Cast Member: Yen Shi-Kwan

Yuen Woo-Ping and his brothers fill the film with stunning ‘drunken’ conflicts and duels.

Jackie Chan is given one of his more serious roles and succeeds in giving a fine performance both in the acting and the fighting departments.

With excellent action, a few chuckles and Jackie’s charm the film is an enjoyable watch.

Anyone who appreciates quality choreography, well executed fight sequences and a well told story will love this and will definitely want to own it!

Budget restraints are sometimes apparent, but this doesn’t detract from another quality Yuen Biao vehicle.

May disappoint die-hard action fans, but would prove a good introduction to swordplay style films, especially for the H.K uninitiated and Hollywood lovers.

Hark combines a well-paced and beautifully photographed narrative with strong characters and exciting fight action.

In my opinion, this film does not have the same numerous levels within its story which made the first such an all round classic, however, much of the action is just as impressive.

Part two is lavish and colourful, but simply not as absorbing as it needed to be. A steadier hand at the helm may have rectified this.

The viewer is treated to a visual feast that fully sketches out this almost mythical setting – kudos once more to director and cinematographer.

For those seeking a fast-paced fantasy film with no pretensions, ‘The 13 Cold-Blooded Eagles’ fits the bill very well and, while not comparable to genre classics like ‘Swordsman II’, is worth a look.

‘The East Is Red’ ends the popular series with a visual bang that pummels the viewer relentlessly. Unfortunately the exercise is very much one of style over substance and the overall effect is a bewildering one.