THE REBELLIOUS REIGN is a Taiwanese-shot historical martial arts episode with lots of convoluted political machinations to act as a plot. Some say that this was originally lined up as a vehicle for Bruce Lee although I find it hard to imagine him starring in a historical movie like this. The story is about a dying Qing Emperor and the attempts to alter his will so some political rivals can gain power as a result.Nondescript kung fu star Jimmy Lee is the pawn caught up in this game and the film charts his journey to self-realisation and eventual resistance against his foes. As a historical romp this is just about acceptable, although the lack of money is apparent in the limited use of sets and costumes; it's quite small scale despite the characters talking at length about grand matters. There's plenty of action here, but the choreography never really wows you and I've seen better elsewhere. Where the film does pick up is for the hard-hitting climax which ends in a genuinely surprising way; a great touch, so a pity the rest of the movie hadn't followed suit.

Jimmy Lee stars alongside Norman Chu, Kwan Young Moon and Alan Hsu in this near masterpiece produced by Lo Wai. The story is much more thought out than your average kung fu tale. Even though the movie on a whole is extremely strong, the fighting is what makes it so great. Kwan Young Moon and Jimmy Lee give their single greatest performances, and based on fighting alone, this movie is one of top 10 best kung fu movies ever. The ending is a super intense 17 minute non stop killfest. If you are not a fan of kung fu cinema, this may turn you into one. I don't know how Jimmy Lee didn't become a big star, but he sold every punch and kick so well that I honestly think he should have won an acting award. Unlike movies of today, Rebellious Reign has all the stuff I miss. Countless movements in a single take, stuntmen putting their lives on the line to make the action look good, and an epic story. Kung fu movies don't get any better than this.

THE REBELLIOUS REIGN (1980) boasts a good historical kung fu plot, with court intrigue and familial rivalry reminiscent of Chang Cheh's THE HEROIC ONES and BLOOD BROTHERS. Jimmy Lee (aka Lung Fong) plays Ming Kang Yau, a kung fu expert who allies himself with the 4th Prince (Tsui Siu Keung/Norman Chu) in a struggle for power as the Emperor is dying during the Ching dynasty. The Emperor has willed succession to the 14th prince, but 4th Prince has Ming steal the chest containing the will and then forces the Chamberlain to open the chest so he can alter the will with ink strokes in order to give him the power of succession. Ming eventually breaks with the 4th Prince and joins the patriots opposing the Ching dynasty. There are lots of short but exciting fights throughout the film, leading up to a ferocious final battle, all well staged and fought. There's a bleak, unhappy ending.This is the best role I've seen Jimmy Lee (GREEN JADE STATUETTE) play, while Norman Chu (THE SWORD) is great as always. Chien Yuet San (THUNDERING MANTIS) plays Jimmy Lee's teacher and Kwan Young Moon (SUPER POWER) plays the 4th Prince's chief henchman. The sets and costumes are quite impressive for a comparatively low-budget film. Unlike Chang Cheh's films, however, there are far fewer extras, which means that large armies are frequently discussed, but we never actually see them. Nor are there any spectacular weapons like we used to see in Shaw Bros. films. There is an original music score, but it's too loud and bombastic to be truly effective. Overall, though, this is quite a rousing historical drama of a type that had become increasingly rare by 1980. Lo Wei produced the film while Fong Ching is credited as director. According to `The Essential Guide to Hong Kong Movies,' this was originally written for Bruce Lee.