Dragon Inn

Starring:
Brigitte Lin as Mo Yan
Tony Leung Ka Fai as Chow Wai On
Maggie Cheung as Jade King
Donnie Yeun as Eunuch Tsao

The movie is set in the Ming Dynasty. It starts with introducing to us a powerful Eunuch Tsao who aimed to take control of the country. He had many followers who are skilled in kung-fu, especially an archery group named "Black Flag Arrow Troop" that sent out arrows like rain. Eunuch Tsao tortured General Yang, who was in charged of the Imperial guards to force him to hand over his army. However, being a loyal and righteous man, General Yang committed suicide. Tsao sent Yang's two young children on exile with the hope of luring Yang's follower, Chow Wai On, out for capture. Mo Yan with a few followers rescued the two children and they went to Dragon Inn, where they were going to meet up with Chow Wai On. Jade King was the inn owner. Eunuch Tsao also sent a troop to Dragon Inn to capture Chow and the two children.

The cast was superb, especially Maggie Cheung in the role of Jade King, a flirtatious and greedy woman. However, Jade King was still a woman as she would sacrifice herself for the man she loved. You just have to watch Maggie Cheung in this movie to see the talent of a budding star at the time. The way she carried herself flirtatiously, or threw herself at Chow Wai On, the only man on earth who would not take notice of her. Maggie Cheung delivered a witty, captivating, and at the same time, a very poignant performance. She almost put Brigitte Lin, a much more experienced and famous actress, into the shadow.

Tony Leung was very charismatic on screen. He acts with ease as if acting just comes naturally to him. His eyes expressed love and tenderness every time he looked at Mo Yan, the love of his life. The scenes between them were brief but their love for each other shone through. Brigitte Lin played a rather different role to her usual characters. I have gotten so used to see her in Qiong Yao's movies that it seemed so odd to see her doing sword fighting or riding a horse. She also worn man's clothes throughout the movie so her beauty was hidden.

Donnie Yen played the role of Eunuch Tsao and I almost did not recognize him. Donnie Yen truly looked evil and like a eunuch with his make-up. He was a little over the top in expressing Tsao's cruelty and meanness but nonetheless, he did not take up much screen time, only played crucial part in fighting scenes.

We also have a glimpse at other actors in this movie such as Lawrence Ng in a small role as a follower of Eunuch Tsao and Tsui Kam Kong as Jade's main protector. The supporting cast was great and thanks to costume and make-up, they truly look their parts. Every important event took place in Dragon Inn, a bandits' home in disguise. The unpredictable weather of the desert, the tense atmosphere in the inn, the dim light with near-collapsed furniture, the mysterious disappearance of the guests all contributed to the suspense.

The fighting choreography was extraordinary. Tsui Hark has a way with the camera and his thirst for bloody scenes showed through the chase. He will surely surprise the viewers with his strange ideas presented in the final fight of the movie. Romance was blended beautifully into this action film. There was truly a moment when you would wish for some peace from the persistent chase of Eunuch Tsao as Wai On asked Mo Yan, "When can we live in peace?"

The movie ends with a poignant note, adding the final touch to the already well-written plot. It is a classic in its own right. As it is often with classics, there is nothing much to write about except praises and I think I have done enough of that.