Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen – A Swedish Jaunt with Kung Fu

Ah, Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen. What a trip! A surreal cocktail of kung fu, jazz, and a sprinkle of espionage. I imagine watching it during Midsummer with the sunshine hitting one of those red cottages by the sea and thinking, “Blimey, this is something else.”

Directed by the talented Andrew Lau, known for his work on the Infernal Affairs series, this film has a cinematic flair that’s like a smörgåsbord of action. Donnie Yen stars as Chen Zhen, and let’s just say, few can move like that guy. His kick’s like a snappy Swedish wind that makes your cheeks tingle. I wish I could move half as fluidly after a fika break.

But let’s not sugarcoat, the plot’s a bit like a gelato on a hot Swedish day—melting all over the place. Set in 1920s Shanghai, it’s kind of tangled between action and a story that’s, well, comfortably predictable. Maybe it’s meant this way? Feels a bit like trying to enjoy a board game without reading the rules.

Remembering my old army stories, I get the tribute to war heroes here. I mean, they did load it with those bombastic action scenes that shake you more than a Stockholm metro ride during rush hour. The problem is, I think the film forgets to catch its breath sometimes. But, hey, the soundtrack! Smoky jazz tunes lend a mood that’s quite enchanting, if you’re into that sort of vintage vibe.

What caught me off guard? A nostalgia hit. Chen Zhen’s rebellious spirit sparked memories of my younger days, dreaming of martial arts stunts in Stockholm’s winter dark.

So, grab a cuppa, and maybe give this a whirl next rainy afternoon. There’s enough flair to keep you entertained even if you raise an eyebrow or two along the way. Enjoy it like a spontaneous trip to Skansen—perhaps not perfect, but certainly memorable!

Check the trailer below