Watch Flying Swords of Dragon Gate

The epic martial arts fantasy Flying Swords of Dragon Gate from 2011 is set during the Ming dynasty and tells the story of Zhao Huai'an (Jet Li), a general who was framed for treason and escaped a death sentence by taking refuge at the titular Dragon Gate inn. There, he meets a rogue smuggler and former concubine named Jade (Xun Zhou), who is on a mission to uncover a secret treasure hidden in the inn's labyrinthine tunnels.

As they navigate the perilous underground passages, they encounter other travellers with their own agendas, including a corrupt eunuch, a band of rebels, a Taoist monk, and a mysterious swordsman known as "Deep Waters" (Kun Chen). Each of them seeks the treasure for different reasons, but they soon realize that they have to work together to survive the traps, monsters, and rival factions that stand in their way.

The film's action-packed plot is full of twists, betrayals, and surprises, as well as breathtaking martial arts sequences that showcase the skills of its impressive cast. Jet Li, in particular, delivers a charismatic and nuanced performance as the weary and honourable Zhao Huai'an, whose sense of duty is tested by his loyalty to the emperor and his sympathy for the common people. Xun Zhou is equally impressive as Jade, a resourceful and resilient heroine who is not afraid to use her wits and charms to get what she wants.

Kun Chen as Deep Waters is a scene-stealer with his enigmatic persona and flashy swordsmanship, which he displays in several memorable duels against the other characters. His backstory is one of the film's mysteries, and his motivations are ambiguous until the end, adding to the intrigue and suspense.

The supporting cast includes veteran actors such as Siu-Wong Fan, who plays a villainous eunuch with relish; Mavis Fan, who plays a rebellious singer and dancer; and Li Yuchun, who plays a cross-dressing warrior nun. They all bring their unique charisma and energy to their roles, making the film a lively and colourful ensemble piece.

The film's production values are top-notch, with elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects that create a rich and immersive period atmosphere. The Dragon Gate inn itself is a marvel of production design, with its intricate architecture, hidden chambers, and booby-trapped corridors that provide endless opportunities for suspense and spectacle.

The film was directed by Tsui Hark, a master of Hong Kong cinema who has made many classic martial arts films, including Once Upon a Time in China and Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame. His signature style of blending traditional Chinese folklore with modern sensibilities and over-the-top action is on full display in Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, which is a worthy addition to his oeuvre.

Overall, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate is a highly entertaining and visually stunning adventure that will delight fans of martial arts films and epic fantasies alike. Its charismatic cast, intricate plot, and dazzling action sequences make it a true gem of contemporary Chinese cinema.

Flying Swords of Dragon Gate is a 2011 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 57.