The New Legend of Shaolin (1994) User Reviews

Decent Jet Li flick

[Pilsung89 · 6/10 · 18 April 2008]

Legend of the Red Dragon is a typical low budget martial arts period movie starring the legendary Jet Li. There is nothing too amazing or classic about this movie, but it's worth buying if your a hardcore martial arts or Jet Li fan.

The story is nothing original. It's the typical plot for a typical movie. Li's village is massacred by the ruling dynasty, he flees with his young son and teaches him martial arts. The two keep running from officials across the country, and end up protecting Shaolin kids also being sought by the empire. The acting is wooden, as would be expected. The movie is very predictable, and the comedy is corny. The characters are largely stereotypical, such as the female con artist, invincible villain, and arrogant children.

One special thing about this film is that we get to see Jet's abilities with the spear. The spear is one of Jet's better weapons, and it's not too common for him to use it in his movies. It is similar yet quite different from the staff, which Jet has used frequently through his career. Jet is pretty amazing with the spear, so it's a wonder why he doesn't use it more frequently.

All in all, it's an average Hong Kong 90's action movie. If your a big fan of Jet Li, get it to watch Jet Li with a spear. Otherwise, it's nothing. fancy.

American re-release a crime

[winner55 · 6/10 · 29 April 2006]

The American re-release of this film, "Legend of the Red Dragon", is a mess. Shows how important seven minutes can be to a film. Deannie Yip's part (Red Bean's mother) is ripped to shreds for no discernible reason whatsoever, which unfortunately makes an important plot twist seem trivial. Also, she has the best comic moments in the original film. Columbia-Tristar is the villain here. They must think 'Fu film fans are stupid - which only goes to show how stupid THEY are. A real insult.

The original film is by no means a great film; intentionally anachronistic and overly dependent on special effects, it is clearly a kind of throwaway for Jet Li and director Wong Jing (although certainly not as trashy as their Wong Fei Hung parody, "Great Hero/ Last Hero of China"). Still, it is entertaining to a surprising extent, largely thanks to Yip's comic performance. If you can find the original (I saw it on a Tai Seng tape), don't expect much, but you may find yourself enjoying it for the characters if not the martial arts.

Passable fun, although it's a pity Jet Li has so little screen time

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 13 October 2017]

I caught this one under the title LEGEND OF THE RED DRAGON. Unfortunately it was the dubbed English version so I had to do my best to ignore the stupid American accents. This one's a wuxia fable chronicling the antics of some youthful Shaolin children who fight back against overwhelming odds. Stacked against them is a terrible human monster and the troops of a cruel general with murder in mind. Luckily, they have a career-peak Jet Li helping them out too.

This film is co-directed by Wong Jing and Corey Yuen, so it has all of the madcap comedy and plentiful action sequences you'd expect. The action is very much wire work assisted and fantasy-tinged, but I enjoyed it regardless, and the cinematography is fun and over the top in that best 1990s Hong Kong tradition. Li only has a supporting role here, but there are fun turns from Chingamy Yau (with a meaty, comedic character) and the great former Shaw Brothers villain Johnny Wang Lung Wei doing what he does best.

This One of My Favorite Kung-fu Movies

[and187 · 9 October 2001]

This movie is crazy, and i mean it!! The Martial Arts in this movie is awesome. It was a shame that Jet Li used his Spear in the whole movie, but he did a great job any way. I especially liked Tze Miu as Man-ting, his Martial Arts skills is incredible. The story is about Hung Hey-kwun and his son, who is escaping from an invincible evil Manchu(Nice Martial Arts). I give this movie 10/10

Fun, but not Great

[crypto88 · 6/10 · 10 September 2000]

This is an okay Jet Li flick if you're into crazy wire work instead of real kung fu. I enjoyed it, but Jet Li has done better. He's also done worse. The kid who played Jet's son was great, though. Go check out Fist of Legend (original dubbed version is the best) or Tai-Chi Master (released in english dubbed form as Twin Warriors). I think someone else suggested this as well. Frankly, Jet's screen persona has always been kind of wooden. He's a martial artist, not an actor. So why does he hardly ever get to show off what he's REALLY capable of? If you want to see a Jet Li movie thats even wilder, crazier, and has more action (albeit wire-work) then check out Kung Fu Cult Master.

