This one doubles as not only my favorite Gordon Liu movie but also as my favorite Shaw Brothers movie. I know there are so many to choose from and you think that one is the best and dude over there is all like "what about the '36th Chamber'?" Well, chill, we're talking about my favorites now, not yours. We talk about your favorites in your review, sucka.

Lau Kar Leung crafts this movie and its fight scenes with inspired perfection. Gordon Liu dishes out the goods with the jack-of-all trades fu by demonstrating that old school multiple proficiency that pretty much died in the 90's when everyone could just have a single gimmick and still get by. This movie is not only arguably Gordon Liu's best martial arts performance but also Yasuaki Kurata's as well. You have to wait all the way to the end to see Yasuaki finally get down; but when he does, HOLY SHIT, he's a fuckin' smokin' now! (Maybe, just maybe, there is one "Family Guy" fan out there who got that reference. Probably not.)

Anyhow, this film has got one of the best complilations of variety in martial arts styles and weapons put to use. The Japanese performers and characters are all straight-up bad-asses, and really Japanese, unlike many other Chinese films that used Chinese actors and portrayed the Japanese as bitch-made predatory miscreants. I'm not judging, I'm just sayin'. Well, I guess to truly complete a review for this movie I got to give up my favorite fight. Damn, there are so many to choose from, but if I had to pick one favorite I would cheat and say the entire end fight with Gordon and Yasuaki, which is basically like 3-4 fights in one. I don't mean to beat a dying horse (unless it's called for or I'm bored or something), but Mr. Kurata is so frickin' slick it's unreal. The man handles a ninja-to like he was born holding one, and his crab style is one of the dopest, slickest and most creative things I have ever seen. This movie has everything for martial arts lovers including a tough chick.

I also got to say Buddha bless Dragon Dynasty for releasing these perfectly digitally remastered fu classics with the original subtitles and dubbings while including all kinds of sweet bonuses like interviews with the legends that made these movies possible. Make sure this is in your collection. Essential and severely enjoyable.

Maybe because the convoluted, self-absorbed nonsense that's unfolding on the screen can always be accurately predicted to continue to be convoluted and self-absorbed.

The end result is that this is simply a 2-hour long masturbation session by one-hit-wonder Guy Ritchie, whose "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" was a real treat; but whose subsequent films have been nothing more than self-congratulatory "look what I can do" marathons, with disorienting and needless camera effects that serve no purpose other than to draw attention away from the story and to themselves--away from the characters and to the director.

And, just as an aside, could Jason Statham stop? Please. Just fucking stop. The grumbling, unintelligible dialog thing has gotten old now. Speak the fuck up and enunciate, or shut up.

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.

Geez, where do I start? Well, how about the stupid anti-American attitude that is very blatant and seen throughout the film. I don't mind people being critical of U.S. foreign policy as long as it is intelligent and honest. "Battle Royale 2" fails on both accounts not to mention trying to have some deep message that is never even explained. Its quite obvious the adults (the teacher and Japanese government) are made to symbolize the Americans and the oppressed children are the terrorists with hearts of gold. They even go as far as showing beautiful scenery and a bunch of happy shining faces in Afghanistan which I guess are getting killed by B-52's of the great Satan whom the film says bombs dozens of countries, even naming them. Apparently the survivors of the previous film, Shuya & Noriko, escaped to Afghanistan where they learned how to shoot an AK-47, rubbed elbows with Al-Qaeda, and taught them the art of the haiku. Give me a break! Even Shuya's Wild Seven headquarters resembled an Afghan cave as they were fully equipped with that style of clothing. In reality, Japanese kids in Afghanistan would be kidnapped by terrorists, tribal leaders, or drug lords just like the South Korean missionaries that were killed there. The fact that the mission was held on Christmas seemed like they were not only taking a shot at America, but Christianity as well. "Battle Royale" served as a brilliant case study on stereotypes and Japanese society, but the story here has no substance and its preachiness is pointless and unwarranted. Ok, enough politics its time to go on to why this film really sucked.

The absolute worst aspect of this film (beyond the stupid political message) was the total lack of character development which was really what made the original great. In "Battle Royale 2" we learn nothing about the 42 students other than they are delinquents, some lost relatives in the bombing, Shiori Kitano (Ai Maeda) is the previous teacher's daughter, and the main character from Shikanotoride junior high, Takuma (Shugo Oshinari), was dropped off at school by his mom. Equally frustrating was that every time a remotely interesting character emerged they were killed off almost immediately leaving a generic looking group of individuals by the end of the film. The remaining girls were attractive, but looked alike never standing out in the film mainly because they had no character development. Why be so quick to kill off the punky looking plump chick, guy that resembles Keiji Maeda from Samurai Warriors, and the scared little fat girl that pissed her pants? Hell, I was rooting for the girl that pissed herself because she was the only relatable character in the film! Not only didn't we find out much about the junior high students, but we know next to nothing about the Wild Seven group either. Instead of the who'll-die-next-and-how suspense of "Battle Royale", we get a roster of students that are nothing more than a body count.

