"Twin Warriors" is one of the best martial arts films I have seen, there are at least 20 different fight scenes all of them spectacular. Jet Li does a good job of acting here, he isn't as serious as he usually is, Michelle Yeoh who proved she could kick ass in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" shows her skills here as well. The action scenes for the most part are believeable, a few of them go over the top but other than that I was totally into them, if you're looking for pure martial arts action with a decent story and acting, give Twin Warriors a look.
57 Reviews
Jet Li Shines In "Twin Warriors"
titan-2823 October 2006
"Twin Warriors" is one of my favorite Jet Li movies. It is about two monks who grow up together and befriend one another. After getting kicked out of their temple, they have to live in the world outside of the temple for the first time of their lives. Unfamiliar with the real world and how it works, they end up choosing different paths. In the end they end up fighting one another and throw their long friendship out the window. Also joining them is Michelle Yeoh, famous for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and does a good job as well. The story is pretty good, and it even has some funny moments. There is no sexuality or hard language which is good for this film. The action in it is over the top and non-stop. It is definitely why you would want to see this movie, all different kinds of combat and martial arts. You have one on one fights, huge wars, hand to hand combat, weapon combat, and even the grab anything and use it as a weapon combat. The dubbing is pretty decent, and I don't think you can even find it in the States with the original voices. There are some minor flaws, like a times you can see wires, or things just look really fake, but it doesn't really take anything away from the film and is very entertaining. If you are a martial arts, Jet Li, or action fan, you should like this one. It has an R rating, but really could be PG-13 as there isn't anything very gory or sexual.
Cool, cheesy kung-fu fun
Anonymoo-29 September 1999
One of my favorite Hong Kong actors, Jet Li, does what I call his best film in "Tai Chi Master." Starring alongside Michelle Yeoh and a dozen other folks whose name I forgot, Li plays Junbao, a monk whose best friend betrays him and becomes a ruthless whacko. This leaves him only one option: grab a pole and start clubbin' baddies. While some parts are just too cheesy to mention, i.e. people flying around and some ridiculously hokey-looking effects (you can see the cable attached to a guy's back at one point), the best fights take place with just good ol' Jet Li, a pole, and an army of bad guys, where there is no room to fly around or do the ultra-powerful Buddhist Palms. Give Tai Chi Master a try. It's a love-hate thing for most people, and in my case, it's a love thing. This movie is one of the five best kung-fu flicks ever made, in my opinion.
A truly great 90's actioner
treble_head11 May 2004
It's not Drunken Master, (not the Legend of Drunken Master, the original, noodge), but what is? It is a well made tale of an ousted Shaolin monk who through hardship and madness, learns the ultimately taoist T'ai Chi Chuan.
The thing I love about this film, (and you'd have to be a geek to go with this} but I love the fact that he learns T'ai Chi through his own hardships, not from a sifu (teacher), and the typical sifu or friend who dies is his friend, who, instead of dying, turns evil with power.
The entire movie is a great representation of Taosism (yin, yang, good and evil}. I don't agree that Michelle Yeoh (or Michelle Kahn at she time in the film) was not well used. She provided the idea of the easy path, drinking in this case, that is so lacking in gong fu movies. She and he both redeem themselves against the head bad guy (His character name escapes me at the time}, but there is no love interest between themselves. She's tough and troubled, he's tough and troubled and they actually help each other (read: she stops drinking to save him, he learns from her care and she helps cure his madness).
By the way, the head bad guy, (again, sorry about the name} was still played brilliantly even in dubbing. My friends and I still say "Hmmmmm" in his fey evil voice when thinking bad thoughts. It can be said it's typical Hong Kong fare... Good guy gets defeated, learns a new style of Gong Fu and defeats the bad guy, but then again, isn't that what Star Wars took 3 films to accomplish?
Anyway, my opinion of this film is tainted by the fact that I'm a taoist, but the action is top notch, nobody flies for no reason, all the characters (even the comic relief) are fleshed out. great film. not the greatest, but, it's a hell of a lot better than "Shaolin Drunken Monk" (aka, Plan 9 from the Shaolin Temple) lol.
The thing I love about this film, (and you'd have to be a geek to go with this} but I love the fact that he learns T'ai Chi through his own hardships, not from a sifu (teacher), and the typical sifu or friend who dies is his friend, who, instead of dying, turns evil with power.
The entire movie is a great representation of Taosism (yin, yang, good and evil}. I don't agree that Michelle Yeoh (or Michelle Kahn at she time in the film) was not well used. She provided the idea of the easy path, drinking in this case, that is so lacking in gong fu movies. She and he both redeem themselves against the head bad guy (His character name escapes me at the time}, but there is no love interest between themselves. She's tough and troubled, he's tough and troubled and they actually help each other (read: she stops drinking to save him, he learns from her care and she helps cure his madness).
By the way, the head bad guy, (again, sorry about the name} was still played brilliantly even in dubbing. My friends and I still say "Hmmmmm" in his fey evil voice when thinking bad thoughts. It can be said it's typical Hong Kong fare... Good guy gets defeated, learns a new style of Gong Fu and defeats the bad guy, but then again, isn't that what Star Wars took 3 films to accomplish?
Anyway, my opinion of this film is tainted by the fact that I'm a taoist, but the action is top notch, nobody flies for no reason, all the characters (even the comic relief) are fleshed out. great film. not the greatest, but, it's a hell of a lot better than "Shaolin Drunken Monk" (aka, Plan 9 from the Shaolin Temple) lol.
Entertaining Martial arts fest
The_Void11 September 2004
Twin Warriors succeeds as a martial arts film because it keeps us entertained with almost a constant stream of highflying action sequences. However, due in part to poor dubbing; the drama scenes between the fights are laughable.
