Rise of the Legend (2014) Review in 2025
Rise of the Legend is a historical action film set in 19th-century China, following the story of a young martial artist's rise to fame and his battle against corruption.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to some intense action sequences and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of historical action films and martial arts movies. Worth watching in theaters for the stunning cinematography and action sequences.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie revolves around the life of Ye Wei, a young martial artist who becomes embroiled in a power struggle between rival clans and must use his skills to survive and ultimately defeat the corrupt forces that threaten his community.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear narrative arc that explores themes of loyalty, honor, and redemption. However, some plot twists feel predictable and the character development could be more nuanced.
acting8.00/10
The acting is generally strong, with Jet Li delivering a standout performance. The supporting cast is also solid, with notable performances from Charlene Choi and Andy On.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-acted and memorable, particularly Jet Li's portrayal of Ye Wei. However, some supporting characters feel underdeveloped and lack depth.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with effective use of action sequences and a clear visual style. However, some scenes feel overly reliant on CGI and the pacing could be more consistent.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and well-composed action sequences. The use of color and lighting is also noteworthy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, strong performances, and stunning cinematography make Rise of the Legend a worthwhile watch.
Cons
Predictable plot twists, underdeveloped supporting characters, and some reliance on CGI hold the movie back from being truly great.
Notable Quotes
"A true warrior does not fight for fame or fortune, but for the honor of his family and his people."
"The greatest warrior is not the one who wins the most battles, but the one who loses the least."
