China is being torn apart by feuding warlords and foreign powers. Hao Jie (Andy Lau) is a ruthless commander who kills all his rivals. He rejects foreign offers to built a railroad. His treacherous ways rebound on him when his underling Cao Man (Nicholas Tse) revolts with the help of the foreign power. Hao Jie loses everything including his precious daughter, and seeks help from Shaolin masters. He regains his humanity with their help including cooking monk Wudao (Jackie Chan).
I like the solid first half. It is poetic, dramatic, and compelling. However the movie couldn't resist its kung fu movie genes, and it devolves into a lot of unreal fighting. The fighting is more ridiculous since the troops with guns keep getting kicked around by monks with their sticks. It's still a good movie. The action looks good. However the message loses a bit.
I like the solid first half. It is poetic, dramatic, and compelling. However the movie couldn't resist its kung fu movie genes, and it devolves into a lot of unreal fighting. The fighting is more ridiculous since the troops with guns keep getting kicked around by monks with their sticks. It's still a good movie. The action looks good. However the message loses a bit.