THE CHRONICLES OF WUSHU MASTERS
TRUE LEGEND SU CAN (A.K.A. BEGGAR SU)
A YUEN WOO-PING FILM
China. 1861 . It is a turbulent time.
While foreign powers threaten invasion. . .
As the nation descends into disorder. . .
the Qing Dynasty is on the verge of collapse.
The people remain defiant.
The practice of Wushu flourishes.
And from the ashes of chaos. . .
a new warrior arises.
THE DECISIVE BATTLE
Su Can, the court's bravest soldier and his men. . .
rescue an Imperial Prince who's been kidnapped.
Quick. Follow me!
Kill him !
Kill him ! Kill him !
Archers. Cover us! The rest, follow me.
Kill!
I'll kill you !
Son of a bitch !
I'll kill you !
Son of a bitch !
Your Highness. Are you alright?
Su, let's get out of here!
Ma, stay behind. Yuan, come with me.
Yes, sir!
You bastard !
Son of a bitch !
Bastard !
Son of a bitch !
Ma!
Yuan, take the Prince to safety.
Su !
Go!
Your Highness. I'm afraid Su is dead.
Dead? Are you sure?
Take an elite team to find General Su.
Dead or alive, I want him here!
Yes, sir.
Su is back!
- Soldiers. Take him to the doctor. - Yes, sir.
My dear brother.
Your Highness. Colonel Ma and I are back.
Su, you are a great soldier.
- Have a seat. - Thank you.
Su, you saved my life.
I'll ask the Emperor. . .
to make you Governor of Hubei.
I am grateful for your consideration. But I cannot claim all the credit.
Yuan was also there.
I know Yuan is your foster brother. . .
and the blood brother of your wife.
But he is too reckless. . .
you need to control Yuan.
If you're afraid of hurting his feelings. . .
I will send Yuan to Sichuan.
I hope you'll accept.
Comrades!
General Su led us to countless victories.
Enemies have fallen under his sword.
Let's toast our triumphs!
Cheers!
Ma, this is for you.
I can't accept!
A great sword deserves a great warrior!
- You don't like it? - No. Of course, I do.
- Then it's yours! - Thank you !
- Put it to good use. - Yes! I promise.
Why aren't you drinking?
A warrior should watch his drinking.
Yuan, a sip to our victory is okay. I'll ask them to come drink with you.
With you here, I am not needed.
You're my brother. They'll respect you.
You must take care of the troops when I'm gone.
Why?
You're taking the promotion? Nonsense!
I've decided to go home.
What? You just won a big battle.
This is your time. Don't walk away.
My mind's made up. I leave tomorrow.
Honestly, you're more suited for battles.
I've asked the Prince to make you Governor.
The Prince despises me.
I know.
But if I'm not here. . .
he will look at you differently.
Since we were little I always got what you didn't want.
I do not feel like a man.
We grew up together. I share everything with you.
You really don't want to be Governor?
I seek the highest ideal in Wushu so I can teach others.
And I want to start my own school.
When my Wushu practice flourishes I'll realise the true meaning of life.
My other wish is to have a family with Ying. . .
and live in peace together.
You and my little sister. . .a family?
Su, I wish the two of you all the best!
You've been so kind.
One day. . .
I'll repay you.
Wonderful!
FIVE YEARS LATER
Guests come to see my parents
My parents are not in
I ask the guests to take a seat
Then pour them tea
One more time.
Snake!
A snake! At your feet!
You lied !
Look at you. A mother and still so rambunctious.
You don't pay any attention to us. You just practice Wushu all day.
Who doesn't pay attention to you?
Mother! Father! What about me?
Help! Save me!
What's going on?
I want to play.
You two are parents. . .
but act like crazy children.
- Father. - Father.
Grandfather.
Little Feng.
Give me a hug.
Grandfather.
Have you been good?
I have some news.
Yuan is coming back for a visit.
My brother is coming home?
After all these years. . .
I knew he'd return one day.
Ying, let's get out the best wine. We must celebrate.
My son . . .
Yuan is now a Governor.
I suspect this is more than a homecoming.
You must be cautious.
Father, you worry too much.
Are you still thinking of his real father?
Yuan never uttered a word about him.
He knows why you killed his father.
"Not mentioned" does not mean "forgotten."
You raised him and Ying as your own.
Ying is my wife. We are one family.
