True Legend (2009)

[AlbertV]

Yuen Woo-Ping is hard at work on his latest film TRUE LEGEND. It is the story of Beggar Su, one of the most famous characters in MA films. Simon Yuen (Woo-Ping's father) is perhaps the most famous actor to play the role in DRUNKEN MASTER and Stephen Chow played the role to comic effect in KING OF BEGGARS.

This time, Su is played by Zhao Wen-Zhou. Co-starring in the film are Jacky Heung, Andy On, Jay Chou (in a cameo as Su's teacher), and Cung Le. Yes, THAT Cung Le! He was recently added to the cast as a Brigand chief and he is to have a fight scene against Zhao under Woo-Ping's supervision.

Details on Cung Le's casting: Wu-Jing.org (http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/611-Cung-Le-Joins-True-Legend-as-a-Brigand-Chief.html#extended)

[doug maverick]

i spoke to cung on myspace, he said it was awesome working with yuen. and that he had to learn his choreagraphy on spot, with little rehearsal.

[lillippa328]

im really looking forward 2 this. I thik Zhao Wen is really good, and was underused a lot in OUATIC 4 and 5.And with Yuen Woo Ping's choreography, and the Begger So charcter....im hype!!!!

[niro]

This will be another interesting one to watch out for :D

[Drunken Monk]

Colour me excited. Trailer is up...

http://twitchfilm.net/news/2009/10/yuen-woo-ping-is-back-with-true-legend.php

[DeathFuMaster]

Looks awesome, I can't wait to see this. Begger Su and Drunken Boxing!!!!

[LeRolls]

Looks really good! I'm glad Michelle Yeoh is still getting work in martial arts movies. Will definitely pick this one up on Blu-Ray when it gets released.

[Yi-Long]

Trailers doesn't do much for me.

Vincent Zhao looks a little bit too clean for a beggar, and costume-design (especially for the villains) and setting don't look very good either.
Apart from the cute looking girl, I can't say I saw much in the trailer that excited me... (sadly)

It just looks mediocre.

[DiP]

Impressive production values and fighting (can see that Woo Ping put alot of effort in realizing the ideas). Glad to see Vince Chiu back on the big screen.

[Macho King]

Looks good. Nice to see Vincent Zhao in an A-calibur flick for a change. Aren't you guys glad to see quality coming back to HK flicks? I don't know about you guys but I couldn't stand the pop star and hippity-hoppity vehices like the rediculous "Invisble Target" and the even more laughable "Fatal Move". Keep it going HK filmmakers!!!

[ekisha]

Looks good. Nice to see Vincent Zhao in an A-calibur flick for a change. Aren't you guys glad to see quality coming back to HK flicks? I don't know about you guys but I couldn't stand the pop star and hippity-hoppity vehices like the rediculous "Invisble Target" and the even more laughable "Fatal Move". Keep it going HK filmmakers!!!

Then what is Jay Chou?

[kingofkungfu2002]

Hope this does for Zhao what 'Fearless' and 'Ip Man' did for Jet & Donnie :smile:

[gorhama]

That was a pretty cool trailer!! I for one can't wait!!

[Macho King]

Then what is Jay Chou?
Don't care for him. Doesn't even qualify as a filmmaker, let alone an actor in my book. Kung Fu Dunk was abosolute ASS.

[crazedjustice888]

What about Gordon Liu? I know he is playing the monk looking guy, but will he fight? PLEASE say yes...lol

[nectarsis]

Def looks interesting to me. Can't wait to check it out.

[tjg89]

I'm excited to see this just because Woo Ping tends to (in my opinion) get the best out of his actors, at least in the fight scenes. I think this is especially evident with Jet Li.

[AbeRudder]

Seems to have a similar vibe to Fearless. Really looking forward to this one, nice to see Zhao in a movie again. He's had a good run on TV.

[DiP]

'True Legend' to Open during Chinese New Year

Yuen Woo-Ping's new film about 19th-century hero Su Qi-Er will open in Chinese cinemas around mid-February in time for the Chinese Lunar New Year, the movie's producers announced on Monday.

They plan to announce the exact opening of the film "True Legend" at a later date.

The producers believe the film will be a commercial success because the New Year holiday is usually a major contributor to China's annual box-office revenue.

"True Legend" stars Chiu Man-Cheuk as martial-arts legend Su Qi-Er with supporting cast members Jay Chou, Zhou Xun and Michelle Yeoh.

Su Qi-Er, whose stories were passed down as folk tales, was originally a wealthy kung-fu amateur in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). After losing his fortune because of a conspiracy against him, he devoted himself to martial arts and eventually became a renowned master.

Director Yuen Woo-Ping, an influential martial-arts choreographer and filmmaker, made a film about Su Qi-Er in 1993. He says the latest film explores Su's personality with a more dramatic story.

Moviegoers will also be able to see a few scenes featuring the late Hollywood actor David Carradine, who was known for his role in the "Kill Bill" series. Director Yuen invited Carradine to work on his film after a pleasant collaboration in "Kill Bill" for which Yuen was the stunt advisor. Carradine died in Thailand earlier this year.

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/10/20/1261s523679.htm

[DeathFuMaster]

What was the 1993 movie the article mentions?

