Just keep swimming!! – Wuxia Blog #4

Wuxia Blog #4

For today’s blog, I chose to write about the film, Flying Swords at Dragon Gate starring
Jet Li. When I first heard that Jet Li was the lead in the film, I was excited
to see it. What’s funny was that I never even heard of the film. So now I’m
watching a film that stars one the finest martial artists alive, in a film that
I never heard about, which turns out to be a remake of a remake. WOW!

Upon seeing the opening shot, I was surprised to see that
the film was projected using IMAX 3D technology. It was exciting to see Gordon
Liu back on the screen, yet he was in the role of a eunuch. When he was going
through the 36 Chambers of Shaolin, he had to bust his ass for it. In this one,
he had to bust his balls. Surprisingly, some of the films that I’ve seen so far
in this class showed that all men who cut their balls off are granted special
martial arts skills. Maybe I should do that……Nah I’m just kidding.

From the opening shot, Jet Li pops on in and shows off his
martial arts skills like he always do. Even though everyone in the film jumps
high up and run lightly through the air, it felt amusing to see like how most
wuxia films are because it’s unbelievable, yet I complement it because it’s a
signature aspect in all wuxia films and it’s a sight to see.

While the story seems bland, it does
deliver some thrilling action sequences that blend old-school choreography. It
was like watching Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon but with a dash of CGI. The
fight between Zhao and Yu right in the middle of a raging sandstorm is an
excellent example of this combination. Along with the wire stunts, the
excellently staged swordplay stands out- and it is Zhou Xun, rather than Jet
Li, who impresses with her elegant moves.

Much like Stephen Chow films, it
blends humor with the story. The part I like best is where Wind Blade fully
impersonates himself as Yu in order to gain intelligence on the West Bureau.
Their use of having a password to identify the real Yu from an imposter is what
helped made the film light hearted. I’ll give them that.

Even though I’ve never seen the
first two Dragon Gate Inn films, this one in particular was enjoyable. Based on
my fascination of wuxia films, I will probably check them out.