There should be no hard feelings, stop worrying.
I hope you're right.
Thank you !
Thank you ! This way please!
Thanks.
Thank you.
Hurry, hurry! Father's school opens today.
I want to watch the Lion Dance!
Lower the carriage. . .
Raise the carriage.
Do you still remember me?
Of course. You're my only brother.
Little Feng, this is Uncle Yuan.
Little Feng.
You're Su's son. You should be brave.
Father really misses you.
Really? Then let's celebrate his birthday.
- I have to tell you something. - Come! Tell me tomorrow.
The three of us we look like a family!
My dear Father. . .
happy birthday.
Your timing is perfect.
Everyone missed you.
We're so happy you're home.
Father, I have not re-paid you for raising me and Ying.
My health has deteriorated. Age has taken its toll.
I don't have many good days.
But I pray everyday for your safe return.
Come.
We have much to catch up on.
Come!
Grandfather!
It was I who killed your father.
Su loves you as his brother.
Please spare his family.
Father, you think so little of Su, your own son?
Your father went too far with the Five Venom Fists.
He killed many innocent people.
You . . .
I had to stop him.
I have perfected the Five Venom Fists.
Did you think I will ever forget that you murdered my father?
After you killed him. . .
you forced me to be your son.
You told the world my father deserved to die.
Right?
I am the only one you should hate.
Your son stole my only sister.
Governor. We've got her.
Mother!
Don't ever touch my sister!
I never blamed you.
Ying, we are finally together.
What will you do to Su?
Uncle, what's in your hand?
It's a pig's head.
Let's go pay respect to your real grandfather.
Let us go!
Su treated you as his blood brother.
Mother. . .
Thank you.
Excuse me! This way please!
Young Master! Something terrible has happened . . .
What's going on?
Yuan killed your father. He came for revenge.
Young Master!
Father!
It's been 1 8 years.
Today, I've finally avenged your death.
Forgive me for taking so long.
Come, Little Feng.
Brother.
Little Feng, come here.
Pay respects to your real grandfather.
Governor. Su's here!
Yuan, how could you?
Stop!
Iron Twins, stand down.
I must welcome my brother-in-law.
Yuan ! Father always treated you as his own.
How could you?
Be careful, Su. Run !
We will be OK.
Your blood will be an offering to my father.
It's dark gold armour.
Sewn onto my flesh inch by inch.
I am invincible.
Your fist is harder than a blade.
Five Venom Fists?
Su !
You know what your father said before he died?
He begged me to spare your life.
You are a monster.
I've hated your family for a long time.
- Father! - Little Feng !
Uncle!
- Please don't hurt my father. - Little Feng !
- Run ! - Stop! Stop!
- Run, Little Feng ! - Uncle! Please stop!
Come here, Little Feng. I'll stop.
For the sake of your son, I'll let you go.
- Su ! - Father!
You're Little Feng's Uncle.
Ying ! Don't!
Mother!
Ying !
Someone save her! Ying !
Governor. The water's too fast.
Su.
Dr. Yu, he woke up!
Su ! Good.
Now you needn't worry. He's okay.
You're. . .
This is Dr. Yu.
She saved our life and treated your wounds.
Ying told me everything.
You are safe now.
I am the only one here on Beidou Mountain.
You can stay as long as you like.
Thank you.
Keep still. There are still traces of toxin in your blood.
Luckily, you're strong.
I was able to expel most of it out.
Someone not as tough would be dead by now.
Be careful. My blood is toxic.
Don't worry. Dr. Yu has researched every herb.
She is now immune to all poisons.
I am eternally grateful!
I must thank Ying. She tends to the wine-making. . .
so I can focus on my research.
She's a wine-maker?
She sells her wine in the city and distributes the money to the poor.
She also provides medicine to the sick.
A true angel of mercy.
You are making too much of what I do.
These needles will aid my research.
I'll walk you out.
Most people harbour hatred without realising the value of life.
One life is connected to many hearts.
Ying !
What's wrong with my arm?
The tendons are torn.
Dr. Yu said you'll be okay.
But it will heal slowly.
Eat something.
You should've stayed with Little Feng.
Why suffer here?
Yuan will not harm Little Feng.
If I didn't follow you, you would've died.
Look at me.
I can't even hold a bowl of rice. How can I save our son?
You never accept defeat.
