Dragon (Wu xia) is a 2011 Chinese martial arts film directed by Peter Chan, with a screenplay by Chan and Zhang Jian. The film blends classic martial arts action with psychological mystery, resulting in a unique take on the genre. It stars Donnie Yen, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Tang Wei, and it was produced in both Hong Kong and mainland China.
The story is set during the late Qing Dynasty, in a rural village where Liu Jinxi (Donnie Yen), a quiet, simple family man, lives with his wife (Tang Wei) and two children. Liu Jinxi works as a blacksmith and appears to have a peaceful, uneventful life. One day, two criminals, Zhang (Wang Xueqi) and Long (Takeshi Kaneshiro), attempt to rob the village. However, Liu unexpectedly displays remarkable martial arts skills, defeating them with apparent ease and saving his family.
This act of heroism attracts the attention of a local police detective, Xu Bai-ji (Tang Wei), who investigates the incident. As Xu digs deeper, he begins to suspect that Liu’s humble appearance hides a dangerous past. He learns that Liu might have been a notorious killer from a deadly martial arts sect, known as the “Dragon Killer.” Despite Liu’s reassurances that he is just an ordinary man, Xu grows increasingly suspicious, and the investigation delves into a psychological battle of truth and guilt.
The film’s plot reveals that Liu had once been a part of a criminal martial arts organization, but he left that life behind after a pivotal event. The question of whether Liu truly has a dark past and whether he has fully left it behind becomes central to the story. As Xu grows closer to the truth, the tension builds, culminating in a confrontation where Liu is forced to face the consequences of his past while protecting his family.
Dragon is a unique and thoughtful take on the martial arts genre. By combining intense action with a deep psychological narrative, it presents a character-driven story that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexity of identity. Donnie Yenโs performance anchors the film, supported by strong performances from the rest of the cast, and Peter Chanโs direction ensures that the film is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Although it may not be as widely known as other martial arts films, Dragon has earned its place as a standout in the genre for those seeking more than just action and spectacle.