From director-screenwriter-producer Stanley Tong, A Legend is a loose sequel to The Myth and Kung Fu Yoga. Tong’s fantasy-comedy epic is a time-spanning quest rotating between the present day and the Han Dynasty period. Professor Fang (Jackie Chan) is an archaeologist who is on a quest to figure out the mystery of a jade totem discovered during an archaeological dig. He is accompanied by his students, Wang Jing (Lay Zhang) and Xinran (Peng Xiaoran). There is a legend of a secret sanctuary connected to the mystic totem. Fang and Jing believe the totem has a supernatural quality as they have repetitive dreams of a past life during the Han Dynasty.
Two warriors, Zhao Zhan (Chan) and Huajun (Zhang), rescue Princess Mengyun (Na Zha) from Huduna (Aarif Lee) and his army of Huns. These brave heroes help General Huo Qubing (Shawn Dou) protect the mainland from these ruthless conquerors and rescue specially bred horses to boost his army. Simultaneously, a shaman gives Mengyun the jade totem to protect her through its supernatural power. The totem can connect an individual with their ancestors and ancient gods. Huduna desires to marry her so he can steal the totem and find a cosmic hibiscus tree surrounded by gold treasures and hidden in a secret sanctuary.
“Professor Fang is an archaeologist, who is on a quest to figure out the mystery of a jade totem…”
Tong brings to life an entertaining film filled with romance, chivalry, adventure, sophisticated action scenes, and engaging characters. Audiences are treated to a swashbuckling adventure that will take them back to the days of Michael Curtiz’s The Adventures of Robin Hood. There is a vivid production design by James Cheung and lush costumes by Helen Wang. Lee Chi Wah’s cinematography has a Technicolor-inspired flourish, which enhances the beautiful imagery.
The film’s best moments are the slapstick-infused action scenes choreographed by Tong, Yuen Tak, and He Jun. They are brilliantly executed with practical effects and subtle use of CGI. It is hilarious seeing horses kick and head-butt Hun soldiers! Jackie Chan and Lay Zhang bring intensity and precise craftmanship performing in these thrilling sequences.
The cast gives excellent performances, and Tong directs his cast to fit the film’s tones. Jackie Chan is great in his dual roles: Zhan conveys a stoic energy, and Fang is the straight man to his comical students. Na Zha brings depth to Mengyun, a traditional heroine carrying the weight of family tragedy. Peng Xiaoran is as adorable as Xinran, conveying a bubbly personality.
A Legend is the type of film that Hollywood rarely makes anymore. Tong’s epic covers important themes lacking in American blockbusters, like patriotism and protecting one’s land from brutal outsiders. It is refreshing to see an adventure flick that is not burdened by adopting a cynical and dark aesthetic. See this film if you’re a history buff and lover of old-fashioned adventure flicks!
"…best moments are the slapstick-infused action scenes…"
