I decided that I would come back large by reviewing the undisputed champ and all time greatest action movie. Yeah, that's right, I said it. All time, bitches. There are only really two types of people that can reasonably disagree with the previous statement: 1. those that have not seen it and 2. those that do not know what the word action means. I honestly have not met anyone that has seen this film and cannot admit that it is the best action flick around. Ever. This flick packs way more bang for your buck than anything that you have previously encountered in the States. Gratuitous, balletic, wild firefights are interwoven through a well designed story that is pumped full of not only ammunition but stellar performances from an excellent cast. Tony Leung is enigmatic. Chow Yun Fat is a brooding, unhinged wrecking ball. Anthony Wong is fucking Tony Montana. Phillip Kwok is that killa. This is the apex of cop/crime/noir/action entertainment. Saying that the action sequences are phenomenal would actually be making a vast understatement. The action is so plentiful and just unstoppable. Expect a variety of violence goodies involving not just wild gunplay but also quality stunts, explosions when needed and of course one straight up dope throwdown that brings as much hardcore noise as any trigger pull. "Hard Boiled" is the action gift that keeps on giving. Make sure you own this because you are a man and the absence of this in your library could bring that fact into question. This is Bastard Ronin delivering the goods the way you won't shut up about. Light some fires, kids. I'm 'bout to raise hell...

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.

After dismissing the audio issues, I found "Sukiyaki Western Django" to be a solid film and couldn't wait for the near 20-minute gun-blazing finale that didn't disappoint. This film seemed to be an ambitious, risky, but admirable project that should be viewed as successful.

Well worth a look.

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.

For me personally, the most irksome part of the whole film (I use the term loosely when describing this piece of shit) was its ridiculous anti-Americanism; evidently justifying 9-11 was supposed to imbue this "provocative" film with a measure of anti-establishment street cred. The message this dreadful movie seemingly wishes to convey is that terrorists, including the "heroes" of the story, are really only misunderstood idealists rather than cold-blooded mass-murderers.

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.

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

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

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

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

"Crime Story" was also Chan's first film based on a true story and one of his first major dramatic roles. The action was also pretty good as Chan took more of a streetfighting approach and showed no sign of his normal lighthearted sense of humor which is probably why some fans do not like this film. There was a lot of intensity in the fighting and Chan and his stunt team took many nasty falls. The explosions and fires were also well done as the old Kowloon walled city was burned and leveled.

The acting throughout the film was very good as Jackie Chan more than proved he can pull off this type of role. Kent Chang was great as always as police inspector/kidnapper Hung. It was also amazing how actor Law Kar Ying and actress Au-Yeung Pooi San looked like the real Teddy and Nina Wang.

I think this is a good film that allowed Jackie Chan to take on a new and challenging role that could be used as an example to critics who think Chan cannot act or take dramatic roles as he progresses in age.

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.

Sergio Leone's "Once Upon A Time In America" is a classic and flawless tale. Sadly, this was Sergio Leone's final picture which completed his American trilogy starting with "Once Upon A Time In The West", and "Duck, You Sucker". The film is simply magnificent--every frame is breathtaking and moving.

The film was adapted from Harry Grey's inspiring book "The Hoods", about Jewish mobsters in 1920's New York. It's astonishing to me that Mr. Grey wrote this modern classic while he was in prison in the 1950's. Mr. Leone took his work and made it beautiful with an outstanding epic feeling to it. This being Mr. Leone's last movie, it was a lot darker than his other movies. The violence was more dangerous and bitter than watching the man with no name trilogy. But there was still beauty in this movie--somehow Sergio Leone always knew how to accomplish that. It makes me wonder how he made the west gorgeous and with this film the city slums into a dream-like setting. The score adds shades of beauty done amazingly by Ennio Morricone and the emsemble cast was a delight.

This is a 5-star perfect movie about a haunting tale of friends and the mob. It's simply perfect.

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.

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!

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.

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!