5 comments about House of Flying Daggers.

1. This is an excellent film. Not the common martial art film: very well acting, brilliant cinematography. A very moving film. Should have got an Oscar!



2. What a stunning film this is--House of Flying Daggers. There is a beauty so deep, the viewer is mesmerized: characters/actors who play them, scenery/setting, astonishing martial arts movements unlike what the viewer finds in other movies, costumes, the use of colors and light. Director Zhang Yimou assembles the parts to create a whole, a film so deep in beauty that the viewer's focus is a totality in that frame. My breath was whooshed away!
   
   The two leads, Ziyi Zhang--she with the delicate face in a powerfully controlled yet delicate body, and Takeshi Kaneshiro--he with his masculine beauty and graceful arrogance, play off each other with consummate skill as actors and martial artists. The third in this inevitable fate-must-play-out film is Andy Lau, a man's man who plays his control until the last second when his passion must out. Watching the interplay of these three give-and-take, back-and-forth is so unsettling. The casting is perfect!
   
   The framework for the film is the House of Flying Daggers, a group of female martial artists, who oppose the corrupt Tang government and seek to embarrass it when necessary and opportune. Although this secretive group is the raison d'etre for the story, it is the story of the three characters who absorb our interest. And what is obvious becomes the source of secrets. With the necessity of secret organizations comes the well spring of secrets--one by one, several times, always keeping the viewer a little more off-balance.
   
   In a time of corruption, the unusual becomes the norm. Soldiers walking the trees in battle becomes common rather than a seemingly magical skill exerted by only a special few. Every person is a remarkable handler of martial arts instruments. Everyone fights equally well. Who is to win?
   
   The final conflict is played out across a meadow in a snowstorm. White has been described in literature as representative of "the inscrutable cosmic mystery." Why these people? Why this battle? Why this ending?
   
   I think perhaps I love this film as much as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" for that mystical element that is part of Asian films (in my limited experience), the Taoist belief in accepting things for the way they are and if challenging this, falling subject to one's fate anyway. The film then reflects both the Greek dramatic belief of the inevitability of fate and the Shakespearian technique of mistaken and double identities. "House of Flying Daggers" is a beautiful cinematic experience--mesmerizing, stunning, powerful.



3. House of Flying Daggers has Beautiful Cinematography, Choreography, and a great story! Most reviewers have already covered the basics, but I wanted to give a 5 star rating to this masterful film.
   
   This is movie to treasure, and if you enjoy this film as much as I do....
   Also, purchase Hero. For those who somehow missed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, I suggest adding that to your wish list, as well.
   
   I was only slightly interested in martial arts films, until Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was created, but House of Flying Daggers and Hero have expanded my interests. These movies are truly masterful productions, and they have inspired many other beautiful films. This genre is unique and highly recommended.



4. This movie was great but what made it better was seeing it in blu ray format. The scenery is breathtaking.



5. I am a huge fan of martial arts movies and my favorites are from the same director Yimou Zhang who made "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" and "Hero" and therefore I had very high expectations from this movie. House of Flying Daggers was a magnificent movie satisfying in every aspect. Use of colors and seasons symbolizing different stages of life and emotions, characters, nature, martial arts choreography, creative choice of weapons and in many other aspects, the director again did a wonderful job. The ending especially was extremely powerful.. hope to see more of these

5 comments about Kung Fu Hustle [Blu-ray].

1. Pretty disappointed. I love the movie but I also love to hear the original actors voice instead of the poor English voice over. I'm a purist in this since and I like to enjoy the movie like I did the first time saw it at the theater with subtitles. The English voice overs ruin parts of the movie which actually have parts of English in them. So when I tried to watch the movie in 5.1 surround in Cantanese it wasn't available. Yet they have it in the DVD version of the movie! I thought Blu-ray had more capacity than DVDs. Oh well I guess I gotta watch the movie in simulated surround sound.



