During China's Ming Dynasty his eunuchs have assumed considerable power with one running the East and West Bureaus which act as spies and the nations strict police; they also don't want the emperor to know that they are corrupt. During an operation to crack down on those who would expose them the head of the East Bureau is killed by Zhao Huai'an. Meanwhile the emperor's chief concubine has had the West Bureau execute three courtesans who got pregnant and ordered them to hunt down a fourth. This fourth one is about to be killed but is rescued by somebody claiming to be Zhao Huai'an; this is witnessed by the real Zhao. The fake Zhao and the courtesan head to the Dragon Gate in where they hope to wait out an approaching sandstorm. There are many others there drawn by a legend which says that a city, with lots of treasure, will be uncovered during such a sandstorm. By the time the storm arrives the West Bureau has arrived, there is also a man who looks almost identical to its leader; a group of Mongols and various bandits
conflict is inevitable and when it comes things get confusing at times.
As this film got underway I quickly prepared to be disappointed as the opening scene featured some very obvious CGI thankfully after that things improved somewhat and the effects towards the end where much better. The story was a little confusing at times with a large cast of characters, some of whom look identical ultimately this doesn't matter too much as we can tell who the main characters are except when there is deliberate confusion. There is plenty of solid action which fans of Wuxia style fighting are likely to enjoy. The cast, which includes Jet Li, does a fine job. Overall this isn't a classic of the genre but it is still well worth watching.
These comments are based on watching the film in Mandarin with English subtitles; an English dub is also available but I can't comment on its quality.
As this film got underway I quickly prepared to be disappointed as the opening scene featured some very obvious CGI thankfully after that things improved somewhat and the effects towards the end where much better. The story was a little confusing at times with a large cast of characters, some of whom look identical ultimately this doesn't matter too much as we can tell who the main characters are except when there is deliberate confusion. There is plenty of solid action which fans of Wuxia style fighting are likely to enjoy. The cast, which includes Jet Li, does a fine job. Overall this isn't a classic of the genre but it is still well worth watching.
These comments are based on watching the film in Mandarin with English subtitles; an English dub is also available but I can't comment on its quality.