I'm useless.
No, you're not.
You were looking for a worthy opponent.
Now you've found two:
Yuan and yourself.
Su !
Su, it's OK.
Here. Hold this.
Use your right hand.
Come on. Hold it.
So what if I can hold it?
I'm still useless!
Are you all right?
Are you afraid?
Yes, I am.
But I'm more afraid you'll give up.
You're the only hope for our family.
I'm waiting for you to come to your senses.
You were looking for a worthy opponent:
Yuan and yourself.
You're not useless.
You never accept defeat.
Try some.
Now I understand why your wine is so special.
Why?
Because it contains your essence.
Stop it!
Soon my strength will return, and I will rescue our son.
Great levitating skill!
I've never met a skilled master like you.
Please take me as your disciple.
For revenge?
How did you know?
Your eyes revealed everything !
To be our disciple you must first defeat the God of Wushu.
The God of Wushu?
How can I defeat him?
Your right arm was injured. . .
Now it's healed.
But you've lost your confidence, right?
No!
I have not lost my confidence. My arm is fine!
You might die fighting the God of Wushu.
If my skills are weak what's the point of living?
Are you afraid yet? Go home if you're scared.
Never!
Too slow.
Faster! Faster!
To challenge someone like you. . .
. . .is a dream come true.
What did they do to you?
Nothing.
Only the weak die at home.
- A warrior dies on the battlefield. - Su !
Finally you've come to your senses.
Yes, like you said. . .
I'm the hope of our family.
God of Wushu !
I'm here. Still alive!
You've recovered?
Your right arm is worthless.
Let's chop it off.
Scared?
Again !
Ying said your arm has strengthened.
Take a look.
Let me check how you're doing.
Alright!
The toxins are gone.
Thank you so much.
My body has healed.
And I'm getting stronger each day.
I must go practice. Please enjoy dinner.
Ying . . .
Su has gone mad with his training.
That's not possible.
Please listen. His pulse is erratic.
His heart is racing and his eyes are blood-shot.
He's going mad.
This can't continue. His training must stop.
Dr. Yu, he's with me everyday.
He goes off to the Old Sage daily and returns home with wounds.
I see it with my own eyes.
On Beidou Mountain, we're the only ones here.
I know it's hard to believe.
Old Sage and the God of Wushu are supreme beings.
Just like you, they come and go.
- Have you ever met the Old Sage? - No.
But I believe in my husband.
How many times have I told you? Do not enter my practice chamber!
You don't listen ! If you die, I'll be alone forever!
Uncle, my feet hurt. Please don't lock me up.
If you try to run away I'll chop off your feet.
Uncle, I won't!
Little Feng,
you're my only family now.
I will not lose you.
I will protect you.
So no one can harm you.
It's been another year, I wonder how Little Feng has grown.
I've been thinking.
After I save Little Feng we'll move to the country.
We'll hold hands like this every day.
I haven't seen your smile in a long time.
Su . . .
After you save our son will you spare my brother's life?
He's part of our family.
If he lives, I'll make sure he cannot fight again.
Heavenly God. Please bless our family.
I pray that we shall never be apart.
We shall never be apart.
I must find a way to defeat you !
Have you ever met the Old Sage?
Su has gone mad with his training.
God of Wushu.
Let's go again !
You may be strong. But I'm stronger.
I will defeat you !
Ying. I'm home.
I almost beat the God of Wushu today.
He's really powerful, but I'll defeat him one day.
That's enough.
I now realise the way to defeat an enemy.
That's enough !
What God of Wushu?
Are you alright?
Su. . .
Do you know you're going mad?
What?
I said, you're going mad.
I'm getting stronger.
And I'm more powerful than before.
I know you miss Little Feng.
I went to the cliff to watch you practice.
I didn't see the God of Wushu, or an Old Sage.
You were alone.
It's all in your head. Don't you realise?
You went to the cliff?
I promised the Masters I wouldn't bring my wife.
Wake up!
You were practising by yourself. Don't you understand?
That's impossible. Look at my wounds.
They're real.
You did it to yourself.
I know you suffer so much.
Are you not feeling well?
If you love me, you have to believe me.
It was you who made me want to be strong.
I need you to believe in me.
Guests come to see my parents
My parents are not in
I ask the guests to take a seat
Then pour them tea
Little Feng.
