
rise of the legend


RISE OF THE LEGEND Comes Home On U.S. DVD And Blu-Ray On May 24
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Screener Review: RISE OF THE LEGEND (2016)
I’m pretty new to Eddie Peng, having only seen him in Stephen Fung’s Tai Chi Zero and Tai Chi Hero at the time of the release. However, in the few years since then, he’s appeared to be just the kind versatile actor a director looks for, and maybe even one bold enough to take the lead in the revival of a classic martial arts film mainstay. Leave that effort to director Roy Chow Hin-Yeung whose career compass following Murderer (2009) and Nightfall (2012) now bring him to the forefront of his latest 2014 kung fu epic, Rise Of The Legend, reviving the folklore of martial arts hero Wong Fei Hung with an origin tale that does the work that none of its previous films did, lending plenty of opportunity for something truly fresh to bloom.
The film opens with Peng front and center in a big-scale alleyway fight sequence, a highlight from a certain point in the story we reach later on. From there, the intial build-up moves back and forth through Wong’s life from boyhood to adulthood, some with moments of his father, Wong Key-Ying, played by Tony Leung Ka-Fai, leading up to where the story principally begins – 1868 in Guangzhou, China, a time of social and economic decay, war, crime and injustice. And at the center of it all: Huangpu Port where bodies of slave workers mysteriously float along the harbor, and anyone who voices dissent is discarded accordingly.
Wong, now 21 years of age, is a skilled martial artist posing as an aspiring up-and-comer in the ranks of the Black Tiger Gang led by the notorious Lei Gong (Sammo Hung). Little does our crimeboss and his minions know that an intricate and clever plan has slowly begun to unfold that could ultimately relenquish Lei Gong’s of his stranglehold over Guangzhou, with the help of friends Big Tooth (Wong Cho-Lam), Fiery (Jing Boran) and Chun (Wang Luodan) and a brewing rebellion within the city. Meanwhile, politics are at the forefront of both The Black Tigers and their rivals, The Northern Sea gang and its vengeful leader’s son, Wu Long (Max Zhang), and with Lei Gong gaining the upperhand on all fronts, word has also gotten around that he’s illegally locked away 300 Chinese workers to be shipped overseas for foreign businessmen.
As the seeds of war sow little by little, the film journeys us further into Wong’s background through tragedy, his training from early age and struggles with life and philosophy, and what it learns to be a true hero. We also learn more about the depth of his friendships and his relationships, and the turmoil he faces in the course of infiltrating the Black Tigers with the indiscriminate nature of war; Casualties accumulate on both sides and with Lei Gong’s paranoia and suspicion surfacing, it’s only a matter of time before Wong enters his first real arena, championing the people in need of a hero.
This isn’t the first action film Peng has involved himself in having previously gone MMA with Dante’s Lam’s winning drama, Unbeatable. In that respect, you have to give Peng tons of credit for contributing as much athleticism and gravitas as he could to a role like this given the weight it carries. He’s proven himself to be a very charismatic and decent actor, as well as a formidable action performer in his own right with a good director and choreographer. To that extent, action director Corey Yuen Kwai’s vision here in recalibrating the kind of action we’ve come to familiarize ourselves with in previous Wong Fei-Hung films, primiarily from that of the Once Upon A Time In China movies with Jet Li and Vincent Zhao, is something of a reward for our patience; Apart from Shaolin (2011), it had been a long while since I’d seen a film with Yuen’s involvement that had great action sequences that felt new and fresh as opposed to repetitive and tame; Having watched films like D.O.A.: Dead Or Alive when it was released, instead you’re left feeling like you’re better off popping in a copy of She Shoots Straight or So Close, which is a sign that you can now recognize a coordinator’s handiwork, as well as determine its creative extent, and really, Dead Or Alive was just plain lazy and almost discouraging.
To that end, Yuen’s sequences still rely partly on spectacle and slick editing, but it doesn’t take away much from the authenticity of the sequences themselves save for some obvious visual effects work here and there. The approach to the cinematography here has some cool gems to it as does the action with several moments peppered with flare – swords are so sharp that they cut the air and almost anything within a few feet, adding a sense of danger and excitement to the action we see, and the fights are brutal, fierce, and sometimes bloody. It’s worth critiquing, however, that Peng’s performance here doesn’t transition that of what we saw in actors like Li, or even Jackie Chan or the late Kwan Tak-Hing. There’s a little less style tacked onto Peng’s iteration of Wong with brute force, strength and agility signifying this version than that of the grace and flexibility we saw in the Wongs of yesteryear.