2. Great movie! Great cinematography! Great editing! Great acting! Great casting!
   
   I loved this movie. From the perspective of a beginning movie maker (amateur), this movie was breathtaking. I loved the camera angles, costumes, props, and the action scenes. This is a really well done movie.
   
   This is also the first movie I watch on my blu-ray player. I watched it on a high definition 42" Sony Bravia. The image was amazingly clear and crisp. Try one day to watch a movie with a VHS player, then DVD, then blu-ray. You'll see a big difference from one format to another (I actually have all three players and did this test on the same Sony Bravia).
   
   In this movie you will find comedy, action, gore (lots of blood, but tastefully and comically done), and just pure entertainment. That's what movies are for! The movie is also philosophical, and ends with a touching romantic scene. Just beautiful!
   
   Just as a note for those interested, many actors are fighting high definition. They find HD intruding on their facial inadequacies (for lack of a better word). For example, no actress wants us to see her wrinkles or a zit on her face. With HD, the image is so crisp that many details of a person's face (and body) can be captured by the camera that many actors are embarrassed. The only way to rectify this is by heavy make-up, lenses, or touching the image during editing.



3. My kids and I have tons of fun watching this movie over and over again, despite my wife's puzzled objections over the slapstick style. Stephen Chow is a genius, and literally does it all - running the gamut from directing a hodge-podge of action, comedy, musical, period piece and even romance, to being the star of the show. The pacing reminds me of James Cameron's directing, with never a dull moment. The Hong Kong style action is awesome and beautifully choreographed. The comedy, albeit slapstick and dependent on high school level humor, nevertheless tickles our collective funny bone (again with the exception of the wifey). We especially love the sequence where Bone, the sidekick, keeps stabbing Sing in Pigsty Alley in a comedy of errors, and Sing ends up running from the Landlady a la Road Runner, using the knives stuck in his shoulders as sideview mirrors. Those who liked "Shaolin Soccer" are definitely in for a treat.
   
   Feature-wise, the blu-ray disc is loaded with content, including a revealing interview with Chow. You'll get a kick watching the movie in the original Chinese and reading the subtitles, since the translation was not exact in the English version. Picture and audio quality are adequate and are slightly superior to the DVD counterpart.
   
   I hope Mr. Chow never gets corrupted by Hollywood, and continues to churn out more movies like this gem.



4. Good picture but sound cantonese just stereo not dolby digital or dts. Overall its a good movie. Dolby Digital just in english translate and its sound funny.



5. this movie will become a classic i'm sure. it's a really funny movie with excellent special effects.. classic "kung fu" stuff with a little extra! I love this flick!!

5 comments about Flash Point.

1. For those who like the technical aspects of mma, or just cool action itself, this is a must-see film. Donnie Yen(KillZone) stars in this action packed martial arts flick. Yen is a martial ats star, and he always shows his mma skills in his movies. If he doesnt have the guy in an arm lock, he's suplexing him onto tables or punching his face into a bloody pulp. Ill admit it took a little while for the movie to pick up, but once it got going it was awesome. For fans of Donnie Yen or MMA, check this movie out! Not to mention the special features are awesome too!
   
   Special Features:
   Feature Length Commentary with Donnie Yen/Bey Logan
   
   Behind the Scenes Gallery
   -Making Of
   -Flash Point Explored
   -Perpetual Motion
   
   The Ultimate Fighters
   -Gladiators
   -M.M.A On Display
   
   Promotional Gallery
   -Interveiw with Donnie Yen
   -Gala Premiere
   -Trailers, TV Spots, Teasers



2. First of all, this release from Dragon Dynasty is perfect. I will go over the special features at the end of the review, but I wanted to first mention that the final fight is uninterrupted. In the mainland Chinese version, there was a part where Collin Chou's mother comes in and tells him and Donnie to stop fighting. It totally ruined the flow of the fight. So I am very happy to see that Dragon Dynasty got the right version.
   
