True Legend
True Legend is a 2010 Chinese-Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping in his first directorial effort since 1996.[1] The story centers on Su Can, a Qing dynasty general played by Vincent Zhao, who retires to start a family and martial arts school but is betrayed by his adoptive brother Yuan, leading to the slaughter of his clan and his subsequent quest for revenge through mastering the Drunken Fist style.[1] Co-produced by Focus Features International, Edko Films, and Chinese companies including Shanghai Film Group, the film features elaborate fight choreography, including a notable 15-day sequence at Hukou Waterfall, and incorporates 20 minutes of 3D effects in its original version.[2][3][1] The ensemble cast includes Zhou Xun as Su's wife Ying, Andy On as the villainous Yuan, Michelle Yeoh as the immortal Yu So, Jay Chou as the God of Wushu, and David Carradine in one of his final roles, alongside mixed martial arts champion Cung Le and Gordon Liu.[3] Filming took place over five months entirely in China, utilizing locations such as Yellow Mountain and Anhui residences, with interiors shot at Beijing sound stages; high-speed Phantom cameras and visual effects enhanced the action sequences.[3] Premiering in Asia in 2010, it received a limited U.S. release on May 13, 2011, running 116 minutes and earning an R rating for violence, though it underperformed commercially in its home market.[1] Critics praised the film's dynamic martial arts spectacle as a welcome return for Yuen but noted its formulaic narrative limited broader appeal.[1]Development and production
Development
True Legend was announced in 2007 as Yuen Woo-ping's return to directing, marking his first feature as director since Tai Chi Boxer in 1996.[4][5] The film drew inspiration from the legend of Su Can, the Qing Dynasty general credited with originating the Drunken Fist (Zui Quan) martial arts style, portraying his transformation into the folk hero known as Beggar Su after personal tragedy and exile.[6][7] With an estimated budget of US$20 million, the production was positioned as China's first major 3D martial arts film, incorporating specialized 3D cameras to capture dynamic fight sequences and enhance visual depth in wuxia-style action.[8][9] Pre-production spanned from 2007 to August 2008, during which screenwriter Chi-long To developed the script emphasizing wuxia themes of heroism, betrayal, and martial mastery, setting the stage for principal photography to begin later that month.[10]Casting
Vincent Zhao was cast in the lead role of Su Can, the retired Qing general and inventor of the Drunken Fist style. To prepare for the physically demanding part, Zhao lost 9 kilograms in weight and underwent two months of breakdancing training to incorporate modern, fluid movements into the traditional Drunken Fist choreography, as directed by Yuen Woo-ping.[11] Zhou Xun as Su Can's wife, Ying, bringing emotional depth to the supportive family role. Michelle Yeoh as the immortal Yu So, a herbalist and martial artist who aids Su Can in his recovery, adding a layer of international star power with her established action credentials.[12] Andy On was selected as Yuan Lie, Su Can's vengeful foster brother and brother-in-law through marriage, emphasizing themes of betrayal in the narrative. David Carradine took on the role of the antagonist Lord Yu, the foreign overlord who forces Su Can into underground fights; this marked Carradine's final film appearance before his death in June 2009.[13] The casting of Yeoh and Carradine enhanced the film's global appeal, bridging Hong Kong martial arts traditions with Western audiences.[14] Jay Chou appeared as the God of Wushu, also known as the Drunken God, a mystical mentor figure who guides Su Can's spiritual and martial growth. Gordon Liu rounded out key supporting roles as the Old Beggar, a wise and eccentric teacher in the Drunken Fist lineage, drawing on his iconic status from classic kung fu films.[15]Filming
Principal photography for True Legend commenced on August 28, 2008, in the suburbs of Beijing and continued until January 2009, spanning five months across multiple locations in China.[10][3] Shooting began secretly in Beijing's Miyun and Huairou Counties, including the China Movie & TV Industry Zone, before moving to the Hukou Waterfall along the Yellow River in Shanxi Province on September 9, 2008, and then to Anhui Province on September 24, 2008, where key scenes were filmed amid the dramatic landscapes of Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountains) and ancient villages such as Xidi, Hongcun, and Qiankou Town.[10] The production returned to Beijing on October 24, 2008, to complete remaining sequences, with actress Zhou Xun's final day on set occurring on January 18, 2009.[10] Renowned action director Yuen Woo-ping oversaw the film's choreography, blending innovative wirework with practical stunts to bring the Drunken Fist sequences to life, drawing on his extensive experience from classics like Drunken Master.[16][17] These action set pieces emphasized fluid, acrobatic movements that highlighted the protagonist Su Can's mastery of the style, utilizing harnesses for aerial maneuvers while prioritizing authentic martial arts execution over excessive digital augmentation in core fight scenes.[18] The production incorporated 3D filming for select sequences to heighten the visual impact of the action, employing dual-camera rigs to capture stereoscopic depth, though the team ultimately opted against converting the entire film to 3D due to prohibitive costs estimated at several million dollars additional and up to five extra years of work.