The story follows that of two friends, Chin Bo and Juanbo (Siu-hou Chin and Jet Li), two monks that becomes friends at, and later get thrown out of a Shaolin Temple. After this, they meet up with the leader of a group of rebels (Michele Yeoh), and Juanbo joins them, while Chin Bo goes off to join the emperor's army. Naturally, they meet up again along the way and their friendship is basically the main plot point of the film. As I mentioned, though; the dubbing is awful, and the script is no better. The characters talk as if they're from an upmarket part of London, and when they're both of Asian origin; it makes it very hard to take seriously. It's hard to tell whether the script is bad, or if it's just that it has been lost in translation. Because some of the lines of dialogue are cringe worthy, but that could be due to English translation; I don't know. It's the same story with the acting; none of the cast excels in the drama sections of the film, but their performance is masked by awful dubbing. Everyone deserves credit for their martial arts, however. The action sequences are generally imaginative, well crafted and entertaining; although they do have a tendency to go over the top at times; the prime example of this being when two characters are fighting in a dining hall, and a table falls apart and somehow manages to become stilts for one of the characters to stand on while fighting. I admit that it's entertaining...but come on.
Credit to the cinematography department; this film does look very nice. And it does keep the audience entertained for it's duration, but that's all this film is; a crowd pleaser. It's just too silly to really be taken seriously.
The story follows that of two friends, Chin Bo and Juanbo (Siu-hou Chin and Jet Li), two monks that becomes friends at, and later get thrown out of a Shaolin Temple. After this, they meet up with the leader of a group of rebels (Michele Yeoh), and Juanbo joins them, while Chin Bo goes off to join the emperor's army. Naturally, they meet up again along the way and their friendship is basically the main plot point of the film. As I mentioned, though; the dubbing is awful, and the script is no better. The characters talk as if they're from an upmarket part of London, and when they're both of Asian origin; it makes it very hard to take seriously. It's hard to tell whether the script is bad, or if it's just that it has been lost in translation. Because some of the lines of dialogue are cringe worthy, but that could be due to English translation; I don't know. It's the same story with the acting; none of the cast excels in the drama sections of the film, but their performance is masked by awful dubbing. Everyone deserves credit for their martial arts, however. The action sequences are generally imaginative, well crafted and entertaining; although they do have a tendency to go over the top at times; the prime example of this being when two characters are fighting in a dining hall, and a table falls apart and somehow manages to become stilts for one of the characters to stand on while fighting. I admit that it's entertaining...but come on.
Credit to the cinematography department; this film does look very nice. And it does keep the audience entertained for it's duration, but that's all this film is; a crowd pleaser. It's just too silly to really be taken seriously.
Jet Li's best and most definitive Shaolin film
hayabusa-15 July 2002
Twin Warriors is without a doubt Jet's Li's finest Shaolin movie. This movie has it all: friendship, love, betrayal, corruption, murder, and comedy, not to mention the kung fu Style of Shaolin which will never cease to amaze, bewilder, and captivate the viewer.
The plot itself is simple and easy to follow. Junbao and Chin Bo are misfit friends inside a Shaolin temple. Feeling both ambitious and outcast form the others in the temple, these two secretly practice kung fu while performing menial tasks such as sweeping the temple floor and doing laundry. Things come to head when Chin Bo takes things a little too far during a kung fu initiation, attacking a master with some of the master's own secret kung fu moves.
Forced to leave the temple Junbao and Chin Bo are forced to live as street entertainers, demonstrating their kung fu and ability to absorb punishment for money. That is until the Government wants a cut of that money. It's at this point that that the yin and yang relationship develops between Junboa and Chin Bo, one sticking to the virtues of Shaolin, while the other becomes a corrupt power hungry officer of the provincial army. The struggle between good and evil that rips two old friends apart is masterfully captured in this movie. Thankfully there are two key elements of the movie that save it from being a depressing tale about a friendship gone awry.
The first element of relief is comedy. While this is by no means a funny movie, there is a fairly long segment where Junbao becomes insane and partakes in some hilarious shenanigans. First he believes he is a duck and hides underwater in a fountain. Then he believes a pillar that holds up a building is his long lost Shaolin master. He even get mad when at a weeble-wobble `Mr. Tao' doll when it will not answer his questions. This comic relief is much needed, saving the film form being depressing.
The second element that makes this film a must see: The incredible martial arts sequences. From beginning to end this movie is packed with the best kung fu I have ever seen in a movie. So many different styles and techniques are used, and jet Li makes them all look as if they were child's play. Fight sequences are beautifully choreographed putting the ART back into martial Arts. I highly recommend this film for any casual or die hard fan of Jet Li, he is simply amazing in this film 10/10 stars!
The plot itself is simple and easy to follow. Junbao and Chin Bo are misfit friends inside a Shaolin temple. Feeling both ambitious and outcast form the others in the temple, these two secretly practice kung fu while performing menial tasks such as sweeping the temple floor and doing laundry. Things come to head when Chin Bo takes things a little too far during a kung fu initiation, attacking a master with some of the master's own secret kung fu moves.
Forced to leave the temple Junbao and Chin Bo are forced to live as street entertainers, demonstrating their kung fu and ability to absorb punishment for money. That is until the Government wants a cut of that money. It's at this point that that the yin and yang relationship develops between Junboa and Chin Bo, one sticking to the virtues of Shaolin, while the other becomes a corrupt power hungry officer of the provincial army. The struggle between good and evil that rips two old friends apart is masterfully captured in this movie. Thankfully there are two key elements of the movie that save it from being a depressing tale about a friendship gone awry.
The first element of relief is comedy. While this is by no means a funny movie, there is a fairly long segment where Junbao becomes insane and partakes in some hilarious shenanigans. First he believes he is a duck and hides underwater in a fountain. Then he believes a pillar that holds up a building is his long lost Shaolin master. He even get mad when at a weeble-wobble `Mr. Tao' doll when it will not answer his questions. This comic relief is much needed, saving the film form being depressing.
