Even Mr Sun Yat-sen has put forth the slogan: Sound physique, strong country
If our people are fit in physique our country will be strong
But for our people to be fit in physique
We cannot count on the Beiyang bureaucrats
or selfish warlords up north
We have to count on you gentlemen present
You are our hope
Pass your cultivations to the people
Only then can our country be strong
I hereby thank you, gentlemen
Do something for our ravaged country For our ailing country
Bravo...
Young man, the future of our country
rests with the talented young like you and Ching-shan
Marshal Chu, how can I live up to such a high expectation?
A man with true capabilities will rise to the occasion
Only the mediocre will bite off more than they can chew
Of course, a martial arts practitioner is cultivated, not just in martial arts
But in wisdom and learning as well
Like you gentlemen here
You are learned in books as well as martial arts and military teachings
Our country is blessed because of you
Ching-shan is mocking you You aren't angry about it?
Different people talk in different ways
I only pick out the gems that will make me a better man
Moreover, Brother Ching-shan is right
I should read more books to gain more knowledge
The Canton Martial Arts Arena was set up to show
the determination of the provincial Government in promoting martial arts
That no efforts or money will be spared in supporting growth of your arts
You are asked to do your part in passing on your cultivation
Salvage this ravaged and ailing country
Salvage our 400 million fellow countrymen
Bravo! Well said!
Go inside to see what's on the table
We guys own nothing but the clothes on our backs
We slave for them but what do we get in return?
That Cheung Yam-tong's niece
She's out of your league
Just forget about it
I know, you all see me as a rascal warlord
You are calling me names in your heart
But I don't care
I have the big picture in mind
I'll draw ire from others
Only the mediocre don't make others burn with jealousy, right?
Let me be honest with you
I've long known who you are
A commander of mine once told me about a boy who cut off his queue
Commander Fu?
How is he doing?
Something happened to him?
Take it easy, he's fine
But he's no longer in my troop
Where has he gone?
The setting up of the Canton Martial Arts Arena
has not just attracted your interest
but has also drawn the attention of respectable people overseas
Like the renowned diplomat Mr Cheung Yam-tong
He and over a dozen overseas Chinese entrepreneurs are here with us
May I ask Mr Cheung to say a few words
Bravo...
Gentlemen, I haven't had a good night's sleep since seeing my motherland again
Gentlemen, you are here to do your part for the country with martial arts
I too will do my part through different means
I didn't come back alone
The ten wealthiest Chinese entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are with me
They are willing to help steer the country back onto its right course with their money
Bravo...
Mr Cheung, with your financial support
The northern expedition will succeed
Revolution will succeed
Right, Mr Cheung
Invest your money on me
I will conquer the country
Marshal Lo, but I have no ambitions to be a conqueror
Whatever, once we've conquered the country
If you want revolution you will have revolution
If you insist that I speak in a foreign tongue and eat western food
I'll do as you say
I am uncouth
Just make me grand counsellor or something
Who's snickering?
Cut it out
He who pays the piper calls the tune
Canton is your turf
You call the shots
I'll give you face
Get lost
Mr Cheung, we military men are not refined men
Please cut him some slack
lp Man, come on over
Mr Cheung, let me introduce
This fine young man is the Foshan Young Hero, lp Man
Marshal, now this is funny
No introduction necessary
The lp and Cheung families have known each other for generations
How embarrassing
Master Mok
We who live by the sword die by the sword
Who are you to show up here?
Mok Yan-chiu, who are you to stir up trouble under my nose?
Marshal, we martial arts practitioners have our own rules
I want a man-to-man combat with him
lp Man, you make your own decision
Some mere nobody, crawl back to Foshan
As you wish
lp Man of the Foshan Crane School
You will be down in three moves
Ching-shan Yes?
Could you tell me what's going on?
What do you mean?
Why are you doing it behind my back?
You have not asked me if I am willing
Have you spared a thought for my feelings?
Wing-shing, you are mistaken
About what?
Do you see the way people are looking at me?
They keep congratulating me
Is it about you asking for my hand?
Master Mok, call it quits
Come again
I admit I love discussing the revolution with you
But it doesn't mean I want to marry you
Lam Ching-shan, you see yourself as the most eligible man
If you ask, all the girls will trip over one another to marry you
But let me tell you
I, Cheung Wing-shing, am not one of them
Master Mok, you are not his par
Call it quits...
You are not his par
Alright, let's call it a day
Mok Yan-chiu, you have not embarrassed yourself enough?
Lp Man, awesome
Really awesome, bravo...
Gentlemen, allow me to use this occasion to break you the good news
Ching-shan
Mei-tung
Not my sis?
Ching-shan, she's my only daughter
Now I'm giving you her hand
Be good to her
Marshal, rest assured of that
I thought it's Miss Cheung
There go her marriage prospects
I am honoured and overjoyed
That you will bear witness to my engagement to Mei-tung
Thank you
Let's go
Sis, come on
Wing-shing...
