I am not sure how one can come away from this film and not absolutely and thoroughly enjoy it. And while this is probably true, more or less, of all of JC's films made in HK, this one may have the least qualifications of any in recent memory--including New Police Story.

First of all, JC calls upon good 'ole Big Tony Leung--a world class dramatic actor who has proven himself repeatedly over the years--as his side kick. And it works very well. They have good on-screen chemistry. Tony even does some nice action sequence work; and, as usual, is great at making fun of himself. JC getting Big Tony to come along for the ride adds a huge dose of credibility to this film.

Second, there seems to be a limit on the number of hams in the film. Hams have plagued most of JC's international films since the early 90's. But fortunately, all of the actors in this film are good, and all the performances are believeable. And I believe this stems from all characters in the movie speaking Chinese--including the voluptuous Mallika Sherawat--who, I might add, in no way hams it a la the ghastly Michelle Ferre of "Who am I" infamy. In fact, the action sequence with her and JC is absolutely classic!

Thirdly, the perfectly gorgeous Korean actress Kim Hee-Sun as the primary (and typically underaged) love interest of JC is atypically believeable. The story that drives their getting together makes far more sense than other situations where JC "gets the girl" (Vivian Hsu, Shu Qi, et al.). Basically, one sees the events unfold and asks "how could she not fall for this guy"?

Oh, and best of all? This is a period film--or rather has period elements. In fact, it's also Wuxia. Yes, JC in Wuxia! It's been a long time. But JC belongs in period films now more than ever...and here he plays a heroic general assigned to protect a princess! And he plays it to the nines in a role probably more serious and believeable than any he has ever played!

Of course the film's romanticism is way over the top. But for Wuxia fans, this is not only completely acceptable, but de rigeur...and, in fact, the point at which this film reaches heights of true greatness is in the epic Wuxia battle and romance scenes where JC plays the uber-hero general in a way that he hasn't done in decades...and I might also add that he somewhat becomes the uber-hero that he truly is in real life to Chinese, and Chinese cinema fans. To see JC in a period era where he really lets loose almost makes me weep, it is so fun to watch. In fact, JC becomes old school Ti Lung for a sequence in what could be homage to a Chang Cheh bloodbath, as JC nearly defeats an entire army and dies to the thoroughly despicible enemy general well played by the great Yu Rongguang (who also was born to play in period/Wuxia films).

The story that holds everything together, and frames the Wuxia sequences, is not altogether bad, but someone certainly needs to get in and do some editing to make it more cohesive. The ending could be a bit better as well. The trademark of a JC film throwing everything in but the kitchen sink is thoroughly evident here.

Lastly, the one aspect of the film that is truly detracting, without any doubt, is the CGI. It's noticeably bad in spots. But, still, the main thrust of the film, and the truly great moments tend to overcome this problem. (It's essentially three short moments of sighing in the film.)

This is not a film to be compared with the great JC directed films of the 80's. But in this new era of JC's career, this is most certainly his best performance overall. And it definitely makes one appreciate that JC has a future in playing these uncompromised heroic roles.

Cheng Long huan ying ni hui xiang gang lai. Women dou zhen xiang nian ni le!

Welcome back to HK, Jackie. We missed you!