[Yi-Long]

What was the 1993 movie the article mentions?

Heroes among Heroes I guess...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106376/

[thekfc]

Heroes among Heroes I guess...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106376/

Yep, with Donnie as So.

[lillippa328]

yall see the newest trailer?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDrkh8iya5A&feature=player_embedded



cant wait!

[WuxiaFan]

The grounded hand-to-hand looks great! But there looks like a lot of wire-fu, too. Still look forward to seeing it, though.:smile:

[Maz]

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-27/U2190P28T3D2745587F326DT20091027000406.jpg

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-27/U2190P28T3D2745587F329DT20091027000406.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-27/U2190P28T3D2745587F328DT20091027000406.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-27/U2190P28T3D2745587F358DT20091027000406.jpg

Source: http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2009-10-27/00042745587.shtml

[Maz]

Andy On, Guo Xiaodong and Michelle Yeoh

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-30/U2190P28T3D2750389F326DT20091030014907.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-30/U2190P28T3D2750389F329DT20091030014907.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-30/U2190P28T3D2750389F328DT20091030014907.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2009-10-30/U2190P28T3D2750389F358DT20091030014907.jpg

Source: http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2009-10-30/01492750389.shtml

[QueMuchita]

Is Gordon Liu in this?

[Asmo]

Yeah, he seems to be playing a Pai Mei type role. At least a character that looks like Pai Mei.

[Drunken Monk]

http://i45.tinypic.com/2uicccl.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/rcrq6v.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/2q3yd0p.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/200wuol.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/23ssy6a.jpg

[mist_sahara]

Jiang Lu Xia (star of Coweb) is supposed to be in this too but I haven't seen any photos or video of her in it. Anyone?

[Mike Leeder]

Yes Jiang Liu-xia is in the movie, if you check out one of the first production videos there is a quick shot of her in action all in black

[Drunken Monk]

http://i50.tinypic.com/10dzmea.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2air95h.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/1038zo6.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2v0d10o.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/t02alj.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2nlxphf.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/e9udfl.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/j5yw52.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/3167ziu.jpg

Is that a bald Beardy up there?

[KUNG FU BOB]

Is that a bald Beardy up there?

Yes sir, it is.

[Drunken Monk]

Yes sir, it is.

I am so excited for this!

[gorhama]

I was exited about this when I first heard of it.....now with Beardy on board.........even more so!!

[WuxiaFan]

Awesome pictures. Look forward to it.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Yeah, I forgot to say "Thanks for those great pictures Drunken Monk" in my last post. That bottom shot of Beardy is too cool!

[lillippa328]

i am super siked for this movie!! This is my number 1 anticipated atm....even so before Ip Man 2 right now....



I thought Gordon Liu is in it too...has it been confirmed? Is it a cameo?

[Mike Leeder]

Yes, Gordon plays the White Bearded man

[rdenn]

beardy on board thats good to see, , just hope they show some detailed shapes and not any of this lazy quick editing nonsense.

[gorhama]

This could be a true return for Woo Ping. I for one have been waiting for him to direct a movie for a long time.

Andy On looks pretty bad ass as a villian lead as well.

Between this and Bodyguards and Assassins the first of the year is looking pretty good!!

[lillippa328]

Yes, Gordon plays the White Bearded man



Pai Mei? Is there a pic?!!!!




:)

[blue_skies]

who's bald beardy???

[The Dragon]

who's bald beardy???

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z38/stormybman/Favorite%20Kung%20Fu%20Stars/leung_kar_yan1-1.jpg

[lillippa328]

who's bald beardy???



Beardy...from classics such as 5 Shaolin Masters and Knockabout

[Bus]

hope this movie doesn't get my hopes up only to disappoint like drunken monkey

[Drunken Monk]

New trailer...which looks amazing!!

http://twitchfilm.net/news/2010/01/second-trailer-for-yuen-woo-pings-true-legend.php

[DeathFuMaster]

This move still looks amazing and nice trailer. I thought it was cool to hear the guy talking english towards the end. I hope this gets to DVD quickly.

[daisho2004]

I cannot wait to see this movie, I've always been a big fan of Vincent Zhao so I'm glad he is making a big comeback into the mainstream.

[DiP]

Looks less Fearless and more The Forbidden Kingdom but with more soul, not a bad thing.

[Drunken Monk]

Embedded...

2seO1R3PL34

[Maz]

More HQ stills here: http://slide.ent.sina.com.cn/slide_4_163_3598.html

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_02/163_36566_236667.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_02/163_36570_915859.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_02/163_36571_692342.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_02/163_36576_625915.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_02/163_36578_409188.jpg

[fiol]

cant wait this movie to be released!

[Maz]

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-01-13/U2519P28T3D2843287F326DT20100113231858.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-01-13/U2519P28T3D2843287F329DT20100113231858.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-01-13/U2519P28T3D2843287F328DT20100113231858.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-01-13/U2519P28T3D2843287F358DT20100113231858.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/p/2010-01-13/23182843287.shtml

[Yi-Long]

The hair and beard aren't very convincing...

[Drunken Monk]

Is that the first shot of Gordon Liu in the last still?