The second element that makes this film a must see: The incredible martial arts sequences. From beginning to end this movie is packed with the best kung fu I have ever seen in a movie. So many different styles and techniques are used, and jet Li makes them all look as if they were child's play. Fight sequences are beautifully choreographed putting the ART back into martial Arts. I highly recommend this film for any casual or die hard fan of Jet Li, he is simply amazing in this film 10/10 stars!
Doesn't reach the emotional heights like it should, but it's an entertaining martial arts extravaganza
callanvass21 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Chin-Bo & Junbao are expelled when Chin-Bo snaps on his opponent for cheating. Despite trying to explain, they get thrown out anyway. Junbao begins to get worried about Chin-Bo's incessant need for power. When Chin-Bo joins the rebellion, Junbao's fears come to life when Chin-Bo betrays Junbao. Ah, wires. I really don't like it when they use them in action movies. I think they look silly and highly unbelievable. I am a firm believer in hand to hand combat. All wires do is increase the spectacle, but I believe that it hinders it, in lieu of augmenting it. This movie is a good story about abusing power and letting greed consume you; however. If you're here to watch a Jet Li film with mind blowing action, you've come to the right place. Despite the usage of wires, some of the fight scenes are truly spectacular. There is some fantastic Tai- Chi in this movie, with Jet Li at his best. For the examples of the fights, check out the fight involving a big stack of logs. Michelle Yeoh kicking some ass, while walking on stilts is pretty bad-ass as well. I have to give credit to some of the rigorous training scenes. A couple of them were really creative. The only other carp about this movie, is that the friendship between Junbao & Chin Bo isn't intense enough. They were friends for 20 years, but I felt they could have been far more intense with it. Junbao (Jet Li) goes through a lengthy shock period, but most of it is done for comedic effect and slapstick. The slapstick is amusing, but it wasn't the proper time for it. The showdown at the end between Junabo & Chin Bo is extremely exciting, but typically one-sided for the most part. Li is solid as usual, delivering in the fight scenes like not many people can. Yeoh is solid as well.
This is a pretty entertaining movie, filled with terrific fight scenes. It's so entertaining, that I'm more than willing to give some of the flaws a Mulligan.
7.5/10
This is a pretty entertaining movie, filled with terrific fight scenes. It's so entertaining, that I'm more than willing to give some of the flaws a Mulligan.
7.5/10
Jet Li & Michelle Yeoh...'nuff said!!
InzyWimzy19 May 2002
This movie is breathtaking!! If you like martial arts, and even a little comedy, watch this Yuen Woo Ping classic.
The opening Tai Chi training scene is so well done (see how everyone's movements are in sync) and sets the standard for the film. Yuen Woo's gift for choreography is evident throughout as weapons used include swords, spears, staffs, and tables too! The Shaolin "Luo Han Pole" formation scene must be watched in slo-mo to really appreciate it.
Jet does an awesome job as Junbao and his martial arts is amazing. More surprising is Michelle Yeoh who's incredible in every scene she's in. Her movements are so fluid, yet also graceful. From the spinning table scene fight to battling an army of soldiers, Yeoh really demonstrates her fighting prowess and acting ability as well.
Being that this was the first Jet Li film I've seen, it's one of my all-time favorites. It made me realize that incredible movies like this do exist!
The opening Tai Chi training scene is so well done (see how everyone's movements are in sync) and sets the standard for the film. Yuen Woo's gift for choreography is evident throughout as weapons used include swords, spears, staffs, and tables too! The Shaolin "Luo Han Pole" formation scene must be watched in slo-mo to really appreciate it.
Jet does an awesome job as Junbao and his martial arts is amazing. More surprising is Michelle Yeoh who's incredible in every scene she's in. Her movements are so fluid, yet also graceful. From the spinning table scene fight to battling an army of soldiers, Yeoh really demonstrates her fighting prowess and acting ability as well.
Being that this was the first Jet Li film I've seen, it's one of my all-time favorites. It made me realize that incredible movies like this do exist!
Kung fu comedy masterpiece.
veganflimgeek19 March 2004
I am not sure if it is a issue of being lost in translation or what but most often Chinese slapstick doesn't work for me. Yuen woo ping however made two slapstick kung fu masterpieces in 1993, Iron monkey and Tai chi master. While Fist of legend is clearly Jet's best film of the 90's TCM is a great runner up.
The film is the story of two shoalin students who are thrown out of the temple and after a life time of friendship end up on the opposing sides of a rebellion. The story while very, very loosely based on the life of Tai-chi's inventor , trades a serious story for Humor which is done effectively.
Perhaps one minor problem is the best fight scene comes early in the film. Jet Li is not alone Michelle Yoeh is wasted in the short amount of screen she has. No WorriesWoo Ping directed her in Wing Chun the same year.The Twin Warriors Version looks good but is only available in dreaded English dub. If you buy import from China be warned the quality is lacking. If dubbing doesn't sicken you(does me) I would say get the Twin warriors Version.
The film is the story of two shoalin students who are thrown out of the temple and after a life time of friendship end up on the opposing sides of a rebellion. The story while very, very loosely based on the life of Tai-chi's inventor , trades a serious story for Humor which is done effectively.
Perhaps one minor problem is the best fight scene comes early in the film. Jet Li is not alone Michelle Yoeh is wasted in the short amount of screen she has. No WorriesWoo Ping directed her in Wing Chun the same year.The Twin Warriors Version looks good but is only available in dreaded English dub. If you buy import from China be warned the quality is lacking. If dubbing doesn't sicken you(does me) I would say get the Twin warriors Version.
