LEGEND OF A FIGHTER: A highly emotive gut-wrencher with all the trimmings of a true martial arts masterpiece, this is frequently regarded as Leung Ka Yan’s finest hour. The themes of nationhood, loyalty and unity are intelligently combined to create a film which rarely sets a foot wrong and constantly astounds with a number of explosive fight scenes (choreographed by the legend himself, Yuen Woo Ping). Yasukai Kurata is exceptional as the Japanese master, although the entire cast are uniformly excellent. This tale of egalitarian desires and the futile blindness of nationalism is unforgettable. Rating: 5 / 5 .
