In 1895, the Qing Dynasty ceded Taiwan to Japan at the end of the Sino-Japanese War
Taiwanese rebels formed their own vigilante group
Known as the Black Flag Army
They sought to fend off the Japanese takeover
The Black Flag Army
Great and powerful
Death to all invaders
Protect our country
Die on our feet, not live on our knees
Tai-shek, are you sure you want to do this?
Brother, we follow you loyally. I have no regrets
Never ending courage
Never ending farewell song
Never drop the sword of justice
Never stop killing the enemy
Let's go!
The whole camp is brightly lit apart from those two tents
They must be for arms and gun powder
The brightest tent must be the commander's
Tai-shek, you and I attack from the west
The rest attack from the north
We launch the raid from both sides
Careful! Land mines...
Raiders!
Tai-shek!
Stay back
We came to kill - not to rescue
Kill these Japanese!
Fools!
Damn it
Man-tin
Brother, you better go
No!
I fight till the end
You must live on
To continue the Black Flag's work
Go and extinguish the fire. Quickly!
Never drop the sword of justice
Never stop killing the enemy
Stop him - don't let him get away!
This land is no longer our own country
We have no home
The world is vast, yet there is no place for me
CHINA, 1898 NORTH-EASTERN BORDER
Look, the breeze is gentle and the people seem friendly
It looks so peaceful
Just the sound of horse hooves on the earth
I wonder... have we come here on a misunderstanding?
Master, Mr Kang wrote to you himself
Asking for your help with government reforms
How can it be a misunderstanding?
Well, that's your problem
You only listen to half the story
Then talk up more than the other half
That's why I'm not boring
No...
...just a bit troublesome
Welcome, gentlemen
Are you after a room or just something to eat?
Dinner first, then accommodation
Then breakfast, and lunch follows after that...
Kau Kan
Please forgive my servant
He always talks too much, and most of it rubbish
- This way, sir... - Master, please...
Let me get your seat
It's alright
I'll take their order
Master, are you going to the capital?
You are correct. How did you guess?
I don't have to guess
You have a cultured air, sir
I can tell you are an official or something
Well, you're not entirely right, boss
He's not what you think he is
At least, not yet
But when we get to Beijing, he'll be made an important government official
Excuse me. Can we have some food quickly?
My servant's so hungry...
...he can't keep his mouth shut
Of course. What would you like?
Some beef stew and a pot of wine
Very well
Sorry, no wine
Water will be fine
Hey, master...
And five dumplings too
Anything to keep his mouth busy
As you wish
We must be careful on this trip
Talk less and drink less
There is a lot of unrest in this region
So you must watch what you say
Yes, master
Careful
Are you alright?
I'm alright, thank you, thank you...
Master, when we get to Beijing...
...I'll buy you candied fruits
I know that's your favourite
You mean it's your favourite
I like whatever you like, sir
Go to your rooms. See nothing, say nothing
Otherwise I'll gouge your eyes out
And cut out your tongues
Upstairs
Tie the camels
Tell everyone to leave
You, that way, hurry up!
Master, these people are bad news
They look like thieves and bandits
Why don't we take the initiative and capture their leader?
Then the rest will be easier to handle
I agree that they do look like bandits
But we don't know their motives and appearances can be deceptive
True. But bad guys also look like bad guys...
...so let's take the initiative from them just in case
I disagree
We shouldn't do anything rash
We may get into deeper trouble
Just stay calm
But Master, my sense of righteousness...
...is bursting to come out
My blood is boiling
I suspect they are the Blue Lantern movement known to be agitating around here
There are so many of them
Where would we even start?
Start with the ugliest one
Sit down!
I'm sorry if I'm in your way, sir
Are there any other routes to Lo Yang? I want to avoid this town
As far as I know, this is the only road to Lo Yang, sir
Who are they?
Refugees
Their village is beset by plague. There's many more coming, sir
Then let's go to town
He's coming!
Everyone get ready
Who's forging iron at a time like this?
Find the bastard!
They're coming, they're coming...
Forget it then
Go get ready!