Good Wuxia Fun
solri6 July 2014
As a t'ai chi player, I watched this film hoping to see a lot of t'ai chi (I'd already started running scenarios in my head where the brash young Jet Li learns t'ai chi from Michelle Yeoh). In this respect, and only in this respect, I was disappointed, as this is not a t'ai chi film but a story about how t'ai chi came to be. In every other respect, I was supremely satisfied. This is first class wuxia, alternating crazy fights with goofy humour, with a little tragedy and philosophy thrown in. Of course this mix will probably be insufferable to anyone who isn't into wuxia, but if you like the kind of martial arts films where combatants call out the name of the move they're about to do, you'll love this. Incidentally, you'll notice the inspiration for a fight in Charlie's Angels in one of the early scenes: "And this one's called knocking you on the head."
Good Comedy That Gradually Turns Dark
boblipton23 May 2023
Jet Li and Siu-Ho Chin get thrown out of the shaolin monastery and take to the road. They run into Michelle Yeoh, over whom they will fight for the rest of the movie. Also, Chin decides his fate is working for the army, while Li and Miss Yeoh wind up on the rebel side. Eventually the two men will fight each other, bu Miss Yeoh gets in some good kicks of her own.
Good stunt work, good costuming, and there are some good if rather bloody jokes and gags until the big battle in the last twenty minutes of the movie. The version I saw was dubbed into English, and whoever they chose to do the dubbing have good voices. All in all, a superior example of the form.
Good stunt work, good costuming, and there are some good if rather bloody jokes and gags until the big battle in the last twenty minutes of the movie. The version I saw was dubbed into English, and whoever they chose to do the dubbing have good voices. All in all, a superior example of the form.
Some of the best fighting scenes ever
alterEgo3335 May 2003
I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to watch this movie, but I am very glad I did. The fighting sequences in this movie are top-notch, and are some of the best choreographed scenes I've seen in a long time. The plot is not overly original, but it IS done in a very fresh and interesting way. If you even remotely enjoy movies that star the likes of Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat, etc., you will be VERY pleased with this movie.
Jet Li has made better ones than this.
alexanderdavies-9938211 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I was expecting "Tai Chi Master" to be an entertaining and dramatic martial arts movie. Instead of which, I got to see a production where the script can't seem to decide if the film should be serious or more tongue in cheek. About halfway through, it's decides to keep the proceedings on a more serious note. Jet Li does his best to put on a more humorous performance but he's not in the league of Jackie Chan or Sammo Hung.
The fight scenes are very good but that can only compromise for so much
Fine wire-guided martial arts flick but horrible filler between the fights.
Rooster9928 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh are both very accomplished Martial Artists. Their talents are on display in this wire-guided action movie. It is important to note that this is a wire-guided movie, because that may not be to all tastes. Chinese Martial Arts movies fall into 3 categories; no wires at all (Bruce Lee movies), partial wires to make the hits seem stronger (many Jackie Chan movies), and full blown wire-guided extravaganzas (Crouching Tiger, House of Flying Daggers, and this movie). Some people find it slightly ridiculous that the fighters are running up trees, making impossible moves, and dealing out punishment which often sends the opponent slithering half a KM away. This movie is full of that, so be warned. Nonetheless, the fight scenes are sometimes incredible, and at other times somewhat ridiculous.
Jet Li takes on an entire army in this movie, armed only with a length of bamboo. Naturally, he does incredibly well. Yet as enjoyable as the action scenes are, they are tied together by the most moronic filler scenes ever conceived. At one point, Jet Li thinks he is a duck and spends the next 20 minutes prancing around impersonating the animal. The "comedic" moments would have been better placed in an Ernest movie, they are that ridiculous. Also, many many people are killed in this movie, yet that doesn't stem the flow of Ernest moments. It would have been much better to take a more serious tone, something along the lines of House of Flying Daggers or Crouching Tiger. The filler is so frustratingly bad, the dialog is so stupid, and the acting so poor, that I could not give this movie a higher rating than a 5 despite the impressive fight sequences.
R.
Jet Li takes on an entire army in this movie, armed only with a length of bamboo. Naturally, he does incredibly well. Yet as enjoyable as the action scenes are, they are tied together by the most moronic filler scenes ever conceived. At one point, Jet Li thinks he is a duck and spends the next 20 minutes prancing around impersonating the animal. The "comedic" moments would have been better placed in an Ernest movie, they are that ridiculous. Also, many many people are killed in this movie, yet that doesn't stem the flow of Ernest moments. It would have been much better to take a more serious tone, something along the lines of House of Flying Daggers or Crouching Tiger. The filler is so frustratingly bad, the dialog is so stupid, and the acting so poor, that I could not give this movie a higher rating than a 5 despite the impressive fight sequences.
R.
The Best!!!!!
Nick_Vorobyov29 June 2001
This film is really good. After seeing the end of this film on TV, I went to a video store and i brought this film. This film has a lot of action from the start of the film till the end. At the end Jet Li goes crazy!! But after that he starts training which is really impressive. And then gets ready for the best fight scene ever which was going on for like really long time. "Michelle Yeoh" is really good in this film to. Not that much action till the end but still good. If you really want to see a classic Jet Li film like "Once Upon A Time In China" and "The Legend" go see this film.
Maybe not a truly great martial arts film, but it certainly is fun.
Hey_Sweden16 September 2018
Two friends, Junbao and Chin Bo, grow up in the isolated environment of the legendary Shaolin temple, studying to become monks. After being banished from the temple, they find adjusting to "normal" life to be difficult. Chin Bo, always the more ambitious one, agrees to join the oppressive army terrorizing the citizens. Junbao eventually joins forces with other concerned rebels in confronting the tyranny of the evil Governor (Jian Kui Sun) as well as Chin Bo, a newly minted general.
