Movie Digest
Set in the early days of the Republic of China. The political and social climate sees people leaving their homes in search of a stable life just to survive. However, Liang Weng, who was once a highly decorated military leader and a skilled martial artist, shows no mercy to evil-doers. He lives a low profile even though he wishes to avenge people. Carrying his secrecy with his grandson, he moves to the city of Guanyang, ruled by the bully Master Hong Wu. However, due to some accidental choices made by his grandson, Liag helped the humans around him to get lost. It is up to him to save his people. What will he do now? How will he save the people? And will his past catch up to him? Watch the movie and find out.
The Feel-Good Part
The show can properly and respectfully capture what people went through during the times of the early Chinese Republic. It makes the audience empathize with everything they go through and make root for good to prevail no matter what. Our lead character plays an important role, not just as a pseudo leader but also as someone who struggles with his identity. His journey throughout the film is extremely admirable and something we can admire. The film is visually good, making it a really enjoyable experience. The cinematography is dull, but not in a bad way. It adds to the depressing nature of the setting while highlighting the emotions and intensity of each scene correctly. The fight sequences are also very well choreographed and exciting to watch.
The Disappointing Factor
It feels a bit one-dimensional with the basic good guy versus bad guy martial arts format. Most martial movies suffer from this problem. It has little complexity and stakes, even though their lives depend on it. In the end, the good guys win, he gets over his past, and he goes on to live a great life. Historical dramas are also difficult to watch for someone who is not used to it. You might miss a lot of context and subtleties if you are not used to the historical drama genre. Also, historical martial arts dramas are even more difficult to watch if you want a fixed storyline and a plot progression filled with complexities. If you are a martial arts and historical drama fan, you may enjoy this movie, but if not, you may not like it.
In-Depth Analysis
The themes of this film are simple; family, fighting for good and accepting your past. The theme of family is what makes it heartwarming. The relationship between the main character and his grandson is what makes him get his past and fight for good. The film teaches people to take a risk and fight for good. There is a great outcome that comes from sacrificing yourself for good. Fighting for good is always worth it; the film is an example.
Star Power
Billy Chan directed this film. His directing style, especially during the fighting scenes, is just perfection. He has directed several films, such as New Mr. Vampire, Brotherhood, All Men Are Brothers-Blood of the Leopard, Crazy Safari, and more. He has also appeared as a martial arts director for films such as Security Unlimited, My Lucky Stars, and more. Bryan Leung plays the main character and delivers a powerful, heartfelt performance throughout the film, and his presence is felt throughout the film, making us root for him even more. He has starred in several dramas and movies, including The Revelation of the Last Hero, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, Real Kung Fu, Ip Man 3, and Lucky Dog. He is also a martial arts director for several films, including Two Great Cavaliers, The Incredible Kung Fu Master, and Satanic Crystals. We also have impressive supporting roles from Lisa Lli, Samuel Pang, and Zhao Mei Yan. Lisa Li starred in several dramas, including Xing Fu Mi Ma, The Biography of Sun Tzu, and Ode to Gallantry. Samuel Pang starred in movies and dramas such as Fall in Love, Shi Da Qi Yuan, OCTB, A Very Short Life, My Wife is a Gambling Maestro, and Embrace Your Shadow. Zhao Mei Yan starred in movies and dramas such as A Legend of Chinese Immortal, The Three Heroes and Five Gallants, My Years as the Ghoul, and more.
Overall Opinion
You will enjoy this film if you are looking for a classic martial arts film with a classic story of good vs. evil in a historical setting. You will enjoy the themes, the cinematography, and the fight choreography.
