Reviews (63)

One of the most enjoyable martial arts films of recent years
As a relatively new martial arts film addict, I have to say that I loved this movie. American martial arts films pale in comparison to Hong Kong originals such as this, and Legend of the Red Dragon proved to be a great little detour from the road of hand to hand kung fu action I have been following for some time now. The main weapons of choice here are spears and darts, and the many fight scenes are simply incredible. The laws of physics get swept right out of the window, but that's okay be me; only one or two moves here struck me as patently ridiculous, but even these were exciting and thrilling. The dubbing was indeed rather bad, but I came to this movie for action, and that is what I got.

Jet Li stars as the warrior Hung Hei-Kwun, a loyalist to the Ming dynasty; as the movie opens, we see him return to his village to find everyone there slaughtered by the Manchus - everyone except his infant son Man Ting (Miu Tse). Vowing revenge, Kwun lets his toddler (and fate) decide whether the boy lives to join his father's fight or joins his mother in death; the boy chooses wisely. A betrayal of grand proportions soon finds Kwun surrounded by enemy fighters; many a martial arts hero has wiped out a troop of baddies all by himself, but Kwun does it with his infant son strapped to his back all the while. When we next meet up with Kwun and his son seven years later, young Ting is the baddest little dude in town - a kung fu fighting machine, an incredibly disciplined young warrior, and a serious lad who probably has more self-control and wisdom than even his father. Now penniless, Kwun agrees to serve as bodyguard to a wealthy merchant, and it is in his service that he gets to know Red Bean (Chingmy Yau), half of a mother-daughter con artist team currently plotting to rob Kwun's employer. As all of this is going on, a master at the threatened Shaolin school is busy tattooing a map to the Shaolin treasure on the backs of five of his pupils in an effort to keep the treasure safe (although the fact the boys always seem to be together sort of defeats the purpose). An old enemy of Kwun's, one whom he thought he had killed, wants that treasure, and he especially wants to kill Kwun. This dude looks like he stuck his head in a pot of boiling water for about half an hour, but he is strong and invincible thanks to a witch's spell. He also drives a metal super-car, something you just don't see everyday in films about the China of the distant past. The Batmobile thing pushes the envelope way too far, but the movie is good enough to make up for the filmmaker's indiscretion.

Anyway, Kwun and Ting must fight to defeat the evil man from Kwun's past, protect the tattooed boys and in doing so save the Shaolin treasure, and deal with his feelings toward the lovely Red Bean. For the most part, he just fights. All of the action sequences in the film blew me away (but of course I'm not hard to impress when it comes to this type of action); you've got claws and darts being flung pell-mell out of nowhere, sword fights galore, and a little bit of kung fu thrown into the mix. Li and his fellow performers are lightning quick in their movements, the main female characters are a force to reckon with, and young Ting is just a joy to watch. Not only can he lick five boys his own age without breaking a sweat, he is basically an equal partner with his father, fighting right alongside him when the moment arises. Their weapons are a little on the souped-up side, but, boy oh boy, it makes for some spectacular fight scenes.

The biggest mystery to me when it comes to Hong Kong films such as this is the comedy aspect. As this movie progresses, an initially grim, sober tale is injected with increasing doses of comedy (only a small part of which can be attributed to the less than perfect dubbing). Some of it is funny, but the movie suffers a little bit in the process. Still, though, the amazing fight scenes alone make this a film that any martial arts fan should enjoy, and I might add in closing that the cinematography is also quite good, boasting one particularly beautiful scene midway through the film.

This is the dubbed version of New Legend of Shaolin
An overall decent film with good action sequences. It's just unfortunate that this isn't the original version.

Jet Li and that kid are awesome!
Jet Li playing the role of a father took a little getting used to. But once I saw the kid in action, all of my premonitions vanished. In real life he is a student of Wushu, and boy can he move.

The story was somewhat interesting, but Meng (the half robot guy) irritated me. Watching him spin and whirl around was just too much.

Jet Li is the man, but this movie is AWFULL!!
Well, lets see where does the madness begin!? Well first I have to say that I bought this movie way back when Fist of Legend first came out in 1994.(Which was a great film.) But this one was garbage. I am a HUGE Jet Li fan, he is one of the most talented martial artists to date, but the movie was awfull. First I do not like all the flying around stuff so that turned me off. The fights were very unrealistic, and the Villian had a metal car!?? Man..What is that about!!? It was More like a fantasy cartoon, that I could'nt wait to end. The movie was Very disapointing! I think it is as bad as "Kung Fu Cult Master". no, Actually that movie was better. This one was pretty bad.

