Zhou chu chu san hai

Wanted criminal Chen Guilin (played by Ruan Jingtian) is at the end of his life, only to find himself ranked third on the wanted list. He is determined to investigate the whereabouts of the top two wanted criminals and eliminate them one by one. Chen Guilin thought that he had become a contemporary elimination of the three evils in the world, but he did not expect that the never-ending greed, anger, and ignorance would be the sin and punishment that one must face in life.

Ruan Jingtian used violence to suppress violence, and Wang Jing made his debut on the mainland's big screen! It's not easy to introduce this movie from mainland China.

To those suggesting the film is from mainland China, it's important to clarify that, although I am from mainland China myself, this movie was entirely produced in Taiwan. The title may draw inspiration from a Chinese fable, but the creation is Taiwanese. It's crucial not to misattribute achievements or claim recognition undeservedly. Acknowledging our current position without misleading ourselves is vital. I've observed a significant increase in the quality of Taiwanese TV series and films recently, which meet international standards and indicate a thriving industry. In comparison, the market in mainland China faces different challenges. I greatly respect and admire the Taiwanese film industry for its distinct path and the quality it has achieved.

Oftentimes, I refer to IMDb for the reviews of the show before watching it.

True to its rating (7.5 at the time of writing), it's a show with depth. This is unlike other movies you've watched.

I liked that the synopsis provided an insight, yet not enough for you to expect what is to come for the show. I could not find any roles that had acted badly in the show, all the actors/actresses were befitting to their roles albeit small/big. Ethan has yet again showed that he's really the new blood.

The 140mins spent on the movie was really worth it. Catch it, you won't regret it.

It's laughable that someone had given 3/10.

I rarely finished watching most of the Taiwanese movies due to their shallow, childish, naive screenplays, their bad acting with horrible dialogue deliveries in a complete unnatural and fake way of speaking by most of the actors and actresses. This movie, although still inevitably failed to improve the way of speaking the dialogue in Taiwanese Mandarin, at least it's bearable this time.

The cast of the No.1 and No. 2 villains when compared to the No.3, the leading actor who played the protagonist, were neither good enough nor appropriate, not even feasible or realistic. There's no way the No.2 villain, a murderous killer from Hong Kong, most of the time speaking Cantonese, could be so hard to catch. Besides, his physical strength based on his height and weight would not be able to cause so much damages to the protagonist.

The cast of the No.1 Villain is even worse than the No.2, a fragile, skinny con man, who could hide himself on the island and become the preacher and the cult leader. His illegal organization is somewhat copied from the Scientology cult that plagued America. The way he fools and cheats on those naive followers is just too shallow.

The actor who plays the die-hard cop is a great cast. He is also the second worthwhile element that has made this movie feel more humane and realistic.

The watchable value of this movie is completely relied on the leading actor, who indeed performed so believably well. The herb medicine woman cast is not bad, but her Taiwanese Mandarin is still felt a bit forced and unnatural, the formulaic way of speaking by almost all the Taiwanese actors, actresses in movies or in dramas. Their weird and unnatural way of speaking is the fatal weakness of all actors, actresses and even all of those reporters, news anchormen and anchorwomen on TV.

I have ZERO expectation when I got into the theater, FULL of surprise when I left. Taiwan's movies are getting better and better.

The chase scenes are tense and the fight scenes are fiery, full of Taiwan's unique characteristics. There was one scene that I really want to scream at the theater, so good so good. (You know which scene I'm talking about if you watch the film, I give you 10 second to think or LEAVE)

The characters are well developed. Every actor did a great job, especially Ethan Juan, Ben Yuen and Yi-Wen Chen.

The story contains Buddhist principles, is meaningful and full of fun. The Chinese name 'Zhou chu chu san hai' has a inspiring story behind. If interested, you can go check it out.

Really worth seeing.