Flying Swords Of Dragon Gate

I like to imagine that these Chinese historical epics are set on another planet in a galaxy far far away. It makes all the Jedi like sword fights and aerial acrobatics seem more plausible.

The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate is an upcoming wuxia film directed by Tsui Hark and starring Jet Li, Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, Li Yuchun, Kwai Lun-mei, Louis Fan and Mavis Fan. The film is a remake of Dragon Gate Inn (1966) and New Dragon Gate Inn (1992).

The story involves two evil civil service organizations (East Bureau and West Bureau) fighting against each other while looking for a young pregnant concubine who could be carrying the Emperor's heir. It's all very evil and corrupt if not for the young female and trio of male sword fighters who take it upon themselves to protect the young girl.

They are Jianghu Swordsmen, master less swordsmen who travel around the country helping people when they can. They are the only ones who can face down the evil of the government around them.


Along the way we are treated to gorgeous scenery, magnificent battles, tender love and cannibals who drink wine made from human flesh. Despite many deaths, they are relatively bloodless so you can watch this one with the kids. It's easy to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys.

It took me awhile to figure out who everyone was. Sometimes a subtitled movie doesn't allow you to really catch up until about a third of the way through. At that point I no longer really cared about the subtlety of a story that really was all about flying swords and flying sword fights (hence the title).

I loved watching the tactics that the few use to battle the many. Throwing huge logs at your opponents ahead of you flying towards them with your blade is often an effective distraction.

Ohm, did I mention that huge goofy fight in the sandstorm?



This is a Jet Li movie that brings the best of his style of filmaking to the story. The effects are not as elegant as many similar type Chinese movies but it is entertaining nonetheless.