The Legend 2 Movie Review

This early Jet Li pic (from 1993) is getting the DVD treatment, though fans of the modern-day Li may not recognize him with the half-shaved head popular with 17th century Ching dynasty fighters.

In this film, the sequel to Hong Kong classic The Legend, the further adventures of Fong Sai Yuk (a real Chinese historical figure) are outlined as he fights to overthrow an evil empire. Along the way, two young ladies fight (literally) for his romantic affections, and he has to save his mother from the hands of the bad guys! Much of this plays for comedy, which helps elevate the flick above most Z-grade chopsockers. The fight scenes are fair but, with a couple of exceptions (both of which perplexingly involve climbing things), they are rather staid.

Jet Li fans will find this film an invaluable addition to their collection, but mere action fans will probably be a tad bored.

Aka Fong Shi Yu II: Wan fu mo di.