肥龍過江 - Enter the Fat Dragon

肥龍過江 (Enter the Fat Dragon) is an 2020 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Donnie Yen, the strongest in the universe. The supporting cast include Niki Chow, Wong Jing, Teresa Mo, Naoto Takenaka, Joey Iwanaga, and Jessica Jann. This movie hit the market right as the pandemic got into full swing in Asia for CNY.

Ah Long is a over zealous Hong Kong police officer that has gotten a reputation for being never giving up on a arrest. This has him in bad standing with his colleagues and causes him to miss his pre-wedding photos. His fiancée breaks up with him and Ah Long is demoted to the evidence cellar. Ah Long finally gets his break to get back into action, but has since gotten fat sitting around doing nothing. Enter the fat dragon. Ah long is to bring a suspect back to Japan and hand him over to the Japanese police. But when they get to Japan, the suspect gets away. Will Ah Long get the suspect back and his career back?

I watched this on Prime Video recently, but it took me over three weeks of a few minutes here and there to finish. The version on Prime Video was also in Cantonese. The reason I haven't watched this earlier is that I haven't been able to find a mandarin dubbed version. But I gave in and watched the Canto version. I do not like reading subs if I don't have to. Having to watch this with subs was one of the reasons I didn't enjoy it.

If you're ok with the canto, the movie was a comedy action film. Ah Long is in a obvious fat suit. But it worked out due to the comedic elements of the film set up from the very beginning. If you like action and a ridiculous story, this movie is for you.

天龍八部之喬峰傳 - Sakra

天龍八部之喬峰傳 (Sakra) is an 2023 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Donnie Yen, whom also served as the Director. The supporting actress is Yukee Chen Yuqi. the movie is based on the Qiao Feng character within Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (天龍八部). In the future, there could be other movie(s) based on the other characters of the novel.

Qiao Feng is the leader of thw begger sect and defends the country from the outside barbarian invaders. After a mission of defending the country, Qiao Feng is accused of being a child of one of these outside barbarian groups. The begger sect immediately disowns him and he sets to find out his past. Qiao Feng's investigation leads to many deaths that are blamed on him, leading him to leave his country. Will Qiao Feng ever be able to find out about his past?

This isn't the traditional Donnie Yen action film of late as it incorporates elements of fantasy wuxia. Qiao Feng does do a lot of fighting in this movie and the story goes from mystery solving to facing the Jin Yong storyline of does it matter if you're from the outside?

With only a movie's length time to tell the story of Qiao Feng, the movie is bit dis-jointed for someone that knows the story of Qiao Feng well. There was a drama re-make not long ago. The movie does what it can to tell his story with Azhu and than her annoying sister, Azhi. But in the end, it leaves a cliffhanger for another movie.

天龍八部 and Sakra are both Buddist terms. Not sure hot they match up here as I do not know much about this. 天龍八部 is the eight guardians of some higher diety. Sakra refers some diety. That's where my understanding of the connection ends. I would say that Jin Yong heavily uses monk culture in this series more so than other ones.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - 星際大戰外傳:俠盜一號

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (星際大戰外傳:俠盜一號) is an 2016 film. The movie stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, and Jiang Wen. The supporting cast include Ben Mendelsohn, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, and Forest Whitaker. The main storyline is set immediately before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. This is also the first film in a newly created Star Wars Anthology.



Fifteen years before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Galen Erso is taken back to continue development of an ultimate weapon, the Death Star. Wanting to protect his daughter Jyn, he has her go into hiding. Now an adult, Jyn has changed her name and had multiple run ins with the "law" and send to a labor camp. In transit, Jyn is rescued by the Rebellion and asked to find her father. They find out that Galen has put a flaw into the Death Star, but just has to get those plans to the rebellion. Jyn is chaperoned by a rebellion veteran Cassian and his re-programmed imperial droid, K-2SO. On their first mission, they pick up 3 more folks, a blind monk Chirrut Îmwe, his mercenary friend Baze Malbus, and Bodhi Rook, an Imperial cargo pilot defector with news of Galen. Now they have to obtain the plans and get it to the rebellion.

This movie was pretty awesome. I have this pretty high up there in my Star Wars movies. I watched it twice already and don't mind watching again. Can't wait for the Blu-ray to come out.