[Drunken Monk]

With True Legend's release date drawing nearer, more and more videos and stills from the film are surfacing. The gala premiere will be held in Beijing on January 31, possibly attended by some Hollywood personages. In addition, True Legend, as well as Little Big Soldier, will get a special screening at 60th Berlin International Film Festival in February.

The opening 10-minute battle scene, taking 21 days to shoot and involving 1000 extras and stuntmen, takes place in a huge cavernous stockade in a mountain. The stockade, covering 5km², built at a cost of 10m yuan in 3 months, is billed as the biggest indoor set in Asia. Cameras attached to mini-choppers were employed for for aerial shots.


The scene sees Manchu soldiers led by Zhao Wen Zhuo, Andy On and Guo Xuo Dong battling Cung Le and his henchmen, using over 200 different types of weapons, which are further enhanced and multiplied with special effects in post-production. When this scene was being filmed, director Oliver Stone, a friend of director Yuen Wo Ping, paid a visit to the set and interacted with various cast members, including Zhao Wen Zhuo, whom he found to be familiar.

The finale is set in Thousand-Snake Cavern that is filled with poisonous critters. As the shot was not well captured due to difficulties of shooting and handling the wirework inside the narrow well, another set of the well was built in Hong Kong after filming wrapped up and Andy On and Zhao Wen Zhuo were recalled for a rematch.

When choreographing the martial arts sequences, Yuen Wo Ping approaches Drunken Fist from a new angle. Apart from more modern elements, Yuen Wo Ping is discarding all fixed forms as well as the various fanciful names accompanying each of moves.

The action here will be more realistic, Beggar Su will fight based on instincts, delivering whatever blows that come to his mind, following his heart completely, how to hit, how to block, how to stand up and give the enemy a back thrust, all acting according to circumstances, no posing whatsoever.

Yuen Wo Ping speaks very highly of Zhao Wen, "His performance was excellent, for he has very good foundation in wushu. I told him to learn Drunken Fist, there were a couple of very demanding moves, he could perform it in front of the camera with ease after training for one month. I'm making the action more contemporary, using wushu and more modern elements like street-dancing to execute Drunken Fist.

"Apart from immense explosive energy, Zhao Wen Zhuo is very strong and has high level of endurance. The training duration was long, and there were many outtakes, but he could still take it. There were outtakes not because of Zhao Wen Zhuo, but his opponent, Andy On's action sense was a little weaker, resulting in outtakes as I was a little more demanding."

Still, Yuen Wo Ping says that Andy On is a very mindful and hardworking actor who could have performed better had his leg not been injured before shooting, and he was given a month of rest, his fist and kick were very powerful. Yuen Wo Ping also says that it was Jay Chou who designed his own [outlandish] costumes for the film.

On the lack of talent in the action film industry, Yuen Wo Ping regrets that there aren't any new martial arts directors, in particular, to take over the mantle, "No one is learning this in Hong Kong anymore, they feel that it is too tough, better focus on academic studies, don't learn other things, you can't earn a living with kungfu, and it's so arduous. The hope of the future lies in Mainland, for there are many talented wushu practitioners in Mainland, and their choreographies are very creative, have to recruit them, train them in creativity.



For example, Wu Jing, when I brought him into this industry, I purposely trained in a certain way, he said this was not good, so I changed, more or less like that. That was how Wu Jing, Donnie Yen were taught.



"In Mainland, I would get people to train them. When filming, every script is different, every action, situation is different, that is not something that can be imparted, it depends of your wisdom and creativity, I trained them to work on the set, I roughly relate the meanings to them, what kind of kungfu style, and let them get a hold of the feeling, this is how they were trained.



"There are a lot more talented individuals in Mainland than Hong Kong, so have to teach them some common knowledge on filmmaking, but for creativity, and groundwork, they have to be with you on the set. Give them chances, you do it, I watch, it's like a test, if you don't pass, get someone else. So, it's better to look for successors in Mainland; in Hong Kong, no one is learning this, without wushu background, it's very hard to train them."

http://i50.tinypic.com/rtzsbn.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/xqfaxj.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/hwiw6f.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2m6v12f.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/208wu3t.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/24zkefd.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2942mf6.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/14j45fn.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/ip14zm.jpg

[lillippa328]

cant fuckin wait!!

[rdenn]

basically yuen woo ping is saying hk is finished, besides that good to see a film with this kind of budget has drunken fist in it. Amen..

[SimonMW]

Looks like this will be a Taiji Master for a new age (albeit using drunken fist instead).

I think the one thing HK has lost is its innocent bonkersness!

[CrazyFrog]

Well, I'm totally excited for this too. Beardy, Gordo, Michelle, Woo Ping, Zhao Wen Zhuo, Cung Le- even if it's awful (and I'm thinking not), I'll still get it. My only real fear is that it becomes too ponderous to watch more than once or twice.

[BaronK]

What is a beardy? What is a gordo?

[blue_skies]

I did ask about beardy, read above....

Gordo would be gordon Lui

[Knetan]

hey,

for those interested, the team at Podcast On Fire just put up a podcast previewing True Legend and as a special guest later in the show we landed the legend that is Mike Leeder. Enjoy!

http://podcastonfire.com/2010/02/podcast-on-fire-68-true-legend-special/

[lillippa328]

im so happy! This title looks sweet!! Good to see Zhao get a strong movie role with such a strong cast...and freakn Master Killa and Beardy!This is gonna be a good year for kung fu!

