Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen
LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZEN (Blu-ray)
Metrodome Distribution
Release date: January 31st 2011
Certificate (UK): 18
Running time: 102 minutes
Language: Cantonese/Japanese with English subtitles
Director: Wai Keung Lau
Cast: Donnie Yen, Qi Shu
The iconic martial arts hero Chen Zhen was first played by the legendary Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury (1972) and then by Jet Li in Fist of Legend (1994). This time Donnie Yen takes over and re-brands the character in his own unique style, introducing a new generation to the cult character.
The story begins in 1920’s China when Chen Zhen is presumed dead, supposedly killed in a shower of bullets although his body has never been found. Years later, wealthy entrepreneur Koo returns from abroad and makes a grand entrance on the Shanghai social scene befriending a notorious mafia boss.
Koo is Chen Zhen in disguise working to infiltrate the criminal empire and find a connection between the mafia and Japanese but Kiki (Shu Qi), a beautiful singer in the Casablanca Club, is somehow in the middle of it all.
Yen played Chen Zhen in the 1995 television series Fist of Fury which contained 30 episodes. Legend of the Fist is a continuation of this series, but also includes Yen’s tribute to Bruce Lee with elements of Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid of the martial arts system and life philosophy founded by Lee in 1967.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Exclusive Behind The Scenes Footage (50 mins)
- Interview with Donnie Yen (10 mins)
From its opening sequences with Chen Zhen fighting his way through an army of German soldiers to the bustling streets of Shanghai in the roaring 20’s, Legend of the Fist is spectacular feast for the eyes with colours, sets and action. Having seen Fist of Fury and Fist of Legend, Legend of the Fist is great new chapter for the character but also a great homage to the martial films from 70’s and 80’s.
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