Felicity Jones was just awesome and her back and forth with Cassian was playful but very serious at the same time. The addition of non-jedi monk Chirrut added comic relief and evangelism of the concept of the Force. The new tagline of "I'm one with the Force, the Force is with me" will ring on for generations.

If you don't know Star Wars, this movie may be hard to understand, there were already a lot of built in concepts that you needed to know from the previous Star Wars cannon. But it is entirely possible that you could have watched this as a war movie. Mission is to destroy the get the death star plans, build a team and go do it, like Saving Private Ryan style. In that regard, this was a very war like movie and the rebels weren't portrayed in the best light.

All in all, this is a great addition to the Star Wars family and I for one thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

Dragon - Wu Xia - 武俠

Dragon (Wu Xia/武俠/Swordsmen) is an 2011 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Donnie Yen and Takeshi Kanoshiro. The supporting cast include Tang Wei, Jimmy Wang Yu, Kara Hui, Li Xiaoran, Jiang Wu, Ethan Ruan. The movie was released as "Dragon" a couple of years after its Asian release. This movie is an suspense thriller action movie.



Liu is a quiet family man that accidently kills two robbers that come to his farming town. One of the robbers is a highly sought after by the government which draws the attention of investigator, Xu. As Xu investigates, he has to piece together the robbers, Liu, the villages, and many other things. Eventually finding that Liu is a highly skilled bandit, things start to get interesting.



This was one of the better movies of 2011. Donnie goes minimalistic for this role and shows his acting chops. TK does his thing well and takes on a accent that is quite good. The investigation is intriguing and the results come half way through the movie. The second half includes most of the action, but it's not without consequences for the main leads. In the Donnie cannon, this may not be the most action packed, but it is one of my favorites due to the story and his acting. Donnie is a star and he shows it here.

Kung Fu Jungle - 一個人的武林 - Teaser Trailer

Kung Fu Jungle (一個人的武林) starring Donnie Yen, the strongest man in the universe, is getting released during Halloween this year across Asia.

From the trailer, seems like a hannibal type story with a revenge subplot. Other familiar faces from the HK movie landscape show up. Making it seem like a retread in a since. But that's how its been recently, for many years now. Taiwan is even more guilty of re-casting the same people over and over again in movies.

I am interested. I will look to see this.

The Monkey King - 西游記之大鬧天宮

The Monkey King (西游記之大鬧天宮) is an 2014 film out of Zhong Guo. The movie stars Donnie Yen. The other stars include Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Joe Chen, Peter Ho. Cameo appearances by Kelly Chen, Gigi Leung, and Faye Wang.



A heavenly fight between the Jade Emperor and the Bull Demon King sends the heavens into ruins. The the Bull Demon King is defeated, Nu Wa Goddess sacrafices herself to save the heavenly kingdom from ruin. All the while, her powers create Sun Wu Kong. When he is released, he's taken in by Pitu and learns to protect his monkey kingdom. When the Bull Demon King comes onto the scene, he tricks the Sun Wu Kong to attack the heavens. The Jade Emperor now has to take action again.



This movie had lots of special effects. Basically, everyone could fly. Everyone had powers. Nice. Let the party begin.



Faye Wang was listed in the credits but I recall seeing her in the film. I doubt I'll rewatch just to get a small glimpse. With that said, the movie was entertaining, but Sun Wu Kong isn't a particularly likable character. Sure he was created out of a sacrificial act and he wants to protect his clan. But he's proud, rude, and gets himself in trouble. I guess the story wouldn't have gotten anywhere without his troublemaker attitude. But you gotta have a likable purpose for doing it. In this case, it was just lame.



Donnie was in make up practically the whole time and I could barely make him out. I know the producers don't want to bring him back due to his large pay day. But the promotion was largely based on him and the story. What's stronger, the story or Donnie. Donnie is of course. He's the strongest in the universe!



The movie was released during Chinese New Years and enjoyed an epic run at the box office. Currently sitting pretty with around ~$175 million USD. The movie is scheduled stateside in the fall from the USA region distributor Global Star Productions. The fall time is pretty far away and the date could move. But from the trailer, it looks like an English dubbed version. That'll be interesting.

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen - 精武風雲:陳真

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (精武風雲:陳真) is a 2010 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Donnie Yen, Shu Qi, Huang Bo, and Anthony Wong. The movie is directed by famed director Andrew Lau. Donnie Yen pulls double duty as the action director. The supporting cast includes Shawn Yue and Huo Si Yan. The story is based in Shanghai and France.