[daisho2004]

I work in Chinatown in NY and I went to the DVD store under the Manhattan Bridge and they had "True Legend" region 6 with English subtitles. Even though I have an all region player I really didn't want to pick it up just yet. The lady said the Chinese subtitles play on top of the English ones together. Hopefully the English subtitles one will come out soon.

[Pai Mei]

Thought I'd mention that LoveHKFilm.com has a review up for True Legend (http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/true_legend.html). They say that there is a drastic change in tone in the third act which ruins the movie. It also mentions that the 3D effects which are used in portions of the film are "ultimately not that impressive, simply creating distance between the background and overly flat human figures in the foreground. For True Legend, regular 2D is the way to go."

But who cares... I'll still watch it at the theater and buy it on DVD, even if it is two years from now. Personally, I can't wait to see this.

[BaronK]

Saw it... Glad I don't get hopes up anymore.

[Charuto]

That's disappointing. I was looking forward to this the most out of the Bodyguards & Assassins, 14 Blades, True Legend late-2009/early-2010 HK trio.

[QueMuchita]

Whats the deal with this movie? Has it been released yet?

[kingofkungfu2002]

UK distributor Optimum Releasing has acquired True Legend. :smile:

[blue_skies]

hope it's a better package than Bangkok Adrenaline was...a dull behind the scenes and shoddy looking non anamorphic trailer for Blu ray action films like T2, Rambo etc

PQ & AQ for the film was good though.

[crazedjustice888]

Quick question...does Gordon Liu even fight in this movie?

[kingofkungfu2002]

The HK dvd is listed for April 29th...But no English subs :tinysmile_angry2_t:

http://www.yesasia.com/global/true-legend-2010-dvd-hong-kong-version/1022488337-0-0-0-en/info.html

[fiol]

The HK dvd is listed for April 29th...But no English subs :tinysmile_angry2_t:

http://www.yesasia.com/global/true-legend-2010-dvd-hong-kong-version/1022488337-0-0-0-en/info.html

lol no eng subs? ok i will buy the mainland rls (i think it won't have eng subs as well, but at least it will be cheaper) as soon as it gets released :xd:

[kingofkungfu2002]

Bloody 'Edko'...not the first time they've done this :squigglemouth:

[GWB]

The HK dvd is listed for April 29th...But no English subs :tinysmile_angry2_t:

http://www.yesasia.com/global/true-legend-2010-dvd-hong-kong-version/1022488337-0-0-0-en/info.html


with english sub here ??? :
http://sensasian.com/product.php/en/V21442-D/True_Legend

[BaronK]

No Kar Fai does not fight. He just giggles and says about one or two lines.

[blue_skies]

with english sub here ??? :
http://sensasian.com/product.php/en/V21442-D/True_Legend

someone in the forum posted they had bootlegs from this company so beware!

[alicelee]

True Legend
http://sensasian.com/images/products/V21442-D.jpg (http://sensasian.com/product.php/en/V21442-D)
Director: Yuen Woo Ping
Staring: Vincent Zhao, Zhou Xun, Michelle Yeoh, Jay Chou, Andy On, David Carradine


Synopsis:
True Legend is the extraordinary journey of a man - a martial arts hero - whose greatest dream is to create a unique school of martial arts for the world to follow.

All his life, Su Can has been pursuing the summit in martial arts. There are two things he holds dearest to his heart - the dream of creating a unique kind of martial arts that will pass on to generations; and his beloved wife. Su has a happy family and his wife is the joy of his life. But owing to a turn of fate and Su own stubbornness, he loses his wife and his family is destroyed.

After losing his wife, Su cannot live with himself and collapses totally. He is drunk all the time and becomes a crazy beggar in everyone eyes. Everyday, his young son ties him with a piece of rope and leads him through the streets, greeted by people's curious and disdainful gazes.

But all this time during his spiritual exile, his dream for the highest peak in martial arts is still alive. In his madness, Su continues his practice, to perfect his skills and fists.

[LoBo]

I contacted Yesasia and told me they will update it later. So, i assume that it really means it has English subtitles.
________
Honda B Engine History (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_B_engine)

[mark187]

it now says on Yesasia that "this product does not offer English audio or subtitles"
Edko pulled this shit before with the initial HK dvd of Fearless.

[leoman]

it can be download at

www.asianfuflix.com

it's very good video quality not like some crapy cam , very good fighting show...i love it. ..ah more than that it is in English subs.

[David Rees]

Couldnt find True Legend on that site....but anyhow, why do companies do this, it only encourages piracy...



Shaw Brothers Official All Region DVDs Here (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574630925&toolid=10001&campid=5335817596&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fstores.ebay.com%2FMood-in-Asia_Shaw-Brothers_W0QQ_fsubZ513983010QQ_sidZ168257000QQ_trk sidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322)

[kaleyboy]

They do have it at that site (I'm not linking to it) and it is a CAM version, but with burned it English subs. If the Hong Kong DVD turns out sub-less, these subs could be used to a fansub DVD. I will download it for those purposes only. Shame on Edko if they don't turn out an English friendly disc.