The New Legend Of Shaolin

[Hussain-AL-Naseer · 7/10 · 15 April 2020]

One of the blast from the past as we 90's kids especially South Asian's were so obsessed with Martial Arts movies. Jet-Li didn't get his due credit as Jackie Chan gained popularity in masses with his diversified collaborations with movies having both tough fight sequences blended with sheer humor. That is why here I'm recommending one of the good movie from Jet-Li as it's been not watched or even known to the masses. The story revolves around some ancient legend and how Father-Son Duo are chosen to become the protector. Fight sequences from Jet-li and the small kid played the role of his son is the main highlight to watch. The film will definitely give you old classic martial movie vibes which is the only reason this movie should be watched so don't go with high hopes with CGI effects and all just enjoy it as any other Bollywood masala movie.

A pretty cool martial arts movie with an interesting plot

[The-Sarkologist · 7/10 · 17 October 2013]

Well this movie is another Hong Kong action movie staring the kungfu legend Jet Li. There is nothing deep about this movie, all it is is an action packed romp with strange enemies, unreal fighting maneuvers, and a dash of the Hong Kong spice that make these movies more exciting than those one sees in America.

The New Shoalin is about Hung and his son. He is betrayed by a brother Shoalin who kills his family and then tries to kill him. Hung defeats him and then wonders the land to deal with the new oppressive regime. Seven years on, Hung is still following is quest and his son has become a very competent martial artists. In a city he is betrayed again, but as he has no money, he is forced to bodyguard an unscrupulous rich man. At the same time, two thieves, the notorious mother and notorious daughter, have latched onto him. Hung knows these thieves' intention, but he cannot convince his master of it.

When the Shoalin Temple is destroyed they believe that he is be dead so his brother attempts to find the location of a large treasure horde, the map of which is tattooed on the back of five children. These children wind up in the same place as Hung, and when his nemesis, now known as the poison man, appears, he must protect the kids and the two thieves, the younger of which has fallen for him.

As I previously said, there is not much depth in this movie, but one watches it for the action. Things are quite predictable, but the stunts, or rather the moves, are quite extraordinary, especially since they are performed quite unrealistically. This does not matter because Hong Kong cinema generally does not want to be purely correct. They appreciate a bit of fantasy in their movies.

Alright you weird f***er, back in the armadillo!

[stugenvier · 2/10 · 6 February 2007]

Opening with some sort of battle in front of a fire with a small child and a large knife, New Legend of Shaolin seems to have only one parallel to the old legends: the complete and utter strangeness of the movie. In order to compensate for the plot, or maybe attempt to add some humorous elements, the director decides to have his actors tattoo some dwarf-like children, eat some chicken ass, fight a poisonous juice man who lives in a chrome armadillo, and watch Jet Li for a little bit. Definitely one of the most comical Shaolin movies I've seen, and it has the added benefit of being able to be ridiculed non-stop, as all dialogue is subtitled and all plot is nonsensical. ONLY watch this if you are an obscenely obsessed Jet Li fan or a pro at MST3K style commentary.

Full version highly recommended!

[archienina99 · 8/10 · 10 April 2007]

Great, fun martial arts flick. Very tongue-in-cheek and light-hearted. Excellent chemistry and performances from all the main actors.

Jet Li plays a serious, heroic character like something out of a comic book - this is one of the earliest movies I've seen using this comic-book technique. His son is simply amazing and funny as a very disciplined young martial artist. On their journey they come across a couple of con-artists (mother and daughter) with the most hilarious results. A hero's quest with a range of other fantastic characters thrown in make for a great comic, action-adventure story.

Also great for all the family. It explores themes of loyalty and traditional Chinese father-son, mother-daughter, peer, and romantic relationships in a silly but highly enjoyable manner.

Make sure you see the full, subtitled version though. Not the cut-down version or the poor dubbed version.

Seen the "Red Dragon" version

[mluinstra · 7/10 · 11 October 2022]

Good Kung Fu picture with terrible English dubbing.

