a way to keep her safe while he acts on the information she tells him about the gang on board. Unknown to him he has some help. Nogami (Chingmy Yau) who is a special agent on board to investigate a possible robbery. She brings along her large breasted cousin who keeps falling over, forward of course. Nogami is naturally a great fighter well versed in the martial arts plus she has enough firearms and ammunition to take on an army. More assistance comes about when Leon Lai, a master of card player and gambling who can also use cards as weapons joins in to help with the vicious thieves.

Ryu is all over the ship taking out as many bad guys as he can, while still looking cool. He fights with Gary Daniels in an interesting fight in a stateroom but is captured by the gang lead by Richard Norton (never looking better) as Mr. "Big Mac" MacDonald. He also has a fight that's definitely different in a scene playing as characters in from "Streetfighter II". That's a bit dated now but some fans will remember the game. Ken Lo is one of the bad guys but he has a brief amusing scene with Kaori's cousin.

There are two young guys who are in real life musicians. They perform and I believe they also wrote "Gala Gala Happy". No matter how you try to translate it the song just doesn't do much for the movie. Historically much Japanese music is not created to rhyme, making the music feel awkward. But we must remember this is all about eye candy and in that respect it absolutely succeeds!

The finale is an extended fight scene that Jackie worked hard on to look different than the way he fought in other films. Unfortunately he injured his shoulder early on in filming and he continued to have difficulty though you won't notice it in the movie. Mars replaces Norton in quite a bit of the fight. Whatever it takes to look good!

Jackie plays the whole movie as comedy. Over the top silly comedy, goofing around, hamming it up for the camera, and of course looking great while doing so. This is a Wong Jing picture meaning the humor is not sophisticated and there is no shortage of it. It did seem a little odd to see women being punched and hit and rolling their eyes. Just some more Wong Jing hilarity!

This is not a great movie nor is it without any value. Great eye candy if you want to see beautiful people and can ignore Wong Jing's humor when it doesn't work. You must at least see this movie! It's one of those "you will never see Jackie like this again" movies. Remember when you see it to not worry about plot lines and such. The important thing is Jackie looks cool while doing some darn good fighting!

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.

As the movie begins there is a massive ambush of the Yang family men, father and seven sons. They are savagely attacked, heavily outnumbered betrayed by Pan Mei, using Mongols and even had Manchu troops develop and practice with weapons that can seriously hinder the Yang family style of spear fighting. All of this happens in one swift move before and during the opening credits! Pan Mei’s family and combined forces still required careful planning. The slaughter of the Yang family is particularly horrific. The brothers and father are stabbed, eviscerated, hacked, cut, impaled, slashed, skewered and stomped into the ground once they could no longer stand. Miraculously two of the brothers survive but not without physical and psychological injuries. The fifth brother (Gordon Liu) wanders in the wilderness desperately seeking safety and then revenge, while the other surviving brother, the sixth (Alexander Fu Sheng) manages to find his way back home but has been driven insane by the horrible tragedy.

Lau tried to use real stories about real people in his films, and this is certainly no exception The Yang family is held in high esteem by the Sung Dynasty Emperor and is under orders to keep the peace, especially with the Mongols. However after the betrayal the honored family name was forever destroyed and Pan Mei accuses them of being the real betrayers of the land. His fiendish plan not only ridded him of anyone to stand in his way it was also revenge for the death of his oldest son who was killed by a Yang during a martial arts tournament. Lily Li - Li is excellent as the matriarch of the family. Even with the terrible loss she is still capable of managing important efforts. To find out all of her sons but one and her husband are dead is a tremendous blow but she tends to 6th brother and tries to help his injured soul. I can’t argue that Fu Sheng is a bit over the top but honestly it works perfectly and doesn’t feel at all silly. He really seemed to be trying hard to be sincere but at the same time out of his mind at the horror he has been through. He goes through different stages. At times he tries to fight with what’s left of his family. Sometimes he just sits with his fists clenched. Other times he is back at the ambush. His mother knows he will never be the same no matter how much love she has for him. He will always need someone to help keep him somewhat balanced and in reality.

