Alright, grab your favourite worn-out armchair and maybe crack open a can of something fizzy, because we're diving headfirst into a Hong Kong action whirlwind that probably spun many a VCR head back in the day: 1994's Legend of the Red Dragon (or, as you might have found it boxed under, The New Legend of Shaolin). This one hit the shelves like a flying kick, offering up a dose of Jet Li coolness that was pure, uncut 90s gold.
### Father, Son, and Fury
Forget your typical family road trip movie. This flick opens with the fiery destruction of the Shaolin Temple – a classic trope, sure, but staged here with visceral, practical intensity. Out of the ashes walks Hung Hei-kwun (Jet Li), a stoic master carrying not just the weight of vengeance against the oppressive Manchu government, but also his incredibly capable young son, Hung Man-ting. Played by the remarkably talented Miu Tse (sometimes credited as Xie Miao), this kid isn't just tagging along; he's a miniature martial arts dynamo in his own right. It's a fascinating dynamic – a father teaching his son the deadly arts needed to survive, their bond forged in shared loss and silent understanding. Apparently, director/writer Wong Jing, known for his lightning-fast production pace and blending of genres (think God of Gamblers (1989)), spotted Miu Tse and immediately cast him alongside Li, a pairing they'd repeat in My Father Is a Hero (1995).
### When Kung Fu Met Slapstick
Now, if you rented this expecting a straight-faced, solemn historical epic... well, you were in for a surprise. Wong Jing throws everything including the kitchen sink into this. One minute, you're watching Jet Li execute breathtakingly intricate spear choreography – seriously, the sequence where he uses the weapon like an extension of his own body is pure martial arts poetry. Remember how real those weapon clashes sounded on a tinny CRT speaker? The speed and precision were, and frankly still are, mesmerising. It's all practical, folks – real performers, real (blunted, hopefully!) steel, moving at speeds that would make modern CGI blush.
Then, the film pivots on a dime. Enter Red Bean, played by the effervescent Chingmy Yau, a sassy con artist who, along with her equally scheming mother (Deannie Yip, a fantastic comedic actress), latches onto Hei-kwun. Suddenly, we're knee-deep in broad comedy, mistaken identities, and goofy antics. It's jarring? Absolutely. Does it work? Somehow... mostly yes. It’s a flavour unique to Hong Kong cinema of the era – this fearless blend of high-stakes action and low-brow humour. You just had to roll with it, part of the charm of grabbing a random tape off the "Martial Arts" shelf.
### Unleashing the Dragon
But let's not forget the action, because that's the main event. Jet Li, even early in his massive international career trajectory, possessed an almost unnerving combination of grace and power. The wirework, while perhaps more obvious now, allowed for moments of superhuman agility that felt groundbreaking at the time. The fights are numerous and inventive, often involving Hei-kwun and his son fighting back-to-back against hordes of enemies.
The film culminates in a gloriously over-the-top battle against the traitor Ma Ling-yee, who has transformed into a grotesque, super-powered villain practically impervious to harm. It’s pure comic book logic brought to life with wire-fu, pyrotechnics, and some truly imaginative (if slightly rubbery-looking) creature effects. This wasn't the sleek, polished action of Hollywood; it was raw, energetic, and felt dangerous. You believed these stunt performers were putting their bodies on the line, because they absolutely were.
### A Wacky, Wonderful Ride
Legend of the Red Dragon wasn't a critical darling in the West upon release, often seen as tonally inconsistent. But for audiences discovering Jet Li and the sheer creative chaos of Hong Kong action cinema on VHS, it was often a revelation. It delivered incredible fight scenes, a surprisingly effective father-son story at its core, and enough bizarre comedic interludes to keep you guessing. Wong Jing's signature style might be an acquired taste, but there's an undeniable energy here. It’s a film made with gusto, aiming to entertain above all else, even if it meant throwing tonal consistency out the window. I distinctly remember renting this tape multiple times, drawn back by Li's magnetic performance and the sheer kinetic thrill of the action sequences.
Rating: 7.5/10
Justification: The score reflects the absolutely top-tier Jet Li action sequences and the undeniable nostalgic charm. The practical fight choreography is stellar, and the father-son dynamic adds surprising heart. It loses points for the sometimes jarring tonal shifts and the truly bonkers final act, which might alienate some viewers, but these quirks are also part of its unique identity.
Final Word: A glorious slice of 90s Hong Kong cinema mayhem – part serious revenge flick, part wacky comedy, all fuelled by Jet Li's incredible skill. It’s Shaolin solemnity shaken, not stirred, with a healthy dose of outlandish fun – pure VHS gold for a Saturday night.