Legend of the Fist (4½ Stars)

Yet another film about the fictional Chinese martial arts hero Chen Zhen who fought against the Japanese during their occupation of China. The first was "Fist of Fury", made in 1972 starring Bruce Lee as Chen Zhen. This film was remade in 1994 with Jet Li as Chen Zhen, entitled "Fist of Legend", but with a different message. The story is the same, but while the 1972 version was very black and white, painting the Chinese as heroes and the Japanese as thoroughly evil, the 1994 film showed good and bad in both nationalities.

Now it's 2010, and in "Legend of the Fist" Donnie Yen steps up to play Chen Zhen. Rather than a remake, this is a continuation of "Fist of Fury", taking place about 15 years later. Once more the Japanese are the bad guys. Japanese death squads are assassinating Chinese patriots in Shanghai. Only one person can stand up to them. Chen Zhen, thought to be dead, dons a mask to battle the forces of evil. The similarity with Kato in the 1960's television series is no coincidence. Although the film is about Chen Zhen, it's obvious that Donnie Yen wants to present Bruce Lee in the film. He is imitating Lee's fighting style, mannerisms and clothing.