Jet Li, Andy Lau, and Takeshi Kaneshiro -- need I say more?

I just saw this at the SF Intl. Film Fest tonight, at the fabulous Castro Theater.

Beg, borrow, or steal to get this movie. Preferably see it in a theater for its massive scope, as it's a sumptuous feast of historical action and drama. The context is mid-19th century Chinese civil war, and the generals who fight it.

This is one of the best Jet Li performances, acting-wise, ever (he gets in his share of ass-kicking, so no worries). Andy Lau and Kaneshiro are also great (and I was happy to see a Japanese person play a Chinese person just to balance the scales after the casting fiasco of "Memoirs of a Geisha"). But this is Li's film all the way, and he earns every scene. For those of you who think he's an acting lightweight (I've said it myself in the past) this film proves us wrong.

Epic, bloody battle scenes. Political intrigue by scheming Mandarins. Forbidden romance. Oaths of loyalty. Betrayal. Brave men weep.

LOVED IT!!!