True Legend Review

• 4th Nov 2010

Chinese cinema really loves its folk heroes. There are no end of films celebrating martial arts pioneers, often adding a touch of fantasy to the original folk story. In these modern times and especially with True Legend, the fantasy element has been upped to the max in this story revolving around Su Can, the folk legend who pioneered the ‘drunken fist’ style of Wushu kung fu in the late 19^th century; now practiced by many around the world.

True Legend, is based on the an imperial guard, Su Can, who after winning countless battles for his master and being offered a prestigious governing position, refuses this and dreams of starting his own Wushu academy and a family with his wife, Yuan Ying. After five years of prosperity and family bliss, Yuan’s Brother, Yuan Lie, Su Can’s comrade during his army days and best friend at the time arrives for an ominous reunion with his sister. Yuan Lie has changed however and is intent on levelling old scores having taken up the position as governor previously offered to Su Can. Being left for dead, Su Can and his wife are forced to go into hiding, leaving their son, Little Feng, in the hands of the evil and deranged Yuan Lie. What follows is the tale of the rise of Su Can and the series of events that lead him to legendary status.

In the 90s, being a high budget, major Chinese motion picture, this movie would almost definitely have enjoyed Jet Li or Donnie Yen as its central role. It is nice to see that the modern superstars of Chinese cinema are starting to shine through, despite there not being a major import from China to Western cinema since Jet Li. Vincent Zhao, given what looks like his first major film role outside Chinese TV performances shines as Su Can but it’s his supporting cast that really makes this film. Yuan Lie, the main villain, is played with bags of rage and maliciousness, yet delicately plays how his character clings onto the last good thing that he has left i.e. his love for his nephew, Little Feng. There are some very enjoyable cameo appearances in the guise of Michelle Yeoh, of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame and a host of other notable Chinese martial arts actors and also one particularly special cameo gem which I won’t completely ruin, but I will say that it gave a little lump in my throat to see his final screen appearance.

True Legend is a modern classic in the making. Some may not appreciate the overly fantastical production; the introduction of Wushu gods may be a little too sickly sweet for some. The action is however, relentless and of very high quality. Set pieces are gritty and varied. The sound design is great and you feel every sickly thud and smack of fists hitting rock, bone and flesh. The film looks good and enjoys a first class production apart from some very slightly dodgy CGI in places but this is forgiven by the coolness factor of the characters. Check out how Yuan Lie ‘wears’ his armour. True Legend also isn’t afraid to go against the grain of storytelling too. It’s arguable that the action climax of the movie happens at the end of the second third of the movie but the story climax definitely happens at the end of the final act. All in all, True Legend is not to be missed. I know I’ll be watching this one again.

Dan Beadle