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Fist Of Legend

 

Cast:

Jet Li

Chin Siu Ho

Billy Chow

Ada Choi

Yasuaki Kurata

Paul Chun Pui

 

Action:

Yuen Woo Ping

Yuen Clan

 

Producer:

Jet Li

Chui Yin Lam

 

Director:

Gordon Chan

 

Score:  

 

FIST OF LEGEND

AKA:  N/A

Year: 1995    Reviewer: Tony Ryan


This is essentially a remake of the superb 1972 Bruce Lee classic 'Fist of Fury' with Jet Li taking on the famous role of Chen Zen.

The most interesting aspects of this movie for H.K fans is seeing how Wo Ping has reworked the original's groundbreaking fight sequences. He did a tremendous job, and many believe it to be his best work, and is ultimately a huge factor in his selection for both the 'Matrix' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.

My favourite scene sees Chen take on the Japanese school single-handed and although it is missing a nunchaku sequence, it improves on the original in terms of choreography and pace, but let's remember that 'Fist of Fury' came 22 years previous and was only Bruce’s second film!

The climax of the film is also excellent, as we see Chen accompany Chin Siu Ho to a challenge match which becomes too much for him, and ultimately sees Chen battle with Billy Chow as a Japanese General, completely scrapping Bob Baker's original Russian character. However, this scene is the most intense in the film, showcasing different fighting styles including swords and a belt as makeshift nunchaku!

In my opinion, this is Jet Li's best work as he carries the film well, performing brilliantly in the films numerous fight sequences to provide a fitting tribute to a character made famous by the late, great Bruce Lee.

Also, without this film, the Matrix would not have been the same and in turn would not have helped create the interest it has in Hong Kong style action amongst a Western audience.

I can't wait to see how Donnie Yen fares in the upcoming movie release of his TV version!

 

 

Distributor:  Ritek

Region:  0 (NTSC)

Running Time:  106 mins

Video: 

Letterboxed at around 1.66:1.  The DVD starts out with quite a few noticeable scratches and blemishes but these clear up quickly.  The quality then varies, with some sections being close to completely clean and others containing obvious damage.  It is like any of the original Mei Ah releases as far as quality comparison goes.

Audio:

Mandarin only DD 2.0 with Chinese and English burnt on subtitles.  As the film relies on the dialect between the Japanese and Chinese, the lack of the originally intended soundtrack can confuse those unfamiliar with the story line as every character now speaks in Chinese.  Still, its far better than owning an English dub and the subtitles do their best to explain all areas of the plot.

Extras:  

None.

 

 

 

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