The second and last of Vincent Zhao's performances as Wong Fei Hung. This one feels a little closer to the original trilogy thanks to the return of Tsui Hark as director alongside Rosamund Kwan bringing more continuity. Unfortunately her return means that the other actress is now superfluous. Hark's never been a favourite director of mine and this one is typically messy and overblown, with thoroughly outlandish action sequences throughout. The plot is less political this time around and simply has Hong and his buddies battling bloodthirsty pirates. There's a greater emphasis on comedy from Max Mok and others which some may not care for, although I didn't mind it personally. Xin Xin Xiong has some wild moves once again and the John Woo gun guy is a fun addition to the cast. Jet Li would come back to this series for once final instalment.

This movie was the fifth in the epic OUATIC series and Zhao Wen-Zhou's second performance as Wong Fei-Hung. However, this movie is by far the least of the series. The plot deals with Master Wong and his bumbling cohorts and their attempts to fight off pirates. The conflict between the pirates and the heroes seems quite underdeveloped. There is too much goofball humor between Clubfoot, Sol, Butcher Wing, and Foon. Zhao isn't given much of a chance to use any of his skills. This movie doesn't have the epic scope or historical themes that made the first three movies great. The movie is also incredibly violent. The love story between Master Wong and Aunt Yee was basically left alone after a while leaving the viewer wondering what's to come of it. The only things that make this movie worth watching are some good gunplay, Xiong Xin Xin's excellent kicks, and some Wushu by Zhao Wen-Zhuo.

Oct 21

Once upon a time in china V betters the last one and gets back to the standard of numbers 2 and 3.

No Jet Li again but Rosamund Kwan is back, the humour rolls along nicely in this one and we get some pirates.

Good addition to the series.

Jet Li wasn't in 4 and 5 but was busy during these years making some seriously impressive films including Last Hero In China, which is effectively a bit of a comedy take on this series, but happens to be an excellent comedy martial arts film.

8 out of 10.