Last Hero in China (also known as Claws Of Steel) is a martial arts movie released in 1993 that stars Jet Li, Sharla Cheung, Dicky Cheung, Pak-cheung Chan, Ka-Yan Leung, Chia Hui Liu Chia Hui Liu, Alan Chui Chung San, and Tiet Wo Chu. It is directed by Wong Jing and produced by Hong Kong movie studio, Cinema City. Set in the early 20th century, the movie tells the story of Wong Fei-hung (Jet Li), a well-known martial artist and a medicine practitioner, who is leading a school of martial arts named Po Chi Lam. Wong and his disciples compete in a martial arts tournament against the White Lotus Sect, a group of fanatics who seek to eradicate foreigners from China. During the tournament, Wong Fei-hung befriends a Japanese envoy, Yuen Qiu (Sharla Cheung), who is accompanying the white Lotus Sect on their mischief. Though they belong to different nations, they soon develop a close relationship.
Trouble brews when the White Lotus Sect falsely accuses Wong Fei-hung and his disciples of murder, leading to a fight between them. Meanwhile, Yuen Qiu turns out to be a spy working for the Japanese government, and her mission is to destroy the martial arts schools in China, starting with Po Chi Lam. When Wong and his disciples find out about Yuen's true intentions, they confront her, leading to an intense fight between them.
As the plot develops, more twists and turns await as the movie progresses. One of the highlights of the movie is the fight scenes that showcase Jet Li's martial arts prowess. His moves and kicks are perfectly choreographed, and the action scenes are highly entertaining. In addition to Jet Li's amazing performance, the other actors also deliver impressive martial arts scenes.
Apart from action sequences, Last Hero in China also features comedic moments that are typical of Wong Jingâs movies. The humor adds a lighthearted aspect to the movie, making it perfect for family viewing.
The movie also highlights the theme of cultural exchange between nations. Through the friendship between Wong Fei-hung and Yuen Qiu, the movie showcases how people from different nations can learn from each other and develop mutual understanding.
The movieâs soundtrack is another notable aspect, with a mix of traditional and modern Chinese music complimenting the movie's action and drama sequences. The styling of the movie is also noteworthy, with the costumes reflecting the era's clothing style and culture.
In conclusion, Last Hero in China (Claws Of Steel) is a martial arts movie that combines action, comedy, and drama to tell a compelling story. The movie is a must-watch for Jet Li fans and martial arts enthusiasts. With its well-choreographed fight scenes, a balanced dose of humor and its exploration of cultural exchange, it is a movie that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is an excellent representation of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema and the martial arts genre.
Last Hero in China is a 1993 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.