CALL OF HEROES is an action movie set in 1914's China, made as a collaboration between Hong Kong and China. Thankfully it's more like a Hong Kong movie than a Chinese one. The director is the veteran Benny Chan, who has helmed some of Jackie's greatest latter-day movies, and the story is an interesting siege scenario in which an evil general's forces besiege a small town.
For once, story dominates the narrative instead of action. Louis Koo goes over the top but is highly effective as the ruthless villain of the piece, while Wu Jing plays his loyal henchman. The good guys are represented by Eddie Peng as a wandering swordsman hero, and the excellently gruff Lau Ching Wan as the whip-wielding town sheriff.
I could have done with a little more action, but the martial arts fights are well handled with choreography by the great Sammo Hung (who has a tiny cameo). The opening restaurant brawl is a highlight, as is the 'jar mountain' battle and the explosive incident of the climax. The film resorts to the usual wire work and CGI but it isn't as noticeable here as in a film, say, from the mainland.
For once, story dominates the narrative instead of action. Louis Koo goes over the top but is highly effective as the ruthless villain of the piece, while Wu Jing plays his loyal henchman. The good guys are represented by Eddie Peng as a wandering swordsman hero, and the excellently gruff Lau Ching Wan as the whip-wielding town sheriff.
I could have done with a little more action, but the martial arts fights are well handled with choreography by the great Sammo Hung (who has a tiny cameo). The opening restaurant brawl is a highlight, as is the 'jar mountain' battle and the explosive incident of the climax. The film resorts to the usual wire work and CGI but it isn't as noticeable here as in a film, say, from the mainland.