Welcome my fellows.
Bear with me.
Thanks the National Army to overthrow.
Yuan Shih-kai the 100 day emperor.
His former minions continue to
ravage the country.
But our hard days will soon be over.
General Bully Lei loves his soldiers.
If you're willing to join Lei's Army.
I, Liu Kun-shan, the Chief of Staff
promise you...
Food, money and fortune!
What's that?
Buns!
Silver!
They've gone crazy.
Liu Kun-shan.
You trick these farmers with magic!
Captain Tsai
how dare you slander your superior?
I'm just speaking the truth.
Covert military recruitment is illegal.
Put a curse on me if you dare.
Execution!
Do you know what this is?
This is the world's most notorious weapon...
Invented during the Ching dynasty.
Can behead enemies from miles away...
Flying guillotine.
It's the flying guillotine!
Captain Tsai
I'll kill you with this legendary device.
Lei's Army value discipline.
Will you join us?
I will!
Me too!
Good, Butler Liu.
You've recruited 5,000 soldiers in 3 months.
You're a genius.
General
I just used a few tricks.
It's your great name
that convinced the farmers.
By all means necessary
when it comes to recruiting.
However.
Don't let me be a superstition monger.
Yes, sir.
We've 5,000 more soldiers to feed.
Just food alone will cost a lot.
Where do I find money to buy guns?
General, make up your mind now.
All the warlords are fighting.
If we don't gather enough forces...
We'll be overrun soon
I never cared about money.
But now
I can't do anything without it.
Let's ask those merchants for more
I've celebrated my lunar, solar birthdays
and my wedding anniversaries with my wives.
What can I use this time?
Sir.
There's a general who taxes the farmers.
On their livestock.
Should we try it?
Should I pay tax for you in the name of...
dogs"?
I'm just teasing you!
If we tax the poor
we'll be "dogs".
General.
The ceremony is about to begin.
Master... Master.
Today's party is a grand
solemn event.
Behave yourself while you're out there.
What a group of noisy women.
Stand back, all of you!
Move.
Honey.
You look really handsome
heroic in this uniform.
It's very impressive!
Good. Stand behind me too
I refuse!
I, your 3rd wife,
want to show off that I'm your favorite!
1,2, 3,4, 5,6
Where's Madam 7th?
Forget about her. She's being rude as usual!
Applause, for the General
Daisy and Peach, how are you?
Aren't Apricot and Melon Seed here?
Ladies and gentlemen
I'm pleased to announce.
"Taga Culture Group"
and General Lei have cofounded...
"Kanwa Films."
Starting today!
It's a collaboration.
We'll send a team of advisors...
To help General Lei with his venture.
Why did he wink at me?
He wants you to read inside his words.
He's not talking about movies but...
Military support.
Why Play on words?
It's called "diplomacy".
What is this thing?
A projector
I prepared a short film today.
SO everyone can experience
the magic of film!
"Double Agent."
You've the lead? "Starring: Liu Kun-shan".
"Director: Tarou Mitearai."
"Urgent, Lei's army is expanding."
He used to be my assistant.
But I discovered
that he actually is a spy.
Trying to expose our recruiting activities.
What did you do?
I used western hypnotism to control him.
Bullshit.
Really?
If you believe it then it's real.
Isn't that Daisy and Peach?
They're Taga Group's new "action stars".
Wonderful!
Film is an illusion!
It's not real.
Don't be fooled!
I know, those money are fake too!
No, we used real money!
I increased the budget for better effects.
Filmmaking is expensive.
"To be continued."
Bravo!
Movie reflects life and vice versa.
Fascinating!
Bravo!
One more announcement.
Our company will produce a romance film.
Please recommend a female lead to us.
Let me do it.
Pick me!
What?
The leading role.
Why you?
Because I'm your woman.
Good answer, it's yours.
General.
You haven't recovered yet.
If you're crippled
you may never lead troops again.
Cursing me?
I dare not.
Sir, please take it with you.
Enough!
My 7th wife.
It's me, your babe
I've not seen you in weeks
I miss you!
"The Phoenix's Fly" I used last time.
