Based on the life of Martial Artsmaster Huo Yuanjia, this is Jet
Li's most important martial art film to date. The biopic is set
during the pivotal period in China's history, between the late 1800's
to the early 1900's, when China was besetted by internal civil unrest
and the threats of foreign invasions.

The film charts the evoultion of Huo Yuanjia from a cocky, young
Martial Arts practitioner into an enlightened shaman of the craft.
In his quest to become the best at his craft at all costs, Huo Yuanjia
mistakenly kills an opponent whose disciples consequently slaughter
Huo's whole family for revenge. A distraught and heartbroken Huo
then flees to the countryside, determined to abandon everything
he ever wanted and believed in.

It is there where he gradually relearned all the things that matter
in life while taking refuge with an old lady and her half blind
granddaughter. Huo then returns to the city to make amends, only
to get swept up in a violent fight to the death Martial Arts tournament
to defend China's honor against foreign aggressors.

The film is packed with many spectacular fight scenes that really
showcase the grace and power of the martial arts. Due to the muscular
direction of Ronny Yu, the film is sustained by a high level of
excitment and anticipation, and does not bore despite the successive
showcase of scowling burly men locked arm and leg in combat. A very
butch film charged with severe doses of testosterone, it is the
ideal film this week for boys into manly affairs.