Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jet Li | ... | Wong Fei Hung | |
Biao Yuen | ... | Leung Foon | |
Rosamund Kwan | ... | 13th Aunt | |
Jacky Cheung | ... | Buck Teeth So | |
Kent Cheng | ... | Porky Wing | |
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Kam-Fai Yuen | ... | Kai |
Shi-Kwan Yen | ... | Iron Robe Yim (as Yee Kwan Yan) | |
Shun Lau | ... | Naval Commander Lau | |
Wu Ma | ... | Grand-Uncle Cheung | |
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Jianguo Qiu | ... | Shaho Gang Leader |
Cheung-Yan Yuen | ... | Yim's Opponent | |
Chi Yeung Wong | ... | Commander Man | |
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Shun-Yee Yuen | ... | Honorable Manchu Soldier |
Xin Xin Xiong | ... | Shaho Gang Member | |
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Jonathan Isgar | ... | Jackson |
Set in late 19th century Canton this martial arts film depicts the stance taken by the legendary martial arts hero Wong Fei-Hung (1847-1924) against foreign forces' (English, French and American) plundering of China. When Aunt Yee arrives back from America totally westernised, Wong Fei-Hung assumes the role of her protector. This proves to be difficult when his martial arts school and local militia become involved in fierce battles with foreign and local government. As violence escalates even Aunt Yee has to question her new western ideals, but is it possible to fight guns with Kung Fu? Written by Michele Wilkinson, University of Cambridge Language Centre, <mw125@cus.cam.ac.uk>
Brilliantly made martial-arts film about legendary Chinaman Wong Fei-hung. One of the only movies in it's genre to really create a cast of meaningful characters that do not merely lay by the way side of the best martial artist (obviously Jet Li).
It is excellently shot and acted with a sensible balance of action and drama - although it does have a tendency to lay things on quite thick, what with excessively dramatic music and over-signified sequences.
Overall it is a very original film, and is set among the interesting clash of the British and Chinese cultures. Slightly "magical" kung-fu sequences may turn Chan fans off, but otherwise it is mostly engaging.