Not only didn't work
I even sprained my back
I'll attack with
my "Crossed Fist" this time.
Prepare for your...
doomsday tonight.
Here I come!
You...
want to kill your husband?
We're not married.
Ceremony is not important.
My love for you is what counts.
You're disgusting.
Upset for being the last one?
I'll get rid of the rest
and make you no.1.
What a pig face
I am a bull, not a pig.
Liu Yin
I'm feeling horny.
My body is telling me...
Time to have a baby.
Won't you help me, please?
It hurts.
Catch it.
Smells good!
Yin, I've come to ask you.
What is this thing... "free love"?
You took all your women by force, forget it.
Don't believe the rumors.
My first wife was arranged marriage.
Wives 2 to 6 offered themselves to me!
You'd to take them all?
It'd have been rude to say no.
When will you let me go?
I must find my father!
Forget him.
Once you find him, you'll never come back.
How will I ever find you again?
Rotten warlord!
Yin, just stay here.
If you're bored
I can take you to magic shows.
Or you can try to...
fall in love with me.
Don't come to me until you find my father!
Future father-in-law.
Once we find you, I can marry her!
Where on earth are you?
Liu Wan-yao.
You made your name by...
performing the "7 Wonders" for Her Majesty.
But defied an edict to stop the riots with your magic.
You think you could escape by changing your name?
Stop wasting my time! Where's the scroll?
It's gone.
You just used it for the last trick
I won't give it up.
You know what tortures await you?
Severed tendons, broken kneecaps
amputated fingers...
Castration.
Devil, your parlor tricks won't work on me.
Let's see
when I drill your teeth.
Everything is an illusion, a dream.
When I wake up
everything will be fine.
Self-hypnosis?
I'll play along!
Father
I'm your daughter Yin.
They're hurting me
burning me, cutting me...
It hurts!
Save me
I'm sorry, my dear.
Father can't help you.
Where's the scroll?
I'll kill you.
Don't force me!
You won't until you get the "7 Wonders".
The rhythm of my clappers is slow
as people rush to and fro.
Warlords fight in endless war.
Coins don't have value any more.
It costs me eight catties...
to buy two noodle patties.
Grandpa.
Don't bother with these affairs.
Just sing and.
Ply our arts in a fair.
This place has so much to give.
Come and see.
Storytelling, singing, kung fu fighting.
Donkey, and picture show.
All kind of entertainment.
Illusions are sights to behold.
Enchanting both young and old.
Behind each performer.
A trick with flair.
Fish bowls, braziers appear out of thin air.
Each performer has talent to spare.
To name the best would be unfair.
Brother, stop worrying.
There are many talents around.
If only we could find one.
Our business will definitely improve.
That's easier said than done.
"Lucky Wind" Tavern books all the best acts.
We won't survive another week
at this rate!
Attention everyone.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Come see the show!
If you can replicate our "Magic Walnut" trick.
We'll give you 50 silver dollars!
Now, please welcome Master Chen
for a demonstration of this magic!
Thank you.
Bravo...
Everyone, watch closely
I figured it out, I can win this challenge.
Don't embarrass yourself, stay here!
Who wants to try... give it a try!
Don't be afraid.
May I?
Welcome.
Come and show me, sir.
Hi.
Please.
Look, there's water in the bowl!
A naughty pigeon.
Pigeon droppings!
He solved your trick. Pay him now!
- Pay up! - Quiet!
Be reasonable.
He hasn't got the walnut yet, right?
That's right!
Bring back the walnut
make him pay!
Right?
Be patient!
The walnuts... are on Master Chen.
Impressive.
Pay up.
Yes...
Here you go.
Sorry, a reward is unnecessary.
In that case...
Who are you?
Where did you learn it?
I'm Chang Hsien
self-taught for fun!
Bravo!
Driver!
Bro, go get him!
Right, he can save our business!
Boss, why don't we hire him?
Wait, Mr. Chang! I've a favor to ask!
What's wrong with you.
Mr. Chang.
Master Chang!
Ignore that man.
A ghost!
I saw a ghost!
"Closed for renovation."
Good shot with the droppings.
Now everyone thinks Chang is a freak.