This is the Cheung Wing-shing I've been telling you about
She is a good friend
Sis Wing-shing, Ching-shan mentions about you all the time
says that he loves you like his sister
He hasn't been lying
He bought you an identical outfit that I have chosen
Congratulations to you two
Thank you
Excuse me
lp Man, keep an eye on her
I'll go get Dad
Ching-shan, is she in love with you?
Mei-tung, you are the one that I love
Dad
Forget it, it's a good outcome
But, you... Just shut up
Old Chu, you really can bear to marry your daughter to this nobody?
What? You don't mean to congratulate me?
Marshal Chu, congrats... Thank you
Miss Cheung, you want a ride?
Wing-shing
Proceed
Wing-shing...
Wing-shing
Zi, wait, slow down
Wing-shing
Wing-shing, don't be upset
You don't get it
I do, why not?
I know it was supposed to be your engagement to Brother Ching-shan
It's not the case
I understand, your heart is now broken
I know, I got it
I can feel your pain
It's like your internal organs have been ripped apart
Please, cut it out
Then stop and make it clear to me
It's not your business
Proceed, don't bother with him
Stop... let's take a break here
I overtook you, you lost
So you can smile
Wipe your brows
Thank you
Wing-shing, you alright?
You are all mistaken
Mistaken?
I was not upset at all
Then you...
I never meant to marry Lam Ching-shan
I knew nothing about the proposal
But why did you run away?
I...
I got it...
It's not what you wanted
But since everyone thought it was the case
And Brother Ching-shan suddenly proposed to Marshal Chu's daughter
You were humiliated all the same
Yes, take it as the vanity of a girl
But... you never loved Brother Ching-shan?
I loved to discuss the revolution with him
I cared for the realisation of his revolutionary ideals
That's it?
What else?
And I never thought he could resort to any means to his ends
Oh yes, why are you following me?
I have no choice I have to take care of you
Why?
Because you are my...
What?
Because... you are my buddy Cheung Wing-sing's sister
That's rather far-fetched
Now you are smiling
Miss Wing-shing, you're home
Sis
Where's Uncle?
Over there
Take care of lp Man Yes
What now?
Uncle, why did you side with the warlords?
What kind of attitude is this?
I thought you were a committed revolutionary
But you are just an opportunist that bends to the political wind
What opportunist?
Now the southern warlords are set for the northern expedition
You throw monetary backing behind them
When the time comes for the dividends
You will at least be made a financial secretary
Wing-shing, not everyone is unscrupulous as Lam Ching-shan
What Lam Ching-shan?
He has got nothing to do with it
Uncle, you believe man like Marshal Chu will fight for the revolutionary cause?
Wing-shing, you tell me
You want the northern expedition or not?
Yes, but not by men like Marshal Chu
Then you tell me, if not Marshal Chu
Then who else? Marshal Lo?
Between Marshal Chu and Marshal Lo
I can only pick Marshal Chu
Wing-shing, we don't mean to turn such warlords into saints
They are fellow travellers on our road to revolution
Wing-shing, we can count on them We have to count on them
But we can't become them
When the northern expedition is accomplished
We will try to change them
Those who fail to make the leap will be discarded by history
This is just political rhetoric
It's what Lam Ching-shan says
But I don't agree with it
Revolution shouldn't be adulterated
This is undermining revolution at the core
We'll never talk each other over
It's late. I have to go to bed
Wing-shing, you really can't see why I have to marry her?
I am a man of ideals talent and aspirations
I am still young
But so what?
They don't add up to a word or a gesture from Marshal Chu
A wave from him, not to say the revolution
Even my life can't be kept
I am where I am because of a word from Marshal Chu
Right, for your future
It sure is worthwhile to marry his daughter
Without a future I am in no position to talk about revolution
You are insulting the revolution
Lash out at me if you like
But my conscience is clear
Wing-shing, we have always had our ideals in mind
We are committed to our ideals
But let me tell you
Now that I have chosen this path I have to persist
I can't lose, I have to make it to the destination
I may have to resort to some unscrupulous means along the way
I still have to persist
I respect your choice
You prefer an untainted revolutionary path
But I don't see it that way
The revolutionary path is full of thorns
I may have to dirty my hands
But I will persist
And it won't change my ideals
Even if it will lead to misunderstanding and accusations
Even if it means an unhappy marriage
I'll still persevere
You really don't love your fiancee?
You should know whom I really love
Then why marry her?
I have no choice
It's for the revolution?
Yes
I despise your attitude towards love
But I appreciate your zeal for the revolution
So we are still revolutionary comrades?
Sir, a table for how many?
I am meeting my friend here
lp Man, over here
I have asked lp Man to come
I hope you don't mind
Not at all
Sir, what can I get you?
What they are having Yes
Man, you should try to pick up English
Yes, you are right
Sir, your coffee, enjoy
Thank you
You don't know how to use the knife and fork?
Yes
I am wanted in the office
Excuse me
Work first
Charge it to my account
No, like this...
