Amazon.com essential: Tai Chi Master is the greatest "wire-fu" film from Yuen Woo-ping, best known as the martial-arts choreographer of the Matrix and Kill Bill films. "Wire-fu" films were created during the martial arts film resurgence of the late 80s and early 90s, and in terms of fight choreography, this is arguably the best of the entire genre. Tai Chi Master demonstrated Jet Li’s martial-arts abilities at their most frenetic and fluid, and Li was at the height of his athletic prowess. If that wasn’t enough, it's also one of action queen Michelle Yeoh’s finest performances in a wuxia period piece. Li and Yeoh were supported by an equally athletic cast, led by the remarkable Chin Siu-hou, who plays the nemesis to Li’s hero. Chin manages to steal every scene, even when he is being beaten to a pulp. Li and Chin play best friends Jun and Tien, who grow up in Shaolin Temple during the Manchu Dynasty. Gentle Jun is satisfied with the simple things in life, but hot-tempered Tien craves power and wealth. The film’s exposition pays homage to the 70s Shaw Brothers films (such as The 36th Chamber of Shaolin), and the closing scene in the temple is only the first of a series of spectacular martial arts set pieces. Jun and Tien’s dispositions lead them to two different paths in life; Jun joins the rebellion against the cruel Manchu regime, while Tien joins the army. Here, Yuen treads all-too familiar territory, but the actors still throw themselves into the thin material. The film’s mid-part is weighed down by the usual intrusion of feckless Hong Kong slapstick, but the story quickly recovers when Jun discovers the secrets of tai chi. When Li fires up his tai chi skills, the results are some of the best boxing scenes the genre has ever witnessed. Tai Chi Master established Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh as the best martial arts actors in the business, and Yuen the best choreographer. Though elements of the film are dated, Tai Chi Master remains a landmark in the martial arts genre. --Roberto Azula
Tai Chi Master I already forgot the movie. Made no impact. I'm not sure what I expected so I should not be disappointed.
Is this the same movie as Tai Chi Master? I enjoyed this move a lot, very entertaining. I tried to rent Tai Chi Master, and was told it had been re-released as Twin Warrior? Now I see that the reviews for the two movies are intermingled here on Amazon...so is are they the same movie?
Great movie! Dub was a bit weird and didn't match the subtitles very well. I agree with some of the other complainants here that the dub seems way off when compared to the subtitles. In some cases it completely changes the meaning / intent of the lines. Overall, it was alright. If ya' turn off the subtitles ya' won't know what you're missing.
Aside from the dub, I really enjoyed this movie. I thought the fight scenes were great and well-executed. I'm a fan of Jet Li (and Jackie Chan movies), and thought this was a great Jet Li flick. The camera work was a bit sub-par, perhaps owing to when it was shot. Seemed a bit grainy or rough to me. But the story and the rest made up for it in my opinion. I'd certainly take this over Warriors of Heaven and Earth, Butterfly Sword or Zu Warriors any day of the week.
If you like this movie, you'll probably like Jet Li's Fearless or Hero as well. Likewise Iron Monkey.
If I had it to do over gain, I'd probably still buy this one, even with the odd dub and slightly so-so image quality (just not as crisp as things like Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Good times!
One of the best I've seen One of the best kung fu films I have ever seen. It is absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Great choreography and wire work even though you can see the actual wires used in some scenes. This new DVD release is far superior to the previous Twin Warriors release.
just a remaster not a new movie This movie exists in another form the movie was orginally named "Twin Warriors" i have that movie really great movie about if you are interested in learning about what Tai-Chi is about, along with the fights. i will be getting this movie and watch see if it stands up to the orignal
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