Hong Xiguan zhi Shaolin wu zu (also known as
Hung Hei-Koon: Shaolin's Five Founders,
Legend of the Future Shaolin and by the
US video title:
Legend of the Red Dragon) is a
1994 kung fu film from
Hong Kong by famous Wushu and international film star
Jet Li. It was directed by
Jing Wong, and
Corey Yuen, and produced by
Helen Li,
Jet Li, and
Wai Sum Shia. This film showcases
Hung Hei-Kwun's exploits as a
rebel against the
Qing government. Unlike Li's
Fong Sai-yuk movies this film has a much darker tone, Hung (Li) hardly ever shows affection to his son or to any one for that matter, and speaks in the same tone through out the whole movie. The same goes for his son, which mirrors the little boy from Lone Wolf and Cub from his hair to his facial expressions. Also it should be noted that in the beginning after Hung's town is burned, his child manages to survive. Though an infant Hung gives him the choice by choosing a toy or sword to either die or be with his mother or to follow Hung in his quest to save the
Han people from the Qing government. This same event happens in the Lone Wolf and Cub manga in a different context and in
Japan instead of
China. The action is plentiful and not dismissive but nothing new to Jet Li fans besides some quite awkward spear extending. Most of the action is aided by wires. This film was not received well by critics nor the audience.
