Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Hmmmm.... I really like this film. Watched it last night for the first time, and I am so glad I did. It has taken me too long to get a hold of a copy of it, as it was a film that I had been wanting to see for quite a while, pretty much soley because it starred Michelle Yeoh. Ever since I saw her in Jackie Chan's Police Story 3:Supercop I have thought she was one complete babe who can kick butt better than most men. Surprise surprise that is what she does in this film, and it is a joy to watch, even if there is a little too much wire work.

Yeoh stars as Wing Chun, a very tough girl and martial arts expert who spends appears to spend more time doing what are considered man things, rather than concentrating on being feminine and her soya bean curd business. One day a girl called Charmy arrives in town with her husband who is critically ill. After being refused help from the town members, a group of bandits set out to kidnap her and to bring her back to there 2nd in command leader, in order for her to be his wife. Wing Chun disagrees with these intentions and saves her. After her husband dies, Charmy has no where to go, and Wing Chun and her friend take her in and employ her in their soya bean curd business.

The bandits, however, seek revenge on Wing Chun as they were humiliated in being beaten by a female, and set out to defeat her, and kidnap Charmy again.

Meanwhile, Wing Chun's love interest from the past makes an appearance (Donnie Yen), but on arrival at the soya bean curd shop he mistakes Charmy for Wing Chun, as he did not know that Wing Chun had become a martial arts master. Many, admittedly, pretty funny scenes arise from this confusion, and nicely help to make the film all the more enjoyable.

Anyway, the bandits main leader decides to challenge Wing Chun to a fight and if she loses she is to become his wife. Which leads up to the main two final fights between Wing Chun and the bandit's leader. The last one where Wing Chun is looking more feminine, and is using the shorter swords against the long spear is of particular note worthy mention.

The choreography on display is of a very high standard, as you would expect from Yuen Woo Ping, but again there is to much reliance on wires to make the fights look more spectacular. It just doesn't seem right for a person to be able to jump 30 foot in the air and things like that, which is a shame as the fights that don't use the wires as much are just as spectacular looking. With the abilities Yeoh and Yen display throughout, I am pretty sure the fights could still have been breath taking without any wires.

The comic relief in the film is brought by Wing Chun's two friends, Charmy and the other one who I can't remember the name of, but is reffered to as Stinky at points, and also by a very horny scholar who is out to seduce one of the women. He doesn't seem to be particularly bothered which one, as he moves from one to another at a quick speed! It is Stinky who is the funniest though, as she is a girl that says what is on her mind, in no uncertain terms! This bluntness is often very out loud laugh worthy!

Anyway, if you like seeing women, and in particular Michelle Yeoh, kick butt because you are sick of all the macho men being the martial art masters, this is a good place to start. Yeoh is brilliant, and the supporting cast too are all more than worthy.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older