Master, look
We must help the refugees
But remember - just the refugees
Got it
Kill Yuan Shi-kai! Go...
Protect the refugees
Let's help
It's okay, don't panic
This way
You're safe now. Go on
Thank you, sir
Go now
My son...
Be good, don't cry, it's okay
Thank you so much
Okay?
Let's go
You're safe now, you better go
Hold tight. Let's go...
Where are those refugees? Ran away
Might as well fight
Don't hurt them...
Kau Kan, what are you doing?
I'm helping people
People? People...?
Yuan Shi-kai
"Excellency" to you
Help!
Black Flag Army?
Thank you for your help
Master...
Could it be him?
Thank you for helping us, sir
It's nothing
I appreciate your assistance, sir
I'm To An, Captain of the Green Banner forces
May I know your name?
I'm Tan Si-tong
Tan Si-tong?
A pleasure to meet you both
Fare thee well
Are you Tan Si-tong?
That's right. And you are...?
My name is Yuan. Yuan Shi-kai
I met with Mr Kang when I was in Beijing
So we have a mutual friend in Mr Kang?
Pleased to meet you
We're not exactly "friends"
Mr Kang has the Emperor's ear
He's a very important man in the government
I'm only a low-ranking official
I'm not worthy of being his friend
Mr Yuan, you are too humble
The tattoo on your back...
Isn't that the Black Flag symbol?
Mister, I'm just a blacksmith
Fella, you're not answering his question
Why so evasive?
Hey, stop being cocky
- Kau Kan - Sang
I'm Kau Kan. Pleased to meet you
I'm Sang. The pleasure's mine
You're right. The tattoo on my back is the Black Flag symbol
Well then, I'd like a sword
What kind?
A big sword, weighing 69 kilos
Blade this thick, edge this thin
Powerful and precise in action
Your name?
Tan Si-tong
The reformist Tan Si-tong?
Pleased to meet you
Tell me, what do you need this sword for?
Hey, master...
...if it weighs 69 kilos I won't be able to carry it
Keep quiet
Brother Sang, will you show me around your shop?
Sure. I'll show you the toilet first
Is it made of iron too?
You'll find out, come on
Thanks
I'm Yuan Shi-kai
Commander of the Green Banner forces
I must thank both of you for helping us out just now
In fact, the sword that Mr Tan wants, is you
Nowadays, the most popular knives are for eating with
My blade is useless
General Liu Yong-fu's sword weighed 1000 kilos...
...but it couldn't protect his dream from invasion
Hey, friend, times are different now
Even if we can't move mountains or rivers
Our actions can still have meaning
I want peace. And the fresh air of my simple life
I don't care for meaning
Listen...
Mr Tan...
Look at this... my forge isn't hot enough
How can I make a worthy sword with it?
That may be true now
But flames may still be stoked...
...if you let me
Mr Tan!
If that's his wish, then let him be
China is a vast country
There are many more people
One blade more or one blade less won't make a difference
He's right, master
But brother Yuan, one small fire...
...can burn the forest down
The fire in my heart was extinguished a long time ago
Master...
I'm fine
Teacher, what does he mean 'a small fire can burn the whole forest'?
Mr Tan, I'm sure you will be much admired in Beijing
Your reputation goes before you
I just want peace for our country. Personal fame is irrelevant
Well said
In times like these, it's hard to stick to one's course
I'm glad there are still unselfish men like you
I am nothing compared to you
Why do you feel that, Mr Yuan?
You're a great martial artist and a renowned military leader
I'm sure one day you will be a force to reckon with
I dare not dream of that
It's already something just to survive these days
Success is harder than reaching the stars
It depends on your work ethic
If I can make so bold, I'd like to introduce you to Mr Kang
I hope you don't mind?
Someone like me might tarnish his reputation
Nonsense. You'd be a great help
Who is blocking our way?
Wang Wu
I'm his student, Cho Sang
Hey little Sang, are you lost?
Brother Kan
Shut your face
This road is rough. It's wise to travel together
What do you think?
With you and Mr Yuan as my escorts...
