I regretted watching this drama because of storyline.
He is forced to marry her, or he would lose his position then his life, and possibly Jing-wan hers. And, in the show, he is drunk and thought she was Jin-Wan, that is the only time he slept with her.
She threatened to take away her family’s financial and military support. Without her, he would not only likely lose his position and territories, he would be killed along with all his family and supporting generals & officers and their families, in order to ensure there is no one left to take revenge on the new leader.
Don’t forget, he is the youngest “warlord” and had to be smart and tough to control all the objecting older generals who thought they deserve the position more than him.
All the more proof of how much he loved Jing-wan that he would put so much at risk just to have her, and he tried any way possible for them to stay together.
I agree about this ML was so cruel ....he killed whole the family of his sister to prove what? He is powerful…
All that is considered “cruel” is actually the only way he could stay alive, else he would be deposed, and he and his entire family would be killed. Yes, it is about power, but mostly about survival, since he inherited the position.
Killing the entire family/descendants of a traitor or enemy is the traditional Chinese way, to ensure that no one is left to come back for revenge. It is actually an intelligent political move considering the cultural environment and the need for revenge for a family member.
So, one must take into consideration that he is a “Warlord.” He is the youngest to inherit the top position... so he must be tough to control all the old generals that want to take his place and also, to maintain control over the Northern Territories, the largest area held by any one warlord. That is why he also needs the financial support of the soldier-lady’s family, Otherwise, he would not just lose his position, he would lose his life to ensure he is not a threat to any future leader.
Jackie is simply a joy to watch. Several fun scenes, especially when he dressed in various disguises to fight Kung-fu matches. His charisma is enjoyable, his amazing Kung fu is awesome, and his dedication and relentless pursuit to push every physical aspect to the extreme is simply fascinating - all these talents are on display in this very old-fashioned martial-arts film . Whenever it is Jackie, there is always something unique and creative to make watching him well worth while.
Note to self: put all these comments together and write a review.
Jackie Chan’s charisma and talent make this wtypical Martial Arts film stand out from the rest of that time period, which all had similar simple stories of some sort of student-master relationship, competitive Kung-fu schools, and some sort of revenge.
“For this film, Chan returned to producer Lo Wei's studio to fulfill a contract, then refused to work for the studio again. The producer managed to cobble together a paste-up sequel, Fearless Hyena 2, but was so incensed at Chan that he reportedly used his triad ties to put out a contract on the star, forcing Chan to work in Taiwan for some time rather than returning to Hong Kong.” Very interesting, isn’t it?
Good story on its own, a young man flees to Macau and builds his way up to riches while mending his broken heart from his first love and overcoming social class issues. It is a bit convoluted and interesting, not just an overused trope. Just do not expect to see how exactly he becomes a Casino Tycoon in this first part. That is shown in the sequel, released a few months later.
So, knowing there is part 2, helps in understanding how the title and the extra scenes at the beginning and end of the film relate to the rest, despite seeming a bit out of place. The first scene has him reminiscing and the last few scenes tell us that later he became a casino tycoon . Besides, this story is based mainly on the life of the real “Casino Tycoon” of Hong-Kong and Macau, Stanley Ho. Ho is like a well known celebrity there, so the target audience understood very well how the extra scenes relate.
Non-stop exciting action and fun humor from start to finish. Old-school Jackie Chan at his best. It is all amazing acrobatics and powerful Kung-fu in a low budget, no need for elaborate stunts, expensive car chases, or fancy locations, only Jackie, a stick or bench, and amazing Kung-fu. The plot is simple but good. The pacing is captivating non-stop development. The writing is good, defined-enough characters, and dialogue that is neither banal nor trite (like in the some of the Sammo Hung directed films, specifically “Heart of Dragon or “My Lucky Stars”.). And most importantly, the humor is actually funny.
The action and moves are so fast, I need to rewatch.
I highly recommend it as a very good old-school action flick and Jackie in his prime.
NOTE:Sammy Hung is the lead here, Jackie only showed up in the last 40 minutes and for the opening action scenes. NOTE 2: This is film 2 of the series of 3 w/ Jackie Chan, followed by several others of just the “5 Lucky Stars”. So obviously this franchise is successful, I just cannot relate. I truly enjoy Jackie’s humaor but Sammo ‘s is spotty to me.
The good: - The opening scene is probably the only thing worth watching, great car chase followed by Jackie and Yuen Biao getting into an exciting fight at an amusement park and Jackie climbs the Ferris wheel. - Exciting seeing the “Three Dragons” together, Chan, Hung and Yuen Biao. - Exciting female fight b/w the policewoman and ninja-woman.
