I'll tell you why so serious

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

I myself am a eclectic martial art stylist who blends Wing Chung Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Professional Wrestling, and Krav Maga into a single loosely structured flexible system I call "Combat Wrestling", and of course, I like a good martial art film now and then. Prior to Bruce Lee's days, the Kung Fu and Karate Films made in the Orient cared little for realism and moved more towards fantasy. Bruce Lee brought some realism back, and other martial art actors like Chuck Norris, and Steven Seagal (sp?) also tried to keep the fight scenes realistic, often doing the fight choreography as well. However, I have been dismayed at the ridiculous scenes being filmed currently both in the East and West involving the use of cables so a fight scene includes some ridiculous sequence of guys jumping from trees to trees or backwards to a rooftop, or leaping forward and kicking like 20 time alternately with both feet. It is quite fitting that the Scary Movie series and the Austin Powers have both spoofed these absurd fight scenes. There have been many actors in the past who have tried to step into the shoes of Bruce Lee, with 10,000 cheap imitations, only a handful possessing any talent or skill to a remarkable degree and none like the Master Bruce Lee.However, the Kung-Fu Magazine hall-of-famer, Jason Yee, is a fellow worth watching, and may be an exception to the rule. I hope so. I'm getting tired of directors trying to foster the illusion of an actor or actress who couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag being some Master martial artist (with a little help of wires, stunt doubles, and camera angles). Of course, movie fights have to be faked or serious injury or death could result. Often the stunt men are more highly trained than the actors, and I deplore this giving a 30 day crash course in Kung Fu or Karate Weapons or hand to hand to some actor who doesn't have the real skills. It is dangerous for all concerned. I'd like to see the return of the actor/martial artist combo like Lee, Norris, Jackie Chan, Steven Seagal. Jason Yee shows real promise as a martial arts actor.But then, many people wouldn't watch a "Karate" movie if they were paid to see it. "All that senseless violence...what shame!" I wonder sometimes what planet these guys were born on, as if John Wayne shooting up the bar in a Western is any less "senseless", and notice how the worship and adoration of firearms---the great equalizer---has turned our streets into shooting galleries. Now everybody is a potential killer, not just a highly trained fighting elite.But the fault is not in the possession of firearms, but the tendency to go straight for the gun or other weapon and use deadly force for the slightest of problems. But then, our own government does this and sets a good example for thugs to emulate. Uncle Sam will attack with the slightest provocation with such goodies as bunker busters, and cluster bombs? Why can't I, Joe Average Citizen do the same?Actually, some martial arts training would help REDUCE violence in the streets. Sound martial art philosophy, the Golden Mean---standing between the "Kill 'em all, let God sort 'em out" school, and the extreme and absurd nonviolence taught in some other schools, where the student is taught a skill which is forbidden to ever be used.Frankly, I wouldn't want a man living as my neighbor who would just stand still and meditate as two thugs butchered his wife and children. Such a man is worse scum than the thugs who attack.There is a middle path that lies between, the path of truth. Use no force greater than necessary in the given circumstances. This then is the famous Oath of Peace made famous not by Boddhidharma, but Steven R. Donaldson the fantasy writer.It runs in part "Do not harm when words are enough...do not maim when injury is enough, do not kill when maiming is enough...". Good cops, good soldiers, and good martial artists always follow this creed. But alas, we live in a society where the Natural right to defend oneself from aggressive human predators has been almost totally obliterated by modern governments. Do not fight back, just call the cops, and let the professionals handle it. This kind of stupidity is ominous. Often by the time the government which desires to control every facet of our lives gets to the scene, you or your loved ones are dead. Small comfort that the thugs who put you or your loved ones in their graves are apprehended and punished AFTER THE FACT.But what is the answer? A gun on every belt? A box of Hand Grenades in every car? How about reducing this craving fear of everything and everybody! Martial arts can help here better than a million dollars worth of psycho-therapy.How about a real martial arts training in the schools. A real martial art, not a lukewarm watered down nice and sweet claptrap with a smattering of Zen or Taoism as cream on top. The Warrior Path, paradoxically does not lead to wanton violence, but rather effectively eliminates it. But finding a real martial art, instead of a saccharine watered down version that is a total waste of time and money, is not easy! Good luck! Enjoy this film, but remember...it is only fantasy!

I rented this movie last night expecting a typical kung-fu film. I was happy to find it was much more of a character drama. The kung-fu action I was expecting was short but, straight to point, it left you wanting more, you could tell Jason Yee knew what he was doing as I found out later in the DVD extras he is a real kung-fu champion. The film has this cool 70's style vibe which made me feel like I was watching an old school classic. In one fight scene there is an excellent homage to the legendary Bruce Lee. Jason Yee really captured the dragon's fire in that scene. In the DVD extras is the making of 'Dark Assassin' which was cool to find out this film was made for $80,000. Wow! It made me respect the film much more as I expect all action films to cost millions of dollars. Jason Yee could be the next action star he really has what it takes. I can't wait to see his next film.

Finally i was able to see this film. I have been trying to rent it from Blockbuster for the past few weeks and it has always been out. The manager at the local Blockbuster told me its hardly ever on the shelf, he has wanted it for himself. The martial arts in this film is better than that in huge budget productions. No flying wires or special effects, just real deal martial arts. I found it much easier to get into the story because of the credibility that Jason Yee's martial arts portfolio adds to the mix. What these guys did with their limited resources is incredible, and it works! This film is like a metaphor for what many people go through in their everyday life - just trying to get by when it seems like the whole world is against you- you can sympathize with the Derek Wu character. Jason Yee's homage to Bruce Lee shows that he is serious about his work and has respect for a legend. Jason Yee has what it takes to be a legend himself. I can't wait to see his next film. I really enjoyed this one.

I recently had the opportunity to view this movie via DVD screener from one of my friends whom is in the Industry. In consideration of the film's budget, i thought it was a well put together movie. Keep in mind, Jason Yee went from Professional Fighter to Entertainer. Jason being relatively new to the industry, i felt his efforts to achieve such goals need be commended. Thinking from a Martial Arts perspective, I very much enjoyed how he kept the fight scenes in check with reality. both Jason & Kung are True Fighting Warriors that always keep it Real! Now, if your some Hollywood peon judging movies by how much special effects can do it justice? Go watch a Hollywood Jet Li movie or WWF Raw. i enjoyed the movie for what it was & look forward to any upcoming films from Jason. I noticed other comments left by very shallow and closed minded people. if you think on those terms, you need to get together and go Bowling with Simon from American Idol. 85 minutes worth! Always keep it Real! L.A.M.F.F.S.U.T.D.