| Overview: | This fairly recent Yuen Biao vehicle is about a man named Li San (Biao), who is also the Hero Swallow, which is the same thing as Robin Hood or Iron Monkey. There are multiple plots going on here as Li San is trying to prevent foreigners from obtaining Ch'ing Dynasty treasures, while at the same time stealing from the wealthy and giving to the poor and attempting to rescue his lover from a Peking brothel. It's not an original story, but it's still good because, hey, Yuen Biao is the star.
Some have discounted this 1996 mainland production. If you're used to wire assisted martial arts, you may not like this film. This Chinese republic-era film marks an important return to old school kung fu for Yuen Biao. It is full of long, well-choreographed scenes. This film is arguably Biao's best physical performance since the early 1980s. He is fluid, sharp and confident. His acrobatics and kicks are great. The Mainland cast---wu shu players--- is quite good.
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