...our journey will be much easier
Wait for me!
THE CAPITAL
Mr Yuan, look...
What do you see when you look at this gate?
I see a landmark...
...on which our future achievements will be recorded
Nice. Mr Wang, you?
It's a tombstone
So many lives and their dreams have been buried here
And there are more to come
And you, Kan?
I don't think it looks like anything particular
It will be what you make of it
You hide a good brain behind those fast lips
Master Yuan, shall we enter Beijing?
Let's go
Master, we are riding in to a bright future!
Hey! Who banged into me?
Sorry, it's because of all the shadows
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL
"SOLDIERS ADVANCE WITH PERSEVERANCE"
Congratulations
Thank you, Mr Tan
We were only able to open this school...
...because of Mr Kang's patronage
He has high hopes for this school
You and Mr Kang...
...and all those dedicated to the future of our country...
...have a hard road ahead of you now
If we are all of the same mind
Then we have nothing to fear
We will all emerge into the sunshine soon
Brother Wu, I wish you a big success
Make big money, make a big splash
Big everything!
Stop it
This is a place of cultivation, you make it sound cheap
Luck is luck, whichever way you slice it
Teacher, I'm off to bathe
This gift is from Mr Tan and myself
The blade is you, you are the blade
Brother Wu, will you show us the skills of a Black Flag soldier?
Yes, go on. Please show us
Amazing
That's why General Liu's Black Flag Army were so feared
Great leaders don't have weak followers
- Mr Yuan! How are you? - Greetings, nice to see you!
Gentlemen, please be seated
I'm sorry I'm late, please forgive me
Mr Yuan, how's the New Army going?
Glad to see you
To An, you're looking well. Have you had a promotion?
Mr Wang, you must be teasing me
Organising the New Army is an exhausting endeavour
He must be a very talented man...
...to complete such a task in less than half a year
Captain, I feel you will go far
My career has benefitted from Mr Yuan
But I still feel the loss...
...of not learning kung fu from you
Hello! How are you?
Hey, Mr Tan. You're later than me!
I'm sorry, I was talking to Mr Kang and didn't realise the time
My apologies
I'll drink three cups of wine as punishment!
Please excuse me
About the Mr Chang you mentioned...
Forgive me
- I'm so sorry - Mr Tan
- Brother Kau, nice to see you again - Sorry I'm late again
You aren't too late. The bill hasn't come yet!
Mr Tan, I haven't seen you for six months. What's new?
- Kau Kan - Yes
Master
"An Exposition of Benevolence" is my greatest work
It is China's future
Mr Tan...
Without sacrifice, we will not progress
China's dynastic traditions are moribund
They are sick and dying
We cannot rely on old methods to cure China's ills
We need total reformation
Excise old cancers
Mr Kang was just telling me the young Emperor has read the book...
...he liked it very much
He wants to talk to we reformers
To see how we can implement these new ideas
What? The Emperor supports these reforms?
I believe so. But it will take time
Mr Tan, I wish you every success. This could be wonderful for China
Mr Tan, I've always thought you a man of great ideas
And I'm glad you're able to put those ideas into practise
But I urge you, be moderate. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater
I understand your concern
But Mr Yuan, time is not on our side
China is weak, if we don't act now it may be too late
Mr Tan, I toast you and the reformers
Who's there?
I'm sorry
I was listening to your music when it stopped suddenly
I thought there may have been an accident
So I rushed here without announcing myself
I apologise. I'll go...
Wait
You're right
I was cut by a broken string. It let a little blood
But if I understand correctly...
...you must like my music
If you stay...
...I'll continue playing for you
Thank you, but I do not wish to inconvenience you, Miss
If you refuse, you'll seem insincere
Then it would be my pleasure
Take a seat
The sun sets, but it will rise again
Tomorrow writes over yesterday
It's unhappiness can be forgotten
But our parents made us who we are
Is it ever right to forget them?
You're a filial daughter
If you want to talk about it, I'd like to share your sorrows
How do you know I have sorrows?
Because I...
...understand music
Your name?
