[KFCC] Dragon Inn Review

Story: Set in the Ming Dynasty, where Eunuchs controlled China, the East Chamber headed by Tsao Siu Yan (Donnie Yen) was the most feared and brutal. Tsao's goal of increasing his power leads to the execution of his Military Secretary Yang. Tsao believes that his right hand man Chow Wai-On (Tony Leung) could return for Yang's vengeance and so sets a trap for him which Chow eludes thanks to his companions led by Yau Mo-Yan(Brigitte Lin). They seek refuge at the notorious Dragon Inn who along with the owner's help Jade King (Maggie Cheung) could defeat Tsao and his army which is heading towards Dragon Inn.

Review: This bigger retelling of Dragon Inn has been infused with stunning fight pieces, beautiful acting, political messages, and Brigitte Lin and Maggie Cheung ripping their clothes off of one another (can't see much due to the lack of light and strategically placed appendages to cover nipples. DAMN!).

Tsui-Hark Epics (whether he's directed or produced them) always retain an ensemble cast: Tony Leung Ka-Fai as the skillful noble Chow Wai-No, Brigitte Lin as Leung's comrade in arms who has hidden feelings for him, Maggie Cheung as the seductive and comical Jade King, and Donnie Yen as one ruthless badass who with a sword makes sand deadly as bullets. Yet even though these actors/actresses captivate the screen with a unique presence the actor, whose name I couldn't discover but if anyone knows it please e-mail me, who played Dao, Dragon Inn's cook/Butcher, had such an underdog presence that he instantly became my favorite.

Since the names Tsui-Hark and Donnie Yen are plastered on the cover the fight scenes are top notch (even though that's an understatement) and as the film progresses they become exceedingly violent and physically demanding. Though their viewing at times are hampered by the bright light picked up by the camera and its filters since they occur in the desert at daytime. The cinematography is visually astounding (must..stop..using..cliche phrases..in review). Every scene from Tony Leung Ka-Fai and Brigitte Lin traveling through the desert to the expected overthetop final fight is worth the price of the DVD. The subtitles well are readable clear in meaning, selectable (fan-f#$king-tastic in other words). Dragon Inn is a fiercely beautiful entry in Swordplay (or as some call it Wuxia).