   Now to the movie review. If you liked the action at all in SPL (Killzone in US), then you are in for a real treat. The final fight in Flash Point is easily one of the best fight scenes ever filmed. Probably top 10. It is much better than Donnie Yen vs. Sammo Hung. At one point I thought I was watching a UFC match, except they aren't fighting in a cage and there are no rules. Donnie Yen is on his back kicking upwards and trying to block Collin Chou's punches, and he manages to grab hold of Chou's shirt and gets his legs around his neck. Almost choked out, Chou decides to bring Yen up and then slam him onto the ground. He slams Yen a few times, and it just keeps going back and forth like this nonstop. And the fight goes on for about 8 minutes! Fast and furious doesn't even begin to describe it. I have never seen anything like it before.
   
   Donnie Yen was in an experimental stage during the late 90's and had some good and bad movies. Ballistic Kiss was horrible, but Legend of the Wolf was a wonderful piece of art. In SPL, Donnie mixed in some grappling and a few other techniques, but the final fight felt too choreographed and dancelike. Flashpoint focuses more on realism, but it is still very much focused on style. Donnie and his crew have perfected their style and are in my mind the top action crew in Hong Kong after making this.
   
   The movie itself is nothing too special. It's your average cop drama and criminals are killing witnesses so they won't be charged with the crimes they committed. The relationship between Donnie Yen and his partner Louis Koo is very well done. Collin Chou gives a magnificent performance as the villain and newcomer Xing Yu is even better. Ray Lui rounds out the trio of villains and does a great job. These guys are truly scary.
   
   4.5/5
   
   
   
   
   Now to the special features. I will first go over the 2 Dragon Dynasty exclusives, and then the other special features.
   
   
   - feature commentary from Donnie Yen and Bey Logan. How awesome is that? Do I really need to say anymore?
   
   - 32 minute interview with Donnie Yen. That's right, 32 minutes. Great interview. He goes over so much about the movie it's incredible.
   
   - Collateral Damage: The Making of Flash Point- a look behind the scenes and interviews with the actors and director Wilson Yip. 18 minutes, and very informative.
   
   - Flash Point Explored- this is basically the same thing as the making of but longer and more indepth. 28 minutes.
   
   There's a lot of other small features like the actors at a premiere, deleted scenes, training... but nothing great.



3. Short and Simple. If you love cop drama, and mma it's a great new movie for any martial arts fan.Amazing fighting scence. It's like watching a real life street fighting.



4. My expectations were quite high for this one, as I had heard from several people that it is definetly a great martial arts action film. I also see a lot of comparisons to the previously released "SPL aka Kill Zone" and rightfully so, since Flashpoint has both the same director (Wilson Yip) and the same action star (Donnie Yen). Though I find Flashpoint not quite up to par overall with SPL, that's still saying quite a bit, since SPL seems to be the film to beat these days. But what Flashpoint may lack in overall tone, it more than makes up for with breathtakingly superb fight action, Donnie Yen style.
   
   Now when I say Donnie Yen style, it's cool and it's MMA (mixed martial arts). Well, at least he's always trying to act cool (as many reviewers will point out about Yen) and I guess it works, but its never necessary. Yen is so skillfull with his choreogrpahy and skill that that's plenty cool enough for me. Flashpoint is praised for its incredible fight action, but it will have to wait about an hour into the film for it to begin, When it does, it is intense and never lets up. The final 30 minutes of the film is the huge climax. Tensions and emoitons are at the highest (I want to say almost comparable to SPL at this point, and ironically the stories are somewhat similar as far as Yen's character is concerned). The tension can be felt in the fights, as the past hour of the film all comes together in what is to be a spectacular finish. There is a decent shootout that occurs throughout fields of grass before we see the big one on one between Donnie Yen and our main villain - Collin Chou (Matrix Sequals, Forbidden Kingdom). The fight lasts 8 minutes and is almost unlike anything I have seen. Even Yen and Chou stated that this fight was the most difficult and accomplished of their careers thus far. It is fast, furious, and complete with a few slow motion kicks and punches that all felt perfectly placed - you can almost feel the raw power behind a Donnie Yen knockout.
   