This is one of those comedic Kung Fu movies. Don't take it too seriously, just sit back and watch some amazing fight scenes.

Jet Li is the only character playing it straight as the movie's hero. The kid playing his little brother is amazing as well. Really impressed with this kid's abilities at such a young age.

I don't know who did the English dubbing, but they should be shot or never work in this area again. It was just SO bad. I can't stress this point enough. Especially the villan voices. However, it is worth it just so you can enjoy the cool fight scenes.

Some of the fight scenes are just amazing, such as 2 large metal balls that come in and separate into several warriors with metal shields. Jet Li and son have a mystical spear that does amazing things, and makes for many cool fight scenes. Some very creative and mind-blowing choreographed fights in this movie.

Definitely worth watching.

I thought this was sub-par, even for the genre

[hagakure-3 · 2/10 · 25 March 2008]

I liked the "Once Upon a Time in China" series, but I hated this dubbed version of Legend of the New Shaolin. The script is dull, silly (as opposed to humorous) and has a lot of inconsistencies and illogical actions. The thin plot is not particularly interesting, the dialog is incredibly campy and made worse by perhaps the worst dub voice acting I've ever heard (Jet Li's monotone dub actor actually... pauses to... let his Chinese... lips... catch up... to his English... words). The fight scenes -- hello, the whole POINT -- are not particularly good. Jet Li restricts himself to using a "magic" spear through the whole film, does too much wire work and not enough actual demonstration of his awesome talent, and the constant quick camera cuts make it hard to really follow and admire the action. There's a lot more blood than I'm used to in this genre, too. Also, Li spends virtually the whole movie fighting an "invincible" guy, who looks like Pinhead minus the pins, smeared with peanut butter, and who drives around in a ridiculous-looking armadillo version of the Batmobile. These fights are pointless and boring because you already know the "immortal" bad guy can't be beaten by Li's kung fu, and you eventually see his cause of death coming from ten minutes away -- and even that is implausible. I won't spoil the ending, but hey, early in the film the guy lies on a big cartoonish bundle of dynamite straight out of a Roadrunner cartoon and isn't killed by the explosion, so the way they eventually kill him shouldn't work, either (I don't consider that a spoiler, you know darn well the #1 bad guy must die horribly at the end of every action film). So, anyway... bad script, bad dialog, HORRIBLE dubbing (and no option for original Chinese with subtitles), less than enthralling fight scenes, and more blood and guts than usual. What's to like?

Awesome Martial Art Movie

[lu_morning · 9/10 · 11 April 2004]

I watched the dvd dubbed version of the movie. It was 80 minutes of fun and entertainment. I'm a big Jet Li fan and have seen many of his films and I must say this is on the top 5 list he is in. The casts were a great mix. The movie kept a fast action, high octane flow from the beginning to the end. I was either excited by the awesome action scenes, laughing out loud on the humorous scenes, or just enjoying the beautiful sceneries. The music to the movie was awesome too. It was shear enjoyment. I'll definitely watch it again and again in the future. Jet Li played a martial art master skilled in the magic spear and in this movie you get to see his skill with spears and the amazing things he can do with it from the opening action scene.

It's short enough to be watched on some idle evening but believe me you are in for a treat...especially if you are into martial art and period movies. A happy fan.

Hooray for bizarre legends!

[smccar77 · 7/10 · 7 March 2011]

"The New Legend of Shaolin," is an absurd and fantastical romp of an action film. The movie is definitely not a traditional kung fu film; rather, it is a collection of physics defying fights and traditional Chinese morals loosely held together by a semi-coherent plot. The combinations found in the film are bizarre enough to be very humorous. However, the same bizarreness could also be interpreted as slipshod filmmaking and genre exploitation. TNLOS is a film targeted at audiences who enjoy caricature. Expectations of masterful displays of physical prowess are never met. On the other hand, tongue in cheek silliness quotients are more than amply filled.