"Tai Chi Master", also known as "Twin Warriors" in North America, is an invigorating example of this genre. Most noteworthy about it is the way that it manages to contain an extremely healthy amount of comedy in addition to physical and acrobatic wizardry, all set against a very political backdrop. Directed with brio by the much celebrated Woo-Ping Yuen, the martial arts choreographer renowned for his work on the "Matrix" series, it has tremendous energy. The frequent fight scenes are so insane that they leave the viewers quite breathless. (Yes, you can sometimes see the wires holding performers in the air or pulling them along, but not often enough for it to really be a problem.) The comedy is frequently hilarious, and it's quite a joy to see action icon Michelle Yeoh bust out some comedy chops as her character Siu Lin turns to drink as a way of trying to forget about an unfaithful husband. Star attraction Jet Li (playing Junbao as a young adult) also served as the producer, and he's a delight, dazzling us with his moves but also showing off his flair for comedy and goofiness as Junbao seems to temporarily lose his mind. Siu-Ho Chin is excellent as the antagonistic Chin Bo, letting power go to his head, abusing his soldiers, and betraying his former friends.
The film gets fairly gory at times, and the English translations of the Asian dialogue do contain some profanity. But, despite the presence of a few very lovely ladies, there's no real sexuality as part of the package. It tells an adult story without ever getting too, too unpleasant.
"Tai Chi Master" has its over the top moments, but it does have some heart in addition to the action and humour, and the poignancy of a long friendship gone sour, so fans of the genre are sure to enjoy it.
Seven out of 10.
"Tai Chi Master", also known as "Twin Warriors" in North America, is an invigorating example of this genre. Most noteworthy about it is the way that it manages to contain an extremely healthy amount of comedy in addition to physical and acrobatic wizardry, all set against a very political backdrop. Directed with brio by the much celebrated Woo-Ping Yuen, the martial arts choreographer renowned for his work on the "Matrix" series, it has tremendous energy. The frequent fight scenes are so insane that they leave the viewers quite breathless. (Yes, you can sometimes see the wires holding performers in the air or pulling them along, but not often enough for it to really be a problem.) The comedy is frequently hilarious, and it's quite a joy to see action icon Michelle Yeoh bust out some comedy chops as her character Siu Lin turns to drink as a way of trying to forget about an unfaithful husband. Star attraction Jet Li (playing Junbao as a young adult) also served as the producer, and he's a delight, dazzling us with his moves but also showing off his flair for comedy and goofiness as Junbao seems to temporarily lose his mind. Siu-Ho Chin is excellent as the antagonistic Chin Bo, letting power go to his head, abusing his soldiers, and betraying his former friends.
The film gets fairly gory at times, and the English translations of the Asian dialogue do contain some profanity. But, despite the presence of a few very lovely ladies, there's no real sexuality as part of the package. It tells an adult story without ever getting too, too unpleasant.
"Tai Chi Master" has its over the top moments, but it does have some heart in addition to the action and humour, and the poignancy of a long friendship gone sour, so fans of the genre are sure to enjoy it.
Seven out of 10.
Breathtaking
markokristic8 January 2003
This one blew me away. I think that Wachowski brothers also loved this film because "The Matrix" has some almost identical fighting scenes, but who can blame them when those scenes here are among the best martial art scenes ever filmed. The story is not very original but is interesting enough to keep you focused between the fights. I*ll be watching this one again as soon as I can. Breathtaking stuff!
Well put together old school Kung Fu movie! 6/10
leonblackwood1 December 2014
Review: I always like watching these martial arts movies that show the Buddha monks training. There discipline is second to none and the way that they control there bodies is amazing. Anyway, these two close friends who have grown up together in the Shaolin Temple, end up coming to blows when one of them become power-hungry. The storyline is very straight forward, but I liked the authenticity of the whole film and I've always been a fan of Michelle Yeoh. The epic fight scene at the end was brilliant because you have seen these two close friends grow apart but Jet Li has managed to keep his discipline to his art. The speed of the fight scenes were amazing and the choreography was extremely well put together. On the downside, some of the stunts were way over the top, but it's an enjoyable film with a some good acting. Enjoyable!
Round-Up: In this film, you really see different sides to Jet Li. At the beginning, he's very vulnerable and he totally looks up to his best friend. Then you see him on his own with his new friends, the rebels, but you can see that he longs for his old friend. When he gets portrayed by his old buddy, he really does lose the plot so his new friends try and bring him out of his strange depression. He then finds some old scriptures that his old master gave his friend when they left the temple and this is what brings him back to life. After some severe training, he's now ready to face his old friend, who has now become way to big for his boots. That's when you get the epic showdown at the end with the help of Jet Li's new found friends. A classic concept for all Kung Fu fans.
I recommend this movie to people who are into their Jet Li movies about 2 orphans who are close friends through there childhood but then they grow apart because one longs for power and money. 6/10
Round-Up: In this film, you really see different sides to Jet Li. At the beginning, he's very vulnerable and he totally looks up to his best friend. Then you see him on his own with his new friends, the rebels, but you can see that he longs for his old friend. When he gets portrayed by his old buddy, he really does lose the plot so his new friends try and bring him out of his strange depression. He then finds some old scriptures that his old master gave his friend when they left the temple and this is what brings him back to life. After some severe training, he's now ready to face his old friend, who has now become way to big for his boots. That's when you get the epic showdown at the end with the help of Jet Li's new found friends. A classic concept for all Kung Fu fans.
I recommend this movie to people who are into their Jet Li movies about 2 orphans who are close friends through there childhood but then they grow apart because one longs for power and money. 6/10
Is there anything not to love about martial arts flicks?
lee_eisenberg19 June 2019
When we think of martial arts cinema, the names that immediately come to mind are Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and assorted people introduced to us through Quentin Tarantino's movies. But we mustn't forget Jet Li, especially his 1993 tour de force "Tai ji: Zhang San Feng" ("Tai Chi Master" in English, also known as "Two Warriors"). If you thought that Jackie Chan's movies had the awesomest stuff that you've ever seen, just wait. With this one, you're in for some stunts beyond your wildest imagination. The movie contains all manner of goofs, but no one watches these for production skills. The point is to have fun, and I doubt that you've ever had as much fun as you'll have with this flick.
