Review of True Legend (2010) by Kevin R — 14 Jan 2012

You forced me to be your son.

A general retired from the art of war to pursue a life with his family and hopes to start his own martial arts school; however, when his brother discovers he is adopted he seeks revenge on his adopted family. The brother beats the general almost to death and throws him into a raging river. The general's wife jumps into the river to save her husband leaving her son with the vengeful brother. The general will need to regain his strength and frame of mind if he hopes to return to his village and rescue his son.

"I have avenged your murder. Sorry I took so long.".

Yuen Woo-Ping, director of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Tai-Chi Master; Wing Chun; Iron Monkey; Drunken Tai-Chi, Drunken Master; and Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, delivers True Legend. The storyline for this picture contains wonderful depth and characters. I was more impressed by the story than the martial arts and the acting was excellent. The cast includes Man Cheuk Chiu, Michelle Yeoh, Xun Zhou, and David Carradine.

"I had it sewn directly into my skin.".

True Legend is a film my wife received for Christmas. This was an interesting addition to the martial arts genre. The action was solid and intense but definitely more new school than old school (relying on wire and CGI rather than choreography); however, the characters were surprisingly fascinating and worth following. The entire psychological angle mixed with the drunken fighting style made this an intense, entertaining, and triumphant picture. I recommend seeing this if you are a fan of the genre.

"Bury her in the woods.".

Grade: B+.