[LoBo]

It says now on Yesasia that it got English subtitles.

http://www.yesasia.com/global/true-legend-2010-dvd-hong-kong-version/1022488337-0-0-0-en/info.html
________
Box Vaporizers (http://boxvaporizers.com)

[kngfu]

I really enjoyed TRUE LEGEND. There is alot of wire fu, but you can tell that thee actors are still very talented ma, as they perform the fights with such ease and skill, Vincent Zhao proves that he still has what it takes to star in a new film franchise. I hope to see many more of these (I even love the 4th and 5th OUATIC films).

[WuxiaFan]

DDDHouse has it for $13.21 USD! Edko Video is awesome, but the special features are probably not subbed. Still worth getting though!
http://www.dddhouse.com/v3/product_details.php?ProductID=10756&LanguageID=0

:yociexpress01:

[Asmo]

I wonder if they'll do a BluRay.

[dopemonkie]

i bought my dvd in Chinatown for $10.. Mei Ah DVD.. i think it was a bootleg.. The quality wasnt very good, it was dark, burnt on english subtitles.. Looked like a VCD quality disc..

Th story was just ok to me, a bit weird.. i did not like the ending at all!! andy wasnt the last opponent he fights.. The drunken fist wasnt really used it was mostly breakdancing.. but it was still enjoyable.. Andy On did a great job in his role also Vincent

maybe i woulda enjoy it with if it was better quality?

[Asmo]

i bought my dvd in Chinatown for $10.. Mei Ah DVD.. i think it was a bootleg.. The quality wasnt very good, it was dark, burnt on english subtitles.. Looked like a VCD quality disc..

Th story was just ok to me, a bit weird.. i did not like the ending at all!! andy wasnt the last opponent he fights.. The drunken fist wasnt really used it was mostly breakdancing.. but it was still enjoyable.. Andy On did a great job in his role also Vincent

maybe i woulda enjoy it with if it was better quality?

That's a bootleg. Most probably a camjob. Real distributor is Edko.

[dopemonkie]

That's a bootleg. Most probably a camjob. Real distributor is Edko.

yea i figured... shame~.. there wasnt even menu or chapter, audio selections it just plays right through... lol

[Charuto]

I had still held out a little hope, but this turned out to be awful in a lot of ways. They should use this as an example of how not to use wires, slow-mo, and special effects.

The last half of the movie I was thinking, "Maybe I should break out 'Hero Among Heroes' for later on this week." I don't remember it being anything great, but I do remember liking it a whole lot more than this.

Andy On's character looking cool might literally be the highlight of the entire affair..

[fiol]

I had still held out a little hope, but this turned out to be awful in a lot of ways. They should use this as an example of how not to use wires, slow-mo, and special effects.

The last half of the movie I was thinking, "Maybe I should break out 'Hero Among Heroes' for later on this week." I don't remember it being anything great, but I do remember liking it a whole lot more than this.

Andy On's character looking cool might literally be the highlight of the entire affair..

oh.. i was going to buy the Hk edition but ur comments killed that idea... now i dont know what to do :xd:

[Charuto]

Yeah, I would definitely hold off on purchasing the DVD. I wanted to like this, but it's just plain not very good.

[thehangman]

I saw this yesterday i was pretty disappointed with it,He fights Andy on to early then it just carries on for no real reason and there was far to much wire work,lets hope ip man 2 is better!

[fiol]

ok i ll skip it

[Knetan]

hey,

see it and judge for yourself, fiol.

[Drunken Monk]

I got this yesterday and will be watching it once the wife gets back from Florida tomorrow. I'm still excited about it, despite seeing way too much wire work in clips and trailers.

[ghevans]

I really enjoyed the film, the choreography is very typically 90s style - reminded me of Iron Monkey a lot with the bending of reality/gravity and use of wires.

I think so long as you go in expecting this style of exaggerated choreography there's a lot of enjoyment to be taken from it. Some exchanges are brilliantly done, and while the story is basic and the final 30mins does feel like the start of a new film I still enjoyed it as an entertaining action film.

As a side note some of the cinematography and landscapes (especially the fight near the raging rapids) are just beautiful.

[Charuto]

I don't even dislike wire-work, but it was really misused in this movie. Using it to assist some guy flipping over a fence or taking a long stride are just instances where you should get a more athletic actor/double.

[Ronin]

I really enjoyed the film, the choreography is very typically 90s style - reminded me of Iron Monkey a lot with the bending of reality/gravity and use of wires.

I think so long as you go in expecting this style of exaggerated choreography there's a lot of enjoyment to be taken from it. Some exchanges are brilliantly done, and while the story is basic and the final 30mins does feel like the start of a new film I still enjoyed it as an entertaining action film.

As a side note some of the cinematography and landscapes (especially the fight near the raging rapids) are just beautiful.

Pretty much agree with ghevans - really enjoyed this film and want a blu-ray of it ASAP! It was great seeing Chiu Man Cheuk (Vincent Zhao Wenzuo) in a lead role again and Andy On was excellent as the main antagonist. Another awesome film from Yuen Woo Ping!