This movie started shooting in 1981 and during production Fu Sheng was seriously injured (on the set I believe) breaking both legs and incurring a head injury. The film stopped cold. Lau was credited with helping Fu Sheng believe he could recover soon and go on with his career doing fighting and some slapstick comedy which could require a lot of physical demands. When Fu Sheng was well enough they started shooting again. By this time Shaw Brothers were being challenged by Ray Chow and Golden Harvest. Still the Shaws had their golden boy, Fu Sheng and it wasn’t over yet. He was considered not only an actor but learned to fight and do acrobatic stunts which he learned much of in the Shaw Brothers school.

Fu Sheng came from a family that expected him to pursue academics and rebelled by going into movies which seriously displeased his kin. But he loved everything about performing and though he was often hamming it up big time he had a loyal following. He had experience working with both Chang Cheh and Lau Kar Leung.

Everything indicated he had a bright future. But it was not to be. Production had resumed when on July 7, 1983 Fu Sheng was returning to his home after dinner out. He was a passenger in a car driven by his brother. Apparently his brother took one of the winding curves on Clearwater Road too fast and hit a cement barrier. Fu Sheng was rushed to the nearest hospital where he died a few hours later.

Some people believed he inherited Bruce Lee’s bad luck because he bought the house Bruce Lee owned when he died and had been felled by the same curse.

It is said Fu Sheng’s ghost would walk around the Shaw studios. At his makeup booth they set up a shrine, hoping it would please him.

Once again the production was shut down. Lau spent months - some say six, some say years contemplating what the next step should be. His final decision was to use all the finished scenes with Fu Sheng and turn it into a memorial of sorts. To everyone’s credit they used their pain and sorrow in their acting and fighting. It is very effective. It doesn’t feel as if anyone is acting. The energy bursts from the cast!

Fu Sheng was originally supposed to be the one to go to Shaolin. Major script re - writes were required that now put Fifth Brother (Gordon Liu) in Fu Sheng’s role.

The 5th brother happens upon a small house. When he doesn’t see anyone there he goes inside the house. He is justifiably paranoid and constantly looks out for the enemy. As so many thoughts and feelings run through him and his adrenaline fueled rage suddenly the door opens (Lau Kar Leung in a cameo) and he attacks! The trapper gets the upper hand and tries to tell 5th brother there is really no way to win a war without killing a part of yourself too. Suddenly Pan Mei’s soldiers and Mongols arrive and want to search for him but the selfless trapper refuses and takes on the soldiers so fifth brother can escape. Pan Mei needs to destroy any evidence of the betrayal. The trapper ends up sacrificing himself to allow 5th brother to escape. When he realizes the trapper has given his life to defend him he decides the only way to ease his tortured soul is to go to Shaolin and leave the pain of the outside world behind him. While evading Pan Mei’s forces fifth brother makes it to the Shaolin Temple and wants to become a monk. Of course the news of the ambush and betrayal of the Yang family has reached the temple. 5th brother is told he is much too violent and focused on revenge to become a monk. He begs and pleads, desperate to find some peace, but he is still refused. Desperate and unable to live with such rage and fury he decides he will become a member of Shaolin whether or not they acknowledge him. He insists someone shave his head and when they refuse he does it himself, not caring how painful or bloody it might be. This is a very significant act. He also burns the familiar pattern on his head. Although no one will officially accept him he does everything they do - he eats and sleeps there and practices the pole style. It being similar to using a fighting spear he advances quickly but the monks do not feel comfortable with his intensity and rage. They believe every life is precious and try to teach him to fight and disarm their opponent instead of killing them outright. He practices hard but cannot completely rid himself of the rage and anguish of his family being in ruin and their name in ruin as well. One day one of the monks decides to show 5th brother the correct technique using amazing wooden jointed wolves. (I have never seen such a training device!) 5th brother immediately tries to smash it into pieces and destroy it but the monk (Phillip Ko) demonstrates in one of the most original fight scenes in film. This is such an alien concept to 5th brother it is difficult for him to believe. On one hand he wants nothing more than revenge and resurrection of his family’s good name. But on the other he desperately needs peace and an end to the raging burn inside him.