And whats this I read from a review about karate in the movie???...Come on man...Jet Li does KUNG FU...and There was no karate in China back when the movie was set! I guess ignorance is bliss!

Kunfu action Theater
Yo FourHawk is the man!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A distraught warrior (the charismatic Jet Li) forces his toddler son to choose between a sword and a wooden horse. If he chooses the sword, together they will fight the corrupt government that killed their family; if he chooses the horse, the warrior will send him to join his mother--in hell. Thus begins The New Legend of Shaolin, a wild Hong Kong fantasy. Though the opening sounds grim, the movie shifts ahead seven years and becomes increasingly comic as its plot unfolds. The story centers around a map tattooed on the backs of five boys; it leads to treasure from the Ming dynasty that a heroic sect hopes to use to reestablish the Shaolin temple, which the government destroyed. Meanwhile, Li is forced by poverty to become the bodyguard of a blowhard merchant, who doesn't realize that his bride-to-be is part of a mother-daughter team of notorious thieves. Meanwhile, a villain deformed by a poison that gives him invincible powers is hunting down the five boys, one of whom is the merchant's son... As is usually the case with Hong Kong cinema, the filmmakers have crammed in enough stuff to fill several ordinary movies. The exaggerated stoic conversations between Li and his 7-year-old son, both of them stone-faced and painfully serious, are extremely funny, as are the bizarre bits when the bride's mother masquerades as a ghost. And on top of all this are at least seven spectacular action sequences that are both comic and exciting. A prime example of the unique joys of Hong Kong pop culture. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (63)

One of the most enjoyable martial arts films of recent years
As a relatively new martial arts film addict, I have to say that I loved this movie. American martial arts films pale in comparison to Hong Kong originals such as this, and Legend of the Red Dragon proved to be a great little detour from the road of hand to hand kung fu action I have been following for some time now. The main weapons of choice here are spears and darts, and the many fight scenes are simply incredible. The laws of physics get swept right out of the window, but that's okay be me; only one or two moves here struck me as patently ridiculous, but even these were exciting and thrilling. The dubbing was indeed rather bad, but I came to this movie for action, and that is what I got.

Jet Li stars as the warrior Hung Hei-Kwun, a loyalist to the Ming dynasty; as the movie opens, we see him return to his village to find everyone there slaughtered by the Manchus - everyone except his infant son Man Ting (Miu Tse). Vowing revenge, Kwun lets his toddler (and fate) decide whether the boy lives to join his father's fight or joins his mother in death; the boy chooses wisely. A betrayal of grand proportions soon finds Kwun surrounded by enemy fighters; many a martial arts hero has wiped out a troop of baddies all by himself, but Kwun does it with his infant son strapped to his back all the while. When we next meet up with Kwun and his son seven years later, young Ting is the baddest little dude in town - a kung fu fighting machine, an incredibly disciplined young warrior, and a serious lad who probably has more self-control and wisdom than even his father. Now penniless, Kwun agrees to serve as bodyguard to a wealthy merchant, and it is in his service that he gets to know Red Bean (Chingmy Yau), half of a mother-daughter con artist team currently plotting to rob Kwun's employer. As all of this is going on, a master at the threatened Shaolin school is busy tattooing a map to the Shaolin treasure on the backs of five of his pupils in an effort to keep the treasure safe (although the fact the boys always seem to be together sort of defeats the purpose). An old enemy of Kwun's, one whom he thought he had killed, wants that treasure, and he especially wants to kill Kwun. This dude looks like he stuck his head in a pot of boiling water for about half an hour, but he is strong and invincible thanks to a witch's spell. He also drives a metal super-car, something you just don't see everyday in films about the China of the distant past. The Batmobile thing pushes the envelope way too far, but the movie is good enough to make up for the filmmaker's indiscretion.

Anyway, Kwun and Ting must fight to defeat the evil man from Kwun's past, protect the tattooed boys and in doing so save the Shaolin treasure, and deal with his feelings toward the lovely Red Bean. For the most part, he just fights. All of the action sequences in the film blew me away (but of course I'm not hard to impress when it comes to this type of action); you've got claws and darts being flung pell-mell out of nowhere, sword fights galore, and a little bit of kung fu thrown into the mix. Li and his fellow performers are lightning quick in their movements, the main female characters are a force to reckon with, and young Ting is just a joy to watch. Not only can he lick five boys his own age without breaking a sweat, he is basically an equal partner with his father, fighting right alongside him when the moment arises. Their weapons are a little on the souped-up side, but, boy oh boy, it makes for some spectacular fight scenes.