Where is he?
I nearly suffocate!
Put more air holes in the seat
I'll fix it right away.
Help yourself to fresh buns.
Li Yi.
So that couple own "Happy Inn"?
Yes.
They seem honest enough.
"Master scholar and strategist."
"Chuke Liang was a genius."
"He masterminded military campaigns..."
Dear Madams
Butler Liu, good day!
Where is Madam 7th?
She's tired of your shows ages ago.
Chen Kuo.
Got something new?
I'm working on it.
Once I'm ready, I'll present it to all of you.
Madam 7th isn't interested in anything
but the magic show.
If she isn't pleased, the General will blame us.
Master spoils that vixen!
Well said!
Master is so bias, isn't he?
Definitely!
That's enough.
Let's not discuss this in public.
What did you find out?
I sent investigators to Hunan.
Only to discover that person is a swindler.
The 7 Wonders is a fake.
Untrustworthy.
But it's historically documented. It's real!
Yes...
Here's your fee.
Take it
Butler Liu is warning you.
Accomplish this mission
or suffer the consequence.
It's stolen from a tomb.
My dear workers
I really had no choice...
but to close down our shop.
Goodbye.
Let's go.
Please take care.
Bro, if we'd hired Chang that day...
we wouldn't be in such dire position!
Why am I so unlucky?
Mr. Li.
Mr. Chang
what brings you here?
I wish to buy half of your shares.
So you can keep this place running.
What do you think?
My bro is always speechless
to important matters.
He's overwhelmed
by your proposition!
But...
he has already sold out to Chen Kuo
and took his downpayment...
Give him back.
Will this be enough?
Yes!
More than enough!
I'll ask the staff to return!
No need
I've men.
Go!
According to our contract
I'm paying back 3 times your deposit.
But didn't you say you're quitting?
Chang Hsien has returned from overseas.
The great magician will perform at "Happy Inn".
The great magician?!
They've arrived.
Have question?
What exactly are you planning?
You must have an ulterior motive?
Stop this! Don't tell me
I'm not listening!
As long as our family business survives...
I don't care.
Indeed.
You better keep it off.
You say Warlord Chang will decimate us
but I'm more worried about General Li.
General Li's army is larger
and closer to us.
If he decides to ambush us, we're dead.
If Li dares to attack
I'll deploy 3,000 elite soldiers...
Fight with him!
I'll send 8,000 men
armed with Mauser pistols!
Hei, forget your useless Mauser pistols!
I'll dispatch 10,000 troops with 200 Vickers machine guns.
He'll be dead!
Vickers guns are heavy and dumb!
Listen, I've just bought
500 lightweight Maxim machine guns.
When you fire, it goes bang-bang!
Such a blast!
Fatso, you left a soldier on my territory.
Take it back!
This land was mine!
You want to take it?
Don't put on airs, small officer.
Everyone knows you used to smuggle salt.
Salt-smuggler! Pull back your troops.
Or...
I'll show you my force!
Just retreat from Master's territory!
Why cross Master's over a few acres?
Have you no shame?
Damn! I thought we're on the same side?
Don't yell at me!
I can turn my guns on you!
One last time...
will you retreat?
What can you do to me?
Refuse...?
I'll gouge out your other eyeball!
Stop it! What's wrong with you two?
Go ahead.
Kill each other.
Then I can take your territories...
without any effort.
Do you mean it?
Bully Lei isn't a backstabber.
If I'd wanted your territories
I would've challenged you directly.
Because I'm not a sneaky sort!
If you've a problem just speak out.
What's the point of...
fighting amongst us?
The public sees us as a bunch of amateurs.
If we don't stick together.
How will we beat them?
You're right, bro Bully.
Take a look, brothers!
I've tanks
to blast my enemies into smithereens!
You've got all the latest weapons from Japan.
What do we fight them with?
Fine.
Give me a list of what you need
I'll give you
what I can.
Are you mad, Bully? Why so generous!
Did you learn it?
He's a man worthy of being our leader.
Yes, leader!
Hurray!
Mitearai san, you really giving him our tanks?
Yes.