I'm Wang Wu
Pleased to meet you
Maybe this is my parents' doing
A sign they've forgiven me for not attending their funerals
I wandered so far, I became rootless
But how many can live as they wish without constraint or consequence?
You have your own sorrows
Look at China today
If you have any sense...
...you will grieve for her too
Thanks, sir
My heart has been broken before, but it is not yet dead
Good. The rain will wash away our sorrow
Take care it doesn't wash away your courage too
Let me galvanise you, sir
I'll take it
There is much wind and rain. Take care, sir
Thanks
I'm Ngo Pai, the "Iron Hand". Who are you?
Wang Wu
I will remember this name
Martial arts contest?
Lord Yee is an important official in the government
He has loved kung fu since his childhood
He employs a lot of kung fu masters in his chamber
Two of the famous Four Heroes are his men
This contest may get you noticed
And perhaps obtain favour
Lord Yee is a senior courtier
But he's very conservative
He even complained to the Emperor's mother...
...about our 100 Days' Reform
Brother, your friendship with us may be used to disparage you
Master Yee has respect for all martial artists
He holds them in high regard
Besides, this contest is purely about kung fu
Nothing to do with politics
Mr Tan, you're worrying too much
Brother, it'll be a good chance to meet fellow martial artists
Fine, I'd very much like to meet the famous Four Heroes
It will hone my craft
Teacher, it may rain soon. Take an umbrella with you
No need
What's wrong with this one?
What's so special about that one?
Thank you
Take a seat
Why didn't you wait for me?
I came to visit you a few days ago. Where were you?
Off fooling around?
I discovered two new sexy girls the other day
Just beautiful. Absolutely mouth-watering
One is so short, she's just the right height...
Ready?
Born ready
He's one of the Four Heroes of Beijing
He is one of Lord Yee's martial arts advisors
Po Ting
He's not impartial. Is he participating?
No. But his son, Ting-yao, is competing
How about you?
You think I would lower myself to something like this?
Unless you're interested in testing yourself against Lord Yee's other advisor?
I'm only just becoming intrigued by you
He's been looking at you since you first walked in here
Who is he?
Japanese
A martial arts master called Benko
He is the star of this contest
The winner of this competition will represent Lord Yee...
...challenging him - Japan's No.1
The Qing Dynasty has had to fight to exist
Soldiers are its pride
I've always respected the martial arts
It is a Chinese cultural treasure...
...that strengthens our people as well as our nation
Everyone here is a famous martial artist
Today is a chance to demonstrate your skills
To venerate your art and inspire the people
To show the world that China is still a force to be reckoned with
Let the contest begin
Chinese kung fu is really fantastic
If it weren't for this contest...
...I wouldn't have known that such techniques existed
Quite right. This is important for our soldiers
They can't depend on manuals on the battlefield
We need to learn more and improve our methods
Yes, sir. That's very wise
I concede
Respect
It's young Master Po. I reckon he'll win
Mr Yin, look, his father is one of the patrons
Of course he'll win
For sure
Bravo
Who else would like to challenge me?
Teacher, can I have a go?
No
Teacher, please give me a chance
Well, anybody?
What do you mean by this?
He's lost. There's no honour in carrying on
Why did you help him?
Kung fu means helping others
Oh yeah? You can't even help yourself
Damn
Who is this man?
Wang Wu
He's the head of a new Martial Arts School
Father!
Good kung fu
I didn't know that such a small Martial Arts School could produce such an excellent fighter
Thank you, Master Po
You defeated my number one student with only three strokes
It seems the form I invented...
...couldn't withstand your simple style
My apologies
I was only trying to help. If I offended you...
...please forgive me
I would like to remind you that this tournament has rules
My son was fighting according to the rules of the competition
Yet you launched a surprise attack
Some might accuse you of taking unfair advantage
However, I don't think that was the case
The winner wins, the loser loses
Master Wang, as you're already in the ring...
...why don't we take the opportunity to compare styles?
Hero Po hasn't fought in public for three years
This is a rare treat
He'll really open our eyes!