Beyond all that lies a story we are fondly presented by writer Christine To who wrote Jet Li’s 2006 film, Fearless. In Rise Of The Legend, we get to explore Wong’s dimensions a little further amid a story that brings dramatic fervor with quaint set pieces and visuals that establish the film even further. The world we are taken in is dark, gruesome and unrelenting, propelled even more by the presence of our villains, led by Hung. Actors Feng Jia-Yi, Byron Mann and Julius Brian Siswojo all add a little something special to the crop of antagonism we are offered in Chow’s own Wong Fei-Hung universe, allowing To’s script to accumulate with espionage and intrigue, and plot twists and turns that keep you attentive with how intergral they prove to be in the film’s character development.
Actor Tony Leung Ka-Fai makes a cameo as our hero’s father, Wong Key-Ying, early on in the film in flashback scenes that set up the overall essence of our protagonist’s motivations as the film pieces itself together through progression. It adds to the mettle of our heros’ evolving perspective of philosophies on frienship, heroism, courage and redemption, all axioms we explore in some measure not only on both sides of the good and evil spectrum, but among a few of our supporting cast as well, including Angelababy who plays Orchid, a courtesan in love with Wong. And in the course of all this, love stories ensue between our characters that are semi-transparent, but don’t take away from the overall mood and tone of the film set by the dank atmosphere. Wang’s role as Chun, while limited, draws a display of soulfulness and strength next to that of Angelababy whose portrayal of Orchid is one of both tenderness and sagacity, and in a surprising and rewarding fashion.
Other flourishing moments of the film are shared with Boran in the supporting role of Fiery, Wong’s boyhood friend and closest ally, whose performance enhances Wong’s own growth between scenes of levity and upheaval, highlighting a friendship and a sense of brotherhood you truly come to know and care about. Wong Cho-Lam who plays Buck-Tooth, while not heavily present in the film as others are or even in previous films played notably by actors Yuen Biao and Max Mok, is fun to watch when he appears, as well as exciting in the film’s third act. Max Zhang, an actor and martial artist who knows a thing or two when it comes to stunt work, is amply entertaining and showcases a worthwhile blend of acting talent and screenfighting as one of the film’s smaller-written villains opposite Peng.
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Rise Of The Legend is something of a conversation starter. You can debate whether Peng’s is a performance that truly carries on from its predecessors, although there’s no question that he doesn’t hugely echo the same cinematic merit as Li and Chan did more than 20 years ago. Nevertheless and despite all this, the film in its delivery from characters, script and story, to the energy and gravitas emitted by the overall production design, vision and timbre – all accompanied by a worthwhile score from composer Umebayashi Shigeru (Curse Of The Golden Flower, The Grandmaster), boasts a worthy package and some workability for Peng to shine in such a role. In an era of remakes and reboots in film, Wong Fei-Hung’s story is obviously something that wasn’t going to go off the radar in today’s film climate, and obviously not without its share of scruitiny from hardcore fans who have been around since VHS tapes were a thing should a reboot come to fruition.
As such, we get Rise Of The Legend, a film that induces always-needed thoughts and opinions on kung fu cinema for the benefit of its products, and hereto, a product that glimmers with directorial strength, luster and, dare I say it, promise. A film like this wouldn’t have been the least watchable without a good cast and crew, and for this, Chow has earned my respect and attention for granting me a film that I hope advances a sequel.
Rise Of The Legend opens in the U.S. on March 11, 2016 on Digital HD, VoD and in limited theaters. Head over to the official website of Well Go USA for more details.



Watch The Official Music Video For RISE OF THE LEGEND
The forthcoming release of director Roy Chow‘s kung fu epic, Rise Of The Legend, is only a week and a half away from its initial theatrical release in China, and the momentum is definitely there. As for how it will do among the critics is still pending news to many, although one can only hope for some good prospects for a film that dares to make its case known among hardcore martial arts fans that are partial to the classics, and you really have to hand it to Chow for leading those efforts.
