FIRE DRAGON

Starring: Brigitte Lin, Max Mox Siu Chung, Sandra Ng, Dan Lap Man

Prince Six is planning on usurping the throne for himself. A letter that details his treachery is in the hands of a loyalist general. Fire Dragon (Brigitte Lin) is sent by Prince SIx to recover the letter at all cost, but she is stopped by the intervention of Yuen Ming (Max Mox), who flees with the letter to the headquarters of a performing troupe.

Yuen hides in the compound, waiting for a chance to inform the Prime Minister of the prince's treason. Meanwhile, Fire Dragon disguises herself as a normal girl and infiltrates the place of the troupe, hoping to steal the letter. Whilst there, Fire Dragon immerses herself into the lives of the men and women of the troupe, and she begins to enjoy herself, to the extent that she recovers her own conscience.

Fire Dragon is directed by Yuen Wo Ping, who usually brings his touch of martial arts excellence into his films, and Fire Dragon undoubtedly has his mark. The action is pacey as well as stunning, and although there is extensive use of wires, I don't think it detracts from this kind of film. If you liked films such as Swordsman (and its sequel) and Tai Chi Master, then this would definitely appeal to you to.

Performances are not amazing, with the exception of Brigitte Lin, whose deep emotional eyes literally draws you into its depth. I don't think there is another Hong Kong actress with such an amazing set of eyes - absolutely stunning. Another good mention is Max Mox, who rids his usual goofy comical self and turns up a serious role as the swordsman Yuen Ming. But it cannot be said of Sandra Ng, who plays Lyn Yu, the owner of the troupe who falls in love with the dashing Yuen. Sandra Ng is often typecast as a comical character with strange and silly situations, and she follows this trend in this film. She can be funny at times, but more annoying than most.

The uncomplicated plot about a cold-blooded killer whose conscience forces him/her to go against his/her master has been done before, and is nothing to shout home about. What makes the film stand out from the rest is the great action scenes, which, under the direction of Yuen Wo PIng, is nothing but spectacular.

RATING

7 1/2 / 10