One compassionate monk travels to the Yang home to let them know their son is alive and at Shaolin. He delivers the message but is captured quickly by Pan Mei’s men. He kills himself rather than divulge any information. Once the family know 5th brother is alive 8th sister disguises herself as a man and rides off to find her brother. The trip is long and filled with dangers of all kinds. 5th brother continues to train fanatically. The risk is even greater because Pan Mei will not rest until he destroys the entire family. The same despicable men that set up the Yangs attack and capture 8th sister. As soon as 5th brother learns this he loads up a big cart load of poles and heads off to save his sister. Despite all of the time he has spent in Shaolin temple his blood comes to a boil very quickly. The betrayal, the memories pushed aside come flooding back. Seeing his brothers and father, their eyes, the screams, the blood, their dead faces. Those memories; the sights, the sound stay with him as he continues on his way to rescue his sister. By the time he arrives with the numerous poles he is just on the edge of rationality. He rescues his sister but they are trapped. The two of them fighting at least thirty people if not more!

Oddly enough though this film was made in several stages months apart it doesn’t feel disjointed. The pace is constant from the bloody slaughter of the Yangs, to the incredible explosive finale! This is not a typical Lau Kar Leung film. There is no humour and family is nearly the only thing that matters. In that context respect, honesty, loyalty, and righteousness are simply part of the that family. The film maintains a quick pace throughout. But it is nearly always dark deeds that drive the film.

The production is quite beautiful in scenery and the sets. The music works well and is not intrusive but an enhancement. It’s obvious great care was taken by all to make this a quality film all the way around. Everyone put in a great effort but I have to say Gordon Liu was the saving grace. The fighting is above extraordinary. This is definitely Lau’s darkest film, full of fury, rage, bloody fights and horrific events. It’s also one of the very best.

Fong Sai Yuk's mother is played by the wonderful Lily Li. This woman has been fighting and acting for decades! She is truly amazing both as an actress and a martial artist. I have deep respect for this lady. She helped considerably in the effort to treat women fairly in the movies.

From early childhood mother taught son the martial arts. He had a natural affinity but she trained him hard and he loved it. Nothing made him happier than to show off his astounding skills. His fight history on the circuit was well known far and wide. He goes on to be a champion and his numerous matches are always in his favor. When he kills one of his opponents his life is in jeopardy from those wanting revenge. His mother takes him with her to another town and marries a man named Fong who owns a local kung fu school. She has two sons with Fong who try to keep their brother out of trouble but it's an extremely difficult struggle. Fong Sai Yuk doesn't want to go to school preferring to be outside or practicing kung fu. He is incorrigible, stubborn, rash and rebellious but not a bad young man. In a misunderstanding with a monk he ends up in trouble with the local Manchu gym and the order is given to have him beheaded and the Fong school shut down. In desperation his mother begs for help and sanctuary for her three sons as secular pupils at the Shaolin Temple. San Te (Gordon Liu) considers the subject and the mother reminds him that they and their school style are related. She is so sincere, pleading so desperately San Te and the Abbott agree to take in her sons as she announces she will deal with any consequences from the local Manchu rulers. Everyone objects because of the risk but she has made up her mind. It's the only way she can keep them safe in the monastery. Can San Te teach the young Sai Yuk how to control his emotions, channel his energy and avoid trouble?

"Disciples Of The 36th Chamber" is part of a group of "chamber" films. Some excellent, others not quite as much. Lau Kar Leung not only directs this true masterpiece he also plays an evil Manchu leader, and his men serve as guards to the Manchu Governor, played by Jason Pai. The settings are lush, wonderfully colorful, filling the screen with a very realistic feel. At no time are you staring at minimalist cramped sets. This is sumptuous luxury and it is wonderful. The choreography is magnificent! Hsiao Ho is not just a fighter he knows what looks great and what doesn't. Is there anything he could not do? It's a pure joy to watch!

Gordon Liu has never looked better. He plays San Te with a lot of experience with the character and seems very comfortable in his role. His fighting skills have never looked better as well. He pulls out all the stops for a tremendous performance! And of course Lau is great. And as usual he adds some humour in the mix but it works well, better than most any of his other films.

