Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18293 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-08-01
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 99 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Martial arts matinee idol Jet Li portrays a real life turn-of-the-century Cantonese patriot, the dauntless Fong Sai-Yuk, in The Legend. This is a much more blunt and straightforward effort than Tsui Hark's flamboyant Once Upon a Time in China films, but codirectors Ann Hui (Song of the Exile) and Yuen Kwai (Yes, Madam) deliver many lively and funny sequences. The film's revelatory performance, however, comes from Josephine Siao, a Cantonese star of the 1960s in both comedies and high-flying swordplay films, who here plays Fong Sai-Yuk's martial mother. Siao disguises herself as a man to enter a martial arts competition and ends up winning both the prize and the heart of a high official's daughter--mostly because the girl has never met a hero with so much poetic sensitivity lurking just beneath the surface. Chu Kong (Sidney in John Woo's The Killer) plays Fong Sai-Yuk's father as an anti-Manchu patriot so unbendingly upright that he's a bit of a prig. As the action heats up, political stakes emerge more clearly. In the grand finale, Fong Sai-Yuk squares off against a Manchu killer played with great panache by newcomer Chiu Man-cheuk. --David Chute, Amazon.com

Video Description
DVD Special Features:
Languages/Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Widescreen format: 1:85.1
Subtitles: English / English for the hearing impaired / Dutch

Synopsis
The story of Fong Sai Yuk and his attempts to save his father's life.

Customer Reviews

Re-vamped to trash
Firstly this is a great Hing Kong film and is one of Jet Li's best. Corey Yuen directs with flare and creativity, the fight scenes are well choregraphed that makes good use of martial arts and wire work. I have to note as well that Chui Man Chuk (Blacksheep Affair) delivers a good performance as the films villain. What I dislike about this version of the film is the re-vamping- dubbing is a variable aspect, it's expected that it wnt look right and sound slightly off. However, the use of an entirely new musical score completely changes the mood of the film. The definitive essence of the film is lost, with extrememly cheap music being used through out. This is a factor that comes across with all HK films that are convereted into Western rentals. Many Jackie Chan films have also recieved similar brutality, being cut and edited so that they're completely different films. I would have much prefered to have seen this film released on a Hong Kong Legends; Hong Kong Classics; Tartan Asia Extreme, or even the Optimum label. At least this way the films would have come as they were created, and not slashed and butchered by editorial cuts.

I liked The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk, the original HK title. And was equally impressed by the sequel as well.

The legend that is
This film is exactly as it says on the cover; a Legend. This was the first Jet Li film i ever saw but is definatly one of his greatest. The fight scenes while visualy stunning they still maintain an air of humour which makes this film so captivating.
I would recommend this film for anyone wanting to break themselves into martial arts movies and martial arts movie veterians a film you must watch!!!

Legendary
Jet li the legend is an exciting film with a gripping story line. An enjoyable martial arts film about courage and the love of life. Jet Li has a great relationship with his mother who taught him all his kung fu moves. Together they rescue Jet Li's father and save China from tyrany and destruction. Dubbed in english which may be offputing for some martial arts fans but still a good film. Worth adding to anyones Jet Li collection.