The biggest mystery to me when it comes to Hong Kong films such as this is the comedy aspect. As this movie progresses, an initially grim, sober tale is injected with increasing doses of comedy (only a small part of which can be attributed to the less than perfect dubbing). Some of it is funny, but the movie suffers a little bit in the process. Still, though, the amazing fight scenes alone make this a film that any martial arts fan should enjoy, and I might add in closing that the cinematography is also quite good, boasting one particularly beautiful scene midway through the film.

This is the dubbed version of New Legend of Shaolin
An overall decent film with good action sequences. It's just unfortunate that this isn't the original version.

Jet Li and that kid are awesome!
Jet Li playing the role of a father took a little getting used to. But once I saw the kid in action, all of my premonitions vanished. In real life he is a student of Wushu, and boy can he move.

The story was somewhat interesting, but Meng (the half robot guy) irritated me. Watching him spin and whirl around was just too much.

Jet Li is the man, but this movie is AWFULL!!
Well, lets see where does the madness begin!? Well first I have to say that I bought this movie way back when Fist of Legend first came out in 1994.(Which was a great film.) But this one was garbage. I am a HUGE Jet Li fan, he is one of the most talented martial artists to date, but the movie was awfull. First I do not like all the flying around stuff so that turned me off. The fights were very unrealistic, and the Villian had a metal car!?? Man..What is that about!!? It was More like a fantasy cartoon, that I could'nt wait to end. The movie was Very disapointing! I think it is as bad as "Kung Fu Cult Master". no, Actually that movie was better. This one was pretty bad.

And whats this I read from a review about karate in the movie???...Come on man...Jet Li does KUNG FU...and There was no karate in China back when the movie was set! I guess ignorance is bliss!

Kunfu action Theater
Yo FourHawk is the man!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Dated, but still the last reunion of Chan, Hung, and Yuen.
This trio of action stars has a chemistry that comes of years of training in the "Yuen Ga Ban" (Yuen's Training School). Though their interaction is not nearly as enjoyable as in Jackie Chan's first Project A, Dragons Forever remains the last collaboration including all three.

The cinematography, acting, music and dialogue are all very dated; for a 1988 movie, Dragons Forever looks like it was made in the early '80s. The action choreography is tremendous but not very well represented by the shot selection and editing. For example, the last fight between Jackie Chan and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez is terribly disjointed, lacking in fluidity because of too much parallel editing. And the script makes too much demand of the worst actor of the trio -- Yuen Biao, who can't possibly handle the complexities of playing a truly clueless nutball. And the misogynistic jokes and attitudes get tired fast. Chan's lawyer ("Jackie Lung") is the only character that escapes unscathed because he's the most consistent with the most compelling arc of the three, and in a seriously flawed comedy script like this, his underplaying becomes much more enjoyable than Yuen's self-conscious, bloated performance.

More marks off for Pauline Yeung Bo-ling's awful turn as Jackie's romantic lead, playing a mockery of femininity that's truly painful to watch in the '90s. Frequent Samo Hung partner Deannie Yip Tak-han, stronger and just more dramatically capable overall, is a welcome relief from that.

Mr. Nice Guy, with its expert editing, and Project A, with its goofball period-piece flair and campy sense, represent much more successful collaborations between Chan and Hung. For the best showcase of Chan's fighting ability, go for Drunken Master II and Police Story.

The best ever J Chan Movie
The best movie that J Chan has ever made. It is full of humor and stunning stunts, but it also has heart. The nice love story, and the crazy Yuen Biao are the cherry on top.
I gues to hope for a new film with the tree all togheter is preaty foolish.

Best of three kung fu brothers
I have watched most of these three brothers' movies, this is for sure on of the best. The fights are as fast as naturally possible- especially the last fight with the antagonist in the factory. I have noticed that Jackie is using his right hand and foot most of the time while fighting, but in this movie he does an amazingly fast tornado kick with his left foot - you have to see it over and over. There is a lot I want to say about this movei, but all I can say is that this movie is so cute that makes you watch it over and over. I wish that these three brothers made more movies of this kind.

Sammo, Jackie and Yuen!!
Three of the best martial arts film stars ever can be found right here. The result is pure magic. Great action scenes and comical moments you've come to expect. This is a must-have for any fan of the three.