Master Po, let's not fight over a misunderstanding
No excuses
We all come here to win
The reason we fight...
...is not important
So... let's uphold the spirit of this great competition
Please
Fine. If you insist
Master Ngo, what do you think?
I have no idea
This will be some battle
Thank you
I am in awe of the style you have developed
You are very impressive
Fine
My Lord, may we be excused?
I'm very sorry for the disturbance
I apologise. Please excuse me
Mr Ngo, I'm confused. Who is the winner?
One pretends not to have won and one pretends not to have lost
My Lord, the winner is for you to judge
I declare myself the winner!
Let go
Why are you sneaking around?
Sneaking around? Nonsense
Nonsense? I caught you spying in the middle of the night
It's you who dragged me in
Don't be so cocky!
Oh, it's you. Did Master Po send you here?
I want to join your school
You're Master Po's student. You cannot betray him
I want a better teacher
Master Po's style is one of the best in China
You can learn a lot from him
But how can I be loyal to a teacher...
...who only promotes his own son?
You've made your choice. You shouldn't blame Master Po
I'm not blaming him. I just want a chance to improve
Teacher, he's alright, let him in
Nosy
Off to bed
- This is the place - Come on, open up!
- Mr Wang! - Open the door!
Coming, coming...
What do you want?
You can't come in here
Wait, get back, get back
Teacher!
What's going on here?
Master Wang. Please be our teacher
Master Wang, you wouldn't leave me out, would you?
Mr Yuan, what do you think of this sword?
An impressive sword, my Lord, but it is yet to taste blood
Very smart
Thank you, sir. You flatter me
You're a clever man
You should choose your allegiances as wisely
I am uneducated, if I make mistakes, please teach me right from wrong
I didn't mean you're on the wrong side yet
But I am afraid you may be easily swayed
Sire, you have my loyalty
Do you mean it?
Every word
I am very pleased to hear you say that
I was worried that being mixed up with Kang and Tan, you may get your priorities wrong
I don't even know them that well. Just acquaintances
This teacher, Wang Wu, what is his background?
He used to serve in the Black Flag Army
His martial artistry is amongst the very best
If you could make use of him, he would be a great asset
But if he chose to work for the others?
Then he will be a problem
A big problem
So what would you suggest?
Wang Wu and his school is gaining popularity amongst the common man
I think it wise to recruit him
Good
I heard that you and Tan Si-tong...
...gave Wang Wu a replica blade
True?
It was just a friendly gesture
What about this gesture?
Take it
It's yours
Thank you, my Lord
If you use this sword correctly, you'll benefit from its power
If not, you'll suffer by its blade
I'll learn how to use this sword from you alone
That's your first lesson
Thank you, Lord Yee
Soldiers are the foundation of a country
The pillars of the court
To train a soldier, you start with the heart
Only through obedience will an army become strong
If the army is strong, the country will be strong
If soldiers must obey orders...
...why does Sun Zi say...
"A General can disregard an Emperor's orders"?
While on the battlefield, things can change suddenly
So it's wise to be flexible
Armies manifest the Emperor's will. The hands must obey the head
But the battle itself determines how the hands fight
The Emperor is far from the fight
How can he understand the intricacies of his wars?
Generals use their own judgment to secure victory for him
But, just like in life, we must not make rash decisions
Moreover, no matter how tough the battle...
...orders are given for the greater good
For wars are not about individual soldiers
But the fates of an entire army and its nation
Individual soldiers should not change the battle plan
Brother Yuan, I don't quite agree with that
Brother Tan, do you wish to debate military theory with me?
Very good. You are quick to disarm me
But allow me to speak nonetheless
In the art of war, timing is of utmost importance
There can be no delay
If change is needed, then change
You cannot afford to hesitate
Outdated plans are harmful
Otherwise, the opportunity could be lost
And the consequences severe
The art of war is complex
Rules are made for clarity
Change is a weapon
But it should not be wielded carelessly
It can bring chaos
And undermine your chances for victory
Procrastination is dangerous
A brave man acts with conviction
If a man speaks plainly, he gains trust
But he must be diplomatic
Otherwise he'll alienate others and suffer indignity
But isn't that the logic of the courtiers that run the Court to feather their own nests?