Bully Lei is a fool. Why support him?
A fool can be easily manipulated.
The Northeastern warlords are too smart.
We must hedge out bets.
But...
Don't worry. I've planted someone.
No wonder...
1,2,3
Friends and neighbors.
To celebrate our re-opening.
Today's shows are free!
Line up for tickets!
Don't push... line up for tickets!
Make way!
Boss, we're here.
This way, please.
Your ticket?
Didn't you say the show was free?
Yes, but you still need a ticket.
That's right.
Give him two dollars.
One will do.
Can I go now?
Please.
This is the legendary "carnival mirror"?
I must buy one too.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Famed for his exploits
at Lucky Wind Tavern.
Master Chang Hsien!
Childish stuff.
These are just some cheap tricks
from western circuses.
You're kidding us!
Let's go.
Master Chen.
Please stay!
Yes, Master Chang?
Fire
is a gift from heavens.
Fire can cook.
Mankind no longer eat raw meat.
It can also refine metal from ore
for our use.
Since we discovered fire...
The fate of mankind
has changed.
Civilization
was born.
Could this be the legendary "cold fire"?
Fire can keep us warm.
But it's also fearful.
Do you know
what happens when fire falls into the hands...
of a magician?
I can use it to create spectacles.
Or use it to show my fury.
Bravo!
Te-chun.
Let's modify it here.
Put that away.
Lei's aide has brought his soldiers.
Here comes the target.
Mr. Chang.
How did I perform so far?
Very good.
Then you'll let me be your assistant?
Of course.
Good.
Let's take a walk.
Sure.
Tickets are all sold out these few days.
We'll be busy.
Rest up for the show tomorrow.
The general wants to see the show.
Block all roads tomorrow.
Yes!
Rehearsal!
Excuse me.
What is that?
Bully Lei!
Can dummy react? Get a real man!
Yes... who?
You!
Fine!
Come on!
The smoke can only last a minute.
Then the guards will realize Lei's disappearance.
Go!
Will you be this gentle to Lei?
You... how could you?
Move on!
Hurry UP!
1,2,3
Go!
1,2,3
How long did we take?
Over 2 minutes.
It's not far off the mark.
We're kidnapping Lei. We need to be precise!
A single mistake will be fatal.
Let's practice again.
Bro.
Why are you sneaking about?
Don't run!
Don't run.
Don't move!
Stay.
Everyone...
You were just practicing your new act, right?
Time for us to come clean.
Don't say it! Cover your ears now!
Don't worry. They won't intervene.
Right.
He hasn't said it yet. We haven't heard it yet.
Let's just pretend nothing has happened.
But you saw everything.
Grab them!
Stop!
Stay.
Stop.
What do you want?
You're endangering all of us.
You only care about yourself.
You're no better than those scums warlords.
We think of the greater good!
Greater good...
It serves them too!
If you're going to hurt them
I'll quit.
If something goes wrong
I'll hold you responsible.
Actually
I've always wanted to join... whatever
to overthrow... whatever.
Don't worry.
My brother will never betray you!
You... sigh!
We come for a show or an execution?
Shoot you first!
Tease me all you can.
We're only here to make up the number.
She has the master wrapped around her fingers.
What else can we do but to amuse ourselves?
Right... we've no choice
I'm going to fight!
A female street-juggler is no match for me!
Why are you hiding here?
It's the orchestra.
What is it?
Madam.
Bully... help me.
Your feet are too big for high heels!
Get up now.
Excuse me.
Sir, the President has summoned a war council
I'm not going!
But President is a powerful man.
We can't upset him.
Shut up.
- Sit - How can you ignore state affairs?
If you skip the meeting, I'm leaving.
How I miss your smile
I'm leaving
ok...
One smile for me.
Adorable!
Go now.
Get up now.
Change the show.
They were a happy couple.
What went wrong?
The scholar was the girl's lover.
The old man is her father.
The man with the gun is the bully.
While the scholar went aboard
the bully kidnapped her.
The father went missing, too.
The girl lives on in sorrow
I feel so sorry for them.
Come here.
She's crying.
Where? Let me see.
Wow, real tears!
