Nan bei Shao Lin

This great film brings together Jet Li and titan-of-a-martial-arts-director Lau Kar-Leung (Seven Swords, Drunken Master II, among scores of others).

Jet Li plays Zhi Ming, a monk in one of the northern shaolin schools who learns that the man who killed his parents, Lord He Suo, is holding a birthday celebration. He leaves the monastery without permission on a quest for vengeance. During the assassination attempt he joins up with Sima Yan and Chao Wei, also wronged by He Suo and out for revenge.

This film is not only chock full of great fights superbly choreographed, but also has plentiful demonstrations of kung fu as the beautiful martial art form that it is. The traditional Chinese dragon dance and drumming at He Suo's birthday celebration is also captivating.

Another strength is the unparalleled scenes for some of these fights - from the Great Wall, to ancient temples, to green valleys surrounded by breathtaking mountainous panoramas. This movie makes you want to travel to China.

Definitely recommended for fans of the genre.

As for the other reviews, I think that they all got a point. But as for me, I'm a big fan of any traditional martial arts movies. And the martial arts movies of today got too much computer effects or do I need to say Wire Fu effects? Realistic fights are only viewable in old movies of movies with a low budget. I don't have a clue about the budget of this movie. But I can say that it's certainly entertaining. I can't agree more that a good movie must consist of some great soundtrack, good acting, a decent story etc. But heck, why would you watch this show for the story? Isn't a bit unreasonable to rate this movie for that aspect? None of the movies are perfect, so in this case the movie succeeds with the thing, that he's supposed to do. Yes, show us some realistic Shaolin Kung Fu.

Check it, if you like martial arts fights with a simple story. If not, then please avoid this one and look something similar like "Hero".

hoping that Jonas Svensson doesn't mind my sarcastic echo to his comment. This is a really entertaining flick where you'll see exciting and competent kung-fu action and some funny moments. It is not hard to me to agree with Jonas about the lack of amazing acting skills and a solid screenplay but, you know, Al Pacino is a bad kung-fu performer and have been fired by the production and Federico Fellini was shooting "Ginger and Fred" that year. Jokes apart kung-fu enthusiasts know very well what is the spot in martian art films and this whole series do not ever miss it. Therefore if you like the good ol' Chinese martian art film style no fear and enjoy this really funny flick.

This film is packed with fighting from beginning to end. Jet Li is as always very impressive and so are all the other actors (in their fighting, that is). The acting isn't very good, though(not that i know any Chinese). The actors sound like babies shouting to each other and the evil guy's laugh is unbeatable. I like the Amiga-sounding sound effects, though, and the theme song just sticks to you're brain like glue on paper. There is also some nice scenery. I love this movie.

Jet Li stars in this Shaw Brothers film from 1986. Li is a monk who's diligently studying his craft only causing a fuss on occasion (he secretly kills a snake, cooks it & stuffs the meat into his brothers' hot buns to eat) but when he hears the new ruler, who killed his family, is about to have a lavish, public gala as a celebration, he jumps (backflips?) at the chance to get his revenge even disguising himself as the head of a ceremonial parade animal. What he doesn't count on is a couple of freedom fighters, a man & a woman, have gotten the same idea & also attack. They fail & in the ensuing melee they scurry into the wilderness donning guises as they stay afoul of soldiers to hopefully get another chance at vengeance (which they do on an imperial barge) at film's end. Great to see an early Li performance as directed by Lau Kar-Leung who uses Li's physical dexterity & speed to great effect w/the gorgeous vistas of the countryside & even the Forbidden City to bolster the production value. A little too much hilarity mars an otherwise solid actioner but if that's your cup of tea, sip it.