[Heywood Jahitme]

I had still held out a little hope, but this turned out to be awful in a lot of ways. They should use this as an example of how not to use wires, slow-mo, and special effects.

The last half of the movie I was thinking, "Maybe I should break out 'Hero Among Heroes' for later on this week." I don't remember it being anything great, but I do remember liking it a whole lot more than this.

Andy On's character looking cool might literally be the highlight of the entire affair..
Pretty much agree with this.

The overuse of wires, slow mo and special effects (in this case filming some of the fight scenes to take advantage of 3D more than anything else) takes the rawness and reality away from the kung fu action which is usually portrayed through the choreography and actor's ability. There's some moments of YWP brilliance in there but unfortunately it's overwhelmed by the other stuff.

I preferred Hero Among Heroes too, which at the time I thought overused the wires. But at least it didn't overuse slow mo or have sfx to distract you even further.

[The Amazing Psycho Per]

I'm on the disliked side...

First the movie reaks patchwork from Fearless. And tho whole thing is so stupid, first, honestly, do you know a mother that will abandon their child to a psycopath, in order to maybe save her husband who has fallen to an almost certain death? After that we have a movie with pacing problems, that drags for to long and should've ended after the fight with Andy On...

But the main problem is the choreo. I like the early 90s kung fu movie period, so I don't mind wires. But this is to much. Almost every flip or jumping kick is wire assisted, and very apparently so. There are a couple flashes of greatness but it all ends to quickly. It's all about 3 or 4 moves, and then someone is sent flying in a wall or whatever piece of props needs to be destroyed. Fights never get a good flow and rythm. And I'm not even mentionning the final fight against David Carradine's skill less wrestlers, wich is a total bore.

One of my favorite part was Jay Chou as a drunken master... That's not a good sign:squigglemouth:. Oh and Andy On's character with his sewed armor and the way he maintains his special Five venom power is stupididly great. All in all a very disapointing effort for once the top guy in the buisiness. Despite some good flashes, it appears Yuen Woo Ping has lost his luster... Let's hope he can regain his composure in his next effort, had been after all the most consistant fight choreographer in Hong Kong...

[rdenn]

[QUOTE=The Amazing Psycho Per;124677] It's all about 3 or 4 moves, and then someone is sent flying in a wall or whatever piece of props needs to be destroyed. QUOTE]

totally agree that was my main gripe with this movie, it just was happening to often, 3 exchanges and crash through a wall, table, etc... just go so boring and no one could get off the floor without being lifted by a wire we all know Chiu Man Cheuk can do that by himself, they need to find the wireman that worked on long road to gallantry to learn how to use them properly and at the right time not for every movement.... bring on gallants with bruce liang and chen kwun tai.

[QueMuchita]

I thought this movie was awesome, I've now watched it a few times, each time its better .

[VenomsFan]

I have a feeling that if this was a Donnie Yen pic people would swear it was awesome!

We need to take these films for what they are. I am checking it out this weekend, but knowing it's a Woo Ping vehicle I cannot be dissapointed.

These chinese epic films which sparked a rebirth since Crouching Tiger are like a genre of their own. They will have wires, tales of love and betrayal. What's interesting is how the story is told THIS time around.

I hear it was released in theatres 3d and that had to be a visual feast nonetheless.

[dopemonkie]

i feel yuen woo ping shouldnt have been the director for this film but just as a fight choreographer.. this was his first directorial effort in like a decade.. shouldve gotten someone else to direct it.. maybe it wouldve been better.. i enjoyed it, im a big vincent fan.. was hoping this would be his comeback break through for him and be huge like how ip man was for donnie.. hopefully his next project will be better

[DiP]

We need to take these films for what they are.

Of course, to decide if you like it or not. Not everyone likes everything that's being made.

[daTOAD]

Agree with Ghevans, reminds me more of a 90s Jet Li flick. I personnally have been searching for this type of movie again. Most evrything coming out now is like Crouching Tiger- artsy/martial fantasy scene. Who played the drunken master at the inn[i love drunken styles and this scene was my favorite ]. And for a person like myself who LOVES fake beards, Beggar Su's look was perfect. Tone was a liitle weird in the end ,but action was good. maybe setting up for sequel.

[LeRolls]

Any word on a Blu-Ray release? Want to pick this one up along with 14 Blades.

[nectarsis]

Just finished this a bit ago. While I do agree there was def to much "Fearless" at the end that made the last part feel a bit disjointed...I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would going in to it.

[GwaiLoMoFo]

And word on an upcoming Blu Ray release of "True Legend"?

[wizard12220]

Too many unnecessary wire-works, slow-mo "Matrix" style fighting ruined the overall movie. It should be better without all of that.

[Ramji]

Just watched it last night. Had a great time. Overuse of wires? Yeah it was looking that way at the beginning but when things first started kicking off between Vincent Zhao and Andy On it had me gripping my hands together in excitement. Some of the pacing during the training scenes did seem a little off with some strange cuts which took a bit of the punch out of things. The 3rd act for me wasn't a problem as in some ways it was nice to see Begger Su's story continue although I was fearful of what people are describing as the Fearless syndrome (soon to be seen in Ip Man 2). Am getting fed up of the cliched muscle bound westerners screwing up there face bearhugging people to death. At least don't make them out to be idiots and you'll have a better fight on your hands. Even though the fight didn't contain too many extended bouts of intricate choreography I personally enjoyed and found it more stimulating than the Li Jones fight in Fearless. Definately worth a watch (and a buy) and to pass this one because of some negative criticism would be a shame as it's a full on fight fest that you don't see so much of nowadays from Yuen Woo Ping himself.

