DRAGON TIGER GATE was a film that had very good things said about it in the build up, so I was guilty of overestimating what this film would have to offer. It's nothing more than a lightweight popcorn flick, packed with cheesy melodramatic scenes and so-so acting and some awesome action. As a Hong Kong martial arts film, I guess most fans will seek this out for the latter quality, watching it chiefly for the kung fu. While the fight scenes are, indeed, great, they really only occur at the beginning and ending of this movie, with a long void in between which focuses on character instead of action.Donnie Yen, a 44 year old actor cast as someone in his 20s, looks the part very well, and you'd never guess that he's twenty years older than the character he plays. Nicholas Tse, who put in a very good performance in Jackie Chan's NEW POLICE STORY, reverts here to a simple pretty-boy role and doesn't make much of an impact; in fact, he's pretty bland. Shawn Yue is saddled with the character of Turbo, a weapons expert, and is about as good as Tse. Of the rest of the cast, only Yuen Wah and Kuan Tai Chen give really good performances, acting-wise as well as fighting-wise, but that comes as little surprise considering their pedigree.I didn't much care for the dialogue or the story; based on a '70s comic book, it's reminiscent of the fluff we've seen countless times before in films like THE MEDALLION. The action, when it comes, makes up for its absence elsewhere. The opening battle in the restaurant is the stuff of classics, reminding me of WARRIOR KING in more than a few places; when it's followed up with a second huge battle a few minutes later, I was in heaven. Alas, the film doesn't follow this pattern, as nothing more happens for an hour. Then we're treated to an eerie showdown in a softball court which manages to be atmospheric and exciting, and finally the turbo-charged climax, laden with special effects, in which the three heroes team up to tackle a masked demon. The fight scenes use a combination of stunts and wire-work and are generally good; I didn't mind the CGI, either, which looks decent at the film's climax – I particularly liked Yue's magic bell effect. So, good action, but not enough of it; I didn't mind DRAGON TIGER GATE, but I wasn't blown away by it either. It's a simple popcorn flick, entertaining while it lasts but instantly forgettable.

From the first seconds of Dragon Tiger Gate,it's easy to note its absence of originality and its intention of copying scenes,characters and concepts from other movies with the intention of entertaining the spectator.And the film gets that intention.There's nothing original in this movie,but director Wilson Yip knows how to adapt all the elements from other movies to Dragon Tiger Gate for finally getting a fun movie with a lot of energy.This film takes elements from the films directed by Tsui Hark,Ronny Yu and a lot more.As I said before,the story is not original and it has clichés,so,we do not see nothing new,but the film made a good work in keeping me fun.Dragon Tiger Gate is not as subversive and as good as director Stephen Chow's films(like Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle) and it is not as intensely dramatic as the masterpiece Time and Tide.I would say this film is in some intermediate point,far away from the excellence,but pretty fun.I'm usually against the absence of originality but,on some occasions,like in this movie,the final result is a good film.I can recommend Dragon Tiger Gate because,without being great,it's pretty fun.

I purchased this film as I had nothing interesting to do later that day.I know about Hong Kongs kung fu movies and a lot of the martial arts are pretty cool and breath-taking.Donnie Yen out does himself in this film; the plot is a little thin; but the fight scenes make up for it in a tons.Nicholos Tse (New police story)and Shawn Yue (Infernal Affairs 2) are great in the fight scenes but it is Donnie that takes the cake.His physique and movement is not only brilliant but graceful; his eyes sparkle a mysterious glow.A good film overall.

Since i was a youngster i have always been fascinated with martial arts films and this is one of the best martial arts films you will ever see.If you enjoyed Kung Fu Hustle then you will have an absolute ball with this film. You will be treated to some of the most mesmerising fight scenes you will ever see, and the best rope work in any martial arts film out at the moment.The story is fairly good, not great but to be honest it wasn't the main focus. This film also reminded me of another called "A man called Hero" which focused on the struggling hero with great ability and guilt fighting evil, which is the main story running through this film.If you are into great martial arts films do not miss this opportunity you will not be disappointed.