It is the story of a Chinese hero and martial arts fighter, Huo Yuanjia, who discovers that he must conquer his pride to truly understand what it is to be a great man. Wanting to follow in his father's footsteps as a martial arts expert, he is denied training because of his asthma. After he grows up, Huo takes great pride in defeating enemies but his pride is his undoing as he thinks that the measure of a champion is mere physical prowess. This attitude brings great tragedy upon his head and, broken, he winds up in the countryside among the simple people. Naturally, they teach him (blessedly without "wise man" style platitudes) to find himself and to know what is truly important in life. He goes from being a braggart to being wise and peaceful. Upon returning to his home, he finds that the British have been demeaning the Chinese as "weak men of the East" and takes on four of their champions to show that is not the case. Oh, after founding a premier martial arts school which promotes oneness and self knowledge ... natch.
Standout performances come from Sun Li as a blind girl in the countryside and Dong Yong who portrays Huo's best friend. It is no Hero, but then, what is?
Also, Rose and I perhaps had a different context when viewing this than other people in the theater with us. I was thrilled because, after doing ChinesePod lessons daily for some time, I actually understood many words and phrases of the dialogue. Sometimes even entire sentences! Woohoo! Rose recognized several kung fu moves that she has learned. Also the weapons used in the challenge scenes matched those that hang on the wall of her kung fu school.
Bottom line: there is much to be enjoyed about this film but it all is right on the surface. Don't go looking for too much more than what you see. Highly enjoyable nonetheless.
(HC rating: Good despite lack of flubber)
Tags: Catholicism, Christianity
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