The movie is based on the Chen Zhen character of the Bruce Lee Fist of Fury movie. This movie is a continuation of the wuxia series that starred Donnie back in the 90s. The movie starts in France as Chen Zhen and his troupe are trying to make it out of the battle zone to go home. Chen Zhen gives his "dog tag" to a fellow solider for good luck. However, that solider is the one that bites the dust. Chen Zhen does some crazy stuff to end the battle. Back in Shanghai, Chen Zhen is looking for support from notable Chinese businessmen and scholars. Chen Zhen doubles as a night club socialite. By night, he's out fighting the Japanese who have a list of 100 people that they've targeted to kill. Will Chen Zhen win like in the previous Fist of Fury?

If you've seen the recent Donnie movies, this is along the same lines. A storyline that contains that Chinese people are not worthless if they stick together. That theme is strong in this movie again. I wonder if this trend will continue or we'll look back on this era with fondness and cheesiness. In anycase, was the movie any good? Yes, it was well made and presented a passionate story. But the formula seemed played out to me. Still an enjoyable film if you haven't seen a Donnie film recently, since you won't know the formula. You'll also really need to know the Bruce Lee version well.

The Chen Zhen character has become a "super-hero" character and Donnie plays that up in this film. Started by Bruce Lee, honed by Jet Lee, expanded upon by Donnie. Chen Zhen lives on!

14 Blades - 錦衣衛

14 Blades (錦衣衛) is a 2010 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Donnie Yen, Vicki Zhao, Wu Chun, and Kate Tsai. If you're a fan of the old skool kung fu movies, you'll see plenty of guys from the Shaw Bros. heyday in this film.

Jinyi Wei is a special military police that serves the Emperor during the Ming Dynasty. Donnie Yen plays Qinglong, the leader of the Jinyi Wei. Given orders to retrieve a box by an eunich that's controlled the emperor, Qinglong is betrayed and wounded. Qinglong goes on the run by hiring a escort group to get him out of town. It is there that Qinglong meets Vicki Zhao's character of Qiao Hua. Hua is a tomboy and very impulsive. Qinglong and Hua embark on a journey to a city in the west. There, they meet Wu Chun's character of Sands. Sands is the leader of a group of thieves set on stealing from a group that just entered the city. Qinglong teams up with Sands. Both go after what they want.

The movie was pretty awesome when it came to the action sequences. Very fast editing harken back to the 90s a little bit, but the modern effects are all there as well. The story is a little hard to follow as the subplots are just filler.

If you're looking for action, this movie has it. If you're looking for a modern wuxia film with a touch of 90s, you'll also get it. And you're get a high recommendation from me to watch this.

Bodyguards and Assassins - 十月圍城

Bodyguards and Assassins (十月圍城) is a 2009 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Nicholas Tse, Li Yuchun, Wang Xueqi, Hu Jun, Tony Leung, Eric Tsang, Simon Yam, and Fan Bingbing. The movie is based on visit to Hong Kong by Sun Yat-sen in 1905.

Sun Yat-sen will touch down in Hong for a mere 1 hour to talk to the revolutionaries. But the Qing officers don't want that to happen and would like to assassinate him while he's in Hong Kong. Enter Wang Xueqi as the money behind the supporters based in Hong Kong. The people you see in the poster all work to protect him. And one that wants to take him out.



The movie is not very action based until Sun Yat-sen arrives. The movie up to that point is all character development and back story on why its important to protect Sun Yat-sen with their lives!

It was both intense and thought provoking. Because of Donnie's presence, you might think this is an action film. But its only a third of the film. You shouldn't miss this one.

Once Upon a Time in China II - 黃飛鴻之二男兒當自強

Once Upon a Time in China II (黃飛鴻之二男兒當自強) is 1992 film out of Hong Kong. The film stars Jet Li and Rosamund Kwan. Supporting cast include Donnie Yen, Max Mok, David Chiang, and Zhang Tielin.

The movie starts with the White Lotus sect demonstrating their religion. The movie than shifts to Wong Fei Hung, 13 Aunt, and Leung Koon on a train. Wong has been invited to give a demonstration on Chinese Medicine at a "Western" medical school in Guangzhou. While in Guangzhou, they have run ins with the White Lotus Sect on a few occuasions. Along the way, they meet Sun Yat Sen at the school.

