Both the plot and the fight scenes from this movie stretch credibility a bit too much, even by the decidedly low standards of kung fu movies. I know Crouching Tiger was unbelievable too... but at one point in this movie two people fight while standing on a guy's outstretched arms, for pity's sake.
Having said that, this movie is well worth watching for the action sequences. The camerawork in the film is a bit irritating -- all the quick-cuts designed to highlight the action tend to be confusing and distracting -- but Jet Li is clearly at his best here.
There's also quite a few funny bits in the movie, mostly courtesy of the hero's wisecracking kung-fu mom... and there's lots of amusing inaccuracies and anachronisms. (I'm pretty sure the ancient Chinese didn't have guillotines.) Suspend disbelief and you'll enjoy it all the more.
Having said that, this movie is well worth watching for the action sequences. The camerawork in the film is a bit irritating -- all the quick-cuts designed to highlight the action tend to be confusing and distracting -- but Jet Li is clearly at his best here.
There's also quite a few funny bits in the movie, mostly courtesy of the hero's wisecracking kung-fu mom... and there's lots of amusing inaccuracies and anachronisms. (I'm pretty sure the ancient Chinese didn't have guillotines.) Suspend disbelief and you'll enjoy it all the more.