TNLOS is not in any way a serious film. In fact, the film is best categorized as a kung fu comedy oddity. As such, the film relies on some bending assumptions. First, the action defies any and all laws of nature. The audience is assumed to suspend all sense of reality. At no point in the film does a fight sequence have the least plausibility. The effect is that violence becomes a comedic device. Action is anticipated not only for its excitement, but also for its humor. The dual function of the action could be off putting to some. A serious fan of martial arts will not be treated to perfected examples of pure form. The physical talent is highlighted through extended shots and choreographies of outright silly violence. The action is, therefore, intended as more of a visual treat than a serious display. A second assumption has to do with the word "legend." The film is not a historically accurate period piece. This should be obvious from the title. TNLOS is a legend and follows the conventions of Asian legends. The characters are of a stock nature. The story incorporates supernatural elements and hyperbole. The themes are allegorical in nature. These facets of legends are expected to be understood. Had the film been titled, "The Real Accurate History of Shaolin Temple," a great deal of criticism would be warranted. However, the film is a legend and as such revels in some of the bizarre plot elements a legend allows for. For example, why does the main antagonist drive a polished metal car into battle? Well, the anachronism firmly establishes him as a supernatural force not to be trifled with. Is the anachronism goofy? Absolutely and positively yes. Yet, when understood within the context of a fantastical legend, the audience is not too hard pressed to accept the blatant oddity.

The above interpretation aside, this is a truly bizarre film. While themes of familial devotion, ethical behavior, and struggle against oppression are familiar; the film as a whole is out right weird. The characters are quirky to the point of being potentially obnoxious. Jet Li turns in a quiet and stoic performance which could be seen as boring. The melodramatic deviousness of the female leads is endearing and/or obnoxious. The plot structure is extremely basic. As such the film does occasionally allow for some very large holes and incoherencies. The above criticisms do take away from the film. However, as a whole, the simple plot, accessible themes, quirky characters, and over the top action are more than enough to offset the film's problems. TNLOS is worth seeing for its strangeness factor. The odd internal logic of the film is just enough to keep the story from degrading into a collection of weird vignettes. While the film will not likely be remembered for excellence in filmmaking, the odd ball fun of the film will guarantee a cult status.

On a personal note, I will definitely be pushing this film on friends. The movie is perfect fodder for a night of pizza, beer, and running commentary. With appropriately low expectations and a taste for bizarreness, this is a near perfect film. 6.5 of 10 stars.

I expected something tolerable, but was disappointed.

[BSdude · 1/10 · 14 April 2000]

Sometimes when I expect a movie to be only tolerably good I am pleasantly surprised -- not so with this movie. I wanted to see some amazing Jet Li action, but instead all I saw was a movie that was completely pointless and ridiculous. People fly through the air to impossible heights; little kids can jump into the air and float. Jet Li movies do not have to be like this for he has amazing skill and can perform more impressive fight scenes without the aid of lines. There were also some unneeded comedic elements including scenes with young boys doing impossible feats. These scenes may have ruined the movie completely, as they detracted from the main event. Jet Li didn't do anything nearly as impressive as what I saw in some of his other movies, and he didn't have much screen time. If you want to see a real Jet Li movie you should see Fist of Legend or Tai Chi Master.

The Jet and his son

[LtdTimeAuthor · 15 March 2006]

An entertaining Jet Li period vehicle, which Li co-produced. Li plays a Chinese folk hero, a rebel who battled a violent, repressive Manchu government. Li teams with 10 year old martial arts prodigy, Xie Miao, who effectively portrays Li's kung-fu fighting son. The duo have some similarities to the "Lone Wolf and Cub" team in numerous, more atmospheric, very gory Japanese movies of the 1970's. Li and son are joined by a sly mother/daughter con artist team to protect 5 young boys who each have a segment of a rebel map tattooed on their back.

Fine photography and inventive action sequences, especially the opener, and one with a clever Trojan horse variant. Li's fight scenes are wondrous, as usual, but his part seems too stiffly written for a fluffy, child-oriented action film with much comic relief. Deannie Yip and sensual Chingmy Yau are energetic and funny as the kung-fu mother/daughter scammers.

The English dubbed version, made in 2000, has excellent, witty dialogue and appropriate voices. Prolific Hong Kong writer/director Wong Jing cameos in the closing scene.