This is my favorite Once Upon a Time in China of the six. The reason is because there are 3 major fights in the movie. The first time Donnie Yen and Jet Li meet, they have an exchange. Wong than has a fight with the White Lotus Sect. The final final fight with Donnie Yen is quite awesome.

The movie improved on story telling, technique and style from the first one.

SPL (Sha Po Lang) - Kill Zone - 殺破狼

SPL (Sha Po Lang)/Kill Zone (殺破狼) is a 2005 film out of Hong Kong. The movie stars Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, and Wu Jing (Jacky Wu).

The movie is about the cops versus a well oiled organized crime syndicate. On the cops side stands, Donnie Yen as Ma and Simon Yam as Chan. Sammo Hung as Po is the head of the syndicate and Jacky Wu as Jack is an assassin.

The movie does some background on the day and life of the people involved, but for the most part, its heavy on the action. The police are trying to break the grip of Po's syndicate. A certian saying that law and order is only valid until midnight. At midnight, the night belongs to the syndicate.

The action was a turn into more of a gritty and reality based fighting. Grappling was introduced. The knife and baton fight between Donnie and Jacky was excellent.

A must see for you Donnie Yen fans. A must see for you HK action freaks.

Flash Point - 導火線

Flash Point (導火線) is a 2007 film out of Hong Kong starring Donnie Yen and Louis Koo. The movie is a martial arts action film that heavily used mixed martial arts.

The movie is about Donnie Yen as a police officer set on bringing bad people in named Ma. Louis Koo as Wilson is an undercover cop that gives tips to Donnie. They are onto a gang of three brothers. The chase is on and there are lots and lots of fighting. Not much else you need to know about the plot of the movie.

The action in this movie was quite amazing. Mixed martial arts isn't something you see in films much and they incorporated it into this film pretty well. The fighting is still classic HK action, but with the "kill" moves grounded in mma.

The version I watched was a China version from 2007. I will try to catch the Dragon Dynasty one in the near future.

Painted Skin - 畫皮

Painted Skin (畫皮) is a 2008 film out of Hong Kong. The film stars Donnie Yen, Zhou Xun, Aloys Chen, and Zhao Wei. The story is based on a ghost story from Strange Tales of Liaozhai.

The story is based on a several love triangles. With the center wrapped around Wang and Pei, a married couple. Wei, a fox demon spirit, needs human hearts to stay in her painted skin. Without the painted skin, humans will see her true form.

Wei is rescued by Wang one day and brought back to his house to be a servant. Pei immediately feels something is strange about Wei. Pei tells Wang, but without proof, Pei feels unheard. Pei seeks out Pang, a friend and former suitor for help.

The fun begins when Pang starts investigating Wei.

There is a certain level of Chinese mythos that need to be understood for the movie to be fully realized. If you're not familiar with Chinese mythos, some things are not spelled out for you.

I was rather impressed with this film and thought it to be a drastic departure from recent Donnie Yen films. However, this was a Donnie Yen film per se. Donnie just isn't the almighty fighter in this film that you would expect.

Ip Man - 葉問

Ip Man (葉問) is a 2008 film starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lin Xiong Dai, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, and Lam Ka-Tung.

Ip Man is a movie about the Ip Man's life in China around the time before and during Foshan's Japanese occupation of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The movie starts with a tranquil Foshan. Where people are well off and study martial arts as a hobby. Ip Man, played by Donnie Yen, has a son and wife and seem well to do. Ip Man does not have a job and trains in martial arts as a hobby. Apparently, everyone in Foshan recognizes him as the best fighter. I see this when some thugs burst into town and beat up all the heads of the martial art schools. Its up to Ip Man to show these thugs the exit. The movie than moves to the Japanese occupation and just how bad it is there. Ip Man and Wife are kicked out of their nice home and forced to pawn all belongings just for rice. Ip Man finally has to get a job and falls into a underground tournament set up by the commanding General. Ip Man eventually beats everyone and heads off to Hong Kong.

If you read the history of Ip Man and than watch this film, you'll know that its pretty much just using Ip Man, Foshan, and Wing Chun. Because, the movie and the facts don't jive. Putting that aside, the movie is half action and half drama. When the fighting is on, its on. Its crushing, has nice editing and is on point. When the drama is on, its to lead up to the fighting. You put those together and you've got a fighting movie that's entertaining and emotional.

It's a well made film and the English subtitles came in handy when they used paragraphs to advance the story and when there was Japanese dialogue.