Opening in limited release this weekend, Donnie Yen stars in LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN. I’ve always enjoyed Donnie Yen in martial arts films, and find it strange he hasn’t become bigger in America, like say Jackie Chan or Jet Li. He’s every bit as impressive in his fight scenes, and has a good screen presence. This new film may be one of his most ambitious yet, and also one of the most impressive martial arts films to come along in a while.
The movie opens in World War I, with a group of Chinese laborers caught in the middle of a fierce battle. In a brave move, Chen Zhen (Donnie Yen) jumps into action and takes out several enemy soldiers rather violently. Seven years after his apparent death, supposedly shot after discovering who was responsible for his teacher’s death in Shanghai, occupied by the Japanese, an unknown stranger arrives at the Casablanca club. Chen Zhen is that stranger, becoming friends with a local mob boss Liu Yutian (Anthony Wong), and keeping himself in disguise so as not to arouse suspicion to his true identity. He also find himself becoming romantically involved with Kiki (Shu Qi), Liu’s seductive and frequently inebriated club singer. One night when chaos break out in front of the club, Chen Zhen dons a mask and superhero-like disguise, and uses his martial arts abilities to best the baddies, disappearing into the night before police arrive. Very soon this surprise masked warrior becomes a bit of a local hero, much to the chagrin of the Japanese, led by Colonel Chikaraishi (Ryu Kohata). Chen Zhen becomes aware of an assassination list, and must try to get the better of the Japanese before they complete their mission. But he soon discovers he’s not the only one keeping their identity a secret.
This is one of those movies that repeatedly throws unexpected things at you. Opening in a wartime setting, some of the action is nothing less than amazing, and the visuals are right out of a comic book, while still maintaining an element of stark realism. But before you can get used to any particular aspect of the film’s setting, we’re thrust into the roaring 1920’s Casablanca setting, filled with colorful lights and songs fit for the era. It’s a bizarre move, but keeps the audience involved. And then, just when you start to get used to the roaring 20’s stuff, suddenly Donnie Yen becomes a superhero… and you know what? We go with it. It works. LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN for the most part becomes an amazing adventure that is visually stunning and engrossing, and complimented with dazzling action sequences. Yen is rather charismatic in the lead, and the supporting cast turns in strong performances. Even Shu Qi breaks away from the standard Chinese cinematic female lead, showing us a love interest that is unusual and flawed, and more layered than we’d ever expect. Anthony Wong is always good, and his mafia boss role in this is one of his best performances, and again (like Shu Qi) more layered than you’d initially expect. Ryu Kohata exudes evil as the self-absorbed Colonel Chikaraishi, giving us one of the greatest villains you could ever hope for in this type of picture.
As far as martial arts films go, this is one of the most violent movies I’ve ever seen, just in terns of the number of deaths and methods in which people are killed. That’s not to say it’s particularly hard to watch, it’s still rather mesmerizing. If there’s one flaw in the picture, it’s the finale, which is essentially a rehashed version of Bruce Lee vs. the dojo full of samurai warriors… a last act we’ve seen one too many times in this type of film. It’s not a horrible ending, it’s just nothing new, and considering the unique aspect of the rest of this film, it’s a bit of a letdown. That said, I still found the movie to be highly entertaining, and if you’re a martial arts cinema buff, you’re likely to get great enjoyment from the overall presentation. It’s great to see a nice showcase piece like this for Donnie Yen, who remains one of my favorites. While not a perfect movie, it’s solid in its presentation, and works pretty well for what it sets out to do.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
I HATE that Donny hasn’t caught on more in the US. He’s been entertaining me for 20 years…
joebiam – I totally agree, it’s very upsetting.
And to “bob” who keeps dogging my reviews, if you want to be a man and e-mail me or use a real name and e-mail instead of Bob Saget’s e-mail, we can talk. Otherwise you’re banned. And seriously, don’t you have anything better to do?