FIST OF LEGEND 1994 MARTIAL ARTS ACTION (HONG KONG)

CINEMA PAR EXCELLENCE

Eastern Prodcution Limited: art director: Horace Ma costume designer: Shirley Chan editor: Chan Kei Hop, Cheng Cahk Man, original music: Joseph Koo Martial Art: Yuen Cheung Yan, Yuen Shun Yi, Ku Huen Chiu screenplay: Ip Kwong Kim, Lam Kay Toe martial arts director: Yuen Wo Ping screenplay/director: Gordon Chan starring: Jet Li, Nakayama Shinobu, Chin Siu Ho, Ada Choi, Billy Chau, Paul Chiang, Kurata Yasuaki, Yuen Cheung Yan

Jet Li, along with Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun Fat, and all the other spectacular martial artists slash actor, and actresses. Are without a doubt, the hardest working people in the entertainment industry, in Hong Kong, Hollywood, and any other parts of the world for that matter. With that being said, all of us that watch these martial arts classics are well aware that they do their own stunts. The true dedication to their craft truly shines on screen. Wether they're leaping on their own, or strapped on a high wire they're simple yet difficult acrobatics are just a wonder to behold on screen and beyond. And if there is ever a film that truly defines the masterful skill, and passion for Jet Li's martial arts movie career: FIST OF LEGEND is that film. Period. Although I believe The Tai Chi Master comes a very close second but, that is another review. Fist of Legend is a remake of the Bruce Lee classic: Fist of Fury, and a very worthy remake to say the least. Fist of Legend stretches the boundaries of what makes a true martial arts classic, it has everything a martial arts afficionado could ever want: great story, and plot, awesome cinematography, 100% authentic stunts, jaw dropping martial arts choreography, excellent pace execution mixing action, and romance, perfect chemistry between the cast members, and their roles, an over all perfect performance.

Storywise it's faithful to the original Fist of Fury, of course with little variations here and there which I won't mention in this review, so have fun identifying them. Pretty straightforward story, Chen Zhen (Jet Li) comes home to Jingwu Mun and finds out that his sifu was killed during a duel with the master of the Kokuryu (Dark Dragon) clan. With deep knowledge of his sifu's unequaled skill, and superiority in the martial arts, he could not have lost so easy a battle. Thinking that there might have been foul play involved, he begins his investigation but only to be deemed sacriligious, and disrespectful after digging up his master's corpse in order to conduct an autopsy. From here on out jealousy, intrigue, plot twists, and incredible fight sequences ensues. Everything from internal conflicts, to the Japanese Imperial Army are all trying to silence Chen Zhen's ultimate quest for justice.

Now on the technical side of things, director Gordon Chan's screenplay keeps the story and plot interesting, while Yuen Wo Ping's martial arts mastery keeps the fighting sequences very fast, and fluid. The setting is very well done with the exact replica of the century its representing. The costume design cannot be authentic enough, from Master Funakoshi's kenpo attire, to Mitsuko's gorgeous kimono, General Fujita's Imperial Army uniform, to Chen Zhen's all black neru banded collar suit. The soundtrack is very well done by the use of exotic sounds of bamboo flutes, percussions, and drums. The fighting sequences are to sum it up, is impossible to describe into words. The choreography is truly Yuen Wo Ping's masterpiece. His signature trademark 'dust on impact just adds more depth to the already spectacular fighting sequences. With his choreography, Jet Li's high octane martial arts delivery, (although Jet Li's the star, he's by no means the only one that has awesome moves in his repetoire.)Nakayama Shinobu as Master Funakoshi's double aerial kick must be seen to be believed, and Billy Chau's, General Fujita versus Jet Li's, Chen Zhen at the final battle inside the dojo is a true spectacle to behold. This is by far the only final battle sequence that can ever give Bruce Lee's legendary final battle against Han, in Enter the Dragon, a run for its money. Even still Bruce Lee was and still is the man that started it all, and as far as I'm concerned Bruce Lee is and his classic films are unfadable, and definitely untouchable

In conclusion having seen this movie a million times and counting, I personally cannot express enough my deepest emotions to recommend this modern martial arts classic to everyone. Any age, any sex, martial arts fan or not unless the person is dead and not breathing, everyone that has the appreciation for solid piece of film making will get a kick out of this Jet Li flick.

DVD specifications: Unfortunately at the time of writing this review, there hasn't been a proper DVD release of FIST OF LEGEND. It's ashame because unfortunately, the only way to properly view this masterpiece is to get the TAI SENG VIDEO that was released years ago which I'm sure will be difficult to find. However I believe you will have a better chance in locating a VCD copy released by MEI AH. Even still, like all of TAI SENG'S, and MEI AH'S releases it is also unfortunate that they don't take the time to re-master any of the films' audio, and video they release. So sadly, the quality isn't all that great either. As for the RITEK DVD, although I haven't had the pleasure of viewing it for the DVD is out of print and virtually impossible to acquire. I've heard excellent reviews of the audio, and video department, however sadly it is only available in Mandarin audio. For the simple fact that FIST OF LEGEND'S original audio has three languages spoken in it: Cantonese, Japanese, and a bit of English.While this seems to be a small issue, and may make me sound like I'm nit-picking. I only have this to say: The DVD format is a wonderful medium, why not use it to its full potential? There is absolutely no reason for a DVD distributor that releases films on DVD not to re-master its video, audio, add multiple subtitles, add multiple languages, and most importantly to keep the film, in its original uncut state. They shouldn't focus too much on the extras but if they can add them, why not?And finally, as for the DISNEY/DIMENSION release of the DVD. I was surprised that they didn't change the name like they did to the rest of the Jet Li movies they acquired, Tai Chi Master (Disney name= Twin Warriors), Fong Sai Yuk 1 & 2 (Disney name=The Legend 1 & 2), Bodyguard from Beijing (Disney name=The Enforcer) And unfortunately, I wasn't surprised when they butchered  these films to no end by cutting, & dubbing. Why can't a DVD distributor just re-master these films, and not mess with them? In short, why not just release a film on DVD in the way that  the Director originally released it, staying true to the Director's vision? All I can say is, stay as far away as you can from the DISNEY/DIMENSION release of FIST OF LEGEND, and the rest of the their cut & dubbed versions of the Jet Li Collection. As far as I'm concerned it's not the same movie, even if it's on DVD. One would be better off with the tape or VCD, at least it's complete and it's all there.At least until a "proper" DVD has been released!"

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