In addition to Jet Li, the other major cast member is Michelle Yeoh, best known for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" but who more recently appeared as the stern matriarch in "Crazy Rich Asians".
In addition to Jet Li, the other major cast member is Michelle Yeoh, best known for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" but who more recently appeared as the stern matriarch in "Crazy Rich Asians".
Top-notch '90s wuxia with Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh
Leofwine_draca23 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Yuen Woo-ping is the sure hand behind this outstanding Jet Li martial arts flick which is among the best films in the actor's career, as well as being one of the top period martial arts films I've had the pleasure of watching. The story itself adds an emotional layer to what is a fairly novel and remarkable premise: two childhood buddies end up going their separate ways after many years of friendship, and finally become bitter enemies. Typical Chinese humour of the slapstick variety enlivens this movie, which offers 95% of top-notch action and dispels with those boring plot exposition moments. The only problem with the film is the (very) noticeable wire work, especially in the final sequences, but this doesn't spoil what is a very fluid and beautiful film to watch.
Jet Li seems more self-assured and amiable here than he did in the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA movies, and he's ably supported by a strong cast that includes an excellent Yuen Cheung-Yan as the unlucky Reverend Ling and ass-kicking Michelle Yeoh as the feisty female lead. The bad guy is actually fleshed out here, with believable motives, and it's fascinating to watch as he's corrupted by power. The film doesn't shy from the violence, which is always cartoonish and therefore entertaining. The fights are plentiful with lots of props getting smashed to pieces, people jumping and flying all over the place and all kinds of other outlandish things going on; it certainly beats the po-faced seriousness of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON any day of the week.
Jet Li seems more self-assured and amiable here than he did in the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA movies, and he's ably supported by a strong cast that includes an excellent Yuen Cheung-Yan as the unlucky Reverend Ling and ass-kicking Michelle Yeoh as the feisty female lead. The bad guy is actually fleshed out here, with believable motives, and it's fascinating to watch as he's corrupted by power. The film doesn't shy from the violence, which is always cartoonish and therefore entertaining. The fights are plentiful with lots of props getting smashed to pieces, people jumping and flying all over the place and all kinds of other outlandish things going on; it certainly beats the po-faced seriousness of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON any day of the week.
Jaw Dropping
d_fienberg27 October 2000
Let me first say that I don't really need Jet Li to smile and crack jokes. To me, he's more interesting and enigmatic when he's doing his Buster Keaton scowl. The determination is part of what make his effortless moves so amazing. If I was silly drunken exploits mixed with martial arts, usually I'd rather watch Jackie Chan do it. That said, I don't remember when I last saw a movie as relentlessly fun and Twin Warriors (the American title of the film apparently called Tai ji Zhang San Feng in Hong Kong). It's more fun than any Chan film that I've seen and far more entertaining than anything either actor has done on this side of the Atlantic.
Inevitably in Hong Kong, this film was longer. And perhaps the "plot" made more sense. Not that that's worth caring about. Basically, Jet Li and Chin Siu-hou are exiled monks who end up on opposite sides of the law. Michelle Yeoh shows up for very little reason, but nobody's complaining. With no more than that to keep the film going narratively, nine out of every ten minutes is spent fighting.
And what marvelous battles they are, inevitably featuring our plucky heroes, Jet and Michelle, fighting against dozens of armed adversaries. Directed by Woo-Ping Yuen, who's now best known as the master behind The Matrix's martial arts sequences, Twin Warriors adds a new twist in every battle, whether it's Yeoh turning a broken bar table into stilts, or Li deciding to fight an entire skirmish using only his head. Sure. It isn't realistic. Because people don't fly. And they rarely bounce around on their heads like human pogos. They climb walls and it's even rarely for people to battle balanced precariously on thin ropes. Fabulous tricks all.
As I said, Li is probably a little too silly for my tastes. When he pretends to be a duck toward the end of the movie, it grates a little. But of course when he's fighting you just marvel at his form and at the fact that you almost believe he could do it all. Yeoh is similarly weak when she isn't fighting and she spends a bit too much of the movie being victimized to actually be doing her full duty as a twin warrior.
Still and all, as films of this genre go, it doesn't get much better than this. I'd give this one 8/10 and that might be being a little stingy.
Inevitably in Hong Kong, this film was longer. And perhaps the "plot" made more sense. Not that that's worth caring about. Basically, Jet Li and Chin Siu-hou are exiled monks who end up on opposite sides of the law. Michelle Yeoh shows up for very little reason, but nobody's complaining. With no more than that to keep the film going narratively, nine out of every ten minutes is spent fighting.
And what marvelous battles they are, inevitably featuring our plucky heroes, Jet and Michelle, fighting against dozens of armed adversaries. Directed by Woo-Ping Yuen, who's now best known as the master behind The Matrix's martial arts sequences, Twin Warriors adds a new twist in every battle, whether it's Yeoh turning a broken bar table into stilts, or Li deciding to fight an entire skirmish using only his head. Sure. It isn't realistic. Because people don't fly. And they rarely bounce around on their heads like human pogos. They climb walls and it's even rarely for people to battle balanced precariously on thin ropes. Fabulous tricks all.
As I said, Li is probably a little too silly for my tastes. When he pretends to be a duck toward the end of the movie, it grates a little. But of course when he's fighting you just marvel at his form and at the fact that you almost believe he could do it all. Yeoh is similarly weak when she isn't fighting and she spends a bit too much of the movie being victimized to actually be doing her full duty as a twin warrior.