Great Comedy-Kungfu
Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung put on a great show as they kick butts (including their own at times) and make us laugh with their three stooges antics. That sceene with Sammo trying to win the girl's affection had me rolling. Although an older movie this definately should be in your Jackie Chan/Sammo Hung collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

A fitfully amazing, frequently disheartening hodgepodge of action, farce, and romance, slapped together as a costarring vehicle for three of Hong Kong's major movie stars: Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung (who also directed), and Yuen Biao. Its light-footed, try-anything spirit makes it consistently enjoyable, but these wonderful performers are working (to put it kindly) beneath their gifts. Chan plays a womanizing attorney who recruits arms-dealer Hung and madcap inventor Biao to dig up dirt on the corporate sleaze balls he's supposedly defending--industrial polluters (and heroin smugglers) whose effluents threaten the bucolic fish farm of a handsome widow woman. The trio doesn't have many collective scenes, so their Three Musketeers act never really gets off the ground. As always, the fights and stunt work are mind-boggling; the jaunty details are fun: Chan's flick-of-the-wrist trick with a fancy briefcase; Hung's deft run- through of a few choice Cantonese opera moves; and Yuen Biao's Olympic-level acrobatics on, around, and within an industrial steel-tube staircase. --David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (47)

THE KUNG FU-TEERS LAST MOVIE!!!
This is a very good movie with wonderful performances all around. Jackie Chan plays a sleazy lawyer, Sammo Hung an arms dealer, and Yuen Biao as a psychotic handyman. My only complaints for this movie is the music, when Sammo gets hit in the head with a wrench and Yuen Wah's character being underused. He is an equally talented martial artist/acrobat but the rematch from Wheels on Meals with Chan and Benny the Jet more than makes up for it. (See Eastern Condors or Heart of Dragon for the talents of Yuen Wah). Yuen Biao is great as usual as an actor, acrobat and fighter and Hung's skills are used well but his direction is very good. Jackie really is better than the two as is shown in this movie (especially the fight onboard the ship). The fights between Biao, Hung and Chan is a rare classic. This movie will thrill you and make you laugh as Biao, Hung, and Chan walk off in style. This movie should definitely be bought!

A kung fu classic.
Another spectacular movie from the three opera brothers (Jackie Chan, Samo Hung, Yuen Biao) who brought us Wheels on Meals and Project A. Once again brilliant fight scenes and the only movie with the three brothers fighting each other. The last movie they have all co-stared in to date. Brilliant.

The best ever J Chan Movie
The best movie that J Chan has ever made. It is full of humor and stunning stunts, but it also has heart. The nice love story, and the crazy Yuen Biao are the cherry on top.
I gues to hope for a new film with the tree all togheter is preaty foolish.

Best of three kung fu brothers
I have watched most of these three brothers' movies, this is for sure on of the best. The fights are as fast as naturally possible- especially the last fight with the antagonist in the factory. I have noticed that Jackie is using his right hand and foot most of the time while fighting, but in this movie he does an amazingly fast tornado kick with his left foot - you have to see it over and over. There is a lot I want to say about this movei, but all I can say is that this movie is so cute that makes you watch it over and over. I wish that these three brothers made more movies of this kind.

Sammo, Jackie and Yuen!!
Three of the best martial arts film stars ever can be found right here. The result is pure magic. Great action scenes and comical moments you've come to expect. This is a must-have for any fan of the three. ... Read more

Reviews (63)

One of the most enjoyable martial arts films of recent years
As a relatively new martial arts film addict, I have to say that I loved this movie. American martial arts films pale in comparison to Hong Kong originals such as this, and Legend of the Red Dragon proved to be a great little detour from the road of hand to hand kung fu action I have been following for some time now. The main weapons of choice here are spears and darts, and the many fight scenes are simply incredible. The laws of physics get swept right out of the window, but that's okay be me; only one or two moves here struck me as patently ridiculous, but even these were exciting and thrilling. The dubbing was indeed rather bad, but I came to this movie for action, and that is what I got.

Jet Li stars as the warrior Hung Hei-Kwun, a loyalist to the Ming dynasty; as the movie opens, we see him return to his village to find everyone there slaughtered by the Manchus - everyone except his infant son Man Ting (Miu Tse). Vowing revenge, Kwun lets his toddler (and fate) decide whether the boy lives to join his father's fight or joins his mother in death; the boy chooses wisely. A betrayal of grand proportions soon finds Kwun surrounded by enemy fighters; many a martial arts hero has wiped out a troop of baddies all by himself, but Kwun does it with his infant son strapped to his back all the while. When we next meet up with Kwun and his son seven years later, young Ting is the baddest little dude in town - a kung fu fighting machine, an incredibly disciplined young warrior, and a serious lad who probably has more self-control and wisdom than even his father. Now penniless, Kwun agrees to serve as bodyguard to a wealthy merchant, and it is in his service that he gets to know Red Bean (Chingmy Yau), half of a mother-daughter con artist team currently plotting to rob Kwun's employer. As all of this is going on, a master at the threatened Shaolin school is busy tattooing a map to the Shaolin treasure on the backs of five of his pupils in an effort to keep the treasure safe (although the fact the boys always seem to be together sort of defeats the purpose). An old enemy of Kwun's, one whom he thought he had killed, wants that treasure, and he especially wants to kill Kwun. This dude looks like he stuck his head in a pot of boiling water for about half an hour, but he is strong and invincible thanks to a witch's spell. He also drives a metal super-car, something you just don't see everyday in films about the China of the distant past. The Batmobile thing pushes the envelope way too far, but the movie is good enough to make up for the filmmaker's indiscretion.

