Tag Archives: Dragon Dynasty

Heroes of the East (DVD)

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I have always been a fanboy of martial arts films, yet my knowledge on the genre is still pretty limited. Although I own what most would call the “classics”, this particular film had seemed to go undetected until I acquired a copy recently. Dragon Dynasty’s remastered release of this 1978 kung fu flick starring Gordon Liu is truly one of the most under appreciated martial arts films out there today. Its a true gem in the rough.

In brief, the story begins when an outstanding kung fu student is upset about a prearranged marriage to a Japanese woman. Although he resists initially, he finds her beauty to be irresistible and with very little coaxing agrees to get hitched. However, with the limited knowledge of his bride to be, he soon discovers his wife to be this kick ass martial artist who can break walls with her feet and wield weapons like a pro. It doesn’t take long until the newly wed couple begin to argue about who’s martial art is the superior form. After several weeks of bickering, glass breaking, and fighting, the bride flees back to Japan to her sensei (martial arts teacher) for some advice.

What follows is one of the most terrific displays of martial arts from both Japanese and Chinese cultures. Typically, you would see one or two really good action sequences choreographed in a feature, but I truly can’t recall a scene being any better than the next. Every scene was just as good as the other.

Obviously this film was not free from its faults or I would have given it a five star rating. Although humorous at times, the storyline was pretty void of anything worth mentioning and the English dub for this film was just terrible (whats new right?). However with that being said, this film is definitely for anyone who appreciates the old school, and is perhaps one of the greatest depictions of Chinese martial arts I’ve seen in quite awhile.

Legend of the Black Scorpion “The Banquet” (DVD)

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Inspired by the Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet, Legend of the Black Scorpion (USA) aka The Banquet (International) definitely lived up to reputation as being one of the most aesthetically pleasing films to come out of China/Hong Kong in quite some time.

The cinematography and musical score for this film were its obvious selling points. Everything from the outdoor locations to the indoor sets were exquisitely well crafted, as were the intricate costume designs and makeup artistry. The overall visual experience you get from this film is just outstanding. Composer Tan Dun also puts together quite an impressive score which helped to set the mood for its audience and intensified the beauty of this film tenfold.

This is where this film’s strengths end however. Its failure begins with its weak storyline and character development. The characters never seem to connect to its viewers and their performances felt more rehearsed than realistic. The film also dragged at the most inopportune times. There were several moments which actually started off strong only to end up being followed by some tiresome dialogue which would make the best of us nod off.

From a purely aesthetic level, it is easy to be swept away by this film. It is perfect in almost every way. Yet from an emotional standpoint, this film leaves its audience yearning for more and leaves you with more questions than answers. Legend of the Black Scorpion should only be watched if your a die hard fan Shakespearean type plots. I can’t really recommend this film to anyone else. After the first hour or so, it became quite a chore to finish.

Synopsis: In 907 AD, the Tang Dynasty is in tatters; infighting snarls the imperial family. Crown Prince Wu Luan loves Little Wan, but his father takes her as his Empress. Wu Luan goes into exile, studying dance and music. His uncle murders his father, taking throne and Empress; uncle sends assassins to kill Wu Luan. The Crown Prince eludes death and comes to court. The Emperor arranges for Little Wan’s coronation and dispatches Wu Luan to a distant land; he then calls for a midnight banquet on the 100th day of his rule. Poison, treachery, Wu Luan’s return, and the love of the innocent Qing for Wu Luan set up the final entanglements. No Fortinbras or Horatio lay the dead to rest. Written by {jhailey@hotmail.com}

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).