Let's go home.
Let's go, alright?
If Little Feng hears me sing. . .
he will stop crying.
Su,
we are husband and wife.
We share good and bad times. . .
and this wine together.
Su, you show great improvement.
Yes! I've become much stronger.
Even your confidence has returned.
Ying says I'm going insane.
She says you're an illusion.
- What do you think? - Who are you?
Who are you? Who am I? It's not important.
What's important is you're ready to save your son.
Ying is right. You are just in my head.
Leave me alone! I never want to see you again !
Ying !
Dear Su,
Watching you live in your own fantasy scares me.
I fear I'll lose you and our son forever.
It is now clear to me that I must go save Little Feng.
We made a promise. Our family shall never be apart.
Wait for my return. -Ying
Please.
How long has he been in here?
Little Feng !
Mother!
Little Feng !
I thought I'd never see you again.
I missed you so much !
- Why are you in chains? - Hush !
- Uncle may hear us. - Ying?
You're alive!
This is great!
Finally, we can live happily as a family.
It's been so long. Do you know the pain I've endured?
I think of you every day.
You've had your revenge. Now let my son go.
Is Su dead?
You destroyed his arm.
He can never fight again. Please let us go.
Now that you're here I'll never lose you again.
He's here! He's here!
Close the gate. Quick!
Governor! Su is fast approaching !
Su !
Ying. I am so happy.
We can finish what we started ! It all ends here!
Then you must deal with me first!
- Mother! - You're scaring your son.
Does this make you happy?
Happy?
I've known only sorrow since you left.
I can only fight for what I want.
You understand?
Good !
That's more like it, Su !
Su, I should have trusted you !
I was wrong !
Ying !
Guards!
Tie her up.
- Little Feng ! - Mother!
- Uncle! Don't kill her! - Little Feng !
Let go!
- Mother! - I won't kill your mother.
But if your father kills me. . .
she has to die with me.
Because we're one family.
But I will not lose.
Bury her in the forest!
No matter what happens. . . You must stay with your father.
Remember our family shall never be apart!
Promise me, Little Feng ! Promise me!
Governor, it's been done.
- Does anyone else know where she is? - No.
Good ! Get up!
Yes, sir!
Kill him, brother! Quick!
Father!
Little Feng !
- Where's your mother? - You'll never know.
Father!
Father, stop! We need to find Mother!
Father, don't kill him !
Father, you're killing him !
Stop! Father!
Don't kill him !
Uncle, you can't die, Uncle, please live!
Little Feng, he is our enemy!
He buried Mother alive.
Only he knows where she is!
If he dies. . .
we can't save Mother.
Let's go find her!
Forest.
In the forest.
- Ying ! - Mother!
- Ying ! Where are you?
Here!
A DRUNKEN FIST
HEILONGJIANG, ALONG THE CHINESE-RUSSIAN BORDER
Careful! It's hot! Here it is, go!
Roasted potatoes! Sweet roasted potatoes!
Mister, how much is one potato?
Two copper coins.
I only have one. Can I get one?
Okay. Consider it charity.
Here. One for you.
Thank you.
Teacher! Teacher!
Wake up!
Get out!
Our Teacher's dead ! Money won't bring him back.
Your Teacher was weak. Our fighters are better.
Stop!
Master Ma!
Head of the Wushu Federation?
- Master Ma. You need to help us. - What happened?
They lured our teacher to a match for 30 silver coins.
Said he'd get 5 coins if he surrendered. . .
But it wasn't a match. It was murder!
Accidents happen. People die.
He did surrender. Your men still beat him to death.
That's outrageous!
How can you call that a match?
If you have any grievances, settle it in the arena.
All right!
Tell your people. . .
if I win, they'll have to close the arena and go back to where they came from !
Deal! We'll be waiting.
Here. Take this. Buy something to eat.
Wine.
Wine. . .
Excuse me! Who is this guy?
Oh my god !
How did a stinky beggar get in here?
This is not Ying's wine.
This is my wine. Give it back!
Don't push me.
Get out!
You stink!
Don't touch me.
Just wait!
I'll get someone to kick you out.
Hey, come here if you want to drink!
Wine. . .
Is this Ying's wine?
Drink it, and you'll know.
Wine. . .
Give me the wine!
Clear head. Drunken form.
Mind meets fist.
Stop obsessing about form.