The Mediocre: - last 40 minutes are Ok, Always Good to watch Jackie and Sammo in action, and there were a few of the trademark acrobatic moves by Jackie. But, nothing truly memorable.
The Ugly: The first hour is filled with very un-amazing humor of the “5 Lucky Stars” who are up to silly antics. Not funny, very little plot, and bad writing.
55 min. Until the action and the plot started, no plot before that, just a set up or intro to characters. Not very funny. A few dramatic moments w/ Jackie, touching. Just Samo acting like a kid. No Action is OK with several extraordinary stunts, which are Jackie’s trademark. Overall I was not wowed. Jackie actually kisses his GF a 1st for me.
All the comments below are about how magnetic and irresistible he is, a “forever” favorite! And what an amazing actor he is.
Yes he has that quality to forever capture and possess hearts , to the extreme. I feel like a giddy teenager w/ an obsessive crush whenever he appears on screen. ❤️❤️❤️
For an action movie, it had exciting moments and expressed very well the excitement of motorcycle riding and both the appeal of and adrenaline rush of speed, It also graphically showed the danger of motorcycle racing in a very disturbing yet palpable way. Some of those violent scenes of speed are indelible and will likely be film images that I will always remember. It wanted to place the audience in the seat of the driver and experience his view. It succeeded!!! However, unlike the motorbike scenes that touched me emotionally, the film was not as successful in affecting me enough to much care for the characters. Yes, it intended to make the audience care at least for the hero, but it was typical stuff. Despite the emotional scenes of the father-son conflict and the deep attachment and love between the hero and his girlfriend, they came out flat. The writing or the directing did not relay any deep emotion that we are told is there.
Conclusion: 1) I am glad I watched it, the action is very much worth watching, the story is good but nothing new. 2) However , it failed to make me truly care for the characters and the hero’s journey. 3) Some unforgettable images that have given me a graphically and emotionally better understanding of the thrill and danger of motorbike racing. (Well, I have always loved the adrenaline rush of speeding in my car. Ofc, It is fond memories now, as I have matured and no longer have that youthful feeling of infallibility.)
Side Note: I can imagine this film remade into a Hollywood movie with a much faster moving plot with exciting editing and a lot of “tugging at the heart” moments (usually very superficial). It would have a hero that is louder and more expressive of his emotions .... And, I would probably hate it !!! ... I would still prefer the Hong Kong approach, but done in a better way than this director managed.
A Must Watch for Jackie fans or any action or martial-arts fan. Great stunts, last 45 minutes are packed. Jackie said his fight w/ Benny Urquidez (a legendary fighter himself,) is probably his best. Story is trite, but still good and very funny. Samo Hung is also great here and funny.
Side Note: considering what I have heard Jackie say about the importance of editing in action scenes (he listed a few specific techniques), I was surprised to see a couple of blatant editing glitches in this film, especially that Samo was directing.
I think no one can beat the indomitable RuoXi from BBJX/Scarlet Heart (Chinese). Her suffering was extensive , prolonged and came in various forms . It was realistic and she came back due to her abilities, intelligence and determination. She is the epitome of the strong intelligent female lead of Chinese historicals. And among my top favorite female leads in dramaland.
I have not seen the others mentioned in the article, but Zhou Ling (NGCS) deserves a place in this list because she survived by her intelligence, resilience and determination. I am not sure Bai Qian (TMoPB) belongs though. I remember the male lead being amazing, but I recall her as being more passive than pro-active, and I disliked her weakness at the end.
Anyway, a wonderful idea for an article, keep them coming.
Too westernized. And a waste of talents. Seriously, they got two legends in a movie, something many fans have…
100% agree ... What a missed opportunity and waste of talent. Just formula and recycled tropes of old Hollywood action flicks that were all flash and zero content.
Most versatile actor ❤️My absolute favorite British actor, and at least in top three worldwide. He captured my attention and my heart when I first saw him in B.S.’s Dracula. ❤️
1 
She threatened to take away her family’s financial and military support. Without her, he would not only likely lose his position and territories, he would be killed along with all his family and supporting generals & officers and their families, in order to ensure there is no one left to take revenge on the new leader.
Don’t forget, he is the youngest “warlord” and had to be smart and tough to control all the objecting older generals who thought they deserve the position more than him.
All the more proof of how much he loved Jing-wan that he would put so much at risk just to have her, and he tried any way possible for them to stay together.
Killing the entire family/descendants of a traitor or enemy is the traditional Chinese way, to ensure that no one is left to come back for revenge. It is actually an intelligent political move considering the cultural environment and the need for revenge for a family member.