[David Rees]

Good film, great cinematography, but found it very difficult to get emotionally involved with the charaters. Not sure if its to do with Vincent Zhou's acting or just the general direction of the film.
Andy On has matured now into a great action actor , although his venom fist was a little too over the top for my taste.
Yuen Woo Ping is without doubt a great choreographer but you should know what to expect with his fight scenes after Iron Monkey, he loves inventive wirework. It was ok for this movie but i kept wondering how better it would have been if say Sammo Hung would have been in charge and made it a bit more grounded and realistic.
Good to see Gordon Liu and Michelle Yeoh in cameo's even if they didnt fight and a strange last appearance by David Carradine in charge of the wrestler types at the end which did drift into Fearless territory i must admit.
Overall i give it a 6 out of 10.

[DiP]

Watched the movie earlier today. Liked most of what I saw from the action. It's still the same consistent style from Woo Ping yet the overall choreography was very different, had another feel and look to it. Loved it. That said, I think they could've used some better opponents for Vincent (minus Andy On, Cung Le, and Jiang Lu-Xia, they were fire). As a movie, it was quite disjoined, some places needed better writing.

[Drunken Monk]

I finally watched this last night (part of a double bill with “Ip Man 2”) and all I can say is, what a mess. Even after the bad reviews I hoped it would still be great. It’s not. Don’t get me wrong, I was mildly entertained and I didn’t think it was AWFUL but it was pretty close. It’s like Yuen Woo Ping lost all focus and just decided to throw as many useless gimmicks and cameos our way as possible. The cgi, slow motion shots, people crashing into countless objects and ridiculous bout with wrestlers were all unnecessary.
I don’t know, the whole film just felt wrong. Andy On’s character was great…so was his style. Everything else was a mish-mash of concepts and ideas that don’t blend together at all. Sure, there were moments of Woo Ping genius but they were few and far between.

**SPOILERS**The fights he has with imaginary characters, while interesting in parts, were ridiculous as an idea**SPOILERS**

I can’t believe how disappointed I was with this. The whole third act felt forced and Beggar Su was a wholly unlikeable character.

By the way, the credits claim that Woo Ping didn’t actually do the choreography for the film. Is that true?

[One Armed Boxer]

Just got through watching this one and have stayed away from this thread until now to keep my opinion clean! Have to agree with what many people have said...it`s a very middling movie, not too bad but nothing special.

The ending is ridiculous though, and I doubt it would even exist without `Fearless`, yes I read it was similar before but I didn`t realize exactly how similar, only it doesn`t match the quality or the emotional punch that `Fearless` does.

The final fight should have been between Vincent Zhao and Andy On, not a bunch of beefed up western meat heads on steroids. I also preferred Su`s fighting style before he developed drunken fist...which for the record he seemed to create in the space of about 2 minutes from some guy in a restaurant...it looked like Yuen Wo Ping had decided to check out `Raging Phoenix` before making this movie, or perhaps re-visit his old classic `Mismatched Couples`. This isn`t the drunken style Beggar Su teaches to Wong Fei Hung in `Drunken Master` thats for sure!

I now have a sense of dread about watching `Ip Man 2` after reading that movie also veers off into similar territory in the second half.

I realize choreography evolves, but spinning around on your back with over the top "swirling" sounds didn`t really do it for me.

[ekisha]

Damn, after reading all these posts i won't allow myself to watch this.

[Space]

Damn, after reading all these posts i won't allow myself to watch this.

There's some clips of it on YouTube, that should be enough to know whether it's for you or not.

Personally....hated it!

[GWB]

Damn, after reading all these posts i won't allow myself to watch this.

Personally . . . I enjoy it !!!
The moutain view is really great, the acting is corect, the fighting is much more better than "crouching tiger, hidden dragon" or the more recent "Storm warriors" of which I felt asleep , yes there is wire, yes the plot is "fearless" like, but the movie is still entertaining to me !!!

[daisho2004]

OK I just finished watching this movie and like most everyone on here I do agree there was too much wire-fu used. But the action scenes were totally awesome! I cannot believe there was so many negative reviews about this movie! The fight scene between Vincent Zhao and Andy On was off the hook! And I'm glad it was in the middle of the movie. Yes it did have a glimpse of Fearless in it. But so what it was a different style of fighting. I've always been a big fan of Vincent Zhao so I was glad to see him back in a main stream HK film. I was hoping to see a fight between Vincent Zhao & Gordon Liu I think that would've been great. Andy On's Venom style was nastily wicked. Some of the CGI wasn't used right but that really didn't bother me. I thought it had an excellent storyline and Awesome Fight scenes. So anyone who has been holding back from seeing this movie you need to pick this up and watch it ASAP! I'm hoping to see some more great movies in the next year coming out of HK!

