Watch The Legend

The Legend is a 1993 martial arts film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Jet Li, Josephine Siao, and Michelle Reis. The movie tells the story of Fong Sai-yuk, a rebellious young man who becomes the leader of a group of fighters known as the Red Flower Society in 19th century China. The movie opens with Fong Sai-yuk attending a martial arts tournament held by the Manchu government. Fong is a skilled fighter, but he is also reckless and disrespectful towards authority, which gets him into trouble with the Manchu officials. In order to avoid punishment, Fong is forced to marry the governor's daughter, Ting Ting (Michelle Reis), whom he despises.

Despite his reluctance to marry Ting Ting, Fong begins to develop feelings for her, and the two eventually fall in love. However, their happiness is short-lived when the Manchu officials discover that Fong is the leader of the Red Flower Society, a secret organization that seeks to overthrow the Manchu government and restore the Ming dynasty. Fong is captured and sentenced to death, but Ting Ting helps him escape.

Fong and the Red Flower Society plan a rebellion against the Manchu government, but they face several challenges along the way. One of their main opponents is Fong's own father, Fong Tak (Josephine Siao), who is a loyal supporter of the Manchu government. Fong and his father have a strained relationship, and their conflict adds an emotional depth to the movie. Another challenge is the rival group of rebels, the White Lotus Society, who are also fighting against the Manchu regime.

The Legend is a fast-paced, action-packed movie with impressive fight scenes that showcase Jet Li's incredible martial arts skills. But the movie is not just about fighting - it also explores themes such as love, loyalty, and family. The relationship between Fong and Ting Ting is particularly touching, as they overcome their initial animosity and fall in love despite their different backgrounds.

One of the strengths of The Legend is its strong cast. Jet Li is superb as Fong Sai-yuk, bringing both charisma and vulnerability to the role. Michelle Reis is equally impressive as Ting Ting, delivering a nuanced performance that elevates her character beyond the typical damsel in distress. Josephine Siao is also excellent as Fong Tak, portraying a complex character who is torn between her loyalty to the government and her love for her son.

The movie is visually stunning, with colorful costumes and elaborate sets that transport the viewer to 19th century China. The fight scenes are choreographed brilliantly, showcasing different martial arts styles and techniques. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring traditional Chinese instruments and melodies that add to the movie's authenticity.

The Legend was a box office success in Asia, grossing over HK$30 million in Hong Kong alone. It spawned a sequel, Fong Sai-yuk II, which was released the following year. The movie has since become a cult classic among martial arts movie fans, and is considered one of Jet Li's most iconic roles.

Overall, The Legend is a must-see for fans of martial arts movies and for those who enjoy a good action-adventure story. It combines thrilling fight scenes with a touching love story and solid performances from its talented cast. If you're looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, while also tugging at your heartstrings, The Legend is the perfect choice.

The Legend is a 1993 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.