True Legend (2010) Reviews

Legendary martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo Ping returned to the director's chair for the first time in nearly a decade and a half with this lavish historical action-drama. Su Can (Vincent Zhao) is a fearless warrior in the late days of the Quin Dynasty, and after serving his time in the military he's eager to return home to his beautiful wife, Yuan Ying (Zhou Xun), and start a family. Six years later, his half-brother, Yuang (Andy On), shatters Su Can's idyllic life; filled with hatred for his kin, Yuang has developed a deadly martial arts technique, "The Five Venom Fist," and after using it to vanquish his foes on the battlefield, he's come to get revenge against Su Can. While Su Can can hold his own against Yuang and saves the life of Yuan Ying, Yuang steals their young son and takes him away. After the loss of his son, Su Can falls into a deep depression that grows far worse when his wife dies while searching for their missing child. Su Can becomes a reclusive alcoholic and seems destined to stay that way until he learns his son is alive and needs his help. With the guidance of Lord Wushu (Jay Chou), Su Can trains to win back his fighting skills, mastering "The Drunken Fist," and sets out to rescue his son. Featuring supporting performances from David Carradine, Michelle Yeoh, and Gordon Liu, Su Qi Er (aka True Legend) was an official selection at the 2010 Berlin International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi