Cast
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Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo
as Su Can
Zhou Xun
as Ying
Andy On
as Yuan Lie
Guo Xiaodong
as Colonel Ma
Jay Chou
as God of Wushu / Drunken God
Michelle Yeoh
as Dr. Yu
Feng Xiaogang
as Pick pocket
David Carradine
as Anthony
Cung Le
as Militia Leader
Gordon Liu Chia-Hui
as Old Sage
Bryan Leung
as Su Wankun
Jacky Heung
as Imperial Prince
Yan Ni
as Bar Owner
Liu Geng-Hong
as Iron Lad
Jiang Luxia
as Iron Maiden
Crew
Director
- Yuen Woo-Ping
Producer
- Wang Tian-Yun
- Jianshai Xu
- Bill Kong Chi-Keung
- Ellen Poon
- Alice Yeung
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, True Legend distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Yuen Woo-Ping brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of True Legend took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 387 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While True Legend shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Man from Hong Kong, which focuses more on action than character development, True Legend subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like That Man Bolt and Hard Times explore similar territory, True Legend stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 9, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $6,820,000
Where to Watch