Whenever a possibility for Sai Yuk to rebel emerges he takes it. But no matter how smart he is or physically capable he does not have enough life experience to out smart San Te. San Te does not hesitate to teach him a lesson when he gets too cocky, insulting the ones who do not have skills yet and are just learning. San Te easily defeats the wild young man in any confrontation. There is one particular scene between the monk and his student that is pure magnificence! Sai Yuk isn't bothering to practice "bench fighting" and San Te calls him out. What follows is the most incredible bench fight I have ever seen in a movie! Other movies have included "bench fighting" but it was essentially just swinging them around. This is an exercise in using locks and traps to fight with benches. You can see the concentration especially in San Te. Outstanding and beautiful!

One aspect of this movie is something lacking in most student - teacher films. Respect. The student - teacher connection goes both ways. The students want to do well but they are also fascinated by Sai Yuk's amazing abilities. But there is a sense of respect from San Te when he is disciplining his students and even with the hot tempered Sai Yuk. It really added an element of emotion you don't see very often if ever. By doing so it further invests the viewer in the story.

Sai Yuk is tricked into believing Manchus might consider Shaolin a friend one day. His naïveté is taken advantage of to the detriment of his Shaolin brothers. When things start to go wrong Sai Yuk is the last one to accept that he had been deceived. But when he finally does he takes all responsibility and tells San Te he got his brothers in this and he is the one who should get them out. What follows is the most spectacular finale' ever! The last thirty or so minutes build up into a huge clash with the Manchus. If you need a definition for epic you have found it. Students, teachers, Manchus, Manchu guards for the governor converge in a masterpiece of spectacular extravaganza. Huge numbers of bodies fighting, jumping, diving, leaping, tumbling around a rather large and extensive set. San Te is beyond excellent with his three piece staff! Although this is an ensemble film this is really Hsiao Ho's opportunity to show his skills. He outshines everyone else in the spectacular breathtaking spectacle that fills the screen with absolutely incredible feats and all at the same time. If you look anywhere in the background you see fighting, kicks, punches, Sai Yuk doing amazing acrobatic marvels, bodies flying, running around on walls and rooftops, San Te taking out Manchus with his staff-whip. The action is so intense the viewer will find they react to the images!

Choreography was ingeniously planned, practiced and performed! Very tight shots were spot on showing all of the action. And it's not all open hand fighting. There are extensive scenes of various weapons being used by both sides. "Disciples Of The 36th Chamber" has an original, dazzling, creative, explosive finale'! It is only fitting that such a magnificent film be the last film for Lau Kar Leung and the assembled cast. History will judge Lau Kar Leung as one of the best directors of our time.

It is really necessary to watch this film more than once. With so much action it's easy to miss a part here or there when someone has to make a choice, with the results having a great effect on others. To his credit Sai Yuk has always taken complete responsibility for any and all of his actions. And even a few that were not his fault. He may be rebellious at times but even at a young age he refuses to let anyone accept or share in his punishment.

If the time had to come to an end for the magnificent Lau and the most talented cast this film is an excellent way to say goodbye to the viewers.

It was always important to Lau that family, brothers by choice, respect, loyalty and duty are in his movies. That is one of his traits that show in all his movies, though it is often interspersed with action requiring a second (or more) viewing.

"Disciples of the 36th Chamber", along with "18 Legendary Weapons of China", and "Eight Diagram Pole Fighter", with a nod to "Mad Monkey", are absolutely the absolute best of the best!

This is not a sequel in any obvious way to Ong-Bak. This Ong-Bak starts with a child version of Tony (Tien or Tieng--I have seen various spellings) who is a member of the ruling royal family. The film is set in the early 1400's, an extremely chaotic violent age when fighting had become pervasive in Thailand. Many records and documents did not survive the violence, a testimony to the severity and all encompassing greed of men obsessed by power. No one was safe, neither prince nor peasant. After witnessing his parents slaughtered he is whisked away to safety but soon after is captured by slave traders. One of the bandits saves him from the traders and sees potential for Tien. The bandit/father figure trains Tien in every possible type of offense and defense and over the years he becomes a master in every way. Every type of fighting you can imagine and a few you can't imagine! Even as he learned and practiced his lust for revenge burned deeply. Once he feels capable he leaves his mentor and sets out for vengeance.

Even with it's flaws with the plot Tien is a character that has some depth to it. This is a three dimensional character who is someone you want to know more about. The young boy who played Tien did an absolutely fantastic job and has very expressive eyes. His youth is contrasted by the horrible events he witnesses and the way he is forced to exist.