Worth watching for Jet Li

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 1 January 2010]

There is nothing that compares to a Jet Li movie when you want martial arts action. He is the best there is, and I cannot understand why they tried to make something that I would expect of Jackie Chan.

The government is looking for maps to rebel treasure, and Jet Li is in hiding with his son Ting (Miu Tse), who gives a great performance for a 10-year-old. It is almost a Chinese version of Star Wars and features plenty of action scenes, as you would expect.

They even come into contact with a couple of con artists, played by the lovely Chingmy Yau, and Deannie Yip as her mother. They both added tremendously to the movie.

Everything about the movie was great with the exception of the dialog. The constant effort to be funny just detracted from a good story. Jet Li doesn't need Jackie Chan dialog to be good; he is great as he is.

Why oh freaking why was this dubbed?

[vmalast · 1/10 · 9 September 2018]

I'm writing this for those who don't mind reading subtitles and who hate dubbing. I hate dubbing!!!!!! I'd rather hear the language with honest emotions (ya, I know, they are acting) rather than someone in a sound studio trying unsuccessfully to sound the part. I lasted about 5 minutes. There should be a warning about dubbing.

Insane, amazing kung-fu action!

[Neutron · 10/10 · 22 February 1999]

This movie doesn't take itself seriously, but it's one of my favorites of all time. Amazing action sequences with fighters that do not observe the laws of physics, and a plot that gets stranger and stranger.

A duplicate???

[view_and_review · 5/10 · 16 July 2008]

Man. I've seen too many kung fu movies because they are all blending together in my head. As I'm watching this one the opening scene was identical to an 80's samurai movie. Then as the movie progressed I realized that everything was looking very familiar... I had seen this movie under another title: "Legend of the Red Dragon" except a bit choppier.

The movie was OK. I like Jet Li, but I especially like the boy playing his son. I found it hard to believe that the movie was from 1994 when it looked like it was from 1984. The story was very rough, broken, and amateur, the fights were nothing special either. The boy saved the movie from being unwatchable.

comic book type fun!

[tingy-2 · 10/10 · 30 May 2004]

I'm sure that in it's original Cantonese version this was a fairly serious and good quality film. The absolutely cheesy overdubbing has turned this movie into a real B movie gem....silliness at it's best. I haven't been this entertained since the old Japanese Rain Delay Theater was cancelled! Any rainy afternoon you can pop this in and have an entertaining day just for the fun of it! The young actors involved in this film are talents and the adult martial arts can be enjoyed on an grown up level...they can't be spoiled by the artlessness of the dubbing!

See this movie only if you are a brain dead moron.

[diggler_inc · 1/10 · 18 February 2002]

Jet Li has made some pretty good movies such as Once Upon a Time in China and Kiss of the Dragon, but the fact is he makes more bad movies than good ones. This is one of his typical bad ones, directed by the king of schlock, Wong Jing. The lowest budget Hollywood movies put to shame the special effects in this one. It has the most obvious looking dummies I've ever seen on film. Deannie Yip(the mom) plays the only likable character in this idiotic movie.The action and suspense lack excitement because the impossible can happen at any time in this silly movie. This movie is stupid! It amazes me that this garbage can pass as entertainment in some countries.

Worth seeing if you like Jet Li's Chinese films

[palace_master · 8 December 2004]

Definitely a movie worthy of watching. I have a complete set of all Jet Li's movies (Chinese and American made) and feel that it deserves a higher rating than others have given it. Reviewers must realize that kung fu movies are fun movies with lots of action and a weak plot. You can't compare them to Hollywood's finest productions, because people have to realize that they were meant to be released in Asia only and that they are to be compared to other Asian fighting shows. Now that I've finished ranting about other's reviews let's get back to talking about the show. Jet Li plays a different character than the usual Master Wong or Master Fong. Jet usually plays the master of the kung fu club or society, but in this case him and his son are rebel outcasts of the main society. I'm not going to spoil the movie for you, but it's the usual plot of a kung fu movie - he fights the true bad guys, picks up a sexy girl who falls in love with Jet, and he fathers and trains his son. By the way, I only watch the Chinese original movies because I'd rather read the sub titles and hear the original music and read the proper meaning of the show. I understand that influences my reviews because others may be seeing badly translated dubs with stupid voices in them.Rent or buy the proper versions if you can. The theme song for Fong Sai Yuk (Jet's character in the 'Once Upon a Time in China' series is an awesome instrumental song) If you're picky about production quality, quality of plot, etc. etc. then don't watch Chinese produced Jet Li movies. Some of my other favourite Jet Li movies are 'Last Hero in China' and 'Hitman'

