Critics praised this Liu Chia-liang (aka Lau Kar-leung) version of the Shaolin destruction and revenge epic, calling it the preeminent kung-fu director's greatest on the theme of history, martial arts, and family. Little wonder, since it also shows how Liu's own family style of kung-fu, Hung Fist, was created. There are unforgettable sequences throughout: highlighted by a honeymoon kung-fu contest and no less than three titanic confrontations with the traitorous White-Browed Hermit. The critics were right: Liu has out-done himself…as usual!
