Category Archives: Foreign Film

Fist of Legend (DVD)

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Although its been several years since I’ve watched this film, it still gets my heart racing and my adrenaline pumping everytime I screen it. Highly regarded as one of Jet Li’s finest martial arts performances, Fist of Legend pays tribute remarkably well to Bruce Lee’s 1972 classic, Fist of Fury.

Dragon Dynasty has completely outdone themselves with their latest showcase of classic Asian Cinema. The picture and sound quality is crisp and clean, the English dubbing has been improved, and there are a load of extra bonus features as well as deleted scenes which were actually worth a look.

As a huge fan of martial arts movies in general, I personally regard First of Legend as Yuen Woo-Ping‘s greatest work. In this film alone, I can name at least two fight scenes which could easily be ranked in a TOP 10 list of greatest martial arts sequences of all time. Jet Li showcases an entire arsenal of skill in this film, and many of his movements echo the the fighting spirit and combat philosophy of the legendary Bruce Lee.

Don’t bother renting this film if you see it on the shelves. Purchase a copy for yourself. Its a must have for any DVD library and has all the elements needed to keep you watching it over and over again.

Synopsis: Widely regarded as the greatest film of two legendary careers, Fist of Legend teams superstar Jet Li with martial arts choreographer Yuen Wo-ping (The Matrix) for “some of the best fight sequences you will ever see” (Dan Mitchell, IGN Movies). In this tribute to Bruce Lee’s classic The Chinese Connection (aka Fists of Fury), Li radiates sheer power and coolness as a kung fu phenom living abroad who returns home to avenge the death of his master and save his martial arts school. Shifting effortlessly among diverse fighting styles, Li even fights blindfolded and wields his belt as a deadly weapon. Fist of Legend is essential viewing for any Jet Li fan and “the promised land for kung fu cinema” (HongKongCinema.com).

Tai Chi Master (DVD)

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TaiChiFirst and foremost, please refrain from watching the dubbed version of this movie entitled “Twin Warriors“. Having the opportunity to screen both subbed and dubbed versions, I can tell you firsthand that there were quite a few problems with the English translations. I felt the dubbed version totally ruined the film’s comedic and dramatic value and found that it was actually frowned upon by many fans of the original title. Instead, watch this film in its original format. Its just so much better.

Tai Chi Master is one of Jet Li’s finest martial arts films. It will keep most audiences entertained throughout with its nonstop barrage of incredible action sequences mixed in with the perfect amount of drama and comedy.

Li stars as Junbao, a Shaolin Monk who trains throughout his life with one specific goal in mind: to help and protect those who are in need. His uncanny ability to grab hold of his audience backed by his amazing martial arts skills are on full display throughout the film. We also get a glimpse of a different side of Li with a bit of humor added to his character. Its actually a rare treat to see Li as a comic when most of the roles he portrays are somber ones. Michelle Yeoh also stars in this film and plays rebel leader Siu Lin. Her character compliments Li’s quite well and her martial arts abilities are so graceful and fluid that you can’t help but take notice.

If you are a martial arts fan and you haven’t seen this film yet, then you have truly missed Jet Li at his best. It is definitely a collectors piece and now has a place on my shelf alongside other classic films including, Enter the Dragon, Fists of Fury, Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow, Iron Monkey, and The 5 Deadly Venoms.

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The Restless (DVD)

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poster_therestlessIt’s been quite awhile since I’ve watched any foreign films with subtitles. It has always been a bit of a burden to read text while trying to enjoy a movie, but I was glad I took the time to watch this one. The Restless was a masterpiece of colors and beauty. The exquisite scenery mixed with a plot revolving around fantasy, drama, and romance made for quite the unique experience.

What the film lacks is a solid screenplay. The premise of the script was good but the execution of it was done very poorly. There were holes left unfilled, puzzles unfinished, and much left to be desired. I was left with more questions than answers and I really felt short changed by the end of it all.

The film however is not at a complete loss. Although more of a romantic fantasy movie than a martial arts fest, the film still provided some very nice swordplay, solid CGI effects, and visuals which were captivating to both the eyes and the imagination. The bond between the two main characters is felt throughout the film and although not a word of English is spoken, you can feel the connection and sense of urgency each character has to rediscover themselves and their love for one another.

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