In ancient China the kingdom of Yan is at near constant war with its neighbours. In the latest battle the king is wounded and names Murong Xuehu, a man of lowly origins as his successor; the king's nephew, Wu Ba, can't take this and murders the wounded king in an attempt to usurp the throne. Things don't go as planned and the king's daughter; Yen Feier, finds herself being named Empress! Before she can be crowned she must undergo vigorous training as a warrior during which time her treacherous cousin makes another attempt on the crown; this time trying to make Feier disappear; the assassins he sends are thwarted by a hermit doctor, Duan Lanquan, who heals the injured Feier. They grow close but she returns to her country and leads them to victory over a neighbouring kingdom that was attempting to invade. She then abdicates and returns to the doctor
although their peace will be sort lived as she must ultimately return and defeat her treacherous cousin to save her kingdom from constant warfare.
This might not be the best Chinese action/romance but it passes ninety minutes rather nicely. As anybody who has seen a few films of this type will expect everything looks great; be it the impressively choreographed fight scenes, the lush landscapes or the impressive woodland home of Duan Lanquan. Kelly Chen makes a fine female lead in the role of Yen Feier in both the action and the more comic and romantic scenes between her and Duan Lanquan. The other leads are fine too. The story is fairly simple; the good characters are unambiguously good and the 'bad guy', Wu Ba, is treacherous from start to his inevitable demise; this isn't a problem though; not every film requires twists and shocking reveals! Overall an enjoyably way to pass an hour and a half.
This might not be the best Chinese action/romance but it passes ninety minutes rather nicely. As anybody who has seen a few films of this type will expect everything looks great; be it the impressively choreographed fight scenes, the lush landscapes or the impressive woodland home of Duan Lanquan. Kelly Chen makes a fine female lead in the role of Yen Feier in both the action and the more comic and romantic scenes between her and Duan Lanquan. The other leads are fine too. The story is fairly simple; the good characters are unambiguously good and the 'bad guy', Wu Ba, is treacherous from start to his inevitable demise; this isn't a problem though; not every film requires twists and shocking reveals! Overall an enjoyably way to pass an hour and a half.