Heart and fist are one.
To lose is not to lose.
To win is not to win.
Offer wine to the gods.
Hug the barrel in farewell.
Raise the jug with tons of strength.
Being drunk is fake. The fist is real!
A good fist is an unstoppable fist.
Take it and drink up!
Father!
A broken heart needs mending.
What are you doing here?
From now on, let me take you to wherever you want to go.
What a stench.
Master Ma, this is the lunatic I told you about!
Su Can?
General Su?
He is a General?
Su, it is Ma.
We fought many battles together.
What happened to you?
You don't remember me?
You gave me this sword. Don't you remember?
Su, wake up!
Foreigners are killing Chinese fighters for amusement.
I have to fight them tomorrow.
Win or lose, I have no regrets.
I've always looked up to you.
A warrior once told me:
"To give is better than to receive."
What happened to that great warrior?
He died with Ying.
Mother.
Su !
For the sake of your son pick yourself up.
Su !
I return this sword to you.
Ma!
I've never asked you for anything.
Now I am asking you to take care of my son.
Father! What are you saying?
Su ! He is your son !
Look at me. Do I look like a father?
He has no future with me.
Only suffering.
I beg you. Please take him away!
I see.
Don't worry.
I'll take good care of him.
I won't go with you !
Father!
Don't send me away, we must stay together.
Who will take care of you if I'm not here?
Father! I won't go, I want to stay. . .
Father, I won't go!
You don't need to take care of me. Now go!
Father! No!
- Go! - No!
Listen !
I only need wine, not you ! Understand?
I don't want to go.
Go!
Father! Open the door!
Open the door!
I don't want to go!
Open the door! Father!
Uncle Ma. . .
I'm sorry, but I can't leave him.
He might be crazy, but he's my father. . .
And we cannot be apart.
I understand, Little Feng.
Come to me if you need anything.
Think of me as your family.
Take good care of your father.
Dear Father: I promised Mother. . .
that I'd always stay with you.
Our family shall never be apart.
Uncle Ma!
We've come to support you.
Ma!
Su !
Can you get us in?
Of course.
Get out of here!
Su !
Are you all right?
What are you doing here? We have a dress code.
He's with me. How dare you !
After you.
Have a seat.
I need to check something.
We know you'll win, Uncle Ma!
Now, the most important match of the day!
The challenger is Master Ma. . .
Head of the Wushu Federation.
Versus. . .
Killer Anton's Invincible Wrestlers.
This is a free-style match.
No time limits. No holds barred.
No set number of fighters.
No weapons allowed.
The last man standing wins.
The prize is 1 00 silver coins!
The odds right now are fifteen to one.
Final bets now.
The Challenger. . .
Master Ma!
The defending champion: Malotoff.
Are both fighters ready?
Ready!
Go!
Stop! Uncle Ma!
Don't hurt Uncle Ma!
Let me go!
Father!
Father! Help! Father!
Let me go!
Father!
Uncle Ma! Are you okay?
Father! Be careful!
Father, don't fight anymore! Run away!
Little Feng, I never back down.
Father, please stop!
He just violated the rules.
Ladies and gentlemen. . .
Stay back!
the last player of Killer Anton's is off.
The Chinaman is the only one left.
Get up!
In accordance with the rules. . .
if he can get up. . .
Get up!
he is the winner.
- Get up, Father! - Su.
Father, I beg you. Get up!
Please don't die.
Father, I beg you. Get up.
Su !
Get up!
Ying !
Did you see that?
I knew it. You've perfected your skills.
Don't leave me again.
I've never left you.
I was always by your side.
Father, wake up, get up quickly.
Father, get up.
Father, wake up!
Get up, Father! Don't leave me.
You're awake!
Get up! Quick!
He's up. The Chinaman is up!
He wins!
The loser will be banned from this arena.
Ladies and gentlemen. . . .
according to our rules. . .
the last man standing wins.
And today's winner is. . .
the Chinese Man on this stage.
That is my father!
Beggar Su wandered the land with his son. . .
searching for truth through the "Drunken Fist" philosophy.
Today, it is practiced by millions around the world . . .
and its creator, Su Can is indeed a "True Legend" of Wushu.
Kid, let me teach you a trick.
Look at me.
I saw the hole in the first place.
You are a fake.
Resynced for your enjoyment! by Asha�l