Rating: **
Director: Samo Hung
Cast: Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Anita Mui
An old style swordplay flick that utilizes state of the art techniques. Handsome Andy Lau plays a simple fisherman who's also an expert swordsman. He also spends a lot of time playing with his pet killer whale, which is one of the weaker aspects of the film. (additionally, Mr. Lau doesn't look very comfortable when he's in the water working with the whale) Things go to hell when he gets caught in a conflict between two warring brothers fighting for the throne, and naturally sides with the good guy. The prince's betrothed (played by a snooty and snobby Anita Mui) has a doomed affair with Andy Lau, and the prince's bodyguard (played by a tragically fierce Maggie Cheung) secretly loves him even though she's a spy and a traitor with orders to kill him. Great looking, with lots of cool swordplay and outlandish wirework, but a tad plodding and a bit too over-dramatic.