Anyway, Kwun and Ting must fight to defeat the evil man from Kwun's past, protect the tattooed boys and in doing so save the Shaolin treasure, and deal with his feelings toward the lovely Red Bean. For the most part, he just fights. All of the action sequences in the film blew me away (but of course I'm not hard to impress when it comes to this type of action); you've got claws and darts being flung pell-mell out of nowhere, sword fights galore, and a little bit of kung fu thrown into the mix. Li and his fellow performers are lightning quick in their movements, the main female characters are a force to reckon with, and young Ting is just a joy to watch. Not only can he lick five boys his own age without breaking a sweat, he is basically an equal partner with his father, fighting right alongside him when the moment arises. Their weapons are a little on the souped-up side, but, boy oh boy, it makes for some spectacular fight scenes.

The biggest mystery to me when it comes to Hong Kong films such as this is the comedy aspect. As this movie progresses, an initially grim, sober tale is injected with increasing doses of comedy (only a small part of which can be attributed to the less than perfect dubbing). Some of it is funny, but the movie suffers a little bit in the process. Still, though, the amazing fight scenes alone make this a film that any martial arts fan should enjoy, and I might add in closing that the cinematography is also quite good, boasting one particularly beautiful scene midway through the film.

This is the dubbed version of New Legend of Shaolin
An overall decent film with good action sequences. It's just unfortunate that this isn't the original version.

Jet Li and that kid are awesome!
Jet Li playing the role of a father took a little getting used to. But once I saw the kid in action, all of my premonitions vanished. In real life he is a student of Wushu, and boy can he move.

The story was somewhat interesting, but Meng (the half robot guy) irritated me. Watching him spin and whirl around was just too much.

Jet Li is the man, but this movie is AWFULL!!
Well, lets see where does the madness begin!? Well first I have to say that I bought this movie way back when Fist of Legend first came out in 1994.(Which was a great film.) But this one was garbage. I am a HUGE Jet Li fan, he is one of the most talented martial artists to date, but the movie was awfull. First I do not like all the flying around stuff so that turned me off. The fights were very unrealistic, and the Villian had a metal car!?? Man..What is that about!!? It was More like a fantasy cartoon, that I could'nt wait to end. The movie was Very disapointing! I think it is as bad as "Kung Fu Cult Master". no, Actually that movie was better. This one was pretty bad.

And whats this I read from a review about karate in the movie???...Come on man...Jet Li does KUNG FU...and There was no karate in China back when the movie was set! I guess ignorance is bliss!

Kunfu action Theater
Yo FourHawk is the man!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A supernatural love story from Hong Kong, with heavy Splash overtones. Chow Yun-fat mugs happily as a lovable screwup, a collector for a loan shark, whose cranky girlfriend happens to be a ghost. The mixture of romance, comedy, and slapstick horror is pure Hong Kong--especially when the ghost girl's dead husband erupts from Hell to get her back, taking the form of a purple, flying, disembodied head. Meanwhile, Chow's Cantonese opera-singing mannish cousin (Cherie Cheung, from Peking Opera Blues) pines for him secretly and mines the legendary content of ancient librettos for charms to be used against the sexy spirit. In the best episode, Chow performs some funny, mincing imitations of classic Chinese opera routines. --David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A charming HK supernatural thriller/comedy
Chow Yun Fat plays Lao K, a small time triad type who earns his livingas a collection man for a loan shark. His cousin, Chin Hua (played by Deannie Yip), an aspiring "ghostbuster", pines after him, using her divination skills to chart her cousin's romantic future, hoping to see her name revealed. Lao K is oblivious to her infatuation, caught up with his collection activities and the romantic charms of May (Pauline Wong), a self involved maneater who treats him badly, and soon forsakes him for a richer, more successful man.

