Inclubabu Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Sexylocher Masterful Movie

Gurlyndrobb While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Zlatica One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

smccar77 "The New Legend of Shaolin," is an absurd and fantastical romp of an action film. The movie is definitely not a traditional kung fu film; rather, it is a collection of physics defying fights and traditional Chinese morals loosely held together by a semi-coherent plot. The combinations found in the film are bizarre enough to be very humorous. However, the same bizarreness could also be interpreted as slipshod filmmaking and genre exploitation. TNLOS is a film targeted at audiences who enjoy caricature. Expectations of masterful displays of physical prowess are never met. On the other hand, tongue in cheek silliness quotients are more than amply filled.TNLOS is not in any way a serious film. In fact, the film is best categorized as a kung fu comedy oddity. As such, the film relies on some bending assumptions. First, the action defies any and all laws of nature. The audience is assumed to suspend all sense of reality. At no point in the film does a fight sequence have the least plausibility. The effect is that violence becomes a comedic device. Action is anticipated not only for its excitement, but also for its humor. The dual function of the action could be off putting to some. A serious fan of martial arts will not be treated to perfected examples of pure form. The physical talent is highlighted through extended shots and choreographies of outright silly violence. The action is, therefore, intended as more of a visual treat than a serious display. A second assumption has to do with the word "legend." The film is not a historically accurate period piece. This should be obvious from the title. TNLOS is a legend and follows the conventions of Asian legends. The characters are of a stock nature. The story incorporates supernatural elements and hyperbole. The themes are allegorical in nature. These facets of legends are expected to be understood. Had the film been titled, "The Real Accurate History of Shaolin Temple," a great deal of criticism would be warranted. However, the film is a legend and as such revels in some of the bizarre plot elements a legend allows for. For example, why does the main antagonist drive a polished metal car into battle? Well, the anachronism firmly establishes him as a supernatural force not to be trifled with. Is the anachronism goofy? Absolutely and positively yes. Yet, when understood within the context of a fantastical legend, the audience is not too hard pressed to accept the blatant oddity.The above interpretation aside, this is a truly bizarre film. While themes of familial devotion, ethical behavior, and struggle against oppression are familiar; the film as a whole is out right weird. The characters are quirky to the point of being potentially obnoxious. Jet Li turns in a quiet and stoic performance which could be seen as boring. The melodramatic deviousness of the female leads is endearing and/or obnoxious. The plot structure is extremely basic. As such the film does occasionally allow for some very large holes and incoherencies. The above criticisms do take away from the film. However, as a whole, the simple plot, accessible themes, quirky characters, and over the top action are more than enough to offset the film's problems. TNLOS is worth seeing for its strangeness factor. The odd internal logic of the film is just enough to keep the story from degrading into a collection of weird vignettes. While the film will not likely be remembered for excellence in filmmaking, the odd ball fun of the film will guarantee a cult status.On a personal note, I will definitely be pushing this film on friends. The movie is perfect fodder for a night of pizza, beer, and running commentary. With appropriately low expectations and a taste for bizarreness, this is a near perfect film. 6.5 of 10 stars.

winner55 The American re-release of this film, "Legend of the Red Dragon", is a mess. Shows how important seven minutes can be to a film. Deannie Yip's part (Red Bean's mother) is ripped to shreds for no discernible reason whatsoever, which unfortunately makes an important plot twist seem trivial. Also, she has the best comic moments in the original film. Columbia-Tristar is the villain here. They must think 'Fu film fans are stupid - which only goes to show how stupid THEY are. A real insult.The original film is by no means a great film; intentionally anachronistic and overly dependent on special effects, it is clearly a kind of throwaway for Jet Li and director Wong Jing (although certainly not as trashy as their Wong Fei Hung parody, "Great Hero/ Last Hero of China"). Still, it is entertaining to a surprising extent, largely thanks to Yip's comic performance. If you can find the original (I saw it on a Tai Seng tape), don't expect much, but you may find yourself enjoying it for the characters if not the martial arts.

palace_master Definitely a movie worthy of watching. I have a complete set of all Jet Li's movies (Chinese and American made) and feel that it deserves a higher rating than others have given it. Reviewers must realize that kung fu movies are fun movies with lots of action and a weak plot. You can't compare them to Hollywood's finest productions, because people have to realize that they were meant to be released in Asia only and that they are to be compared to other Asian fighting shows. Now that I've finished ranting about other's reviews let's get back to talking about the show. Jet Li plays a different character than the usual Master Wong or Master Fong. Jet usually plays the master of the kung fu club or society, but in this case him and his son are rebel outcasts of the main society. I'm not going to spoil the movie for you, but it's the usual plot of a kung fu movie - he fights the true bad guys, picks up a sexy girl who falls in love with Jet, and he fathers and trains his son. By the way, I only watch the Chinese original movies because I'd rather read the sub titles and hear the original music and read the proper meaning of the show. I understand that influences my reviews because others may be seeing badly translated dubs with stupid voices in them.Rent or buy the proper versions if you can. The theme song for Fong Sai Yuk (Jet's character in the 'Once Upon a Time in China' series is an awesome instrumental song) If you're picky about production quality, quality of plot, etc. etc. then don't watch Chinese produced Jet Li movies. Some of my other favourite Jet Li movies are 'Last Hero in China' and 'Hitman'

dilbertsuperman I would classify this as a great action movie for kids that enjoy kung fu like dragonball Z. It is not realistic. It is very much like the movie equivalent of reading a comic book and if you suspend you disbelief and enjoy the movie for what it is, a chop suey kung fu flick.. then it is worth watching. There are 6 kids doing fantasy shaolin in this movie and that is bound to make the kids enjoy the movie more than anyone else. This is not a ground breaking film on any level, including the fight scenes, script and special effects. It is so bad it is entertaining to watch, once you understand it is a typical comic book style kung fu, complete with silly villian and kicks that defy gravity completely. Jet Li's other movies such as Kiss of The Dragon, Black Mask, his cameo in lethal weapon 4, and "The One".. they are much larger budget so have much more to offer. In any case, Jet Li has brought a lot to the arena of martial arts entertainment and I applaud that.