Cast Member: Yu Shao-Qun

One of the better mainland films of recent years and probably the best of the ones that focus on the revolution.

Yet another good looking Chinese epic that tries to cram way too much historical happenings into a somewhat brief running time but is still an okay stab by Chan to tackle “serious” filmmaking once again.

After an appalling first half, perhaps we can be grateful that it at least becomes watchable.

The dramatic framework is sturdy enough to make ‘Shaolin’ emotionally engaging, while the Yuen Kwai-orchestrated action is a delightful throwback to the Golden Age.