One day, while trying to collect a debt for his boss in the company ofhis constant companion, 6'3" (a deaf mute fellow criminal whom Lao K has "adopted") Lao K is captivated by an antique Chinese desk. Buying it and taking to the home he shares with his cousin, he discovers a letter in a drawer that tells the sad story of a young woman, sick from birth, who posthumously was wed to an "ugly ghost" by her family. The young woman has not been reincarnated and has little hope of ever being, until she can find a man born on a yang day,in a yang month, in a yang year willing to give up 3 years of his mortal life to help her escape from her fearsome ghost-husband and win her achance at reincarnation.

Lao K, the petty criminal with a heart of gold, and told by a physiogamist that he will live to 98, decides he can spare a few years to help the girl out. He performs the ritual she details in her letter, and then promptly forgets about the whole matter.

He is walking on the waterfront when he spies a young woman in a boat. Escaped from the underworld, Wei Hsaio-Tieh (Cherie Chung), has come to search out her benefactor.

Hsiao-Tieh enters and reenters Lao K.'s life over the course of the next few days, finally coming to stay with him after he stumbles home ill after an argument with May.

Complications ensue--leading to an exorcism, a ghostly rescue and a further ritual that grants Hsio-Tieh 49 days on earth with her beloved. Ex-girlfriend May reenters the picture, which ultimately leads to a climactic and cataclysmic supernatural showdown.

The always versatile Chow Yun Fat is endearingly roguish as the
basically decent Lao K.. Cherie Chung displays her wonderful range as an actress, effortlessly moving from broad comedy to affecting pathos as the ill-starred Hsiao-tieh. The supporting players, especially Deannie Yip as the long suffering cousin, are universally excellent.

While Hong Kong supernatural comedies are an acquired taste, this film stands on its own, and carries appeal on several fronts, not the least of which is the incredible chemistry between its two leads.

another side of chow yun fat
If you think that chow yun fat is only any good at filling bad guys full of lead than you should check out this charming supernatural comedy. Chow plays a young rogue who accidently frees a young girls spirit from being trapped in hell with her evil husband what follows is a charming love story/supernatural comedy where the gorgeous girl works to charm chow into marrying her and freeing her spirit forever. As mentioned in the editorial review one of the best things about this movie is chow's jealous cousin and her crafty attempts to scupper the procedings. If you want to see a lighter side of HK cinema give this little gem a go and enjoy yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I want to see it agian to make sure it's the right movie
I think Ihave seen this movie before but I want to make sure it's the right one before i order it ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A charming HK supernatural thriller/comedy
Chow Yun Fat plays Lao K, a small time triad type who earns his livingas a collection man for a loan shark. His cousin, Chin Hua (played by Deannie Yip), an aspiring "ghostbuster", pines after him, using her divination skills to chart her cousin's romantic future, hoping to see her name revealed. Lao K is oblivious to her infatuation, caught up with his collection activities and the romantic charms of May (Pauline Wong), a self involved maneater who treats him badly, and soon forsakes him for a richer, more successful man.

One day, while trying to collect a debt for his boss in the company ofhis constant companion, 6'3" (a deaf mute fellow criminal whom Lao K has "adopted") Lao K is captivated by an antique Chinese desk. Buying it and taking to the home he shares with his cousin, he discovers a letter in a drawer that tells the sad story of a young woman, sick from birth, who posthumously was wed to an "ugly ghost" by her family. The young woman has not been reincarnated and has little hope of ever being, until she can find a man born on a yang day,in a yang month, in a yang year willing to give up 3 years of his mortal life to help her escape from her fearsome ghost-husband and win her achance at reincarnation.

Lao K, the petty criminal with a heart of gold, and told by a physiogamist that he will live to 98, decides he can spare a few years to help the girl out. He performs the ritual she details in her letter, and then promptly forgets about the whole matter.

He is walking on the waterfront when he spies a young woman in a boat. Escaped from the underworld, Wei Hsaio-Tieh (Cherie Chung), has come to search out her benefactor.

Hsiao-Tieh enters and reenters Lao K.'s life over the course of the next few days, finally coming to stay with him after he stumbles home ill after an argument with May.

Complications ensue--leading to an exorcism, a ghostly rescue and a further ritual that grants Hsio-Tieh 49 days on earth with her beloved. Ex-girlfriend May reenters the picture, which ultimately leads to a climactic and cataclysmic supernatural showdown.

The always versatile Chow Yun Fat is endearingly roguish as the
basically decent Lao K.. Cherie Chung displays her wonderful range as an actress, effortlessly moving from broad comedy to affecting pathos as the ill-starred Hsiao-tieh. The supporting players, especially Deannie Yip as the long suffering cousin, are universally excellent.

