It's Difficult NOT To Enjoy This Movie

Good start, but then it gets ruined

An action-packed slog

A lot of fun.

This Chinese is one I found in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, it was rated well by critics, who said it is dazzling and a spectacle, I certainly hoped it would be, directed by Hark Tsui (Once Upon a Time in China). Basically set in 1913 in Beijing, during Yuan Shikai's presidency of the country, when the Chinese revolution overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. Tsao Wan (Brigitte Lin) is patriotic rebel and the daughter of General Tsao (Kenneth Tsang). Sheung Hung (Cherie Chung) is a petty thief who takes a box of jewels during a loot. Bai Niu (Sally Yeh) is the daughter of the impresario and owner of the Peking Opera theatre. To help the guerrillas who are fighting for the republic, Tsao Wan must steal an important document from her father's safe. Bai Niu dreams of being an actress, but even female roles are played by men in the opera. The exploits of Tsao Wan and those of her two friends Sheung Hung and Bai Niu flow back and forth between the Imperial Palace and the theatre of the Beijing Opera, climaxing in a dizzying rooftop fight. Also starring Mark Cheng as Ling Pak-Hoi, Kwok Keung Cheung as Tung Man, Feng Ku as Commander Liu, Wu Ma as Mr. Wong, Paul Chun as Fa Gum-Sao, Po-Chih Leong as Mr. Kam and Ha Huang as General Tun. I just about kept up with the sprawling storyline, the three female leads all bring their own likeable personalities that challenge the sexist prejudices of the time it is set, the farcical comedy and political satire make you laugh, the costumes and scenery is colourful, and the fight, bloody moments and chase sequences are well choreographed and exhilarating, a fun and satisfactory period action adventure. Very good!

I first saw this film about 10 years ago and loved it for its silly comedy, well choreographed action sequences, and tight plot. I watched this film again the other night and was pleasantly surprised that even though its from the 80s it still holds up. If you're in the mood for some slap stick and action set in an Opera House this one is for you. The costumes are fantastic. Although I am not a fan of the actual operatic arias of Chinese Opera and at times the high pitched tunes can get on my nerves, it is well worth a watch. It does a good job playing with the mistaken identity comedy shtick. It's great to see some women kicking some ass. If you're in the mood for an ace action comedy that was very popular in the 80s (Lethal Weapon,etc) in Hollywood and abroad, enjoy this one.

When I first heard of this movie, I thought that it was going to be one of those boring movies. But, as I saw it, it was so cool! The script was great and the action was incredible! What I suggest is that you rent it but I dare you to just see this movie once. And once you see it, buy it! It will be the best cinema that you have ever seen. So, buy it. You have no time to waste! Just go to Netflix.com and buy this movie. Because if you do, you will be amazed to see this wonderful movie again and again. Plus if you buy it, buy the DVD version. Since it has trailers of the movies that Tsui Hark was responsible for. And special features too. THIS MOVIE ROCKS!

In contrast to films like "iron monkey" or "tai chi boxer" there is almost no kung fu in this movie. The story is less than gripping and I am not even sure the comedy is intended at all times. The characters' motives, their background: virtually non-existent, though it is very easy to tell the goodies from the baddies: Baddies die, goodies don't.Still this isn't too bad a way to spend an hour and half in the same way an old Fred Astaire dance film can be the right stuff to watch on Sundays - not remotely comparable to current films, not even thrilling, anything but real. Just sort of ...Nice.