Jet Li's Image breakthrough - Review of "Legend of the Red Dragon"

[kampolam-75813 · 5/10 · 23 January 2023]

"Legend of the Red Dragon" (1994) is an important breakthrough in Jet Li Lianjie's films. It officially removed his juvenile image from "Shaolin Temple" (1982) to "The Legend" (1993), Wong Jing and Corey Yuen Kwai personally turned him into a taciturn, sad-faced man, and he also took young children to the arena, and won the sympathy and love of the female audience. Although, since then, in order to maintain this image, Jet Li has continued to be "cool" regardless of the needs of the plot, causing adverse effects, but this is another story.

"Legend of the Red Dragon" still maintains Corey Yuen's excellent martial arts choreography, but in terms of completeness and spirit, it's always inferior to his predecessor "The Legend", coupled with Wong Jing's vulgar jokes and plots, so that the film has many flaws. However, on the other hand, Hung Hei-Kwun (the Chinese name of the film), the protagonist of the film, became distrustful and indifferent to people in the face of the betrayal of his relatives and fellow apprentices. However, Red Bean and her mother (played by Chingmy Yau Suk-Ching and Deanie Ip Tak-Han), who depend on stealing and abduction for a living, regain their true feelings and trust. Such typical characters and plots still hit the nail on the head for the utilitarian and sympathetic Hong Kong audience.

As for Hung Hei-Kwun, a martial arts hero, he actually has more room to play than Fong Sai-Yuk (the protagonist of "The Legend", that is also the Chinese name of the film), and can even give new historical significance. Unfortunately, Wong Jing and Corey Yuen only know how to portray him as a hero in the world of martial arts, and they lack the consciousness and imagination like "The Legend".

By Kam Po LAM (original in Chinese)

Fun Jet Li Kung Fu Flick

[gangstahippie · 9/10 · 31 December 2007]

Rated R for Violence and Some Language

I saw parts of the dubbed version of this film a few years ago on showcase action but I just saw the full subtitled version on the OMNI channel in Canada.The film stars Jet Li before he was famous in North America.Its an interesting film, very funny at times, good mix of drama and an interesting storyline.The film is about five kids who train at the shaolin temple who have a treasure map tattoed on their backs.The government wants the kids and they must go hiding before they are found.Jet Li and his son are poor and roam around.They find work as a bodyguard for a man who has been suckered by a young woman and her mother who plays dead.Jet Li tries to protect the master from this girl who is trying to steal his valuables.Meanwhile there is a man who was thought to have been killed out for revenge.He now looks like a monster and is more powerful than he was before.The Legend Of The Red Dragon is a funny martial arts film that is recommended to Jet Li fans or fans of martial arts/comedies in general.

The little kids were great! 4/10

[leonblackwood · 4/10 · 13 December 2014]

Review: I quite enjoyed this movie, mainly because of the little Shaolin boys and there great martial art techniques. After Jet Li finds his village completely destroyed, he goes on a quest with his son to the find the killers. Its quite a basic storyline but it's easy to loose the plot. I liked the old lady in the movie but I didn't get the pizza looking guy who looked like he had bits of kebab all over his face. The film seemed cheaply made and some of the jokes weren't that funny but the kids were great and fun to watch. Average!

Round-Up: Although this movie was made in 1994, it seemed very dated and the camera work was shoddy. That's not a total bad thing because some of the greatest Kung Fu movies were made in the 70's, but this movie should have looked better for that period. With that aside, you can't help enjoying the kiddie monks, especially when there battling each other. It won't go down as an all time classic, but it's a watchable Kung Fu movie which is authentic and amusing in parts.

I recommend this movie to people who are into their Jet Li movies about a man who travels with his son to find out who destroy,ed his village and brutally killed his wife. 4/10