The trailers themselves look glossy and present an otherwise very ambitious take on the classic, fabled life and legend of real-life martial arts hero, Wong Fei-Hung, and his origins as a rebel against corrupt government officials and the criminals who operate under them. Here, based on a script by Fearless scribe Christine To, a young master Wong’s tale begins from childhood into his youthful years as a bonafide martial arts rebel and badass, played by actor Eddie Peng whose leading man status, on top of his rigorous training regime prior to filming, will hopefully help cultivate a continuing legacy of support from fans who have grown attached to the character in previous films. And here to help garner more of that appreciation in advance is the brand new lyrical music video for the film’s title song, “Your Legend”, performed by award-winning Taiwanese rock band, Mayday, which you can now watch below.
Edko Films is releasing Rise Of The Legend in China next Friday, and in Hong Kong one week after, with Universal Pictures International gearing up for the film’s worldwide premiere next year.

Check Out A New 'Bullet-Time' Featurette For RISE OF THE LEGEND
Check out the featurette below, and while there are others floating around ahead of the film’s upcoming release starting at the tail end of next week and you happen to be in the area, feel free to share your review on our Facebook page


New Banner Art And Featurette For RISE OF THE LEGEND
Not too long before the release of director Roy Chow‘s upcoming origin kung fu epic, Rise Of The Legend, we now have another new featurette from Yahoo!, as well as some cool new banner art for fans to check out below. Eddie Peng stars as the title character, Wong Fei-Hung, late and legendary martial arts master and healer from which many films of yesteryear have been based.
Fearless scribe Christina To wrote the screenplay for the new film which focuses on a few notable details of the young master’s earlier years, including love, family, and his rise as a voice against crime and the criminally corrupt. The film launches in Asia courtesy of Edko Films beginning this November with worldwide distribution from Universal Pictures International next year.

Eddie Peng And Sammo Hung Duke It Out In The New RISE OF THE LEGEND Trailer!
Revisting the classic story of legendary martial arts master Wong Fei-Hung for the big screen is not something you take lightly. Alas, expectations are quite high for this newest origin telling from director Roy Chow in Rise Of The Legend, pitting lead actor Eddie Peng at the center of late Qing Dynasty upheaval in Guangzhou, against smarms of gangs and a human trafficking ring.
The film will also reportedly deal with other layers of Wong’s life, regarding love, and his relationship with his father – all of which could help shape the film in advance toward greater prospects. Ergo, if sequels are to be, then watching Peng trade blows with legendary action star Sammo Hung is also a great way to get things started.
Rest assured, the latest trailer below is just one in a handful of promotional videos fans can expect along the way until its release throughout Asia starting late next month. Universal Pictures International has worldwide distribution rights outside China, in which case, expect the film to arrive in English-language territoties and other countries next year.
Watch the new trailer below, along with a new short promo!
Check Out These Stylish New RISE OF THE LEGEND Character Posters!
It’s neither too late nor early for some more promotional gems for director Roy Chow‘s biopictoral epic, Rise Of The Legend. With over a month to go before the film is finally released in China, there’s already some momentum building thanks to a few trailers now going viral, as well as some behind-the-scenes feaurettes. And yes, more are on the way.
Of course, in the meantime, we now have another fresh new set of vibrant posters headlining our cast of late Qing Dynasty characters surrounding this new origin iteration of legendary martial arts master Wong Fei-Hung and his battle against society’s most corrupt. Check them all out below right now, and if you’d like, check out some previous pictures by clicking here.
Rise Of The Legend Is written by Fearless scribe Christine To, and is also produced by Hung, along with Ivy Ho and Bill Kong, with fight choreography by Corey Yuen Kwai. Eddie Peng and Sammo Hung are joined by Max Zhang, Wang Luodan, Jing Boran and Wong Cho Lam, with special appearances by Tony Leung Ka-fai and Angelababy. The film bows in China this November. Universal Pictures International also has worldwide distribution rights outside of Asia.
