International martial arts sensation Zheng Liu explodes on the screen in his motion picture debut.
Zheng plays a Shaolin Warrior who turns to crime after his parents are killed and sister kidnapped, becoming a hitman for Hong Kong’s notorious Triad crime syndicate. When an international drug deal goes bad, the Triads and Colombians join forces to have Zhon killed and the hunter becomes the hunted.
A rib-smashing action-thriller ride where all the fight sequences are done without stuntmen or CGI.
Review by kungfucinema.com
Former Shaolin monk Zheng Liu makes his feature film debut in this action packed film that features rap artist Pitbull in a cameo appearance and the legendary Gordon Liu…the film is meant to be a showcase for a new action star on the rise and his name is Zheng Liu, who plays the tortured Zhou. He has been called the next “Bruce Lee” perhaps because he has a little resemblance to the legend. However, this is somewhat unfair to think of him as the next Bruce Lee. Zheng, a real-life Shaolin monk, does pretty well with the action sequences, showcasing some nifty acrobatic work and even highlights the talent of breaking a steel bar over his head. Acting wise, he does his best for a debut performer and should he continue to work in action films, he could be a successful star with the right projects.
..Hong Kong legend Gordon Liu brings his status to the foray as a temple monk who helps Zhou eventually go on the right path. He truly brings the role of mentor to a new level in this film. For those who are fans of rap artist Pitbull, while he is given top billing by the distributors, he makes a five-minute cameo as himself. He performs one of his songs then has a short conversation with Cabrera at a Miami nightclub.
The action of the film was choreographed by Hong Kong Stuntman Association member Jack Wong. Wong had been a part of Stephen Tung Wai’s stunt team and used his knowledge to make Zheng and some of the other cast members look well. While Zheng is able to perform amazing acrobatics on his own (including a somersault over a Harley Davidson), Wong felt to bring that mysticism that relates to Shaolin by using some wire enhancements for some kicks. Fans may see this as somewhat a negative thing considering Zheng’s martial arts abilities. However, for a debut film, it doesn’t really take away Zheng as an action star as he does showcase his Shaolin skills, including breaking a steel bar over his head and throwing needles like daggers through glass without actually breaking it. The only big issue with the film is the visual effects used for explosions, which look pretty bad as if they came out of a bad B-movie in the vein of an Ed Wood."