It might have started a kung-fu revolution, but this 1991 film suffers from some basic flaw in editing and continuity. It also has some beautiful shots and the fighting scences that make it worth watching.

Though this is seen as one of the best kung fu films ever, I was a bit let down when I saw it. It was not a bad film. As always, Jet Li is amazing, but it was not his best film. I much prefer Fong Sai Yuk. Don’t get me wrong, it is a good movie, just don’t believe the hype.

I first saw this film in my old childhood house, being about 10, before the great diaspora began. The Israeli television used to air Chinese films on Friday afternoons, when everyone was napping, including my parents. It was the only day that my father will return home from work during day time, and for a sliver of a moment things seemed right. I devoured these fantastic alternate realities. These were also some of my better memories of my father, when he did pass by the television set and saw people beating each-other up a child-like smile blossomed on his face and we shared some quality time. In China.