SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Marketic It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Charles Herold (cherold) I really can't say much about the story of this film, because honestly I often was unclear on what was happening. There are a lot of people and organizations in conflict plus random fights, although the last part settles into a straightforward rescue movie. Perhaps, since there is some historical basis for this film, it is relying on the Chinese audience being able to fill in the gaps?While muddled as a whole, individual scenes are quite entertaining. The movie has a sprightly, light-hearted start, introducing some amusing characters.There's a lot of very entertaining fight choreography, including a terrific bit with an umbrella that would do Jackie Chan proud. Unfortunately the movie's fight gimmicks don't always work; there's a long fight involving ladders in which the ladders where you can't see why the fighters are so found of using them.Jet Li, the star of this, has been in some of my favorite martial arts films (Hero, Forbidden Kingdom, Unleashed) and I'm always hoping to find something else great with him, so I was excited to hear this was a "martial arts classic." But it's really just okay overall, with a solid start and end but a rather mushy middle.

OllieSuave-007 Jet Li plays the legendary Chinese martial arts hero, Wong Fei Hung. Set in ancient China, the cinematography catches the sceneries and atmosphere beautifully and sets the stage for all the awesome action sequences.Jet Li's impressive martial arts moves are definitely the highlight of the film, battling bad guys left and right. Him doing the lion dances is also a very impressive treat to watch.The acting was pretty good and the cast of characters were in the spot. The music score is also well played, especially the toe tapping and theme sung by George LamA pretty fast paced plot for a pretty entertaining film.Grade B

marymorrissey I'll admit I only watched 15 minutes or so cause I realized if I went straight to the box office I'd probably get a refund. it's a "goofy" very low budget movie which, if you're not seeing it for free, should be viewed from a seat in which you can make a quick getaway for a refund. You'll have to be a real Jet Li or Hong Kong completest to stick it out for any length of time, I think.I saw it on a program of "sergio Leone influences hong Kong" double feature and the other film from 2006 called "exile" was the HK submission for the Oscars and it was really excellent.my 10th line: and they said "hong Kong Odyssey 2002 was "stupid""!! I enjoyed that movie but this one, no thanks!oh and I suppose I need to explain at LACMA (LA county museum of art) in this instance the 2 films on the program had separate admission charges, the first one (exile) was $5 and such a deal the 2nd, this one, was 10 bucks and I felt anything else I might spend 10 bucks on, say, a baja fresh burrito, would be a better use of the money. mmm mm good!

kosmasp If you've only watch one Eastern, then it's possible you haven't watched this masterpiece yet. But if you're a fan of Eastern movies, than it's mandatory to watch this. Wong Fei Hung played by Jet Li, who's just great, is one of the best known character in the Eastern cinema! If you're aware of the Eastern cinema, than you kind of will expect, what you get here. If not be aware, that the fight scenes might not be realistic, but that's not the point here. I heard people laugh in the theater when "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was shown. Why? Because people were flying will fighting! If that sounds funny to you, than this movie might not be right for you. That is if you want an action movie, that you can enjoy! I enjoyed it very much (and the sequels that came) and I hope my description will help you decide, if this is a movie you want to watch! :o)