While Hong Kong supernatural comedies are an acquired taste, this film stands on its own, and carries appeal on several fronts, not the least of which is the incredible chemistry between its two leads.

another side of chow yun fat
If you think that chow yun fat is only any good at filling bad guys full of lead than you should check out this charming supernatural comedy. Chow plays a young rogue who accidently frees a young girls spirit from being trapped in hell with her evil husband what follows is a charming love story/supernatural comedy where the gorgeous girl works to charm chow into marrying her and freeing her spirit forever. As mentioned in the editorial review one of the best things about this movie is chow's jealous cousin and her crafty attempts to scupper the procedings. If you want to see a lighter side of HK cinema give this little gem a go and enjoy yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (63)

One of the most enjoyable martial arts films of recent years
As a relatively new martial arts film addict, I have to say that I loved this movie. American martial arts films pale in comparison to Hong Kong originals such as this, and Legend of the Red Dragon proved to be a great little detour from the road of hand to hand kung fu action I have been following for some time now. The main weapons of choice here are spears and darts, and the many fight scenes are simply incredible. The laws of physics get swept right out of the window, but that's okay be me; only one or two moves here struck me as patently ridiculous, but even these were exciting and thrilling. The dubbing was indeed rather bad, but I came to this movie for action, and that is what I got.

Jet Li stars as the warrior Hung Hei-Kwun, a loyalist to the Ming dynasty; as the movie opens, we see him return to his village to find everyone there slaughtered by the Manchus - everyone except his infant son Man Ting (Miu Tse). Vowing revenge, Kwun lets his toddler (and fate) decide whether the boy lives to join his father's fight or joins his mother in death; the boy chooses wisely. A betrayal of grand proportions soon finds Kwun surrounded by enemy fighters; many a martial arts hero has wiped out a troop of baddies all by himself, but Kwun does it with his infant son strapped to his back all the while. When we next meet up with Kwun and his son seven years later, young Ting is the baddest little dude in town - a kung fu fighting machine, an incredibly disciplined young warrior, and a serious lad who probably has more self-control and wisdom than even his father. Now penniless, Kwun agrees to serve as bodyguard to a wealthy merchant, and it is in his service that he gets to know Red Bean (Chingmy Yau), half of a mother-daughter con artist team currently plotting to rob Kwun's employer. As all of this is going on, a master at the threatened Shaolin school is busy tattooing a map to the Shaolin treasure on the backs of five of his pupils in an effort to keep the treasure safe (although the fact the boys always seem to be together sort of defeats the purpose). An old enemy of Kwun's, one whom he thought he had killed, wants that treasure, and he especially wants to kill Kwun. This dude looks like he stuck his head in a pot of boiling water for about half an hour, but he is strong and invincible thanks to a witch's spell. He also drives a metal super-car, something you just don't see everyday in films about the China of the distant past. The Batmobile thing pushes the envelope way too far, but the movie is good enough to make up for the filmmaker's indiscretion.

Anyway, Kwun and Ting must fight to defeat the evil man from Kwun's past, protect the tattooed boys and in doing so save the Shaolin treasure, and deal with his feelings toward the lovely Red Bean. For the most part, he just fights. All of the action sequences in the film blew me away (but of course I'm not hard to impress when it comes to this type of action); you've got claws and darts being flung pell-mell out of nowhere, sword fights galore, and a little bit of kung fu thrown into the mix. Li and his fellow performers are lightning quick in their movements, the main female characters are a force to reckon with, and young Ting is just a joy to watch. Not only can he lick five boys his own age without breaking a sweat, he is basically an equal partner with his father, fighting right alongside him when the moment arises. Their weapons are a little on the souped-up side, but, boy oh boy, it makes for some spectacular fight scenes.

The biggest mystery to me when it comes to Hong Kong films such as this is the comedy aspect. As this movie progresses, an initially grim, sober tale is injected with increasing doses of comedy (only a small part of which can be attributed to the less than perfect dubbing). Some of it is funny, but the movie suffers a little bit in the process. Still, though, the amazing fight scenes alone make this a film that any martial arts fan should enjoy, and I might add in closing that the cinematography is also quite good, boasting one particularly beautiful scene midway through the film.

This is the dubbed version of New Legend of Shaolin
An overall decent film with good action sequences. It's just unfortunate that this isn't the original version.

Jet Li and that kid are awesome!
Jet Li playing the role of a father took a little getting used to. But once I saw the kid in action, all of my premonitions vanished. In real life he is a student of Wushu, and boy can he move.

The story was somewhat interesting, but Meng (the half robot guy) irritated me. Watching him spin and whirl around was just too much.