That's slanderous
Mr Tan, we are living through 'interesting' times
It's wise to watch what you say
We can say whatever we want
This is our country
No one likes to hear their family bad-mouthed
I'm sure you know what I mean, Mr Tan
I understand. But, Mr Yuan, I didn't mean you
Brother Wu, don't forget your appointment with Lord Yee tomorrow
I won't. Thanks a lot, Brother Yuan
Brother Tan, please excuse me
Goodbye
Brother Wu, why does Lord Yee want to see you?
To meet the Japanese martial arts master
Does he want to recruit you?
I suspect he'll ask. But I will decline
My main reason for inviting both Mr Benko and Mr Wang...
...is that I want to open a Sino-Japanese martial arts society which you will both run
Lord Yee, I am not good enough for such a prestigious task
And my own school takes up all my time
That's easy...
Your school will be incorporated into my new Sino-Japanese Society
Simple as that
Brother Wu, Lord Yee's idea...
Thank you, my Lord
But I'm not used to working with the Japanese
Mr Wang...
...our country needs the help of Japan
Establishing a working relationship will benefit China
I understand, but matters of government are beyond me
Then let's just say you're working for me
I'm sorry. I am not a capable man
I cannot help you
Mr Wang Wu...
Brother Wu
I have things to do. Please excuse me
Brother Wu...
Forget him
What's that?
For the final of the contest, Lord Yee has replaced you with Po Ting...
...to fight Japanese Benko
Brother Wu, remember you cannot fight this Japanese
It is his Lordship's decision
But you can't tell anyone it was his idea
You must just say you've withdrawn
I know how you feel, I'm a martial artist too
But I have to make it clear, don't make things difficult for me
Only seek your blade...
...when your blade is near
Seek battle...
...and enemies will find you
Understand?
We understand, teacher
Why did you refuse to fight me?
Following orders
Follow orders? But cannot think for yourself
You're a typical Chinese
A coward
Stop!
Stand back
Good
My sword is ready
Wang Wu, you're as good as they say you are
Hey, brother Wu...
Why did you defy his Lordship's orders?
A man has to do what he thinks is right
Don't make it hard for me
Commander, shall we arrest these men?
Wait!
Brother Yuan, I alone will come with you
My pupils have nothing to do with this. Understand?
Very well. His Lordship is still upset you won't work with him...
...but I think he'll be alright when he calms down
Brother Wu, I will be responsible for your safety
Stay here. I'll find Mr Tan
Brother Wu, I'll see his Lordship and talk to him
I'm sorry, you'll have to spend the night here
I appreciate that
Mr Wang, please sit
Uncuff him
Mr Wang, I hope you won't blame Master Yuan
I don't blame him
I know he has a job to do
If he gets an official order, he must obey it
I'm so glad you understand. Please rest
Let's go
Don't move!
Kneel down
Here's the Royal decree
Tell Lord Yee to come here and receive the edict
Yes, sir
Tan Si-tong!
How dare he take a prisoner from me
Right. Very well
He can have his corpse
Execute Wang Wu immediately
Send Yuan Shi-kai here
Yes, sir
Where are you going?
We have his Lordship's order to execute the prisoner
Show the papers
It's a verbal order
We don't need papers
You can't enter these quarters without papers. Go back and get them
Let us pass, Madam Yee
Or we'll have to make a forced entry
How dare you
Madam Yee
They tried to rape me...
Unforgivable
Madam, thank you for your help
What do you mean?
Please speak clearly, Captain
There's nothing to hide. We're all concerned about Mr Wang
Madam, I'll see that he's safe
Why so long? Is he disrespecting you or the Emperor's edict?
He wouldn't dare
Unless he wants to lose his head
Mr Tan, how long do we have to wait?
Time's up!
Kau Kan!
The door is open, so we can go in
Lead the way
Hurry
Out of my way
Brother Yuan
Brother Tan
Brother Tan, why are you so angry?