Wong Fei-Hung Kung Fu Reboot Epic RISE OF THE LEGEND Brandishes A New Poster
If you’ve been paying any attention in the past few months, you may have already seen the recent glimpses of Nightfall helmer Roy Chow‘s newest venture with the forthcoming biopictoral origin reboot, Rise Of The Legend. It’s a cinematic revamp of the classic story of the legendary and once-living martial arts master and healer, Wong Fei-Hung, whose life has become the very subject of decades of kung fu cinema greatness, most prominently in the eyes of martial arts action stylings of Jet Li and Jackie Chan, Tsui Hark, Yuen Woo Ping’s and the late Lau Kar-Leung and Kwan Tak Hing.
The newest reinvention now finds actor Eddie Peng (Tai Chi Zero, Tai Chi Hero, Unbeatable) next in line to fill the shoes of the legendary no-shadow kicking hero from a script by Fearless scribe Christine To, and action director Corey Yuen (Fong Sai Yuk 1 and 2, The Transporter Trilogy). Universal Pictures has since boarded the film’s distribution as producers for its worldwide release between now and next year, so fans may expect even more promotional materials to come, including more trailers, feaurettes, TV spots, and likely more posters as well, including the newest poster just below:
Rise Of The Legend joins Peng with Sammo Hung, Wang Luodan, Jing Boran, Wong Cho Lam and Zhang Jin, in addition to special appearances by Tony Leung Ka-fai and Angelababy. The film bows in China on November 21.
Lots Of Bruises And Pain In A New Featurette For RISE OF THE LEGEND!
Ah! Let the teasing commense!
Hell Is The Only Way Out In The New Trailer For The Wong Fei-Hung Origin Epic, RISE OF THE LEGEND!
Director Roy Chow‘s grand plan to reinvent once-living martial arts legend and cinematic folk hero, Wong Fei-Hung wasn’t without its fair share of criticisms from purists. Of course, some of that noise died down with the teaser for said film, Rise Of The Legend back in August, giving a shiny and quite lusterful glimpse into Chow‘s forthcoming origin telling based on Fearless scribe Christine To’s screenplay.
RISE OF THE LEGEND Gets New Stills
In the late Qing Dynasty, a young man called Wong Fei Hung rises up against corruption and injustice to become a master of his time and an everlasting legend in the world of martial arts.
MMA Star Cung Le Pushes THE RAID Remake, CROUCHING TIGER 2 And Other Projects In Development
Mixed martial artist, professional fighter and actor Cung Le has quite an expansive career in film Hollywood and abroad. With well over a decade of credits with titles in America and parts of Asia, the True Legend and Fighting co-star has also gained some pretty huge notoriety with recent releases like the 2012 martial arts crime drama, Dragon Eyes, and RZA’s kung fu homage, The Man With The Iron Fists.
As it stands, there’s no sign of Le stopping any time soon between working the professional fight arena and preparing for roles on set, according to a new viral video sent over to M.A.A.C.. While in Asia to promote his August 23 UFC match with Michael Bisping, the actor disclosed a small handful of projects that lie-in-waiting for him after his next fight with interviewers for MMA-in-Asia.
Some notable projects and important names he mentioned included that of Hong Kong action cinema legend Sammo Hung and Edko Films president Bill Kong (pictured top/left), both who are respectively co-starring and producing director Roy Chow’s Rise Of The Legend with Universal. Le also mentioned talks with producers for a role in Master Yuen Woo-Ping’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Destiny, which would ultimately reunite Le with Master Yuen and action star Donnie Yen since sharing respective credits for Wong Kar Wai’s 2013 kung fu biopic, The Grandmaster, and helmer Teddy Chen’s 2009 assassin thriller, Bodyguards And Assassins.
Le gave away a few more gems thereafter regarding being in talks for a role in Screen Gems’ forthcoming production of director Patrick Hughes’ The Raid remake, in addition to a project being put together by Hollywood stunt coordinator J.J. Perry for his own directorial debut. The interesting part of the interview was that it surrounded Le‘s career activity being heavily set in Asia, namely Macau, which might make for a few giveaways about what these aforementioned projects will entail as they are now coming to light in their embryotic stages. Nonetheless, it’s safe to say that Le has the fans going wild, so it will be worth paying attention to in the years and months ahead with more news to come.
Le‘s newest action thriller, Puncture Wounds, directed by James Coyne and Giorgio Serafini, and also starring Dolph Lundgren is now available wherever films are sold. In the meantime, watch the video, subscribe to his official Facebook page and stay excited!
H/T: Paul Martell