She never forgets her lover, so she cries.
Madam.
Can I borrow your handkerchief?
You don't seem to be moved.
Don't you...
want them to reunite.
Can you make it happen?
Magic...
aims to create miracles
I believed in miracles.
But after waiting forever, I'm not so sure.
Just have faith.
Your dreams...
will come true.
She's smiling!
It's a happy ending!
"The back hallway."
Return to the mansion.
The general just celebrated his birthday
so what's the occasion today?
Today is his dog's birthday!
You mean Butler Liu?
It's just another excuse
to swindle our money!
General, congratulations.
Please accept our token of appreciation.
General.
What is this thing?
A bulldog.
It's a cross between a bull and a dog.
- Such a rarity! - Yeah.
Bully.
Let's dance!
May I?
Master
I'll step on you.
Please.
Who are you?
Master Chang.
You don't want to see me?
I've waited 3 years.
All I get is a note?
I return once I heard what happened.
It's been 9 months.
These walls can't hold you.
Why no escape?
He's looking for me.
You care about him?
If you prefer him
just tell me.
Don't you trust me?
He's not your type of man.
That's for me to decide.
You have no right to judge me.
He's ruthless, evil
but kind to me
ls Lei truly wicked?
Other went abroad
vanished without trace
even forgot about his wedding.
You think... he's a good man?
After 3 years
we meet again.
Yet you said nothing nice to me.
Are you sure you still love me?
I came back to fulfill my promise
I don't think...
you're on my guest list.
Who are you?
Chang Hsien?
Bully, the magician, Chang Hsien!
Master Chang is here! Come greet him!
I love to see your show again tomorrow!
Mr. Chang, what brings you here?
I invited him.
You did?
You took me to his show last time
I was quite impressed.
So I asked him to come for our dog's birthday.
You could have told me.
You've not given me a chance to speak.
Mr. Chang
our guests are waiting.
So beautiful!
What about me?
I want one, too!
Gorgeous!
I'm his first wife! I want something better!
Wow.
Beautiful.
What about me?
Master Chang.
It's my turn. Do one for me.
A magician is nothing without props.
General, can I borrow your gun?
No.
What are you afraid of?
Take it.
There's 1 bullet left.
Very observant.
The last bullet...
is my gift to you.
Hold your fire!
Stay.
General Lei and his 7th wife
are truly a perfect couple.
Bully.
This is what foreigners call "romantic".
Master Chang, shoot at us too!
You're really special
I must go visit you one day
I look forward to it.
Stop the tank!
Don't touch it! It's hot...
Careful...
Listen, let's go buy some candy.
Go that way.
Aide.
Which end is the front?
General, that end!
This end looks better. Next time we drive in reverse.
- The general is buying candy! - Yes sir!
Hands off! Get the money first!
Come.
Aide!
Sir.
Tell me what an aide is responsible for?
He needs to pay, sir!
You're getting smarter.
Yes sir!
Yes sir? I'm complementing you.
Say "thank you sir".
Yes sir!
Idiot.
Do you want to watch a magic show?
Yes!
Bully Lei is here!
Choose a seat and sit down!
There he comes.
Get ready to capture him!
No.
Too many children.
You want me to give up this opportunity?
He still has my woman
I've no interest in your love affairs
I'm a man with a cause!
You never did anything for yourself or your family?
I'm warning you
no move until I say so.
Hurry up!
Buy us some time. Standby.
We can't wait!
Please sit, general.
Fat boy, get lost!
General, please...
Be nice kid.
Take a seat! The show is about to start!
General, distinguished guests.
Today's show will delight both young and old!
Hear that?
You're all distinguished guests!
Quiet! It's show time!
Enjoy!
I'm scared...
My dear, don't cry.
It's fake.
Oops, not this! Cover your eyes!
Okay to look now.
It isn't hot.
Do you like it?
Ready.
His guards are at the back.
We can't act without the smoke.
Ignore him. Wait for my signal.
Don't be nervous.
Stop in.
Look, fire!
I'm scared...
Ready?
So annoying.
It's alright, don't be scared.
It's ok
hit it!
Abracadabra!
Trap door.