Still and all, as films of this genre go, it doesn't get much better than this. I'd give this one 8/10 and that might be being a little stingy.
Not near the level of Fist of Legend
MumrikDK24 February 2004
I saw this movie (the original Tai Chi Master version) based in part on the recommendations on this site and I was sorely disappointed.
I'm a big fan of Fist of Legend (Jet Li and Siu-hou Chin) and thus had high hopes for this one, but the fights here are not nearly as entertaining (not even semi-realistic or convincing), the plot is not really bad but the silly (badly done) wire fu makes the movie seem unintentionally silly.
I'm a big fan of Fist of Legend (Jet Li and Siu-hou Chin) and thus had high hopes for this one, but the fights here are not nearly as entertaining (not even semi-realistic or convincing), the plot is not really bad but the silly (badly done) wire fu makes the movie seem unintentionally silly.
Breathtaking
Ryojin206 April 2004
Warning: Spoilers
*minor spoiler alert*
I first watched Twin Warriors a.k.a The Tai Chi Master back in August 2000 on a Saturday afternoon, the signature time for Kung Fu Theater. After watching this, I became a (and still am) major Jet Li fan! This is one of his finest films. It has the most amazing, jaw-dropping, knock down drag out fights ever. Like Fist of Legend, every fight scene is incredible. Twin Warriors are about two best friends named Junbao played by Jet Li, and Teinbao played by Siu-Hou Chiu. They grew up and trained in the Shaolin temple. They are expelled from the temple after Tienbao is set up by a rival monk in a sparring competition which leads to an awesome battle pitting Junbao and Tienbao against hundreds of Shaolin monks. The two friends wander into a village starting their new lives as civilians and meet unique people. Such as Siu Lin, played by the beautiful Michelle Yeoh, and the hilarious Reverend Ling played by Yuen Cheng-Yan who is also one of the films fight directors. But the two go in different paths, Tienbao wanted power so he joined the military that is led by the corrupt Liu Jing, while Junbao preferred to have a peaceful life and work at a restaurant owned by Siu Lin, Ling, and anti-government rebels that are against the government's taxation of the local villagers. But Tienbao's craving for power and wealth overtakes him and in the process jeopardizes his friendship with Junbao and company. He betrays Junbao and the others which send Junbao in a state of shock and depression. Junbao recovery is due to learning the art of Tai Chi to face off against Tienbao with the help of Siu Lin. The story is very good and tragic, its almost like a Chinese Macbeth, a man turned evil by the pursuit of power, and his friend the only one to stop him. Yuen Woo-Ping does an amazing job directing the movie and choreographing the fight scenes. One of the best fights is between Michelle Yeoh and her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend in the restaurant, incredible duel between the two ladies! The final duel between Jet Li and Siu-Hou Chin is amazing, Tienbao's deadly and brutal Iron Palm form against Junbao's graceful and strong Tai Chi form, which reflect the two fighter's personalities. Siu-Hou's performance as Tienbao is great; he played an amazing villain corrupted by his own ego and power hunger. The chemistry between Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh is solid; Siu Lin is a great friend and ally. Jet also delivers a great performance as a man of honor and tranquility, especially in his state of shock then enlightenment. Twin Warriors is amazing, top notch performances and brilliant full force action scenes, along with great music make this film a Hong Kong classic many will and have enjoy!
***** 5 stars Ryojin20 favorite!
I first watched Twin Warriors a.k.a The Tai Chi Master back in August 2000 on a Saturday afternoon, the signature time for Kung Fu Theater. After watching this, I became a (and still am) major Jet Li fan! This is one of his finest films. It has the most amazing, jaw-dropping, knock down drag out fights ever. Like Fist of Legend, every fight scene is incredible. Twin Warriors are about two best friends named Junbao played by Jet Li, and Teinbao played by Siu-Hou Chiu. They grew up and trained in the Shaolin temple. They are expelled from the temple after Tienbao is set up by a rival monk in a sparring competition which leads to an awesome battle pitting Junbao and Tienbao against hundreds of Shaolin monks. The two friends wander into a village starting their new lives as civilians and meet unique people. Such as Siu Lin, played by the beautiful Michelle Yeoh, and the hilarious Reverend Ling played by Yuen Cheng-Yan who is also one of the films fight directors. But the two go in different paths, Tienbao wanted power so he joined the military that is led by the corrupt Liu Jing, while Junbao preferred to have a peaceful life and work at a restaurant owned by Siu Lin, Ling, and anti-government rebels that are against the government's taxation of the local villagers. But Tienbao's craving for power and wealth overtakes him and in the process jeopardizes his friendship with Junbao and company. He betrays Junbao and the others which send Junbao in a state of shock and depression. Junbao recovery is due to learning the art of Tai Chi to face off against Tienbao with the help of Siu Lin. The story is very good and tragic, its almost like a Chinese Macbeth, a man turned evil by the pursuit of power, and his friend the only one to stop him. Yuen Woo-Ping does an amazing job directing the movie and choreographing the fight scenes. One of the best fights is between Michelle Yeoh and her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend in the restaurant, incredible duel between the two ladies! The final duel between Jet Li and Siu-Hou Chin is amazing, Tienbao's deadly and brutal Iron Palm form against Junbao's graceful and strong Tai Chi form, which reflect the two fighter's personalities. Siu-Hou's performance as Tienbao is great; he played an amazing villain corrupted by his own ego and power hunger. The chemistry between Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh is solid; Siu Lin is a great friend and ally. Jet also delivers a great performance as a man of honor and tranquility, especially in his state of shock then enlightenment. Twin Warriors is amazing, top notch performances and brilliant full force action scenes, along with great music make this film a Hong Kong classic many will and have enjoy!
***** 5 stars Ryojin20 favorite!
Very good action film
cbarr-322 June 2000
The plot is a bit obvious in many ways. But it moves quickly and contains some wonderful martial arts scenes.