   As good as the climax of Flashpoint may be, its the first hour that keeps it from being a perfect film. Though the story is interesting and worth watching to feel the true impact of the exciting conclusion, its still a slow ride that has almost no action to keep things moving. The characters, plot, script etc also don't have quite the effect of that in SPL, and the villain Collin Chou was basically an average villain without any unique qualities (until the last 30 minutes of the film!)
   
   Despite the slow hour of the film, I can't stress enough how much it is still worth it when that last 30 minutes comes around. I'm not sure we'll see a fight quite like that again anytime soon. It is definelty worth buying this dvd and you will want to watch it several times as I already have. 4.5 Overall for exceptional martial arts action.
   
   Acting - 3.5
   Action - 5
   Characters - 3.5
   Dubbing - 3.5
   Story - 3.5
   Overall: 4.5



5. I loved it, lots of action decent story and oh yeah lots of action..did I say that already?? Oh well!. I also recommend Full Circle its also loaded with action and pretty good story!

5 comments about Shaolin Soccer.

1. This movie was my first experience with Stephen Chow. Wow - is he ever funny! Very inventive & creative & original. This flick is extremely wild & has non-stop laughs the whole way through. The "assembling the samurai" sequence was especially hilarious. See this film if you want an excellently silly comic experience.



2. very funny martial arts movie. Funny in the sarcastic sense. good to watch to lighten your day.



3. I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard. It was funny the second time too. And the third, fourth, fifth .... Then I had to force myself to stop rewatching the Taiji Sticky Buns scene (number 4 in scene selection). Try watching this movie after Red Trousers and you'll appreciate it even more. Oh, and watch the American release first -- comedy doesn't work with subtitles alone.



4. This is a hilarious and heart-warming tale of a group of downtrodden kung fu brothers who find new life in the world of football (soccer). It features the dynamic and hugely entertaining Stephen Chow, a man who makes his comrades in Western success Jackie Chan and Jet Li pale in comparison. Where Li is wooden and dull and Chan tries far too hard, Chow has an indifference that is refreshing. In some ways similar to his later offering, "Kung Fu (Hustle)," although less dark and violent, this movie is suitable for the whole family, particularly when you factor in the poignant lesson of avoiding prejudice.
   The action is over-the-top CGI magic and makes for many of the belly laughs, but the romantic subplot between Chow's dreamer and the ugly duckling bun maker is a sweet and unique concept. The mere fact that Chow creates a character that sees beauty beneath the scarred exterior of the skilled yet self-doubting street vendor is a testament to all that Hollywood fails to understand about their audience.
   I could watch this movie over and over and always get a laugh, get a warm feeling in my heart, and get a thrill out of the effortless kung fu magic of the extraordinarily gifted Stephen Chow.



5. Even though this movie reminds me a little of the old Sunday afternoon "Kung Fu Theater" B movies, the antics are histerical, and the special effects are really good. The movie even has a pretty good plot and message about overcoming obstacles and striving to rise above one's circumstances. I happen to be a soccer fan, and rented it on a whim knowing it was a comedy. Once I had watched it, I knew that I had to own it. My kids and I watch it three or four times a year.

5 comments about The Legend of Drunken Master.

1. Every martial arts fan accepts that Jackie Chan is pretty amazing, so most reviews on his movies amount to opinions on plot and acting levels, and in the case of the Legend of Drunken Master it has to be said that this is one of the best. You want to pick a JC movie that you haven't seen and want not to be disappointed in any way? Get this one!



2. I love Jackie Chan and ALMOST all of his movies but the original Drunken master movie did nothing but dissapoint me. As for this one though, I was EXTREMELY impressed, I personally feel this is Jackie Chan's number one movie in that it shows you his real skill and what he can actually do. As opposed to most of his other movies where white people with guns try to kill him all the time, this one he actually fights using multiple styles and it was simply amazing. One of the best fight films possibly ever made.