[lillippa328]

I cant believe so many negative comments about this fantastic movie!!This movie was extremely good!!!


Yea there are some wires, special effects, fantasy, and 3d type spots, but, who cares? Not every movie has to be 100 percent realistic, take it for what it is, and you'll love it!!


The wires are used, but deff. do not take anything away from the amazing fight scenes....awsome camera work and long cuts between shots, the styles were amazing....



and they have TRAINING SEQUENCES!!!!I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE REAL TRAINING SEQUENCES! Thank you so much Woo Ping!!


Drunken style was crazy, and loved when he learned it.....



jay chou really impressive....as was andy on....Vincent Zhao is still a personal favorite of mine and im glad he got such an awsome role to show is skill....



ONLY complaint: *tiiiny tiny spoilers*


they didnt give any of the legends a fight scene! Gordon Liu, Beardy, Michelle Yo, David Carradine...none of em....




but still good to see them....loved this movie

[FrankBolte]

as a movie I liked it better than yip man 2...the fights were unrealistic but awesome,so far one of my favies for 2010...

[lillippa328]

as a movie I liked it better than yip man 2...the fights were unrealistic but awesome,so far one of my favies for 2010...



truthfully, i did aswell....who cares if it was some fantasy fights, ya know!....they were done so freakin well, the story, the costume design, the styles, the FIGHTS! the trainin, great movie!

[Drunken Monk]

I've heard that "True Legend" is more enjoyable with repeated viewings but the more I think of it, the more I dislike it. I just tend to be of the opinion that it's a sub par, boring and underachieving effort of a film. I'm actually surprised anyone enjoyed it.

[gorhama]

I'm more than willing to give this a shot!! In fact I can't wait to see it!!

[WuxiaFan]

I'm more than willing to give this a shot!! In fact I can't wait to see it!!

Same here. :angel:

[Daigoro]

Zhou Xun had a relatively small part in the film with few words, yet the way she performed it spoke volumes. Sometimes it
depends on who writes a story, but there are other times when a persons performance is able to capture what words could not
explain. Although an actress like Zhou Xun is beautiful the beauty of her performance is not necessarily a thing that you can
see as much as feel and this is why i feel although, she may not have seemed to reach the level of fame as her fellow actress
Zhang Ziyi, that really she has either surpassed her or is on a level where Zhang Ziyi once was. I remember Zhou Xun from
Painted Skin, Painted Skin in my opinion is one of those films that is highly decorated with great performances and a colorful
script. True legend is legendary only in the respect that the story seems ancient. The martial performances by the lead actor
Man Cheuk Chiu reminds me of Chang Yi, when he met the Wu-dang God (Jay Chou), he reminded me of David Chiang in
his prime. Was nice to see Gordon Liu again, the last time i saw him was in Anaconda Frightened. That was one snake with
a nasty bite, im fairly certain that film did not even make it to imdb before it died. http://zhouxun.chungta.com/

[Daigoro]

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m72/store_age/CSCU_ZoneScan_Star_ZhouXun004.jpg
<3

[BLfan]

The UK DVD and Blu-ray is available to pre-order and is due to be release on 25th October 2010.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/True-Legend-Blu-ray/dp/B003YXZHB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1281595312&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/True-Legend-DVD/dp/B003YXZHAS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1281595312&sr=8-3

[BLfan]

The UK Version of the film will be cut by 22 secs as stated by the British Board of Film Classification. Lets hope the cut does not seem to obvious!

Cut required to remove sight of unsimulated animal cruelty (in this case, a horse being tripped). Cut required in accordance with BBFC Guidelines, policy and the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937.

[Ramji]

The UK Version of the film will be cut by 22 secs as stated by the British Board of Film Classification. Lets hope the cut does not seem to obvious!

Cut required to remove sight of unsimulated animal cruelty (in this case, a horse being tripped). Cut required in accordance with BBFC Guidelines, policy and the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937.

22 seconds of horse fall cuts? That doesn't seem right. I remember lots of scorpians, snakes and bugs in this movie, maybe something to do with them?

[daisho2004]

OK I felt like watching this again last night and I was watching the making of it, and I really didn't notice who some of the main characters really were, such as MMA Fighter Cung Le as the Bandit Boss in the beginning, and as the Wu-dang God (Jay Chou), he did remind me also of David Chiang in his prime as point out by Daigoro I didn't even notice that Jay was from the Green Hornet my only gripe after watching it again was the end fight scenes could've been a little better choreographed, and been stronger with the fighters that would've made for such a great ending. Still I would hope they make a sequel, it does leave off that he goes on a journey to find the true meaning of his Drunken Fist style.

[OpiumKungFuCracker]

New poster for the movie upcoming release, fucking badass!!!

http://s3.amazonaws.com/coolproduction/ckeditor_assets/pictures/1070/original/TrueLegendPosBig.jpg?1300929377

[lillippa328]

that poster is siiiiiiickkkkk!




I dont understand the gripe ppl make over this movie.....everyone ive shown including myself, loves this movie!



I love this movie! lol great stuff

[David Rees]

Fabulous poster. Shame the film doesnt live up to it.

[QueMuchita]

Awesome poster fora awesome film. Some people just become jaded and can't enjoy anything new.