If the story doesn't hold your interest the balls to the wall fighting will! He is in his prime and looks even better than in TYG. It is obvious he worked very hard to be in fantastic shape and to learn as many styles of fighting as possible and improve on the ones already mastered. Some fans essentially want to see the same movie over and over with minor changes. Tony et al is smart enough to know that he doesn't want to be known as "one" kind of action star and doesn't let the audience grow apathetic. He manages to keep it fresh and different but very cool. You don't have as many of the amazing high kicks or the acrobatic jaw droppers, at least not in the obvious way as Ong-Bak or TYG. Yes, Tony is doing something different! But after you accept that you won't be able to look away! Tony succeeds in looking every bit the master no matter what he is doing! He may have been showing the world there is nothing he cannot do, but I know there is at least some sense of an homage to other martial artists he respects and grew up watching and imitating. In fact, given the time there are probably not many physical feats he could not accomplish. And it's important to remember that Tony was "taught" by the Masters, even if only by repeating their moves.

Fighting, smashing, breaking of bones and a lot of different kind of blades lead to many dead opponents in very brutal (but virtually bloodless) killings. A bigger budget was obviously larger than his last film and that is usually a sign of more bigger budgets to come. I have only one real criticism of OB2 but it is a biggie. A villain's costume included (Monty Python music rising in the background) what appeared to be a "faux" wicker waste basket, isle 7 at K Mart for a helmet. I am not making this up! It really was a distraction, but then more fighting ensued of course.

The various forms have one thing in common, at least as done by Tony. They are powerful, graceful, brutal, cruel, breath taking at times and utterly amazing!

They shot a hell of a lot more film than they used in OB2 and I would expect to see at least some of that footage in Ong-Bak 3 which is to premiere in December (2009) in Thailand. There are only two ways that come to mind regarding connecting the three part Ong-Bak--have Ting from the first Ong-Bak be a direct descendent or a reincarnation. Let us hope the plot is a bit more imaginative as that.

There are some interesting villains that have the most incredible fight scenes done in such a way as I have never before seen. Including one fight with what I think was a vampire. I think. And female maybe? And then there were the "bird people"? Okay it was actually only one bird or whatever but it was really kind of a cool character.

The camera work captured a few great shots but a lot of them looked like matte. Little focus was on the scenery and some of the fights needed more room but put all together it was well above average for any "action film".

Tony has refused to learn any different language. He has picked up some from being around so many different people but still can't conduct interviews or promotions. That really limits his options. In OB2 however he doesn't say much of anything even in his own primary language. That isn't a problem though if you don't have subtitles because Tony is definitely a man of few words here. However the boy who portrayed the "young" Tien has more dialogue and it is well delivered.

The fighting is non stop during the second half of the film. Tension builds as increasingly difficult opponents surround him and much serious kick ass ensueth. After you watch it three or so times and you can take your attention away from Tony (briefly) make sure to see what his stunt team and others involved are doing. The "unsung heroes" literally risk limb and life for a few dollars per stunt. Their supposed prime motivation is to show the world what can be achieved if you have the guts to go for it. There is certainly no stunt team that could do any better! Stunt people should be given awards for just showing up. What inspires Tony's team is that he will do virtually anything for the film, insane or not, and in such an environment they will as well.

One of the best scenes features Tien (Tony) performing an astounding dance ceremony that lets Tony expand on his repertoire and will hold the viewer spellbound! There is a real story here mixed with gravity defying training and fighting. As the story continues to build the audience is fully involved. There are several sub plots that come together but just as you are trying to guess how they pull it all together--WHAM! The movie ends and the audience is left thinking WTF? What fans need to remember is that this is not the end. I felt frustrated because the end is nothing you have seen with Jaa before and it's a bit unsettling. It was most definitely designed to build tension for the pre--release cliff hangar before we get the answers. Until then we will just have to watch Ong-Bak 2!

Hung (Gordon Liu) manages to kill Pai Mei (Lo Lieh) and is happy he can finally rest and not worry about the bad guys anymore. Hung longs to have a simple home with a women he loves. The leader of the bad guys have no intention of letting him stay alive. For revenge the clan attacks the village where Hung lives and kills everyone except Hung and his sister-in-law.