Another awful aspect of "Battle Royale 2" is the atrocious acting. Another strongpoint of the original was that everyone did a terrific job in their roles which is not the case here at all. I think Shugo Oshinari and V-film star, Riki Takeuchi (the teacher), turned in two of the worst performances I ever saw. The overacting from these two is just ludicrous as I keep thinking of Riki Takeuchi snarling in the camera with a mouthful of aspirin. There were also a few scenes of sappy melodrama that were poorly executed.

The action wasn't all that terrific either as many scenes were shot too close as blood spurted on the screen. To make thing worse, the students wore full battle garb and helmets so I didn't even know who was dying most of the time. This resembled a poorly shot war movie more than anything else. The mission's opening scene of the generic students storming the beach like Normandy was laughable. If the filmmakers think America is so bad then why are they adding a 3rd rate Omaha beach scene straight out of "Saving Private Ryan"? I was cringing as I watched the students running around aimlessly under a storm of gunfire as few got hit. It reminded me of the old GI Joe cartoons where the Joes and Cobra would trade gunfire for hours as no one got hit. Since the student's collars was linked I think most of them would never of got off the beach, like the real Normandy.

As my rant of the year is coming to a close (although I could go on for hours), I must admit that I liked the concept of the linked necklaces even if the film gave a lame explanation for it. But, Unfortunately, this wasn't used to its full potential and was even discarded halfway through the film. Some of the production values were decent, but really not praiseworthy.

Even if I never saw the original masterpiece, I would say "Battle Royale 2" was a very bad film. I would also nominate this abomination as one of the worst sequels ever made. I wish the Japanese government never set up this game and just bombed the terrorist compound so I never would of seen this crappy movie. I will give it a 1 1/2 stars mainly out of respect for the "Battle Royale" legacy.

Thoroughly not recommended!

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!

I'm usually quick to criticize wire-fu choreography, but some of the scenes in "Iron Monkey" were amazing. I still think that some parts were a bit excessive, but the choreography from Yuen Wo Ping, Yuen Cheung Yan, and Yuen Shun Yee was, for the most part, incredible! Donnie Yen was tremendous in his role as Wong Kei-Ying and really showed his great fighting abilities. Even Yu Rong Guang was convincing as the Iron Monkey, handling his duties admirably. Tsang Sze man was also impressive as a young Wong Fei-Hung, especially since the character was played by a girl.

It's a shame that "Iron Monkey" was a box office flop because it is certainly one of the best martial arts films of the 1990's. With that said, "Iron Monkey" has thankfully gone on to receive the respect and admiration that it deserves, even becoming well known in the West.

If one wanted to sample a wire-fu film for the first time, there is no better place to start than "Iron Monkey".

Highly recommended!

Golden Harvest roped in Hark and a bunch of Hollywood effects guys to create this impressive spectacle of a fantasy flick, boasting a great cast and groundbreaking visuals for HK circa 1983. But somewhere between the flying fairies, fireballs, lightsabre duels, and all the other bells and whistles, the story and the characters got lost.

I mean, the actors are fine, and all do a good job--Yuen Biao, Meng Hoi, Moon Lee, etc.--but I feel that they are kinda' pushed into the background by all the special effects stuff, stifling their otherwise fine performances. And the already complicated story drowns in there as well. I've watched this movie a number of times and still have absolutely no idea what it's about. Sure, it keeps throwing crazy, flashy stuff at you, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

For the international version, a whole new plotline, involving Yuen Biao as a modern day fencing champion who goes into a coma and lands in an alternate reality, was shot and tacked on. The original fantasy stuff, being that reality, was recut, and the whole thing was sold as a slightly different movie. The modern day stuff is pretty fun. And I would like to see that full version some day.

I think the movie is a bit of a letdown in the action department as well. It is certainly competent. But I'm just not a big fan of fantastique wire fu. And the fact that there is so much visual effects stuff going on around it also distracts from the physical stuff.

In the end, I can enjoy this film as more of a curiosity than a fully fledged piece of cinema. To me, this is a good example of the dangers of big effects movies: if you lose the story and the characters, then all you are left with is bright lights and big bangs. And that in itself is not filmmaking.

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.

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.

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.

Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker should have earned him an Oscar nomination at the time, however screen academy officials were stodgy then as they are now. Any actor could wear clown make up and any stuntman could wear a bat costume. What made this movie good was the performances of Keaton and Nicholson. Keaton was an excellent Bruce Wayne, portraying him as an eccentric man with hidden psychological problems stemming from his parents' death. Nicholson of course will always be the Joker! His performance of a psycho gangster to an incurable mad man was outstanding.

Though some may think this movie is dated. I say Tim Burton's depiction of Gotham and its characters are forever frozen in a timeless world to be viewed over and over!

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.