Jet Li is the man, but this movie is AWFULL!!
Well, lets see where does the madness begin!? Well first I have to say that I bought this movie way back when Fist of Legend first came out in 1994.(Which was a great film.) But this one was garbage. I am a HUGE Jet Li fan, he is one of the most talented martial artists to date, but the movie was awfull. First I do not like all the flying around stuff so that turned me off. The fights were very unrealistic, and the Villian had a metal car!?? Man..What is that about!!? It was More like a fantasy cartoon, that I could'nt wait to end. The movie was Very disapointing! I think it is as bad as "Kung Fu Cult Master". no, Actually that movie was better. This one was pretty bad.

And whats this I read from a review about karate in the movie???...Come on man...Jet Li does KUNG FU...and There was no karate in China back when the movie was set! I guess ignorance is bliss!

Kunfu action Theater
Yo FourHawk is the man!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (47)

THE KUNG FU-TEERS LAST MOVIE!!!
This is a very good movie with wonderful performances all around. Jackie Chan plays a sleazy lawyer, Sammo Hung an arms dealer, and Yuen Biao as a psychotic handyman. My only complaints for this movie is the music, when Sammo gets hit in the head with a wrench and Yuen Wah's character being underused. He is an equally talented martial artist/acrobat but the rematch from Wheels on Meals with Chan and Benny the Jet more than makes up for it. (See Eastern Condors or Heart of Dragon for the talents of Yuen Wah). Yuen Biao is great as usual as an actor, acrobat and fighter and Hung's skills are used well but his direction is very good. Jackie really is better than the two as is shown in this movie (especially the fight onboard the ship). The fights between Biao, Hung and Chan is a rare classic. This movie will thrill you and make you laugh as Biao, Hung, and Chan walk off in style. This movie should definitely be bought!

A kung fu classic.
Another spectacular movie from the three opera brothers (Jackie Chan, Samo Hung, Yuen Biao) who brought us Wheels on Meals and Project A. Once again brilliant fight scenes and the only movie with the three brothers fighting each other. The last movie they have all co-stared in to date. Brilliant.

The best ever J Chan Movie
The best movie that J Chan has ever made. It is full of humor and stunning stunts, but it also has heart. The nice love story, and the crazy Yuen Biao are the cherry on top.
I gues to hope for a new film with the tree all togheter is preaty foolish.

Best of three kung fu brothers
I have watched most of these three brothers' movies, this is for sure on of the best. The fights are as fast as naturally possible- especially the last fight with the antagonist in the factory. I have noticed that Jackie is using his right hand and foot most of the time while fighting, but in this movie he does an amazingly fast tornado kick with his left foot - you have to see it over and over. There is a lot I want to say about this movei, but all I can say is that this movie is so cute that makes you watch it over and over. I wish that these three brothers made more movies of this kind.

Sammo, Jackie and Yuen!!
Three of the best martial arts film stars ever can be found right here. The result is pure magic. Great action scenes and comical moments you've come to expect. This is a must-have for any fan of the three. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Carry On Pickpocket is a tedious action comedy about lovable sneak thieves who team up with the cops to entrap some mobsters who are making life tough for everyday decent crooks. Sammo Hung (TV's Martial Law does his standard wistful fat-nebbish number--until he's either dancing or fighting, when the joke becomes how surprisingly graceful he is. (Thugs in HK movies have been saying"Hey, fatty" to him, and then paying dearly for it, for quite a few years now.) Some of the pickpocketing scenes, and the later full-bore action stuff, are almost up to Hung's mature standard (Eastern Condors), and for a supposed comedy the movie is often startlingly vicious. For completists only. --David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hong Kong Kung Fu parody with Andy Lau and Brigitte Lin
HANDSOME SIBLINGS (1992) is a lightweight but charming kung fu parody about the budding attraction between two young martial artists, a male and a female, who've been raised by opposing clans to contend for control of the martial arts world. With direction by comedy star Eric Tsang, the emphasis here is on romance and comedy rather than fighting, although there are plenty of graceful "flying fu" scenes in which the characters leap high and flail about amidst swirling fabrics and twirling swords. The leads are played by two high voltage Hong Kong stars---pop idol Andy Lau (MOON WARRIORS) and costume diva Brigitte Lin (BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR), with a strong supporting cast led by Cheung Man, Ng Man Tat, Richard Ng and, in full flamboyant villain mode, Francis Ng. Fans of Ms. Lin should check her out first in such other high-flying swordplay fantasies of the early '90s as SWORDSMAN II, THE EAST IS RED, DRAGON INN and SEMI-GODS AND SEMI-DEVILS. ... Read more