Granted, the plot sucked in this movie; it's just completely incoherent. But there's enough humor, action and good acting that makes the movie work. Wu Chien Lien looks gorgeous, and Chow Yun Fat's performance makes you forget that he's gained 30 lbs since The Bund. It might take you 2 or 3 views to get the entire story. What really made me like the story is the comedy, some of which require the efficiency in Cantonese or Mandarin to feel. Then there's this little fat disciple of Shaolin (who are rare and extremely popular in China/HK/Taiwan) who almost steals the entire show--if it weren't for the presence of Wu Chien Lien (WHO WAS IN 10 MOVIES IN 1994, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??), Kuo Choi, Gordon Liu, Chin Han, etc.

Speaking of Chin Han, this man is so popular in the Mandarin-speaking world. I don't think he's ever played a villain before, but he is excellent here. Also, there's a well-organized (but weird feeling) fight scene between 2 of the best kung fu actors of all time - Gordon Liu (who has also gained some weight since Master Killer) and Kuo Choi. It feels magnificent to see these 2 kung fu veterans duel on-screen again. The first time I saw this movie was about 5 years ago, at which time I had no idea who were Liu and Choi, so this is actually the first movie I saw them in. Actually, believe it or not, I'd never seen any of the cast in a movie prior to seeing this one--not even Chow yun fat or Chin Han.

The ending sucked... but then again the whole plot sucked. But don't let that put you off; you'll laugh plenty and enjoy everything during minutes 20-70 of the movie. The beginning and end have nothing to do with the middle part.

[8/10]