Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen
Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen is a 2010 Hong Kong martial arts action film directed by Wai-keung Lau and produced by Gordon Chan, Wai-keung Lau, Wang Chang Tian, and John Chong. The film features action choreography and a lead performance by martial arts star Donnie Yen.
Production and Release
The film was written by Gordon Chan and Chi-Sing Cheung, with cinematography handled by Wai-keung Lau and Man-Ching Ng. It has a runtime of 105 minutes and is spoken primarily in Cantonese. The production received global festival exposure, holding its world premiere out of competition at the 67th Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2010, prior to its general theatrical release on September 23, 2010.
Plot
Set during the 1920s Warlord Era in China, the story unfolds in Northern Shanghai, where Japan's influence has grown significantly amidst international settlements. The Casablanca nightclub serves as a nightly haven for entrepreneurs, British officials, Japanese military personnel, and spies.
Among the clientele is the entrepreneur Ku, who is actually the legendary hero Chen Zhen in disguise. Having survived the presumed death following his attack on a Hongkou dojo, Chen spent time fighting alongside Chinese laborers in France during the First World War. Operating at night as a masked vigilante, he attempts to rescue targets from a Japanese assassination list while crossing paths with the singer Kiki.
Cast
The principal cast members include:
- Donnie Yen as Chen Zhen
- Shu Qi as Kiki
- Anthony Wong Chau-Sang as Liu Yiutian
- Huang Bo
- Ryu Kohata
- Siyan Huo
- Zhou Yang
- Shawn Yue
- Akira
Film Festivals
Following its Venice premiere, the film screened at several international events:
- 35th Toronto International Film Festival (North American Premiere)
- 6th Fantastic Fest (U.S. Premiere)
- 43rd Sitges Film Festival (Official Fantàstic in competition)
- 30th Hawaii International Film Festival (Extreme Asia section)