Flying Swords of Dragon Gate

2012

122 minutes

Mandarin, good subtitles

5 Stars

For the story, it doesn't rate many stars, but for the photography, the marvelous fight scenes, the costumes, and the laughs, oh yes, the laughs, it's a 5 Star movie. As one reviewer said, it's a "high octane, wuxia free for all" – there are NO laws of physics or gravity in this. The plot (I think there was a plot) had a few holes, but the fight scenes, the costumes, and the laughs. Oh, yeah, this is a terrific and fun movie. Did I mention it stars Jet Li? I watched this movie the other day, and I'm still chuckling. 

Trailer

Tai Chi Master

Cantonese (subtitles)

Kung Fu

96 minutes

1993

4 Stars

I love the Kung Fu movies set in the 'bad old days'—no guns. This is an early movie of Jet Li, and the story is fairly predictable, two boys train together, become good friends, and then as adults, become enemies. Though predictable, it is a lot of fun, if you like this sort of thing—I do. The choreography is very well done, with lots of fight scenes. Great acting, good costumes, and fantastic choreography!

Tai Chi Master

Jet Li's Fearless

Jet Li's Fearless

Mandarin, English subtitles

104 minutes, 1006

5 Stars

It stars Jet Li, that alone makes it worth watching in my humble opinion. I was not disappointed. Jet Li plays the legendary Huo Yuanjia, a world-class martial artist who dreams to continue his father's legacy. The choreography and costuming are magnificent The story is based on fact; however, some of the descendants have asked for at least apologies from Jet Li and the film writers for the gross misrepresentations here and there. If you want to read about Mr. Huo, there's a lot of information on the web. I am sorry the writers felt it necessary to take such liberties as they apparently did. They could have just added more good fight scenes. I understand the use of poetic license in story telling, but think the history can and should remain intact.

Trailer

A Funny Lone Wolf and Cub type Chinese Movie

New Legend of Shaolin

Cantonese, English Subtitles

1994, 94 minutes

4 Stars

Another great Jet Li kung-fu romp! If you like lots of action, not-deliberately-funny subtitles, and a rather thin story, this is the perfect movie. Pure escape. Rainy Day doesn't know why the subtitles for Chinese movies tend to be much more fun than for Japanese movies, but they are. This movie appears to be very loosely based on Chinese history when the Ching Dynasty was destroying the various Temples of Shaolin.  Some of the most enjoyable acting was from the six young boys who were quite accomplished martial artists on their own. Be sure to watch it with subtitles, much better than the dubbed version. A lot like Lone Wolf and Cub, only funny.

For a trailer, with the boys practicing their kung fu, click here.

Once Upon a Time in China, Part 3

Once Upon a Time in China, III

Cantonese, English Subtitles

1993, 111 Minutes

5 Stars

Once again Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, and Max Mok crossed Rainy Day's screen. Ms. Kwan provides the romance element, and does so with style; Mr. Mok is the ever faithful sidekick, Foon, and Rainy Day can't help but wonder if Foon was a name deliberately chosen as a shortened form of 'Bufoon' – he provides the comic relief. And, of course, Jet Li is superb as Wong Fei-Hung. If you've ever seen a Lion Dance during Lunar New Year in your local China Town, you must see this movie. It is filled not just with kung fu fighting, but with beautiful lions dancing. Some reviewers state the kung fu isn't up to par, but Rainy Day still found it beautiful to watch. The theme music is still captivating, oh, and it stars Jet Li.

For a trailer, click here.

Once Upon a Time in China, Part 2

Once Upon a Time in China, II

Cantonese, English subtitles

1992, 113 Minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day should tell you at the beginning, there is NO set-up on this series of DVDs, you need to use the Subtitle button on your remote to get the English subtitles, but they are there. This time, Jet Li as Wong Fei-Hung takes on the White Lotus cult. One of the supporting characters (non-violent) is Sun Yat Sen, which makes sense as this story takes place in 1895 in Canton. Some stunning fight scenes, magnificent choreography, superb photography, and the story was pretty good, too. And, did Rainy Day mention it stars Jet Li? This is one of those sequels that is even better than the first movie.  Grab your favorite libation, a bowl of popped corn, sit back and enjoy. Donnie Yen's cloth stick fight at the end is almost believable.

For a leader of Part 2, click here.

Once Upon A Time in China, Part 1

Once Upon a Time in China

Mandarin, English subtitles

1991, 134 Minutes

5 Stars

This story, based on the life of Wong Fei-Hung (Jet Li), takes place when the Foreign Devils (Europeans) are moving into China and carving it into their own colonies. The story is from the Chinese perspective of this era, and shows how fiercely they wanted to preserve their culture against the onslaught of Westernization. If you are an aficionado of Martial Arts movies, this is one to watch! Wong Fei-Hung was a martial artist, a physician, an acupuncturist and a revolutionary. Jet Li has one of the best lines (and all of the really good fights) when he says, "You can't fight guns with kung fu!" Marvelous costuming, fantastic fight scenes, and, of course, Jet Li;-) (Rainy Day likes Jet Li, can you tell?) Part 2 & 3 are in her queue!

For a 3 minute trailer of Part 1, click here. There are several sites with information about this national hero, click here for the Wong Fei-Hung site.