Review of Legendary Amazons (2011) by Panta O — 25 Nov 2011

Last week I saw this movie in the cinema in Suzhou... and I have to say - it was a disappointing experience. The film, which was formerly titled LADY GENERALS OF THE YANG FAMILY, is based on a famous Chinese opera set in the Song Dynasty. When the men of the Yang Clan were massacred in battle, the women, from elderly grandmother to little sisters, put on armour and led the army to victory.

The opera has been adapted many times before, most notably in 1972, when Cheng Kang, father of action director Ching Siu-tung, made 14 AMAZONS for Shaw Brothers, with Lily Ho and Ivy Ling Po in starring roles.

By the way, Ronnie Yu is prepping another version of the story which will feature Michelle Yeoh, Gong Li, and Zhang Ziyi. Rumour has it that Sammo Hung may be doing yet another version, but details are scarce on that one... Chinese just love those legends!

This movie has everything you need in a wushu legend movie... on a list! But when you put all that together you get uninspiring piece of generalized art which fails to excite or brings satisfaction. I think the director played it too safe!