Yes
No, use the fork
Let's go dance
Dance? I don't know how
I'll teach you, come on
What? Come on
So many people here, behave yourself
You are sometimes radical
Sometimes so old-fashioned
Come on
I... Come on
No, hold me What?
You want to embarrass me?
Dancing is like this, come on
You know martial arts
You are quick on your feet
It's to and fro, to and fro, OK?
Yes, that's it
Come on
You aren't tired?
No, I feel good
Alright, come on... 1, 2, 3, 4...
Sorry It's alright
1,2,3,4
Martial Arts Convention
Bravo...
Excuse us...
Bravo...
Mr Cheung, after you
Marshal Chu, after you...
Alright, I am honoured
Ladies and gentlemen
Northerners call us southerners weaklings saying that we can't fight
They can't be more wrong Wrong...
There's a saying in the martial arts world
Southern fists and Northern kicks
"Southern fists" is put in front of "Northern kicks"
Yes!
So we southerners are martial arts material We are adepts with the pen and the sword
The grand opening of the Canton Martial Arts Arena is proof to the world
That the south is brimming with talents and unsung heroes
Bravo...
From today on, the Canton Martial Arts Arena will be a nurturing ground
for martial arts adepts
They will promote martial arts for the strengthening of the country
and the people's health
And for the promotion of the revolution
Bravo...
We are poised to take off
We just await a good coach
Combat...
Combat... combat...
Combat... combat... combat...
Marshal Chu Hello...
Boss Li of Wing Cheung...
Hello...
Master Yu, lp Man, come up here Come on
Uncle
Mentor Alright
Excuse us...
Mentor, take this seat
Gentlemen, I am Lam Ching-shan
On behalf of Marshal Chu
I am playing host of this contest
Let me brief you on the rules and regulations
Whoever thinks he's good enough to be chief coach can come up here
He's entitled to a break after two wins
The last one standing will be the chief coach
Bravo...
Now I declare the tournament open
Bravo
This sure is fun
Masters, who will be the first?
Bravo...
Take it easy
Bravo... good...
Marshal Wong's coach Wong Tin-ba
Mentor, this move is good
Let me
Get him
Go! Oh... just missed!
Go...
Good!
Marshal Lo's coach Brother Lo beats Marshal Chiu's coach Shek
Marshal Chu's coach Mok Yan-chiu beats Marshal Ma's coach Kwok
Bravo!
Go!
Brother Lo wins
Yes!
Go! Go!
Mok Yan-chiu wins
I want a boat ride
Can you row a boat?
Row a boat?
Boat rowing is easy
Everyone in Foshan can do it
We all grow up by the riverside
Let's go
Sit tight
It's alright, let me try again
See? I told you I can row
It's not hard at all
You sure pick up things fast
I am smart
Blowing your own trumpet
Why look at me like that?
You are the prettiest when you smile
Then I'll smile more
You're smiling from the heart?
Of course
I don't like forced smiles
What makes you think so?
I am worried you are not happy when you are with me
You only care to be with Brother Ching-shan
What are you hinting at?
Oh yes, that day you had a fight with Uncle
But he's your elder after all
I respect him as an elder at home
But when it comes to national issues I won't give in that easily
But Uncle did have a point
I used to know a revolutionary
He was bent on cutting queues
Others found him wrong They said he's mad
Why be a revolutionary and a barber at the same time?
What kind of revolution was that?
I was small, I first thought revolution meant cutting the queue
Years have passed and now no one wears a queue anymore
Things have not changed much but have surely been improved
I don't know what will happen in the future
But one thing is clear to me
That what the revolutionaries did was right
By cutting people's queues off
they forced us to move forward
I know, I should learn from your queue-cutting friend
Looking back many years down the road
We'll see that what we are doing today has contributed to China's progress
I don't know much
But I just feel that revolution is like martial arts cultivation
You have to do it a step at a time
There are no shortcuts for it
If you insist on cultivating the most powerful martial arts on day one
lt'll hasten your downfall
Wing-shing
After the tournament is over
You go back to Foshan with me, let's...
Cut it out, I know what you want to say
You do?
I won't go back with you
My dream is to go see the world
I want to know why our country has had to suffer so much
Why the people are in deep water
I want to learn about the French Revolution
The Russian Revolution
What it means by constitution
What it means by forming a republic
What a senate is, what a congress is
Please welcome Marshal Lo's coach Brother Lo
Marshal Chu's coach Mok Yan-chiu
Just you wait
Combat...
Bravo
Good!
Go! Go!
That's it!
Go for it, a reward awaits you
Bravo!
Old Chu, your men are more shameless than you are
Just a skillful use of tactics
Go...
There isn't a ban on the use of weapons
Brother Lo if you want a weapon
It will be delivered to you
I am a generous man Not as despicable as you are
Bring it on
Be on the alert
Mok Yan-chiu is despicable
If he wins, it will bring shame on the martial arts world
Uncle, indeed
From Mok Yan-chiu
You can tell what kind of a man Marshal Chu is
Take it easy, sit down