Although cinema as a form of entertainment started here in the United States many of the formats with their origins here have been adopted by other countries. There is a particular form of romantic movies in France and everyone seems to know the British variation of comedy. When it comes to action flicks several Asian countries have created a variation that is unlike anything that came before. They are the most exciting and visually stunning action films anywhere and now Honk Kong Action is a specific genre apart from the other variations. There is a lot that has to go into creating a movie of this type. Usually there is a lot of wire work where the actors are suspended by hidden wires enabling them to perform stunts that apparently defy the laws of gravity. While there is no problems with employment for Hong Kong stunt men this genre usually has its leading men, and now leading ladies, perform many of their own stunt work. While there are variations in these themes one thing that is at thee heart of all these films is the martial arts. They are simply fantastic. The way these people move is beyond comprehension and a thing of beauty to watch. One of the latest of these films to hit our shores on DVD is ‘Tai Chi Master’ by Woo-ping Yuen. Although its original theatrical release was way back in 1993 it is as fresh and exciting as ever.

While no one really goes to one of these movies for the story there is actually a cohesive script here written by Kwong Kim Yip. This was his third feature film screenplay but he does a great job in creating a story that does more than just set up the action. His previous films were a comedy and a thriller. This gave him just the right perspective to do this story up right. This movie is more a action comedy than a straight forward Honk Kong wife flick. Yip has a great touch in balancing the dramatic and comedic elements while always making room to set up plenty of action sequences. It is not that this is a completely original story; we have all seen it many times before. There are two boys living in a Shaolin temple who become like brothers. When they are expelled the young men must now find their way in a strange world they are not prepared for. One is craftier and ready for anything while the other is far more naïve. Of course along the way there are a couple of beautiful women and a few crimes leading to a showdown between the two. The story here is follows the foundation of these familiar themes but the greatness is in the details. Yip textures the story with human elements that make the characters believable to the audience. Other martial arts flicks use characters that are shadows of real human beings but here you have a basis for the cast to show off their acting abilities instead of just their martial arts skills.

With a great cast and exception treatment of the script you need a director up to the challenge. Here we get Woo-ping Yuen. He is without a doubt one of the best of his genre. His first work was with the greatest name in Asian action comedy, Jackie Chan, ‘Snake in the Eagle's Shadow’ followed by the international hit ‘Drunken Master’. Only an expert director like this can balance the demands of comedy, drama and action as seamlessly as it is done here. The film starts off with a bang, an action sequence that seems incredible until a few minutes later when the next fight scene pops up. This sets the stage not only for the action but for the human side of the story that is to follow. This is where a director like Yuen shines. He knows that the audience is there for the action but as an artist he wants to tell a story as well. The exposition is infused into the film in such a way as to never interfere with the action. There are reasons for the fights and martial arts performances that go beyond the usual ‘you have insulted my master so now you must die’. Since the story is primarily concerned with two close friends who are forced to take different paths in the world we know there will be a climatic battle between them. The brilliance of Yuen is the audience watches this difference begin and grow slowly and naturally throughout the film. Yes, that is right. Yuen believes in the organic progression of a story so the action has a reason that is more than just fighting to show they can. While the DVD has a dubbed sound track to it you might want to experience this movie with the original Cantonese audio. There is a beauty to the way the words flow here that will mesmerize you. The sub titles are very well done so you won’t miss anything watching this way. If you do opt for the dubbed version it is much better than the old Asian grindhouse flicks we remember from when we were kids. When it comes time for the action Yuen makes sure no one will be disappointed. This is the artistry of marital arts choreography at its absolute best. These are the best in the field all working together for amazing feats of agility.

Junbao (Jet Li) and Tienbo (Chin Siu Ho) have known each other all their lives. They grew up in a Shaolin temple together where they friendship became more like brothers. Many times in their lives they found themselves in trouble with the monks for some prank or another, most at the instigation of Tienbo. After a student wins a practice match against Tiembo by cheating Tienbo fights him again and almost kills him. This gets both Tienbo and Junboa expelled from the monastery. Once in town they witness a gang of local toughs steal money from a shopkeeper, Miss Li (Fennie Yuen). They come to her aide and Junbaoi defeats them all easily. Tienbo sees a local govern and realizes that he wants to be as rich and powerful as he. Miss Li rewards the boys with a meal and in the pub they see a young woman, Siu Lin (Michelle Yeoh) who is looking for her husband. He left her to take up with the niece of the governor. Eventually Siu Lin has a battle with the govern’s nice and only loses when her ex hits her in the head. Junbao and Tienbo try to make a living by demonstrating their martial arts skills but soon Tienbo feels joining the army will be a better way to fortune and power.

This DVD is released by Genius Products and The Weinstein Company through their premier Asian action line, Dragon Dynasty. This is the go to distributor for the very best of this thrilling genre. The video is an amazingly clean anamorphic transfer with a brilliant color balance. The audio is Dolby 5.1 in either Cantonese or English. There are also English sub titles. There is also a very nice selection of extras provided. This is a must have for all action fans.