[10] CGI elements were integrated during post-production to enhance spatial effects in combat choreography, addressing challenges like synchronizing wire-assisted performances with digital extensions for more immersive fight dynamics.[19] Approximately 20 minutes of footage, primarily action-heavy segments, were presented in 3D, requiring audiences to wear glasses intermittently during screenings.[1] Post-production extended over more than 10 months, involving over 100 digital artists to refine the 3D effects and overall visual polish, culminating in completion by late 2009 ahead of the film's February 2010 release.[10] Composer Shigeru Umebayashi crafted the score, featuring orchestral arrangements that evoked the film's historical wuxia tone through sweeping strings and percussion.[1]Narrative and cast
Plot
Set in 1860s Qing Dynasty China, the story follows Su Can, a celebrated general who retires after a heroic rescue mission to fulfill his dream of building a family and establishing a wushu school. He marries Ying, the sister of his adopted brother Yuan, and they welcome a son named Feng, settling into a serene life focused on martial arts training and domestic bliss. However, this tranquility shatters when Yuan, consumed by long-held resentment over the death of his biological father at the hands of Su's adoptive father—the Grand Elder—returns transformed into a ruthless warrior proficient in the poisonous Five Venom Fists technique. Leading an assault on the family temple, Yuan slays the Grand Elder, overpowers Su in a brutal confrontation that leaves him poisoned and broken, and hurls both Su and Ying from a cliff into the river below, presuming them dead while seizing young Feng to raise as his heir.[20][19] Miraculously, Su and Ying survive the fall and are rescued by the compassionate herbalist Dr. Yu and her brother, who nurse them back to health in a remote village. Devastated by his defeat and haunted by visions, Su spirals into alcoholism and isolation, but he encounters mystical guidance from the God of Wushu, a spectral mentor who imparts the unconventional Drunken Fist style— a fluid, unpredictable form mimicking intoxication to evade and counter attacks. As Su immerses himself in rigorous training amid towering stone guardians, blending physical discipline with emotional turmoil, Ying grows increasingly distant, strained by his obsessive pursuit of vengeance. Meanwhile, Yuan consolidates power as a governor, using Feng in his schemes, and later captures Ying during her desperate attempt to reclaim their son, ultimately burying her alive in a cruel act of retribution.[21][22] Mastering the Drunken Fist through years of hardship, Su emerges as the ragged Beggar Su, a far cry from his former glory, yet empowered with unparalleled agility and resilience. He infiltrates Yuan's domain to rescue Feng, forging a renewed bond with his son amid the chaos of colonial influences encroaching on China. The climax unfolds in a grand arena spectacle, where Su challenges Yuan—now a monstrous figure enhanced by venomous elixirs—before an audience including foreign dignitaries and Dr. Yu, who has become a key ally. In a visceral showdown blending raw power with deceptive drunken movements, Su defeats Yuan, avenging his family's suffering without succumbing to blind rage.[19][23] In the aftermath, Su confronts the lingering scars of his losses, gradually regaining his mental clarity and sense of purpose. Embracing his identity as Beggar Su, he honors Ying's memory and their shared legacy by imparting the Drunken Fist to Feng and his students, ensuring the enduring spirit of wushu as a path to redemption and strength amid adversity. This transformation cements Su's folklore status as the originator of the style, symbolizing resilience in the face of betrayal and imperial decline.[13][24]Cast
Vincent Zhao portrays Su Can, the film's protagonist and master of the Drunken Fist martial arts style.[25] Zhou Xun plays Ying, Su Can's devoted wife who supports him through personal hardships.[25] Jay Chou stars as the God of Wushu, a mystical mentor who teaches Su Can the Drunken Fist style. Michelle Yeoh depicts Sister Yu, a skilled fighter and healer serving as a family ally.[15] David Carradine appears as Anton, a foreign arena ringleader in a cameo role.[15] Supporting roles include Andy On as Yuan Lie, the vengeful adoptive brother driven by resentment, and Gordon Liu as the Old Sage, a wise figure who provides guidance.[26]| Actor | Role | Notes on Character Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Vincent Zhao | Su Can / Beggar Su | Protagonist; develops and masters Drunken Fist. |
| Zhou Xun | Ying / Yuan Ying | Devoted wife; represents emotional anchor. |
| Jay Chou | God of Wushu | Mystical mentor; teaches Drunken Fist to Su. |
| Michelle Yeoh | Sister Yu / Dr. Yu | Skilled fighter and healer; family protector. |
| David Carradine | Anton | Foreign arena ringleader; cameo embodying colonial threat. |
| Andy On | Yuan Lie | Vengeful brother; drives central conflict. |
| Gordon Liu | Old Sage | Wise mentor figure; provides guidance. |
| Guo Xiaodong | Colonel Ma | Military figure; involved in early action. |
| Cung Le | Militia Leader | Warrior opponent; highlights combat prowess. |
| Bryan Leung | Su Wankun | Family elder; provides backstory depth. |