"Stroke of Death" is no epic. In fact it just about manages to hold together a very wonky plot. However, if it's action you're looking for then step right up and indulge in this masterpiece of martial arts action.

The plot is simple: a kung fu master sentenced to death leaves his young, mischievous cellmate one half of a medallion. The youngster (and hero of the tale) escapes prison and goes on a quest to locate the other half of the medallion. Of course, there are a band of bad guys after the same medallion, and once the other half is found our hero and his partner in arms follow its message to locate a monkey kung fu manual. Fists, fights and foes ensue. The fights in this movie do not stop. I have never viewed a kung fu flick with as many fights as this, and each fight is fantastic. The choreography is incredibly diverse and skilled, with some incredible weapons work as well as traditional styles we all know and love.

There are many nods to Yuen Woo Ping's Jackie Chan vehicle, "Drunken Master"--and "nods" is a nice word to use. In places it feels as characters and scenarios have been lifted directly from the original classic.

"Stroke of Death" links up numerous fantastic fight scenes with a lackluster plot. Some action seems way out of place; in particular the fight with the very limber prostitute. It just doesn't seem to matter. Those looking for serious melodrama may want to look elsewhere. For those looking for all out kung fu mayhem with choreography surpassing many movies in the genre, look no further. For an example of how many fights there are in the movie I timed how long it took between the second to last fight and the finale. Three minutes. It doesn't make much room for a plot, but who needs it?

Fantastic fun abounds. Leave your sensibilities at the door and absorb the incredible martial arts on offer.