ThiefHott Too much of everything

Noutions Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Haven Kaycee It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

Yashua Kimbrough (jimniexperience) Plot Summary:Donnie Yen is living in a small village working for a paper mill. One day two notorious thieves show up to rob the place, and Donnie Yen ends up killing them. This prompts an investigation led by Kaneshiro, a detective whom doesn't emphasize with humanity and suppresses his feelings through acupuncture.After days of digging Kaneshiro dicovers Donnie Yen is from a family of assassins called 72 Dragons, and is wanted for the murder of a butcher's family. Donnie en has been in hiding for 10 years and has settled down with married life. But after rumors spread of his resurgance, the 72 Dragons want their son back.Because the Detective put both his family and the village in danger, he decides to help Donnie Yen capture the Dragons. They have a final showdown inside his village home when they both succeed in taking down the Dragon Leader, Papa Dragon. ---------------------------- Film pays homage to History of Violence, and The One-Armed Swordsman

Lomedin I have had my share of martial arts movies for the past 20 years. From Jackie Chan to very old and obscure Shaw Brothers productions. This movie is definitely one (if not the best) martial arts production I have ever seen. Not only that, I'd say it is one of the best movies I came across, martial arts aside.This film combines traditional first part of the 20th century Chinese rural imagery with modern visual effects, as well as beautiful traditional folkish soundtrack with more modern music. The director was able to do this without creating a separation between the past and the present, but rather mixing them together in a way that not only avoids overlapping, it also gives more strenght to each one of the styles used.This movie is not a non-stop action show. In fact, there are 3 fights in the whole movie, as far as I remember. However, these are masterfully done, and the lack of violence only builds the momentum for what it's to come. Apart from that, I love the Sherlock Holmes vibe the detective reasoning gives, and how it's portrayed in the movie (both visually and with his remarks). We also find a deep psychological element present. I find very nice the way this movie treat any person with some knowledge of certain martial arts styles and Qi to a fine exposure of somehow subtle but efficient show of both, combining them together only as the legendary masters would do. The movie doesn't have the need for explanations of techniques or the names of one school or another.If you like martial arts, this is a must. If you like good movies, this shouldn't be missed, even if you don't like action or fights. The pace of the film will probably make you forget what type of movie you are watching.Simply Excellent.

cinematic_aficionado An attack on a butcher's shop in a small rural area, unleashes all hell for those involved, the authorities and our screens.The story unfolds after an police investigator becomes perplexed as to how an ordinary shop worker fends off an orchestrated attack by two ruthless criminals. Being unprepared to simply accept that the quiet family man, simply got lucky he tries to dig deeper and reaches a point where the revelations is more than he could even handle.Beautifully made and nicely told, this a film with hidden might, where the audience goes from one surprise to another between scenes of true human warmth as well as spectacular fighting sequences. Yes, they go over the top but it is done in such a refined manner that you could forgive them.

rgblakey Donnie Yen has been the go to guy for great martial arts films for the last few years. He is one of the few in the industry that delivers great acting performances alongside some remarkable action. His latest film Dragon aka Wu xia looks to continue his tradition of great epic films, but with a bit of a drama suspense aspect, but will this new direction hurt the film or just deliver another great addition to his already brilliant resume? Dragon follows a martial arts expert trying to live in peace, but after a couple of criminals attempt to rob a store and are killed, a determined detective sets out on a hunt to solve the case and reveal the secret he has been trying to leave behind. This is a bit of a different type of film than Yen's previous endeavors. Make no mistake, there is plenty of action here, but it's separated by mystery story that is simple yet cleverly crafted. The film plays as a homage to the classic martial arts film One Armed Swordsman in both story as well as having the legendary star of the film Jimmy Wang in a major role in the film. In addition it almost feels like an Asian remake of History of Violence with the story being the exact same direction. There is some brilliantly clever layout to the way this film is crafted taking out of the realm of average to something a bit more special. Seeing the events unfold in numerous ways throughout this film adds a new dimension that keeps you guessing and wondering where things are going and how it will be revealed. Yen gives another great performance with one of the widest ranges he has had to deliver in some time. Jimmy Wang, while not in the movie a lot, delivers some great moments of pure evil as well as an epic fight scene that any hardcore martial arts fan will surely get sucked right into.Dragon is a great entry into the martial arts genre and one that shows you can deliver the awesome action with a great story and performances. If you are a fan of Yen or the classic One Arm Swordsman then this is a must see film. Understand though, this is not a remake of that film, but does pay homage in a big unexpected way that you will not want to miss.