This is one of those movies that you can tell is trying to be good but ends up being mediocre. There is a love story that is way out of place during a war between the Yan and the Zhao, a love triangle between Donnie Yen, and an ambitious Nephew who will seem to do anything to take over the throne. All of these stories could be well off on their own, but the director doesn't explore either to a satisfaction. Martial arts fans will see a duel between Leon Lai and Donnie Yen, but it feels like it was just placed there just for the sake of having them fight each other.
There is good stuff here, but it is rushed and clichéd to the point where it feels like you are buying one of those TV drama DVD sets.
There is good stuff here, but it is rushed and clichéd to the point where it feels like you are buying one of those TV drama DVD sets.