I don't know who wrote the script, but the dialogue isn't very useful to the movie itself. There are still a lot of questions left unanswered. Even after watching it several times there are several elements that cause confusion including Lo Lieh being more than one villain. Hung realizes he doesn't have the skills he needs in order to defeat his foe and his sister-in-law (Kara Hui) teaches him *soft* embroidery style that provides another skill.

Hsiao Ho is listed in the cast but I certainly didn't see him but I did notice some of the stunt men acrobatic stunts tended to be the same making me wonder if he was playing different people for action scenes.

One thing you can be sure of is better than expected fight scenes. The one-on-one are all with Liu and Lieh. The fact they are both excellent fighters and the fighting directors experience is extensive is the saving grace of the film. Unfortunately there are lengthy attempts at humor and they don't work - just way too much time talking and not enough fighting. And a few abilities that go beyond typical physical fighting skills. For example Pak Mei has the unique ability to defy gravity and simply float away from an attack by anyone. He also has a secret place in his body where his life force is contained so that if his adversary grows near the target he flies away and moves it to a different part of his body.

There are some very good action fight scenes, in fact they are the saving grace of the whole film. It is credit to Lieh, Liu and the experienced stunt fight stuntmen who make the movie worth watching. I have been told by many people into martial arts movies that this is a real classic, and a must see. I cannot go that far. It was filmed at a time when the money makers were trying to figure out why the interest in martial arts was beginning to wane.

(According to HKFlix this film is allegedly part of a trilogy, which includes (in order) "Men From The Monastery", "Executioners From Shaolin", and "Fist Of The White Lotus".)

This was not an easy film to review. I am always concerned about providing accurate information even in a small detail. But what seems to be correct, after a little investigation has sometimes turned out to be wrong. I have provided as much as I am comfortable with but I'm certain those with more experience can supply a much better review. One last thing. This does have enough decent fights to be entertaining even if are not aware of the Pak Mei background story.

Known as "Squad 701", they were used in countless situations where the mission was likely to result in death for the 701 and another accomplished mission for the group. Their "keepers" discover that that the 701's are beginning to show an anomaly that makes them too dangerous to control. The 701 squad is beginning to revert to the way they were before and are beginning to experience emotion. This prompts a death sentence for the entire squad, but the leader (Jet) discovers the plan and flees after setting free the others in his group.

Jet yearns for a simpler existence and becomes known as "Tsui". He gets a job at the library where he at last can let down his guard, at least a little. Tsui is a very quiet man, content to work in the library and play chess and talk strategy with a new friend who is a detective on the police force. The detective cannot imagine Tsui being a danger. And one of the clerks he works with (Karen Mok) develops feelings for him, and he for her, though he is not comfortable with the situation. Unfortunately there is no chemistry between Li and Mok. Slowly he begins to remember feelings and know they are not always violent. All is going well until bodies start showing up and Tsui's detective friend is put on the case. Can Tsui/Black Mask contend with keeping his new friends safe while he deals with the 701's that are left, including his former lover who has taken up B&D? It's not too difficult to see where this is leading.

At one time I believe there were about a half dozen different edits available, each different enough to change the story significantly. You will see Yuen Wo-Ping moves and wire fu that would be punched up a bit and used in "The Matrix". But there is plenty of fighting, wire fu, and mid-range FX. Although I kept feeling I must have wandered into the wrong studio--"Green Hornet", "Batman", or "Blade Runner". If you love wild wire fu, you will enjoy the movie, and the finale is fantastic, as well as the pre-finale fight. Unfortunately the characters are not very well developed and neither is the story. This is a so-so flick even Jet fans won't list as a favorite.