Michelle Yeoh interests me very much as an actress. and I was interested in her acting in this film. I realized, watching it, who she reminds me of. Toshiro Mifune. Both were supreme physical actors.
There is also a small comedy bit involving attempts to subdue an insane Jet Li. A fan once wrote that she was not really good at comedy. She has not been given many chances to play pure comedy, but scenes like this one (there is another example in Holy Weapon) prove she is a natural at comedy.
Michelle Yeoh interests me very much as an actress. and I was interested in her acting in this film. I realized, watching it, who she reminds me of. Toshiro Mifune. Both were supreme physical actors.
There is also a small comedy bit involving attempts to subdue an insane Jet Li. A fan once wrote that she was not really good at comedy. She has not been given many chances to play pure comedy, but scenes like this one (there is another example in Holy Weapon) prove she is a natural at comedy.
Ferocious, energetic movie with soul.
Nedmilly17 November 2007
Hong Kong kung fu cinema is a complicated genre to navigate for the uninitiated. People's opinions differ so wildly from movie to movie that what you consider a gem may be a relatively obscure movie. In other words, everyone has their own favorite kung fu movie, whether it's Crouching Tiger, the 36th Chamber, 5 Fingers of Death, or - in my case - this one.
I just watched this movie for the second time, and I'm even more impressed. There's something about its energy that's just completely unflagging, ferocious. The meaning and the lethal glare with which Chin Siu-ho (criminally under-billed: what a performance!) lowers his hands after performing the Buddhist Palm on his superior. The impossible fight in the temple; the legions of talented extras! The endearing innocence which Jet Li brings to his character, and the fluidity of his "Taoist boxing", real or assisted (remember when he acted like the punching bag, swinging around and knocking his weight into his opponent as if he had concentrated all his weight in his feet?) The picture and sound are much lower quality than other Yuen Woo-ping movies within a year's radius (Iron Monkey, Wing Chun), but it's difficult to notice such superficial markers of quality when the pacing, emotional power and action of the movie so surpass the era's other offerings.
Another of the movie's fine points is the natural flow of its few comic sections. I often find the comic relief in "serious" kung fu movies to be stilted and awkward. Slapstick can be done ingeniously (Stephen Chow movies), but when it's stuck randomly in a movie that otherwise portrays itself as serious, it can be disastrous. The humor in the Tai Chi Master is applied with a light touch, so you can laugh instead of frowning and looking uncomfortable.
But what really separates the Tai Chi Master from other excellent kung fu movies with direction and energy is its firm moral compass. When was the last time you saw a movie that knew right from wrong, but didn't make a big deal out of it? Note the distinction between right/wrong and good/evil: If Hollywood made this movie, it would be a movie about good and evil. Instead, we know that Tianbao was not intrinsically evil - he was just "wrong" ("We were wrong, Master!") A movie has little to do with real life if its characters are one-dimensional incarnations of the primeval forces of good and evil. Yet in spite of all this, the Tai Chi Master is not a heavy-handed movie "about" right and wrong - it just contains the answers.
"My hands do not have strength and power. My heart embraces peace and calm. Resigning myself to adversity. Seeing richness out of the void. Violence be turned to peace. There are always guiding fate. Dynamic or still. Divide or multiple. Follow fate to go in and out of mortal world." The theme song is poorly translated in the subtitles, as it should be. What is verbalized knowledge but something vague and suggestive of personal revelation? In the words of a character: "I've studied Taoism all my life, but you realize its truth all in a blink. You'll be the master of masters. I should probably retire."
I just watched this movie for the second time, and I'm even more impressed. There's something about its energy that's just completely unflagging, ferocious. The meaning and the lethal glare with which Chin Siu-ho (criminally under-billed: what a performance!) lowers his hands after performing the Buddhist Palm on his superior. The impossible fight in the temple; the legions of talented extras! The endearing innocence which Jet Li brings to his character, and the fluidity of his "Taoist boxing", real or assisted (remember when he acted like the punching bag, swinging around and knocking his weight into his opponent as if he had concentrated all his weight in his feet?) The picture and sound are much lower quality than other Yuen Woo-ping movies within a year's radius (Iron Monkey, Wing Chun), but it's difficult to notice such superficial markers of quality when the pacing, emotional power and action of the movie so surpass the era's other offerings.
Another of the movie's fine points is the natural flow of its few comic sections. I often find the comic relief in "serious" kung fu movies to be stilted and awkward. Slapstick can be done ingeniously (Stephen Chow movies), but when it's stuck randomly in a movie that otherwise portrays itself as serious, it can be disastrous. The humor in the Tai Chi Master is applied with a light touch, so you can laugh instead of frowning and looking uncomfortable.
But what really separates the Tai Chi Master from other excellent kung fu movies with direction and energy is its firm moral compass. When was the last time you saw a movie that knew right from wrong, but didn't make a big deal out of it? Note the distinction between right/wrong and good/evil: If Hollywood made this movie, it would be a movie about good and evil. Instead, we know that Tianbao was not intrinsically evil - he was just "wrong" ("We were wrong, Master!") A movie has little to do with real life if its characters are one-dimensional incarnations of the primeval forces of good and evil. Yet in spite of all this, the Tai Chi Master is not a heavy-handed movie "about" right and wrong - it just contains the answers.
"My hands do not have strength and power. My heart embraces peace and calm. Resigning myself to adversity. Seeing richness out of the void. Violence be turned to peace. There are always guiding fate. Dynamic or still. Divide or multiple. Follow fate to go in and out of mortal world." The theme song is poorly translated in the subtitles, as it should be. What is verbalized knowledge but something vague and suggestive of personal revelation? In the words of a character: "I've studied Taoism all my life, but you realize its truth all in a blink. You'll be the master of masters. I should probably retire."
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
