RISE OF THE LEGEND (2014)

Genre: Action

Running Length: 2:11

Cast: Sammo Hung, Eddie Peng, Wang Luodan, Jing Boran, Zhang Jin, Wong Cho-lam, Angelababy

Director: Roy Chow

Just like any other remake, in order to appeal to today's younger audience (who are more cynical and grounded), the new Wong Fei-hung flick RISE OF THE LEGEND is a relatively good remake: it is faithful to the source material but offers a more down-to-earth and grimmer motion picture (think Nolan's Batman series). The fight scenes are gritty (more of street brawl style) and the violence are amped up. The screenwriter should be applauded for her courageous efforts to deliver an unconventional plot - a combination of an origins story, a Young and Dangerous like gangster feel, a heist thriller, a story on revolution and the necessary sacrifice for the greater good, and of course a kung-fu action flick. Unfortunately, the result is more convoluted than necessary and will leave audiences more confused than they were before. The film makers even took the risk with the score, making it more light hearted; which to my opinion failed big time (it is only when they played the popular Wong Fei-hung tune, the film suddenly was elevated to epic status). Now to the question you are all waiting for; does Eddie Peng make a good Wong Fei-hung?  It is unlikely that Eddie Peng will replace Jet Li as your definitive Wong Fei-hung but he is a good choice to a younger Fei-hung. He is hunkier, has a signature bad-boy smirk and a lot more bada** Although Eddie is not a character actor, nobody would doubt that he has given his all to portray the legend. The fight scenes are more kinetic and stylish but the fight choreography still loses out to older Hong Kong flick (we actually do not have to go back that far. Just watch Ip Man and you can see a mark difference in the fight scenes). Lastly, the film looks gorgeous with its composition, lighting and choice of colors. Bring on the sequel!

Rating 6.5/10