Fire Dragon (1994)

Lack of good storyline.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

I came across this movie an odd way. I was at a local comic convention and won this movie along with some other stuff as a door prize. When I popped this DVD in I could barely believe my eyes. What I was watching was some crazy stunts and fx. Then a really interesting story comes in about a corrupt general and we learn the story of this woman assassin who works for him (only I get the feeling she's not to thrilled about serving him. But she seems to be in debt to him for his teaching of the "fire stance") Then to top it off we get some HUGE laughs that had me rolling on the floor. I don't agree with some of the other commenter's that think the plot is boring or the humor bad because so far I'm enjoying every moment of this wonderful tale. The only way I can describe this film is like you are watching a live action cartoon. Sometimes I feel like I am watching anime but I'm shocked to see live actors!It achieves this surreal experience through two things: a) Stunning special fx that leave you asking "how'd they do that!" and b) Off the wall comic jokes and characters. My opinion: How could you go wrong with this one? 10 stars and I haven't even finished watching the movie!

If not, let me elaborate. Fire Dragon is a bright, colourful period kung-fu movie, blending intricate and visually stunning wire-work kung fu sequences with gentle slapstick comedy. It isn't Ping's best, and it sees the director working with a lower budget than he had on the previous year's Iron Monkey, but it's a spirited adventure with some breathtaking action sequences.Personally, I enjoyed Fire Dragon a lot, but as a genre movie, not necessarily because it was a standout film. As the genre goes, Fire Dragon is a solid exciting entry that I can see myself watching again, but it doesn't quite bridge the gap from a fun genre flick to full accessibility, meaning that this movie will be great for kung-fu buffs like me but not necessarily much fun for the uninitiated. As an example, Fire Dragon reveals it's age and intentions in it's pacing, putting all the fights in the first and third acts and spending most of the time in the middle on the knockabout comedy that the HK audience and most of us Kung-fu fans are used to, which is fine, but will probably alienate people who wanted a full on action movie.Still, despite typical Hong-Kong cinema pacing and the fact that it needs viewers to be tuned in to the genre to gain full enjoyment from it, don't think Fire Dragon has nothing to offer to casual viewers. The sheer visual spectacle of the fight sequences (remember, Ping masterminded the action in the Matrix and Kill Bill series' as well) will probably be enough to keep yer bum on your seat, as they're highly infectious and full of pyrotechnics, plus Brigitte Lin is fantastic as the titular assassin.It's worth checking out. If you're a Ping fan, you'll dig this movie, and if not, well, it might peak your interest :).

This is one of the last movies of Brigitte Lin before she retired from the silver screen in 1995. The movie tells the tale of an evil assassin who eventually turned good. Brigitte brings to the character a touching sensibility. Underneath the cool assassin exterior, she harbours a warm and generous heart. If only her upbringing was not trained in the assassin way, she would have been a wonderful human being. As a movie, this one remains a favourite that you can watch over and over again. There is romance, comedy, and action thriller all wrapped up in one movie.

Some incredible fight scenes if you're a fan of Woo Ping. Lots of flying and other fantasy kind of stuff, like Fire Dragon shooting flames from her hands. The special effects are very well done. Plenty of Woo Ping's silly, light hearted humor throughout as well.Too much attempt at a plot though. Fast forward through some of the more boring dialog to the fight scenes and you'll enjoy it.