Leofwine_draca Dodgy dubbing aside, Jet Li's FIST OF LEGEND is movie making par excellence. Essentially a remake of the 1972 Bruce Lee film FIST OF FURY, this updated version sees a more complex struggle between the Chinese and Japanese authorities (both sides are shown to be racist and unreasonable at times instead of the Japanese-hating 1972 film) and far more in-depth characters than the straightforward parts that Bruce and his buddies played twenty years previously. Not that the plot is very important; being a martial arts film the emphasis is on the action, as always, and I'm happy to say that FIST OF LEGEND offers some of the most intense battles out there.Jet Li himself is at the unstoppable peak of his powers, delivering some incredible kicks and punches, and twisting his body into various impossible positions to help him take down his multiple opponents more easily. The more I see of Li (this being the fourth film, for those who care), the more impressed I am, and his strength, agility, flexibility, and skill make him one of the finest screen martial artists in the world. Watching him fight is compulsive stuff.Amid the various plot twists and turns, the action sequences flow smoothly along, helped greatly by the fight choreography of the famous Yuen Woo Ping who thankfully keeps his wirework to a minimum here so that the fights are kept hard and realistic. FIST OF LEGEND is a jaw-droppingly violent movie that begins with a bone-breaking bout in a classroom and culminates in a magnificent ten minute fight between Li and the chief villain, a sadistic and cruel Japanese General as played by the impassive Billy Chau.This final fight is one of the best I've seen and has some great moments, like when Li gets his shoulder dislocated and when he uses his own belt as a makeshift weapon against a sword! The rest of the action is also exciting, suspenseful, and most importantly makes for great entertainment. Production values are top-notch and the acting - behind the dubbing - to a very good standard. Another Li classic and another superior Hong Kong fight flick; it makes competition like Van Damme's TIMECOP from the same year seem like child's play.

eauvision Nowadays, we are missing good actions movies, this one is one my favorite, since I was kid, the fights are pretty awesome, and most of the moves are very real ( most of them ), I know they are some moves made with cables and all of that but the throws, boxing techniques, and drills are very good executed. Also the editing it helps at lot to watch the fights in a good perspective.Jet Lee plays his role very good, the plot is also well developed, the acting is not too bad, but also adding to the scenarios are designed, as the clothing of the movie.Watch it you are gonna like, it does not matter if you are martial artist, and if you are, you are gonna like even more.

Step Wallace Sometimes it's nice to watch a martial arts film, where the fighting feels plausible (if exceptionally elite). This film delivers a remarkable series of fight sequences without needlessly sacrificing the story.The historical setting lends itself to a natural tension that is utilized to create conflicts within the main characters and groups within the story.Whilst I suspect there is plenty of wire work and other techniques used in the film, it never feels entirely unrealistic and is a pleasure to watch and admire these athletes in action.A definite see for martial arts fans.

BroadswordCallinDannyBoy When a Chinese student in Japan learns that his former kung-fu teacher has been murdered he returns home to find out what happened. Much to his chagrin his school's reputation is on the brink of being nothing and the Japanese army is trying to take over Hong Kong. The movie is set right before World War 2. All history and back story set aside, though it isn't bad and the revenge story is interesting, the star here are the jaw dropping, insane, out-of-this-world, spectacularly choreographed, mind-blowing, intense, and just truly awesome fight scenes.There are many throughout the film and each one has its own rhythm and series of little thrills that add to a truly great martial arts movie. Choreographed by a master of the art of choreography, Cheung-Yan Yuen, and starring one of the world's leading martial arts stars, Jet Li, this in one kung-fu movie that you don't want to miss. 8/10Rated R: intense violence