Great High Kicking Fun.......

Two friends grow up together in a Shaolin temple learning kung fu under the watchful eye of their caring teacher.

As young men, they enter a contest to see who will proceed to the next level of training. Afte a ruckus both men are sent packing from the temple. On their own in the world, they soon find their paths moving in opposite directions when the more ambitious Tianbao, who is seeking power joins the corrupt government forces.

Junbao sides with rebel forces who oppose the over taxation of the local villagers. When Tianbao's ambitions lead him to betray his old friend, Junbao temporarily goes mad. His recovery coincides with the enlightened understanding of motion in nature, forming the basis of Tai Chi which he must use to defeat his former friend.

Even the fighting styles are consciously designed to highlight the opposing personalities of Junbao and Tianbao. Tianbao's personality is overbearing and cruel so his kung fu is the same.

In one scene, he almost loses favor with his master, a white-haired eunuch named Liu Jing due to his obscene cruelty when fighting. In contrast, Junbao is in harmony with the world, finding peace in everyday affairs. It is natural for him to embrace the teachings of Tai Chi which encourage a balance with nature and movement.

Director Wo Ping has a knack for combining humor, intense action and dazzling martial arts choreography.

I'm a great Jet Li fan and thought this movie was FANTASTIC. Although my partner decided it wasn't and went to finish washing the dishes (bonus).