3. Well I've been a Jackie Chan fan for ages & I must admit this is definitely one of his greatest films. He kept me entertained without the use of any car chases or big fancy explosions. Ken Lo (The main villain) was just crazy with those kicks!!! The main reason I like Jackie Chan is because of his hard work and determination to entertain people. The stunts he's done for our enjoyment has pushed him to the limit and beyond. With some memorable fight scenes & chuckle worthy humor, of all the Jackie Chan movies you gotta see, add this one to the list



4. I can't say that I'm a connoisseur of Martial Arts films by any means. I have a few Jet Li movies that I enjoy quite a bit, but other than that I don't have much. I also can't say I'm a big fan of Jackie Chan's. The first "Rush Hour" was pretty good, though 2 was just okay, but I didn't like "Shanghai Noon" despite the fact that I do think Owen Wilson is funny. Other than that, I don't have much Jackie Chan experience. Either way, when my girlfriend picked out this movie for purchasing I was skeptical, but because she wanted to see a Martial Arts film I caved, so we watched it.
   
   Wow, what an underestimation I made. I mean maybe it's because I wasn't expecting much so it greatly exceeded my expectations, but I still found this to be an incredibly fun movie to watch. I will warn viewers that this movie is dubbed in English and it's originally done in Cantonese. So, no sub titles, but you have the English over a different language problem where the mouths don't move in sync with the words. I could easily get over this because the movie was very well done and pretty funny. Another part that made this a little easier to deal with is, I believe, Chan dubbed his own character, so that was a nice feature. I'm personally not a Martial Arts purist, so I could let this slide.
   
   Now, I'll probably get thrashed for saying I haven't seen the first Drunken Master yet, frankly I didn't know one existed. That doesn't change my opinion that the movie was great. The Martial Arts performed in this film were absolutely top notch! Even more impressively is Chan does his own stuff, stunts and all. Apparently I should start looking into other Jackie Chan films to see if the others are on par with this one.
   
   Basically we return to Chan's character of Wong Fei Hung. He's a mischievous son of a healer and apparently Martial Arts trainer. Wong Fei Hung learned a style of Martial Arts called Drunken Boxing in the first film from another teacher, but his father doesn't seem to agree with that method of fighting. So when his father finds out he's been engaging in that kind of fighting he is severely chastised for it. It doesn't help that his mother is just as mischievous and was the one who encouraged him to do it! In the midst of all this Wong Fei stumbles upon a British conspiracy which involves taking ancient Chinese artifacts back to England. Wong Fei, a Royal Guard, and his friends seek to stop this from happening. The adventure is part comedy and part serious. Both are mixed excellently in a fairly seamless fashion that doesn't distract the viewer, neither tries to outshine the other style. A testament to how well written this movie is.
   
   The best fight scenes are the one in the restaurant and the final fight. Naturally the final fight has to be one of the best or else it doesn't end on a really superb note. One thing that is added in at the end is some outtake scenes when the credits are rolling. Here you can see some of the funnier mistakes that were made during filming; some of the more shocking are when Chan was being set on fire for some scenes!
   
   Anyway, I can't help but recommend this movie. However, the DVD doesn't appear to have that many options available for viewers. Like you can't watch it with sub titles in its original language. This might detract from some viewers, especially the purists. For me it didn't change my views much, again, I'm a little out of my element in this genre. Regardless, I recommend people see it, it has amazing fight scenes and a very well written story overall.



5. I, as so many fellow commentators here, have been an almost life long fan of the marvel that is Jackie Chan, and this particular motion picture, "The Legend of Drunken Master" or "Drunken Master II" is probably his best work ever. Definitely top three - fourish (it's quite hard to disguingish the best from the second best isn't it?).
   
   The fights and the stunts are, as usual, stunning, defying belief, and completely bonkers. Everybody is in top form, Jackie Chan, Chin Kar Lok, Ken Lo, Ti Lung and very impressively Lau Kar Leung. Visually very pleasing, very well produced and well acted this film is nothing but impressive.
   