Is Brother Wu alright?
Brother Wu is a guest here. Of course he's fine
Brother Tan, come here
This is the wrong approach
I have the Emperor's edict. Yee must release him
Brother Tan, the Emperor is far away
He is out of touch. Wu is in his Lordship's hands
I spent a long time persuading Yee to let Wu go
I'm sure it will happen soon
But now you've challenged his authority with the Emperor's edict
If he gets angry and kills Brother Wu...
...then you're responsible for his death
How dare he!
Brother Tan, you are spearheading reforms not a revolution. Don't make so much trouble
Brother Yuan, let me make it clear...
Firstly, I didn't start this
Secondly, Yee is too conservative. His power needs the current system
With people like Yee around, China is doomed
You're too extreme
We all want what's best for our country
You must be willing to make compromises. Leave room for give and take
I will not make room for a tyrant like Yee
Commander
Mr Tan
Brother Tan
Enough talk
Wang's life is at stake
To An, take me to see Wang
This way, please
Open the door
You can't come in unless we have orders from his Lordship
I have orders from the Emperor. Open the door!
We work for Lord Yee
Fine
Mr Tan
Defy the Emperor and taste my blade
Stop it!
How dare you. Who do you think you are?
I have a decree from the Emperor
Let him see it
I'm afraid this has come too late
I've already executed the renegade Wang Wu
You defied the Emperor's wishes?
The Emperor's wishes are meaningless...
...when faced with an unstoppable destiny
So, what are you going to do?
Do you really dare kill me?
Yes
Brother Tan...
I'm still here
Brother Wu!
Wang Wu is still alive
Thank you, Brother Tan
It was all a misunderstanding!
Let's go
Tan Si-tong, just you wait...
Teacher!
What happened? Who did this?
Don't know. They took our letter of patronage
'Iron Hand'
Whose is that?
Have you heard of Ngo Pai?
Lord Yee's kung fu advisor?
Brother Wu, the reactionary factions have made their move
We must strike back
But we have no military power
There is one person. Maybe he can help us
You mean Brother Yuan?
His New Army has 17,000 soldiers near the capital
Besides, we are good friends
If we explain the danger, maybe he'll agree to help
And if he refuses?
We must help the Emperor wrestle power from his mother
We must force the dowager Empress to retire
It's a high risk strategy
But Yuan would stand to gain a lot
It's a gamble I think he'll take
What if he places his bet on the Empress dowager?
What are our odds then?
Then I'll go down in history as a fool
But he will be remembered as a villain
Very well. Let's go together
The worst that can happen to us...
...is we lose our lives
Brother Tan, why so secretive?
I want you to mobilise the New Army
Mobilise the New Army?
That's right
To protect the Emperor
The security in the palace is handled by the imperial guards
It has nothing to do with me
We need to use your New Army...
...to push back against the Empress dowager
Unless the Emperor holds real power...
...we cannot make meaningful reforms
This concerns the whole country, not just our own lives
Kung fu is a national treasure
It should be used to protect China, not betray it
The civil war that follows will be our fault
Kung fu is not beholden to a political system
It can preserve Chinese values for future generations
Shi-kai, China risks becoming a failed state
It's too late, there is no middle road
If we're successful, Shi-kai...
...you will command all martial affairs in the future
The Emperor has always praised highly...
...your training methods
I'm grateful to the Emperor
Brother Tan, are you sure about this?
I was never more sure
Brother, how about you?
If China has no future, neither do we
Good
Then let's create a bright new future for China
And for us
Shi-kai, we'll be making history
We'll fight beautifully for this victory
Brother Yuan, when you see the Emperor, tell him of our plan
Mr Kang has arranged everything
"Exposition of Benevolence"
Master Wang!
Master Wang
What is it?
My master's been arrested. He's been charged with treason
What about Mr Kang?
He was tipped off and managed to escape by boat
Master Wang, you must do something to save my master
FROM MR KANG
We almost succeeded
Fate is fickle in choosing its winners and losers
Where are all the guards?
