The film Wong Fei Hung: Aunt’s Revenge is a passionate martial arts thriller set against the turbulent history of the republican period and is a mixture of action, mystery and social commentary. The movie is rather aggressive and spirited, and it reflects the roughness of the environment of 1920s Guangzhou, and the motives of justice, power, and strength. The boldness with which Aunt Thirteen infiltrates the trafficking ring presents us with a powerful, clever woman at the center, whose courage and cunningness raise the story above combat, and makes her a powerful commentary on the power of courage and solidarity in the face of oppression.
What impressed me the most was the emotional or rather the emotional undertones of the mission undercover executed by Aunt Thirteen, her character being so determined to find out the truth and save innocent girls gives the action an emotional touch. Her character change in the film, which is of a dutiful aunt into an aggressive combatant, produces a strong effect of empowerment, which lingers long after the fights are over. The supporting characters, and particularly the young girls, lend some warmth and vulnerability to the hard-fight scenes, as well as injecting some sense of hope and brotherhood. The dance moves are energetic and the fighting scenes are exciting and not trivial, focusing on competence and resourcefulness.
Cinematographically, the film is a colorful production design and an energetic camerawork that create the atmosphere of the days, and the sets and costumes put the viewer back in the past. The score is an energetic companion to the action with traditional and modern combinations, which increases tension and emotion. Although the story is sometimes more of a melodrama, the central idea of the movie to rise against the wickedness and corruption is a lasting impression. A spirited, empowering story, Wong Fei Hung: Aunts Revenge inspired me with the strength of those who struggle to achieve justice, with adrenaline mixed with the call of heartening power and unity.
