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The movie opens beautifully, with Jet Li(Junbao) leading an army of Shaolin monks in the Tai-Chi kata, the theme of the movie itself. After the opening credits, we meet two shaolin boys,Tianbao(Chin Siu Ho) & Junbao(Jet Li). There we see their innocence as they interact with the rest of the shaolin kids, as well as the grueling martial arts training they all endure. As the two grew up, both became really good martial artist, although without really understanding the essence of it. Also we start to see the ambitious side of Tianbao, as he tells Junbao of him wanting to become a great leader someday. Junbao on the other hand, just want a simple, quiet life. Soon, the Shaolin Temple itself held a tournament. During Tianbao's match, his opponent cheats with a concealed weapon. With no effect towards Tianbao however,it's not before long that he beats the crapola of his opponent almost killing him. The Abbot, infuriated with Tianbao's willing to kill, commands the other monks to beat the shit out of him. Junbao, being a loyal friend that he is, defends Tianbao with all his might only to get mixed up in the whole mess. Both gets expelled, never to return. But not before their Master hands Tianbao a book about "Qi" to calm his competitive personality. As they roam the streets, they eventually end up helping Little Melon(Fennie Yuen) during an attack. She's also part of a group of people, secretly leading a resistance against the corrupt government. Also crossing their paths is Qiushue(Michelle Yeoh) as the heartbroken widow, endlessly searching for her missing husband. Only to find out that the "husband" was forced to marry the Evil Emperor's sister. Coming to Qiushue's aid, Junbao, Tianbao, Little Melon, & Qiushue, all become good friends. Until Tianbao's ambitions got the best of him, he joins the corrupt government with the promise to look for Junbao when he becomes a Liutenant. So while Tianbao advances in his ranks, Junbao helped the anti-government group, along with Little Melon, and Qiushue. It's not before long that all of them are betrayed by non-other than Tianbao, sacrificing his friends in exchange for his promotion. Almost everyone gets killed except for Junbao, & another comrade who helps him escape. Little Melon, and Qiushue however, gets captured by Tianbao. After witnessing Junbao's excellent martial art skills, the Evil Emperor commands Tianbao to persuade his old friend to serve in his mighty army, and if he refuses, for him to kill Qiushue immidiately. Little Melon on the other hand, is pursued by Tianbao admitting to her his true "romantic" feelings. After being betrayed of course, she would rather die than to be with him, so Tianbao kills her. Tianbao then meets up with Junbao to persuade him to join the army in exhange for Qiushue's life. Junbao single handedly rescues Qiushue, and both go into hiding. After being betrayed by Tianbao, Junbao goes insane. But with Qiushue's aid, she nurses Junbao back to health. He also began studying the book about "Qi" that was intended for Tianbao. Reading the book, he learns the true essence of Tai-Chi, implementing this newly learned knowledge into his own martial arts. Soon they devised an all out, suicidal attack on the Evil Emperor, his sister, Tianbao, and the whole entire army. After one spectacular fighting sequence after another, Tianbao finally betrays the Evil Emperor as well by killing him in front of the whole entire army, his true ambitions of becoming an Emperor finally came out. So the army, fearing that Tianbao might soon betray them as well stepped back, and watched as Junbao kicks the living shit out of him(Another spectacular fighting sequence!!!). After overthrowing the Evil, corrupt government, the people can finally live in peace. Qiushue going her seperate ways bids Junbao fair well hoping that they would both run into each other some day. Junbao on other hand, retires into the mountains and establishes a Taoist School of Tai-Chi.
Reviewed by Dagon (copyright 2001)
"DAGON'S ASIAN CINEMA DOMAIN"
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DVD Review:
DVD released by UNIVERSE LASER & VIDEO CO., LTD. Main Menu, Chapter Stops, Star Filmographies, Movie Trailer, More Movie Trailers, Language Selection, & Subtitle Selection. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, Letterbox, Region All. A very nice DVD presentation. |
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