Watch New Dragon Gate Inn

New Dragon Gate Inn is a exhilarating, action-packed martial arts film that was directed by Raymond Lee and released in 1992. The movie stars Tony Ka Fai Leung, Brigitte Lin, and Maggie Cheung, among other renowned actors. The story is set in ancient China and revolves around a power struggle between the imperial court and the state of Yunnan. A rebellious general named Chow Wai-On (Chin Siu-ho) has been imprisoned by the corrupt government for daring to speak out against them. He manages to escape and takes refuge in the New Dragon Inn, an isolated establishment run by a family of innkeepers who are secretly part of a group of rebels plotting to overthrow the imperial regime.

Meanwhile, one of the emperor's top enforcers, Yu Shu-lien (Lin), is sent on a mission to exterminate the rebels hiding out in the New Dragon Inn. She is accompanied by her lover, Meng Sizhao (Leung), who is a highly-skilled swordsman. Once they reach the inn, they find themselves caught up in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.

The main attraction of New Dragon Gate Inn is its incredible fight sequences, which are expertly choreographed and executed by the actors. Long before wire-fu became a staple of Hong Kong cinema, this film was pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of on-screen combat. The action sequences are breathtaking in their precision and grace, with the heroes leaping and spinning around each other in a ballet of blades.

The standout performance in the movie belongs to Brigitte Lin, who portrays the enigmatic Yu Shu-lien. Lin has a commanding presence on screen and she imbues her character with a sense of inner turmoil that makes her all the more fascinating to watch. She also gets to show off her martial arts skills in several memorable scenes.

Tony Leung is equally impressive as Meng Sizhao, the stoic hero who gradually warms to the rebels' cause. Leung has a natural charisma that makes him an ideal leading man, and his fight scenes are a testament to his physical prowess.

Maggie Cheung, who plays the headstrong innkeeper Jade, doesn't get as much screen time as the other two stars, but she still manages to make an impact. Her character is tough and resourceful, and Cheung portrays her with a fiery intensity that makes her stand out from the rest of the ensemble.

The film's production design is also noteworthy, with the New Dragon Inn itself standing out as a memorable location. The inn is perched on a cliff overlooking a vast desert, and its gloomy, atmospheric interiors are the perfect backdrop for the film's tense, dramatic moments.

In terms of storytelling, New Dragon Gate Inn is a bit thin on character development and plot, but it makes up for it with its sheer energy and spectacle. The movie is a perfect encapsulation of the hyperkinetic, stylish aesthetic that defined Hong Kong action cinema in the 1990s. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, but still manages to thrill and entertain with its expertly choreographed fight scenes and colorful characters.

Overall, New Dragon Gate Inn is a must-see for fans of Hong Kong cinema, martial arts movies, and action films in general. It's a classic of the genre that still holds up today, more than 30 years after its original release. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure, a showcase of impressive stunt work, or simply a fun ride, this film has something for everyone.