A pretty but vain University student Black Phoenix (Cecilia Cheung) dreams of marrying the handsome young Prince Tian Yang (Andy On), but events take a sharp turn when she is bestowed with super powers when a secret hero (who is the University’s maid) is all but killed in an encounter with the notorious blind assassin Chicken Feathers (a brilliantly played Francis Ng). With her newfound powers, she confronts Chicken Feathers only to sustain a broken leg. She is nursed back to health by Chicken Feathers himself, who reveals himself to be a righteous man who rights the wrongs in society. As he’s diametrically opposed to the Prince, who wants him dead, Black Phoenix is surprised to find herself falling for the blind swordsman and must choose between the two before one is forced to kill the other.

Sometimes funny, sometimes surprisingly touching, THE WHITE DRAGON treads a fine line between comedy and romance. It is not, however, a Wuxia film despite the film’s cover and the opening scene in a bamboo forest complete with wire-fu acrobatics! It does occasionally seem like there’s too many influences at play here (the reviewer who likened parts of it to a Wong Jing comedy is bang on) and seems somehow diluted because of it. However, it’s all harmless enough fun.

I thought the leads were really great in this, particularly Francis Ng. But Cecilia Cheung is also pretty good as the vain and spoilt Phoenix – I Thought it was funny when she threw a hissy fit in the handbag shop because she couldn’t have the one she wanted!

The romantic angle is surprisingly effective though, and you can’t help but root for Chicken Feathers to win the lady’s heart. He is very childlike at times (for an assassin, anyway!) and some of his scenes are genuinely touching.

As with most films of this ilk, though, it’s probably not going to be a film you’ll want to watch again and again. But if you can rent it (or borrow it from a friend like I did) you should find yourself decently entertained.