   However, this DVD is the absolute opposite of impressive. There is no original language track on the DVD, only English, which is just stupid. These DVDs should be made with Mandarin/Cantonese(/English) language tracks and nothing less. There aren't any extra materials either, which isn't exactly bonus points to the average buyer.
   
   I give it three stars which comes as a compromise of 6 stars for the film and nil for the release. Get a Chinese copy if you can get your hands on one. It will be so much better.

3 comments about The Last Sentinel [Blu-ray].

1. This movie sucks a big donkey's honker big time. I cannot believe that Don Wilson could even act in this sort of "lest and B" movie. The acting sucked, effects sucked, dialog sucked, editing sucked and the director should have been ran off the lot and barrowed for life in stepping back on the lot again. This movie SUX! Even the blu ray transfer SUCKED. I will donate this one off to a Goodwill store. It isn't even worth reselling to recover the loss of money for this dumb movie.
   
   Final note: Is there anything less than a One Star? If so, I'd like to go as low as I could on this one.
   
   Have a nice day. DON'T BUY THIS DVD in ANY FORMAT!



2. The Last Sentinel (which originally debuted on the Sci-Fi channel) is another run-of-the-mil post-apocalyptic action flick, which places too much emphasis on flimsy action sequences & cheap thrills and little elsewhere. Muddy cinematography (apparent poor lighting on sets, which not even the editing could conceal), bad acting and horrific choreography (writer/director Jesse Johnson, whose done stunt work on such films as Beowulf, MI3 and T3 should be ashamed). In fact, the best fight sequence in the entire movie is the final showdown at the end of the film (which isn't saying much at all). Mainly due to that fact that it doesn't consist of a guns blazing shooting spree like all of it's other battles.
   
   Don "The Dragon" Wilson (the movie's protagonist) muffs his lines throughout the majority of the film. He looks bored and expressionless, as if he cannot wait for the filming to be over (who can blame him?). The character development between Wilson's character (Tallis) and Katee Sackhoff's (whose character's name just so happens to be named "Girl," how original) is poorly conceived. It's far too overtly contrived to be taken remotely seriously. Very little comes out of it.
   
   Speaking of little, very little comes out of the film. Everything done in this film has been done a gazillion times before, and quite frankly, the movie isn't even that entertaining. The story and characters are entirely forgettable. They were just doomed from the beginning. Not even Keith David's appearance could save it (the movie).
   
   There are so many great sci-fi action flicks out there that should never have to settle for The Last Sentinel (it's quite baffling how a film of this calibre gets a Blu Ray release). So, do yourself a favor and skip over this one. Wilson fans at least expecting some action on par with his Bloodfist films, may want to steer clear as well. As they will be left woefully disappointed.
   
   This would have scored a star had Katee Sackhoff not been pleasing on the eyes. Might I add, she's not the main star of the film like the dvd cover attempts to have one believe.
   



3. Bought it as a cheap bluray but it looks more like a mediocre DVD than a Bluray dick.
   
   
   And the story isnt great either.

5 comments about Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon DVD
   
   Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won an Academy Award a few years back. Must have been a slow year.. It's about a young warrior in ancient China who is trying to recover a stolen magical sword. Has just scads of martial arts and such.
   
   Recommended mostly for juveniles.
   
   Gunner December, 2007



2. Chow Yun Fat
   
   Enough said. That Means The Movie is a stinker. His acting is terrible. He doesn't do any kicks or anything. I Was Disappointed in this movie, especially the end. This is a B-Movie at best.



3. having it on the psp was nice, got to watch it on the plane. i love this movie, and i am not particularly into the whole kung fu thing in general, but this is great!



4. I'm very pleased with this product! Very high quality and well worth purchasing! Thanks, Amazon!



5. I had the opportunity to see this film when it first came out in the movie theater in 2000 and it immediately became my favorite movie since I love martial arts, philosophy and visual arts.. and this movie combines them all. It had the best choreography I had ever seen back then, reflected on eastern martial arts philosopy, nature, buddism wisdom as well as western metaphysical thoughts..

5 comments about Hero.

