Man, I've been watching tons of films over the years as they trickled out of China (and of course, it was moreso Hong Kong at the start) but it seems like the past couple years they've really nailed a sort of churn and burn vibe. This was yet another movie that seemed so flavorless and similar to so many that came before.
Have there been any show stoppers that anyone else has watched they could recommend? I'm starting to lose faith. @_@
You are not the only one. I already gave up on movies from Hong Kong and China for the past decade. Of course I still watch those occasional ones that stand out but those are really far and in between. Most of the times, all of them are really dissapointing. I just feel like they are making movies for 80% for commercial value and did not leave much space for the love of just making good movie. Even movies made by Jackie Chan that used to be a definite hit is getting really bad. They must realize that having star actors or pretty girl is not the only recipe for a successful movie.
Anyway, the last good movie that I can recall watching is Ip Man 3. This was a surprised to me as usually by the third movie, they would have milked all they can in the franchise especially from Hong Kong who are notorious for milking every ounce they can from a franchise.
Another one that is not a recent movie but always in the back of my mind is Wu Xia.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1718199/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Not sure why the english title is called dragon as there are no dragon in the movie nor anything related to it.