I previously reviewed this movie as "one of the best old school kung fu movies". I changed my opinion after watching over 1500 kung fu movies (most of them multiple times). This movie is truly "The Best Old School Kung Fu movie". I always had a problem deciding the criteria for the best. It comes down to three things – fights, spirit and respect. This movie has the full range of fight choreography. There are serious fights, comedic fights, weapons fights and empty hand fights. All fights are executed precisely, swiftly and with maximum moves per cut. Next is spirit. There must be some element relevant to the true spirit of martial arts. Last is respect for the actor/action director/fight choreographer. No "one hit wonder" can win the title. Lifetime achievement must be considered. Therefore only a handful of people such as Sek Kin, Jimmy Wang Yu, Ti Lung, Lo Lieh, Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, Kuan Tai Chen and Liu Chia-Liang (and a few others) are even eligible. Of all those names Liu Chia-Liang is the greatest and this is his masterpiece.
Review of Legendary Weapons of China