When I use the term "devoted" I mean it in the truest sense. Lau Kar-Leung, the director, was intent to show the Chinese people in their real environment and to explain how some events came to pass that affected so very many. The movie grabs you right from the beginning. The credits are not even through when you are swept up in a frenzy of battle. The Shaolin Temple has been attacked yet again as the Ching rulers determined to finally kill all Shaolin and their sympathizers! Pai Mei is a treacherous killer supported by the Manchurians. He is a highly advanced fighter who fights with the aged last priest and kills him. Pai Mei's forces continue the slaughter as a very few Shaolin followers left try to escape. When they find Tung he is mortally wounded and insists the others, including his best friend Hung Hze-Kwan (Chen Kwan Tai) save themselves. Even Pai Mei admits Tung has died a hero. Hung is one of the few survivors and with the others that escape they realize they have no chance of survival and so seek out opera and entertainment shows that travel by boat, red boats to be more specific. In that way they can recognize supporters and be able to escape the soldiers always hunting them.

The red ships go to Canton and that is where Hung meets a spirited martial artist Yung Chun (Lily Li-li) he falls in love with upon seeing her beautiful face. They marry and she and her father join the troupe. But Bak Mei has no intention of letting a single "rebel" escape. He is informed the Shaolin escapees travel on the red boats. He sends his army to destroy them all. Fortunately they discover the plan and scatter across the land, pledging to meet again to kill Pai Mei. Life begins to seem somewhat safe again and he is ecstatic when Yung Chun delivers a baby boy they name Wen-Ding. Although Hung loves his family he finds himself obsessed by revenge upon Pai Mei. For more than a decade Hze Kwan trains hard using in the Tiger Claw form. Even as he trains he is haunted by those that have died, especially his friend Tung. Feeling as powerful as he can be with all those years of training he sets off for the old Shaolin Temple and the final battle with Pai Mei. Unfortunately it doesn't take long before he realizes he not only will lose the match but his life as well! He is the only one who arrives as agreed and is near death when his old friend Hu sacrifices his life to save Hung. But he is in bad shape physically and mentally for the loss of his great friend. With his wife nursing him back to health he is even more determined to have revenge. Amongst the vicious blows and strikes Hung is able to observe some of the characteristics and learns that you must hit certain areas, at specific times in order to best him. His whole focus now is training. He virtually ignores his son and is always talking about techniques and how to avoid them. Hung practices on a device, a human torso sized metal replica that contains ball bearings. He works constantly on improving his speed in catching the balls as they fall through the device. (I have never seen such a training device before this movie nor after.) Hung knows this will be his last chance to defeat his enemy. He is confident but also a bit sad because he knows he may not escape this time. But he is resigned to that as long as he completes his mission successfully.

His family waits but he does not return and his wife explains to their son he will not be coming back and why. Wen-Ding vows vengeance but he has only been trained by his mother in the Crane Form. He knows it alone will not be enough for the task and finds his father's book teaching the Tiger Claw style and begins to practice that as well. But part of the training book is missing, forcing him to combine the Crane and Tiger Claw style as one form, which came to be known as the Hung Gar form. Wen-Ding at last feels ready and sets off for the temple and the final showdown.

[SPOILERS] Wen-Ding is nimble and agile, managing to evade most of the strikes. But since he had perfected a skill unknown to his enemy he is at last able to kill him and bring about long awaited revenge. [END SPOILERS]

There are a couple of notes about this epic. Lau Kar Leung is passionate about representing the people, not only in fighting but in daily life as well. In every movie he directs he makes certain to show the bravery and heroism of "simple" people. One reason he takes such steps in movies about the end of Shaolin is because the Hung Gar form is his own family's form, the Hung Fist. It is said that Lau Kar Leung's father was taught by the real life Wong Fei-Hung.

[SPOILERS] There are two different versions of this film. They are virtually identical from each other except in the very last moments of the fight between Wen-Ding and Pai Mei. The first version I saw many years ago shows Wen-Ding with crane hold on Pai Mei, legs wrapped around his shoulders as he gouges out the eyes and near rips off his face and head. However newer releases stop short of any viciousness or blood by having a subtitle that says something about the hero is courageous (I really don't recall) but the point is that somewhere along the way someone chopped off the ending which I find an injustice. The movie should be seen as it was made! [END SPOILERS]

In a fairly prosperous village, the primary source of commerce is the local dye factory that turns out high quality dyed material. One day the peace and quiet is shattered when evil Manchus storm in and set up a rival factory. Before long, acts of sabotage and violence are visited upon the locals. They decide to stand up and demand their rights, but they all end up defeated and wounded. In desperation they ask one of the local con men to help them. He agrees and decides that he will impersonate a Shaolin Monk--in particular, San Te. (Why on Earth would anyone think of putting the one person who was known as San Te (Gordon Liu) in the film not as San Te but as another character, in a film about Shaolin and San Te?)