1. This movie is such a pleasure for the eyes to watch. The cinematography, the pace, the colors, the beautiful language just captivated me. The story has some good twists in it, but it was particularly the grace that got me more than anything. But if you are wanting a fast paced action thriller then this is not for you. Make sure to watch it in the Mandarin version with English subtitles unless you understand Mandarin, as the movie just isn't the same when it is dubbed.



2. Hero has Fantastic Cinematography, Choreography, an Amazing story, and Brilliant film production. This is a masterful film, and a movie to treasure. I also recommend purchasing House of Flying Daggers. For those who somehow missed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, I suggest adding that to your wish list, as well.
   
   I was only slightly interested in martial arts films, until Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was created, but House of Flying Daggers and Hero have expanded my interests. These movies are truly masterful productions, and they have inspired many other beautiful films. This genre is unique and highly recommended.
   
   If the name Quentin Tarantino freaks you out, or makes you think only of Gore, Violence, and potty mouths....relax. This is different: not his usual fare. Personally, I love Quentin Tarantino movies, but I can understand why some people might avoid HERO, due to his other work. No worries; this is not what you might expect from Quentin Tarantino. He is a genius, and this movie fits well with the genre of oriental / martial arts / beautiful cinematography films listed above.
   
   Don't judge the movie by the name on the cover, but by the reviews and images on the cover. You will be impressed, amazed, and gain a new respect for Quentin Tarantino.



3. A sumptuous, beautiful movie with a disturbing philosophy.
   
   ***SPOILER ALERT***
   All the remarkable, beautiful, talented people die. The nameless, faceless mass triumphs. The Hero agrees that that is good.
   
   The Borg won. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.



4. Watch this movie in Chinese with subtitles. This is the first way I saw it and it's much better than when it's dubbed in English. As far as the movie I can't say enough good things about it. I'm a huge fan of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and that's why I bought this movie. I like it even better which is saying something. The acting is great, fight scenes are great, storyline is great.



5. It is really frustrating reading the reviews on this movie.
   
   **SPOILERS**
   If you haven't watched the movie, go watch it. If you don't get it because the translations are so bad, then you can come read this and watch it again. IF you still don't get it, email me...
   **SPOILERS**
   
   First of all, this IS a martial arts movie. For anybody who has spent any serious time study martial arts, martial arts isn't just about kicking and punching. With particular attention to Chinese martial arts, martial arts is very much more about the lifelong pursuit of peace. There is a graduation from being the fastest, strongest, most able to destroy, focusing on the narcissistic self, to being a sacrificial humble person who seeks to spread morality through influence rather than the sword.
   
   The first "mind" fighting scene should be a HUGE clue into what's coming. That martial arts is performed more in the mind than with the body.
   
   Next, I read a lot of people talking about the "fantasy" like aspect of the movie. This is in tradition of many of the literary novels of this period. The whole movie is about what is going on in the minds of people. It is the perfect for that purpose.
   
   As far as the "Dances" and all this, it is so frustrating what I read on the reviews here. The characters who are fighting with each other, if nothing else, have deep respect for each other. As the stories are retold, they are being retold with admiration and respect for their peers. The point of the sequences are one to be a retelling of a story, and two, to speak of those that they respect. They aren't supposed to be "real".
   
   And for those that hate the ending, well, I guess you haven't seen too many asian movies... Asian movies don't use Disney endings. The movies are meant to have impact, not give you a good feeling.
   
   Further, for those that think that the last guy standing is the "good guy" in the movie, you need to start being able to see something and make your own decisions about what is right or wrong despite what you see or is told to you.
   
   This is not a propaganda movie either, as history did show, a lot of good did come from this temporary unity, however its cost was terrible. Further, the asian audience, for whom the movie is made, know too well the history of this Emperor. Besides most already know about the real life account on the attempted assassination of the Emperor and know that this is not really what the story is about.
   
   I really enjoyed this movie, not just because it is pretty, but because of the message it is trying to show. I mean, who is the real hero? Who was the most powerful? Who never got it? Who DID get it?

