flying swords Of dragon gate (2011)

aka Long men fei jia.
"You really do deserve to die."
Zhao Huai'an (Jet Li) leads a number of warriors who battle two corrupt secret societies within the Emperor's employ. Then he finds someone is impersonating him, but why?
Lavish and complex film, that relies heavily on wire work and cgi.

peking opera blues (1986)

aka Do ma daan.
"The more men you command the more power you have."
Peking in 1913 and whilst the warlords fight for control of the city, looting takes place. During this chaos some jewels are stolen and end up in the Peking Opera. Whilst the thief tries to get the jewels back, some spys try and use the opera as cover for their attempts to obtain incriminating letters from one of the warlords.
A well crafted mix of comedy and action, makes for a Hong Kong classic featuring Brigitte Lin, Sally Yeh and Cherie Chung.

a chinese ghost story II (1990)

aka Sien nui yau wan II yan gaan do.
"I'll die with the one I love."
Ning (Leslie Cheung) is on the run after being mistaken for a bandit, and is befriended by a wandering Taoist Autumn (Jacky Cheung), who fights demons. They are attacked by some rebel warriors and Ning falls for one of their number, Windy (Joey Wong) who just happens to look like the ghost Siusin, who he fell for in the first installment. Autumn explains they are fighting the evil general and Ning tags along fascinated by Windy's resemblance to Siusin. They are determined to rescue her father who is held captive by the general, but in doing so they have to battle more than just men.
An extremely entertaining fantasy horror, which is almost the equal of its first installment. The film is an energetic and breathtaking run through various myths, legends. With incredulous monsters and evil spirits which the team must defeat, thrown in for good measure. The sometimes now cheesy effects only serve to add to the whole chaotic enjoyment.

the butterfly murders (1979)

aka Dip bin. Die Bian.
In the 'martial world' a writer attempts to solve a murder mystery. Firstly a printer is killed after agreeing to publish some pages of a diary. Then a clan leader is asked to help the owner of Shum castle, where he says they have been invaded by killer butterflies. The writer and various fighters reach the castle only to find it deserted. So they set out to try and decipher the clues and find out what is happening and who or what is behind all the killing.
Tsui Hark's debut enjoys a big reputation, possibly due to it's unavailability. Upon watching you soon realise that this is a reputation much deserved. The increasingly dark atmosphere draws you into this whodunnit, which is enlivened by some great set piece fight scenes. Rather convoluted at times, this is a film that rewards repeat viewing.

once upon a time in china III (1993)

aka Wong Fei Hung ji saam: Si wong jaang ba. Huang Fei Hong zhi san: Shi wang zheng ba. The Invincible Shaolin.
Wong Fei-Hung (Jet Li), sidekick Chung and Aunt Yee (Rosamond Kwan), are in Beijing when the Empress announces a Lion Dance martial arts contest. He meets up with a rival for Yee's affections and the lethal Club Foot, a martial arts expert who beats up Fei-Hungs father to stop him entering the Lion Dance contest.
The third instalment, brings together the main participants from the previous films, and continues the story of Fei-Hung. But this time with less of an emphasis on the politics of the day, and unfortunately the fight scenes are less punchy (if you pardon the pun). Nevertheless they produced an entertaining film, though not quite up to the standards of the previous two.

once upon a time in china II (1992)

aka Wong Fei Hung II: Nam yi dong ji keung. Huang Fei Hong II: Nan er dang zi qiang.
In this sequel, we return to Canton and martial arts expert Wong Fei-Hung's (Jet Li), struggle to rid China of the unhealthy influence of foreign powers. But this time it is Westerners, and westernised Chinese that are in real danger, due to the fanatical Kung and White Lotus society. When the White Lotus attack a medical seminar, Fei-Hung is aided by Sun Yat-Den, a rebel leader who wants to set up a Chinese Republic, but Fei-Hung's friendship with Yat-Den sets him at odds with the Manchu government official General Nap Lan, (Donnie Yen).
This is essentially more of the same, taking up to story from where it left off, more spectacular set piece fight scenes, a comedy side-kick and unrequited love between Fei-Hung and Aunt Ye (Rosamund Kwan). The final showdown between Donnie Yen and Jet Li has been called "the greatest fight of Jet Li on screen". Unlike most sequels this actually maintains the quality, a must see for martial arts fans.

once upon a time in china (1991)

aka Wong Fei Hung.
It's the late 19th century in Canton and the legendary martial arts hero Wong Fei-Hung (Jet Li), dismayed at the influence foreign countries have over China and it's people, decides to counter them. Whilst fighting against the western forces he also tries to protect Aunt Yee (Rosamund Yang), who has returned from America full of western thoughts and ideals, as they are both subject to the unwanted attentions of a local gang.
A wonderfully shot and realised film about a sensitive time in Chinese history. It fills out the characters more than most Asian films, but doesn't neglect the martial arts, with some fantastic set piece fight sequences. It also manages to cram in some romance and comic characters within this historical epic. A landmark film, well worth watching even for those not into Hong Kong action films.

zu warriors from the magic mountain (1983)

aka San suk san geen hap. Warriors from the Magic Mountain. Xin shu shan jian xia. Zu Mountain: New Legend of the Zu Mountain Swordsmen. Zu Time Warrior. Zu Warriors. Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain.
In ancient China a civil war rages. A young warrior Ti escapes the mayhem by ascending a mountain and sheltering in a cave. There he is caught up in a battle between supernatural forces and has to help defeat the blood demon.
Legendary Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark delivers a lavish fantasy epic; a magical underworld filled with demons and flying monks, and featuring some of the most cutting edge (for its time), special effects. Sure its dated by the standards of todays computer generated effects, but its still packs an entertaining punch. Forget the plot, what there is of it, just wallow in the frenetic action, Hong Kong at its best.

a chinese ghost story (1987)

aka Sien nui yau wan
Ning Tsai-Shen, is a scholar making a living collecting taxes. Then one night he's forced to sleep in a haunted temple. There, he meets Taoist Swordsman Yan, and a young woman, who he falls in love with. Unfortunately, she's a ghost, and promised by a hideous tree spirit in marriage to another demon.
A true one off that blends martial arts, comedy and horror into a roller coaster of a film, producing one of the very best of Hong Kong cinema.