Rise of the Legend 黃飛鴻之英雄有夢

An entertaining if heavily flawed reboot of the legendary Wong Fei Hung

Directed by Roy Chow Hin Yeung

Written by Christine To

Starring: Eddie Peng, Sammo Hung, Jing Boran, Wang Luodan

Running time 131 mins

Mandarin

Country: Hong Kong/China

Year: 2014

It’s about time the Wong Fei Hung was bought to the 21st century after a long hiatus. Tasked with the job is Nightfall director Roy Chow Hin Yeung working from the screenplay by Christine To (Fearless), scored by Shigeru Umebayashi (The Grandmaster) and choreography by Hong Kong action mastreo Corey Yuen Kwai (Fong Sai Yuk). Filling in the lofty shoes of Wong Fei Hung previously represented by the charismatic Jet Li (whose last appearance was in 1997 Once upon a time in China and America) is Eddie Peng Yu Yan (Unbeatable) along with veteran martial arts actor Sammo Hung (Ip Man).

Acting as an origin story to the Wong Fei Hung legacy, the young Fei Hung is accompanied by his father Wong Kei Ying (Tony Leung Ka Fei) in the poverty-stricken streets of 19th century Guangzhou to aid the weak and sick. Kei Ying’s attempts to save the people through his medical practise proves futile as the province is run by rival gangs vying for the compliments of the corrupt government officials to gain control of the trading ports. Years later, the now adult Fei Hung joins one of the local gangs, The North Sea gang lead by Master Lei (Sammo Hung), with the hopes in bringing down the gang from within and restoring balance and justice. Making his quick assent in gaining the trust of Master Lei, Fei Hung is anointed the 4th god son, joining ranks with North Evil (Feng Jiayi), Black Crow (Byron Mann) and Old Snake (Brian Siswojo). Acting as a double agent and exacting his revenge Fei Hung works with his orphan brothers, lead by childhood friend Fiery (Jing Boran) and Chun (Wang Luodan), providing inside information regarding North Sea gangs stashed funds. Through the proceeding Fei Hung and Master Lei gets attacked by rival gang member played by Zhang Jin. And along the way they are aided by courtesan Orchid (Angelababy) and Buck Tooth So (Wong Cho Lam).

Its been almost 20 years since the last interpretation of Wong Fei Hung with a high calibre of actors having already donned the shoes of the folk hero such as Jackie Chan, Kwan Tak Hing, Gordon Liu, Jet Li and even Sammo Hung (Around the world in 80 days). Eddie Pang has much responsibility to shoulder and though his portrayal of Wong Fei Hung is earnest and confident his character is seriously lacking and a departure from what audience have come to expect from the legendary hero. Much of the fault can be appointed to the weak script, it treads familiar territory with few surprises along the way. Filled with potential, within the basic framework, Roy Chow/Christine To team makes things very formulaic with poor dialogue choices, forced exposition, underwritten characters and gaping plot holes.

The promise of martial arts equivalent of Infernal Affairs or even Hard Boiled is wasted, To’s screenplay fails in building tension with Fei Hung’s undercover exploits. Its also questionable as Master Lei fails to see Fei Hung’s portrayal even though it becomes painfully obvious. As Fei Hung’s plan makes progress, one painful question is risen; why does Fiery attack the dangerous North gang territory ALONE whereas the whole of the gang acts out the plan at another location which is much safer. Set pieces borrows heavily from To’s previous work Fearless and True Legend, a showdown at the teahouse is very reminiscent of the fight between Jet Li and Chen Zhi Hui in Fearless, even the teahouse itself seems familiar. The romantic triangle provides little distraction, as it is never fully realised.

Corey Yuen’s fight choreography is creative and fun aided by much wirework to enhance and exaggerate techniques. Corey Yuen’s choreography is less balletic and graceful compared to Tsui Hark’s Once Upon Time in China series and less acrobatic compared to Jackie Chan’s Drunken Master. Eddie Pang does a fine job in convincing as a martial artist though this time around he shows less of the iconic posturing made famous by Jet Li. The biggest problem plaguing the fight scene is the over use of slow motion and the occasional use of POV which prove rather distracting. Opening the film is a fight in the rain as Fei Hung takes on multiple thugs which is a little disappointing as it is filled with an over abundance of slow motion but at least things pick up as the film progresses with an entertaining showdown between Eddie Peng vs Zhang Jin and Sammo Hung taking on multiple thugs at the mid way point.

Unfortunately things end with bit of a whimper as Peng takes on Hung in a warehouse set a blaze. Instead of one fluid fight scene we are interrupted with reactions of onlookers and Fei Hung/Sammo constantly asking each other if they feel hot and while posing to catch there breath.

On a positive note the film is technically impressive which is expected from a production of this calbre. Production design from Pater Wong (The Warlords) is top notch, sets are expansive and detailed, creating a believable environment. Cinematographer Ng Man Ching (CZ12) does a fine job with the framing and composition allowing much time for the audience to bask in the production design as well as spending much time lingering on Eddie Peng’s buff physique. It’s also very nostalgic to hear the classic Wong Fei Hong theme song – “The General’s Orders” play out.

As mentioned Eddie Peng carries himself with confidence but is less righteous this time around and has more inner turmoil that the script unfortunately fails to make the most of. Sammo Hung plays the role with ease as he has done countless times already but again the script fails to bring any more to the table. Angelababy serves as eye candy and provides little else. Wong Cho Lam provides brief comic relieve as Buck tooth So despite a pointless appearance. Zhang Jin is in fine form but adds little to the story. The rest of the cast serves their purposes just fine.

As a new rendition of Wong Fei Hung it provides enough commercial flare for the casual audience to be entertained but for those seeking a bit more, maybe disappointed especially considering the talent behind the camera. Eddie Peng is a prettier and sexier Wong Fei Hung that has room for improvement. Rise of the Legend is slick and polished but lacks innovation, hopefully the sequel will address much of the fore mentioned issues.