Writer: Goh Wen Xuan

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Watch this if you liked: “Ip Man”, “Bodyguards And Assassins”, “Fearless”

We've seen countless movies about Chinese martial arts whooping Japanese ass during the World War I and II era. "Legend Of The Fist: The Return Of Chen Zhen" is no exception. Would it still be worth the watch though? The reviewer gladly gives the green light to anyone who loves kungfu and Donnie Yen.

"Legend Of The Fist: The Return Of Chen Zhen" is a continuation of the 1995 TV series "Fist Of Fury", with Donnie Yen reprising his role as Chen Zhen. It tells the story of Chen Zhen, who has been misunderstood as being killed by Japanese soldiers. He returns to Shanghai, posing as a Qi Tian Yuan, a fellow friend who died in France during World War I. By befriending a local mafia boss (Anthony Wong), he plans to infiltrate the Japanese Army. Standing in his way is the stunning Kiki (Shu Qi), a cabaret singer in one of the nighclubs, who happens to be a Japanese spy!

The movie starts off in France, where thousands of Chinese workers were sent as labourers for the Allied Army. In true "Band Of Brothers" fashion, Chen Zhen protects his friends, resulting in remarkable kungfu choreography from the start! After returning to Shanghai, things get a tad bit fast-paced, almost to the fact that everything seems to fall into place for the storyline. Although the plot was almost similar to any other kungfu flick, the suspense for action is almost imminent in most scenes. Expect to hold your breath as Donnie Yen and the Japanese battle each other during their every encounter.

Kudos should be given to director Andrew Lau as he manages to incorporate certain elements of 'film noir' in the movie, where a stylized fight scene involving 'Masked Warrior' Chen Zhen and the Japanese agents fighting to save one of the Chinese general from being assassinated. Rain soaked scene? Check. Breathtaking fight choreography? Check. Femme fatale? Check! If you loved Ip Man's version of 'one man battling 10 guys', then Chen Zhen raises the stakes with one lone ranger battling it out with a class of 40 dojo students!

As for the cast, Donnie Yen gives a very rough, almost different dimension from his "Ip Man" role. Chen Zhen in the movie kills almost every enemy with his deadly blows! Also, expect a naked scene from Donnie Yen, where Chen Zhen was tortured by the Japanese Army. Rippling muscles are also seen during the climax fight scene. Shu Qi was wonderful in her role, doubling as a cabaret singer and a Japanese spy, who finally realises that she has gotten entangled with her alter ego Kiki.

Overall, give this a go if you love fast-paced kungfu action by Donnie Yen. Avoid if you cannot shake his image as Ip Man. Be warned though, the ending shamelessly spells: S.E.Q.U.E.L.

Cinema Online, 17 September 2010