Jet Li is a superstar with a status that is untouchable, and for most who have seen the previous OUATIC films Jet Li simply is Wong Fei Hong. Considering this, Vincent Zhao has a pretty large shoe to fill and he does an admirable job in this installment. Especially considering the following facts.
Zhao was only 20 when director Corey Yuen hand picked him from a sports university to play the villain opposite Jet Li in the "Fong Sai Yuk" movie in 1992, landing Zhao his first acting gig. At that time on the set next door Tsui Hark was filming OUATIC4 with a replacement actor from Singapore. However Tsui decided that it wasn't working out and asked to meet with the new actor who was now working with his ex-Wong Fei Hung. So, between filming Zhao met Tsui, who decided on the spot that he had found the new Wong Fei Hong.
However, Zhao was still halfway through shooting Fong Sai Yuk, and Tsui urgently need to begin re-shooting for his new film, so Zhao would start to shoot parts of both films at the same time. He would play a villain during the day and the hero at night. You can imagine the pressure for a first timer, having lead roles in two major movies with big names attached!
If one needs proof that Zhao's martial arts is up to par, one only has to see the amazing opening sequence in this film to be convinced that Jet Li's successor is the real deal. His style differs from Li's but Zhao is no less fun to watch.
One thing is for sure: Zhao hardly uses any stunt doubles here while if you look closely, in a lot of the scenes in the previous OUATICs, it's not actually Jet Li! Which is understandable, because Li was older (30) and a much bigger star when he did those. But it also means that with Zhao, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck! If you see Mr Wong doing a triple roundhouse kick, that's (visibly) Zhao doing it.
Sure, Jet Li wins in terms of charisma. But Zhao is very good looking indeed, if a bit too young at this point. In terms of acting, it's quite good for a first time performance.
The story is nothing new, but serves as a good backdrop for the jaw dropping fights and good old Chinese heroism. Ultimately it's the action that matters most, and that's what it delivers in spades!
Verdict: Definitely a must see for all action and Wong Fei Hung fans!
