In the year 1905, China is still under British authority in the midst of the Qing Dynasty. The leading revolutionary Sun Wen intends to visit the British colony Hong Kong in order to discuss a revolt against the monarchy with fellow Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) members. Empress Dowager Cixi learns of Sun Wen’s plans and dispatches an armada of assassins to kill Sun Wen upon his arrival.
Chen Shobai, editor of China Daily and a lead revolutionary, arrives a few days before Sun Wen in order to discuss funding for the revolution with local businessman Li Yutang (Wang Xueqi), who has lately been arguing with his son Li Chongguang over Chongguang’s recent involvement in revolutionary protests. Within the next few days, all of Shobai’s associates are being murdered and soon Shobai himself is kidnapped. Li Yutang feels that he has no choice but to declare himself in league with the Tongmenghui and begins recruiting a group of China’s best fighters to protect Sun Wen when he arrives.
Sum Chung-yang is a police officer with a gambling addiction, Wang Fu-ming is a disgraced monk bent on proving his goodness to the world – all of these people from all walks of life willing to put their lives on the line for someone that they have never met, but does provide a ray of hope in overthrowing the corrupt Qing dynasty. It is Li Yutang’s intent to see that these men and the rest that have volunteered to gain in life what they seek, whether it is love or redemption, because they all know that there is very little chance of anyone making it out alive once the battle begins.
Bodyguards and Assassins blends reality and fiction to tell an engaging story focusing on the costs of accomplishing the impossible. Wang Xueqi (The Red Suit) leads an all-star cast that includes popular singer and actor Leon Lai (Seven Swords) and martial arts sensation Donnie Yen (IP Man). Mengkee Bateer and Simon Yam also co-star.
I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into when I began as I had chosen the film because I am a big Donnie Yen fan. Halfway through the movie (which is over two hours long) not a single fight had occurred but I didn’t care. I was mesmerized by the tale and Wang Xueqi’s performance was drawing me further into understanding the thin line that he and his fellow revolutionary compatriots walked every day. Bodyguards and Assassins is a great dramatic piece from actor/director Teddy Chan (director; The Accidental Spy), and as a bonus there is an excellent fight scene between Donnie Yen and popular mixed martial arts fighter Cung Le where they each get to unleash their spectacular martial arts skills against one another, so there is definitely something in this movie for everyone to appreciate.
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