Message from mgalvez

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed this action packed movie that revolved around Chinese astrology. For those like myself who didn't know, SPL is the English translation for Sha Po Lang which are 3 stars in Chinese astrology. Near the beginning of the movie and in the bonus features of the DVD it mentions this. However it doesn't go into detail about what those stars mean, and since it was the title of the movie and what seemed to drive the path the characters took, I decided to research these stars myself to see how they might relate or influence the characters actions. Apparently, the stars astrology ties together the characters and effects their destiny and the paths they take and choices they make. Here are some explanations for each star.
Sha- Power star
Po- Ruinous star, general or army breaker
Lang- Flirting star
I wish I could have found more explanation because I got the sense that the Asian audience for this movie knew this background information as a given. The movie opens with a detective driving with a family who is going to testify in court that day against a crime boss. The crime boss sends someone to kill this family and their little girl and the detecive survive. He feels so awful he adopts the girl and has it out for the crime boss know released since there is no one to testify any more. This is probably where the astrology takes part because he finds out he is dying of cancer and is going to retire. In the meantime he starts taking the law into his own hands. His team at the police station end up taking a huge bag of money that belongs to this crime boss during a raid and don't turn it in. They plan to give it to the head detective to help raise the girl when he dies of his cancer. The crime boss is obviously furious over this. In the meantime he and his wife have been trying to have a baby for years and finally has one. It is time for the head detective to retire and the new head detective shows up to meet the team. This character is played by Donnie Yen. I was definently impressed by this actor. I looked into what other movies he has been in and perhaps he is more well known than I realized (even for an English speaking audience). He has been in Blade II, Iron Monkey and Hero. All movies I have heard of!
He follows around the retiring head detective and his team for the day and catchs on to what they are up to. They frame the crime boss for a murder of one of their undercover agents even though they know he didn't deliever the death killing blow. They have the evidence (a video tape) altered. However, this same night that the crime boss is arrested, he has one of his men go and kill each detective that was involved in stealing his money. The killer finally comes after Donnie Yen's character (the new head detecive)and who is trying to return the money and thus ensues a fighting scene this movie is probably known for. It was amazing. Their weapons were a knief and a baton. Their reflexes were so fast! In watching the extra features on the DVD and through word of mouth, I heard this scene was not even choreographed! Yen's character goes on to have another extrodinary fight scene with the crime boss himself that ends in a great twist that I won't spoil.
I would definently reccommend this movie for entertainment and enjoyment of a good story line and impressive fighting sequences. I think I will watch one of Donnie Yen's other movies now. If you watch and enjoy this movie, I just read the other day that they will start production for a sequel next month!