So, one must take into consideration that he is a “Warlord.”
He is the youngest to inherit the top position... so he must be tough to control all the old generals that want to take his place and also, to maintain control over the Northern Territories, the largest area held by any one warlord.
That is why he also needs the financial support of the soldier-lady’s family, Otherwise, he would not just lose his position, he would lose his life to ensure he is not a threat to any future leader.
Note to self: put all these comments together and write a review.
Very interesting, isn’t it?
So, knowing there is part 2, helps in understanding how the title and the extra scenes at the beginning and end of the film relate to the rest, despite seeming a bit out of place. The first scene has him reminiscing and the last few scenes tell us that later he became a casino tycoon .
Besides, this story is based mainly on the life of the real “Casino Tycoon” of Hong-Kong and Macau, Stanley Ho. Ho is like a well known celebrity there, so the target audience understood very well how the extra scenes relate.
P.S. Andy Lau was gorgeous in his prime!
The plot is simple but good. The pacing is captivating non-stop development. The writing is good, defined-enough characters, and dialogue that is neither banal nor trite (like in the some of the Sammo Hung directed films, specifically “Heart of Dragon or “My Lucky Stars”.). And most importantly, the humor is actually funny.
The action and moves are so fast, I need to rewatch.
I highly recommend it as a very good old-school action flick and Jackie in his prime.
NOTE 2: This is film 2 of the series of 3 w/ Jackie Chan, followed by several others of just the “5 Lucky Stars”. So obviously this franchise is successful, I just cannot relate. I truly enjoy Jackie’s humaor but Sammo ‘s is spotty to me.
The good:
- The opening scene is probably the only thing worth watching, great car chase followed by Jackie and Yuen Biao getting into an exciting fight at an amusement park and Jackie climbs the Ferris wheel.
- Exciting seeing the “Three Dragons” together, Chan, Hung and Yuen Biao.
- Exciting female fight b/w the policewoman and ninja-woman.
The Mediocre:
- last 40 minutes are Ok, Always Good to watch Jackie and Sammo in action, and there were a few of the trademark acrobatic moves by Jackie. But, nothing truly memorable.
The Ugly:
The first hour is filled with very un-amazing humor of the “5 Lucky Stars” who are up to silly antics. Not funny, very little plot, and bad writing.
Yes he has that quality to forever capture and possess hearts , to the extreme.
I feel like a giddy teenager w/ an obsessive crush whenever he appears on screen. ❤️❤️❤️
It wanted to place the audience in the seat of the driver and experience his view. It succeeded!!!
However, unlike the motorbike scenes that touched me emotionally, the film was not as successful in affecting me enough to much care for the characters. Yes, it intended to make the audience care at least for the hero, but it was typical stuff. Despite the emotional scenes of the father-son conflict and the deep attachment and love between the hero and his girlfriend, they came out flat. The writing or the directing did not relay any deep emotion that we are told is there.
Conclusion:
1) I am glad I watched it, the action is very much worth watching, the story is good but nothing new.
2) However , it failed to make me truly care for the characters and the hero’s journey.
3) Some unforgettable images that have given me a graphically and emotionally better understanding of the thrill and danger of motorbike racing. (Well, I have always loved the adrenaline rush of speeding in my car. Ofc, It is fond memories now, as I have matured and no longer have that youthful feeling of infallibility.)
Side Note:
I can imagine this film remade into a Hollywood movie with a much faster moving plot with exciting editing and a lot of “tugging at the heart” moments (usually very superficial). It would have a hero that is louder and more expressive of his emotions .... And, I would probably hate it !!! ... I would still prefer the Hong Kong approach, but done in a better way than this director managed.
Great stunts, last 45 minutes are packed. Jackie said his fight w/ Benny Urquidez (a legendary fighter himself,) is probably his best.
Story is trite, but still good and very funny. Samo Hung is also great here and funny.
Side Note: considering what I have heard Jackie say about the importance of editing in action scenes (he listed a few specific techniques), I was surprised to see a couple of blatant editing glitches in this film, especially that Samo was directing.
It was realistic and she came back due to her abilities, intelligence and determination.
She is the epitome of the strong intelligent female lead of Chinese historicals.
And among my top favorite female leads in dramaland.
I have not seen the others mentioned in the article, but Zhou Ling (NGCS) deserves a place in this list because she survived by her intelligence, resilience and determination.
I am not sure Bai Qian (TMoPB) belongs though. I remember the male lead being amazing, but I recall her as being more passive than pro-active, and I disliked her weakness at the end.
Anyway, a wonderful idea for an article, keep them coming.