Daniel Lee Movies
- 2008
This sweeping martial arts epic - a co-production of Hong Kong and Korea - stars Asian screen idol Andy Lau as Zhao, a layman caught up in a rising tide of chaotic violence as his country is ripped in half by the blight of civil war. In desperation, Zhao draws from his inner resources and "rises up" against the evil warlord who has caught the nation under his thumb. The young warrior vows to liberate and unify the land, and leads a sizeable army to accomplish this goal. Unfortunately, while his heroism succeeds in itself, it fails to reunify the nation, but a new and peace-seeking king occupies the throne and appoints Zhao to set out once and for all and bring the warlord toppling down. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
An up and coming fighter trains to defeat the toughest martial artist around in a fast-paced duel to the death from Black Mask director Daniel Lee. Tank is a martial arts powerhouse whose skills as a fighter have recently earned him the title of Star Runner. Yet in the world of martial arts, victory does not always go to the strongest combatant. The time is coming when Tank will have to face his most formidable opponent yet, and by combining the best of Thai kick-boxing with the most effective Chinese kung-fu moves, young challenger Bond may have finally mastered the moves needed to bring the reigning champion crumbling to his knees. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
The rousing, true-life story of a single dad who went from living on the streets to owning his own brokerage firm is brought to the big screen by superstar Will Smith, appearing for the first time opposite his real-life son Jaden Smith. Set in early-'80s San Francisco, the film charts the hard times and eventual comeback of Chris Gardner, a suddenly single salesman who has custody of his son, but finds that providing for the two of them is a challenge in the increasingly unstable economic climate. He struggles to work his way from unpaid intern at Dean Witter to something more substantial, even as life continues to offer him setbacks. Making his Hollywood debut, Italian director Gabriele Muccino was championed by Will Smith for the project. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Will Smith, Jaden Smith, (more)
Sammo Hung, Michael Biehn, Maggie Q, and Shawn Yue} star in this action-packed thriller concerning a disappeared crime lord and the elite team of Interpol agents who set out to recapture him at all costs. A notorious Triad crime boss has disappeared just as his case was about to go before the judge, and now he could be anywhere. Now, on the bustling streets of Hong Kong, a highly skilled team of Interpol agents wage all out war against the underworld in an apocalyptic bid to capture the heavily armed foe and ensure that justice is properly served. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Daniel Lee's Asian action film Star Runner concerns May Kim, a teacher attempting to restart her life in Hong Kong after the end of a tumultuous relationship. After first clashing with Bond, one of her students, she takes a liking to him. His goal is to take on a famous fighter named Tank. Bond trains and earns a bout against Tank, but before the big day arrives a figure from May Kim's past returns. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Martial arts star Jet Li donned a black hat and mask to portray a comic book superhero in this pulp action tale that gets the full-blown Hong Kong treatment from choreographer Yuen Wo Ping, who later designed the fight scenes for The Matrix (1999). Li stars as Tsui Chik, leader of Squad 701, an elite commando team of genetically-engineered super-soldiers. When the unit was deemed a failure because of mental instability in some of the test subjects, the project was disbanded. Tsui now lives quietly in Hong Kong, masquerading as a shy librarian whose only friend is a cop (Lau Ching Wan). When some drug lords begin turning up dead, Tsui dons a black mask and hat to investigate the slayings and learns that his former Squad 701 comrades, led by psychotic Commander Hung (Patrick Lung), are plotting to take over the drug kingpin's illegal trade. Among their number is Tsui's ex-girlfriend Kaelin (Francoise Yip). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jet Li
- 1994
- R
Director Daniel Lee Yan-kong spins this sword-fighting tale set in the early part of the 20th century. The film opens with master swordsman and leader of the Tsuo Chien Tang clan Pai Fu-kuo (David Chiang Da-wei) forfeiting his infant son to the nefarious Wang Ching-kuo (Norman Tsui Siu-keung) after being defeated in a rigged duel. Quietly plotting to take over the Tsuo Chien Tang clan, Ching-kuo teaches the lad -- Wang Ning -- to hate his biological father while instructing him on the finer points of swordsmanship. When the boy reaches manhood, Ning (Wu Hsin-kuo) challenges Pai Fu-kuo to a duel. Partially due to the underhanded dealings of Ching-kuo's henchman, Wu An-kuo (Damian Lau Chung-yan), Ning kills his own biological father. Later, when Ning learns the truth, he challenges Ching-kuo and his former friend, Jie (Jack Gao Jie), to a fight. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wu Hsing-Kuo
Legend of the Dragon was also released as Legend of Dragon. Either way, the title seemed to suggest that Bruce Lee was in some way involved in the proceedings. While there's plenty of martial arts action, the late Mr. Lee does not participate. We suspect that the most fervent fans of chop socky will be satisfied all the same, as it does feature the talents of Stephen Chow. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
