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Jet Li returns to
the role of Wong Fei Hung in this sixth installment of the popular
film series. This time Fei Hung visits the Wild West of America
to attend the opening of his new school. However, on the way he
and his party are attacked by Indians. Fei Hung is thrown into a
river and when he awakes can no longer remember who he is. He is
adopted by a tribe of Indians after he proves his worth by rescuing
them from a rival tribe. Meanwhile, Fei Hung's friends begin the
search for their master...
Tsui Hark takes producing duties on this film and Sammo Hung takes
the helm. After Chiu Man Chuk's interpretation of Wong Fei Hung
Jet Li returns to the role that made him famous and as a result
delivers the best film in the series in terms of action. The OUATIC
films have always hinted at Fei Hung's westernization and taking
him to America seems the natural step. However, the political undertones
are merely hinted at and Sammo concentrates more heavily on delivering
a mindless action film. But this is no bad thing as the finished
result is an extremely welcome change of location and subject matter.
This film also marks the best fighting performance of Hung Yan Yan
who is really given a chance to shine (maybe one day he will become
a leading man himself). Jet Li is extremely charismatic as usual
and you do end up believing that he is Wong Fei Hung. The main criticism
though, is the pantomime villain (Jeff Wolfe) who is no match for
Fei Hung at all. The end fight just consists of Fei Hung beating
him for ten minutes!
Overall this is an extremely excellent production (although the
direction is slightly uneven in places) and a must see for fans
of the series - check out the scene in which Clubfoot tries to bring
back Fei Hung's memory by imitating all of his old adversaries!
A very good original soundtrack too - mixing the sounds of both
American and Chinese instruments. Jet Li delivers a winner again
and by now must be able to play the part of Wong Fei Hung in his
sleep!
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