5 comments about The Last Dragon.

1. I loved this movie when I was a kid and I still do. I think it is just as funny as it was back then. The music is great, I love Quincy Jones.



2. I got this as part of a birthday gift for my husband. So as you can imagine, when he puts it in the dvd player, he'll be bouncing off the furniture singing the theme song. Thanks Amazon! You made my husband a kid again.



3. I'll let you fill in the rest of the statement. I bought with my son in mind because he like martial art films. He even picked out William H. Macy (Wild Hogs (Widescreen Edition)) which blew my mind. Plus, Sho'nuff was funny, he reminds me of Busta RhymesTurn It Up!: The Very Best of Busta Rhymes.
   
   It was good to see Vanity (in the 80's) she is a beauty!
   
   Some will say the movie is corny. I like it, you can tell that it is a movie from the 80's but maybe that's what makes it good. Like I've said before, movies are for entertaiment - my kids & I were entertained so we give it multiple "thumbs-up". Sho'nuff!



4. I'm glad this movie was released on DVD...finally! Picture quality could have been better, but I'm not complaining as its better than my old worn out VHS copy. This will always remain one of my favorite movies of all time!



5. I love this movie! It's innocent, sweet & funny. The movie is the typical cheesy 80's but that is why it's a cult classic! It still gives the warm fuzzy's at the end of the movie with a smile and that's what entertainment is about.

5 comments about Office Space - Special Edition with Flair (Widescreen Edition).

1. Have you ever had a case of the Monday blues? I'm having one as I type!
   
   Peter (Ron Livingston) gets stuck in traffic, gets told he didn't file his TPS reports correctly by 3 different bosses, and gets hassled by the boss of his office; Bill Lumbergh (Gary Cole). Faced with massive job cuts, the workers of Inotech are on edge. Even the copy machine stops working. Sadly the copy machine meets its demise in Michael Bolton (David Herman).
   
   After going to a therapist with his girlfriend, Peter takes a deep breath, and simply doesn't care anymore. He sleeps till noon and walks in late on a daily basis. Peter, Michael Bolton, and Samir voice their anger, complaints and hassles from their job during lunch. While at lunch he meets the lovely Jennifer Anniston at a TGIF type of restaurant during his lunch break. The company hires the 2 Bobs which weed out the dead wood within the office. Many are let go. Bob Slydell (John C. McGinley) comes upon Peter's file and meet with him. Peter tells it like it is even without thinking he could be fired. The Bobs love him and even tell Lumbergh to promote him.
   
   All in all Peter, Michael Bolton, and Samir, who all are fed up with the company, cook up a scheme to embezzle company funds and pocket it; to get even. Will they have the last word? Will there scheme work?
   
   Mike Judge creates this laugh a minute outake of office life. Decent extras but all in all, this is a funny movie that definitely is for anyone who has experienced the Monday blues and/or enjoys comedies.



2. If you are a fan of the Dilbert cartoon strip, you will enjoy this parody of the workplace. The Special Edition version includes extra scenes not seen in the original release and helps to pull the entire story together.
   
   When you view this, remind yourself that you are not at the office.



3. No DVD collection is complete without Office Space. It's a classic. My friends and I are always making references to this movie. Red stapler, that's my red stapler. Yeeeeeah, I'm gonna need you to put the cover sheet with the TPS reports. Great movie!



4. A must have! This DVD is great and arrived in great condition/new. If you've ever had a job you hated you can surely enjoy this comedy! As always, arrived in a timely manner thanks to Amazon!



5. Well, this movie is just as good as a million dollars to me. If you don't love this movie you don't have a funny bone in your body. This movie is just as funny to me today as it was the first time I saw it. Hundreds of viewings haven't watered it down as has happened for me with other films such as Half Baked. No... this is the real deal. Every character is great, every scene is hilarious. This is a perfect movie and I don't think it can ever be topped. 20 years from now I will still be quoting lines from this movie. If you haven't seen this movie yet, where have you been? Oh, you simply have to own this movie.