That's why there are no other guards here
They have a great kung fu master waiting
Because they know a kung fu master is always sent to rescue the criminal
Tan is innocent
Every rescuer says the same thing
Because our State is corrupt most of its prisoners will be innocent
I only guard them. I don't judge them
You don't know right from wrong. I will free the innocent man
Whoever wins will decide his innocence
What's your next move? Now you've lost the fight
Your kung fu is really great
I, Yu Man-san, have been a guard in this prison for over 10 years
I have never lost to anybody. I am lucky to meet a master of your calibre
My friend, I admit defeat
Are you Yu Man-san, one of the Four Heroes of Beijing?
Forget that bullshit. We're no comparison to you
Goodbye
Brother Tan
I knew that it'd be you
Brother Tan, let's go
I won't go
I can escape from jail, but I can't escape the world
China's future depends on you
The future is not the work of one man but a people
If reform requires blood and sacrifice
Very well, then start with me
Brother Tan
"To the hand holding the sword, I laugh facing heaven"
"It is for future generations to judge my guilt"
Brother Tan... you are right
Success can only be judged at the end of the journey
Your life may have been scuppered by bad luck
But China will walk the road you have mapped out
China... will finally walk my road
Brother Wu... I want to sleep now
I haven't slept well for a long time
Brother Tan, farewell
Master Yu, can I ask favour?
Tell me and I'll do it
I need my blade
Your blade?
Yes
Fine!
Master...
You always have a twinkle in your eye
So don't cry for me
From today... you must embody hope
No more tears
Master, I won't cry. I promise you...
Kau Kan, your future is in your own hands
But you need to fight for it
Master, I brought you candied fruits
Your favourite
I bought them specially for you
Master...
Wu?
It's me
Turn your head to heaven
If I can die by the sword...
...of the Black Flag Army
I'll have no regrets
Master!
What would you like to hear?
I've already heard the most beautiful music
Do you remember it well?
I will remember it for the rest of my life
But I'm afraid that after tonight...
...that life will vanish like a dream
Dreams come and dreams go
But memories show us who we are
In life, we chase after dreams
But it's only memories that leave any traces
I hope to remember you in my next life, my dear
I hope to meet a music lover like you in my next life
You're here at last
He would have made a good administrator
But he was born at the wrong time
Wrong. He just trusted the wrong man
Did he go easy?
Yes, one quick swing
You're a good swordsman
You will know how good very soon
Aren't you afraid?
I'm a soldier. If I feared mortality, I would not have joined the army
That's why you don't value other people's lives
This time, you are the losers
But if you had won, there'd be bodies everywhere too
Yes, you've won
But that doesn't mean you'll live
Shut up
You shouldn't have come
Naturally you don't want me here
Brother Wu, the road ahead is long and wide. Let's work together
Only one of us will reach the destination
Mr Wang, please desist
To An, I don't want to kill you
Nor I you. Mr Wang, please leave now
I'll go
After I've killed Yuan Shi-kai
Fine
But you'll have to get through me
Brother Wu...
Teacher!
What are you doing here?
This is not your fight
I didn't come to fight alone
I came to fight with you
I came to avenge my master
And what about you?
Teacher, I just want to stay with you
Brother Tan, you can rest easy
This next generation of Chinese people will not let you down
Go now or you will never escape
Lord Yee predicted that you boxers would rebel
We've been waiting for you
None of you will escape today
Ngo, I will kill you first
Oh yeah? Let's see who kills who
Teacher...
Don't call me 'teacher', you traitor
Who kicked me?
Enough!
You are no longer my master
If you hit me, I'll hit back
Go on then
Fine, let's fight!
Siu Chuen!
Teacher, I can no longer help you fight
I can't serve you anymore
Teacher, take care of yourself
Go now
I can't
Remember, even if only one of us lives...
...then our martial legacy survives
Go now
Big brother...
Go on
"To the hand holding the sword, I laugh facing heaven...
"It is for future generations to judge my guilt"
Brother Tan, you won't be lonely
I'm coming...
THE GRAVE OF MY FRIEND, MR WANG WU
English Subtitles by PSPEB6