There are numerous ways the script could have easily had Gordon Liu being San Te. Maybe Liu Chia-Liang was trying too hard to make it different, or maybe he just lost interest. There is definitely a "dead end" feel to the movie.

When the con man sees the villagers are even worse off after his scam, he seeks out Shaolin so he can learn to fight and return and help his friends get rid of the bastard Manchus. The con man is told he cannot be a regular Shaolin disciple, and if he wishes to stay they have some work for him to do. He is required to build a new structure for the Shaolin monastery. The con man is not happy with the arrangement, but he is determined to learn something to return to the village and help the ones he let down. So while he is building for the monks he is also watching everything they do. The training is different than I have seen before, a method he calls "scaffolding kung fu" or "construction kung fu". It is interesting to watch but drags on too long. By the time the building is done, the former cheat has been transformed to calm and rational action when called for in a situation. The villagers are not impressed, but soon he is taking on all the bad guys.

I really thought this was going to be very cool and it's just not. The "funny" characters' funny prosthetics just weren't funny. There is some sort of smoldering feeling, almost like bitterness sometimes, but there were enormous changes going on in the industry and some of that comes through the movie. I understood what Liu Chia-Liang was going, for but he totally wasted Kara Hui and Hsiao Ho. What a disappointment.

The treasure being sought is the "Scripture With No Words." The origin of the Scripture has been lost in the mists of time but it is reputed to be the most magnificent object known to humans! The history is a broken line that Dr. Wai must piece together when the Chinese Government assigns him to find the Scripture which is rumored to be somewhere in China. The Scripture was said to be priceless, of unlimited power, but difficult to wield. There would always be some price to pay for such a thing. It was assumed it could be used for whatever purpose the one who possessed it desired; the Scripture could even reveal the future! It would be up to Dr. Wai and his assistant to keep it out of the hands of the Japanese!

The primary character in the "Scripture With No Words" is Dr. Wai. He is a fictional character written by Chow Si-Kit who writes cheap novels about Wai's adventures. Chow has developed writers block since he discovered his wife (the evil Japanese officer who wants the Scripture) wants a divorce.

The story bounces back and forth between the "real" world of Chow Si-Kit and Dr. Wai. All that happens to him is enhanced so that his quiet life turns into the devil may care, adventurer Dr. Wai. The idea behind the movie does have possibilities. It has better than average production values and the set, costumes and props all work well together. Unfortunately Jet seems to be unfamiliar with comedy. Perhaps he is trying to be the stoic hero but the comedy really was needed and is even a part of Raiders. Here it just falls flat. Even when doing exposition Jet just doesn't really seem all that interested. Since Chow has a deal to finish the book his assistant Shing (Takeshi Kaneshiro) takes over the task of finishing the story. He portrays Dr. Wai as opposite of Chow. Wai is a real hero to his country and the world in general. His tasks are impossible and yet he always manages to get the job done and stay alive. He is popular with the ladies, courageous, brilliant, sophisticated.

Chow's wife is played by the very talented Rosamund Kwan. In the Scripture Wai finds her attractive until he realizes how easily she could upset his mission. He decided this turn was appropriate when she informs him she wants a divorce. Kwan is turned into a man hating Dom who is interested in Wai but more interested in the Scripture. She grows increasingly sinister as the movie progresses. Kwan is the only one who seems to understand her role in the film and can carry it through.

Considering this is a movie with Jet you naturally expect him to fight and do a few cool acrobatic kind of things but it just doesn't happen. He does fight, but not what most viewers are used to seeing. Very little *real* fighting takes place. When someone is fighting there are lots and lots of wires. And that would have been okay if the characters (Jet) could have convinced us Dr. Wai was supposed to be over the top. It was a lackluster performance to say the least. The fx and cg were not the highest of quality but they are tolerable. I really can't recommend this movie unless you are a die hard completist. Take a look at "Fist Of Legend" "Once Upon A Time In China", or "Tai Chi Master" instead. You won't regret it.