an unusual film from ringo lam and one that strangely under appreciate . the mix of fantasy kung fu with a more realistic depiction of sword and spear be drive thru body be startle especially during the first ten minute . a horseback rider get chop in two and his waist and legs keep rid the horse . several horse get chop up . it very unexpected . the story be very simple and fong and his shaolin brother be capture by a crazed maniac general and imprison in the red lotus temple which seem to be more of a torture chamber then a temple . the general have a similarity to kurtz in apocalypse now a he spout warped philosophy and make frighten painting with human blood . the production be very impressive and the setting be bleak . blood be everywhere . the action be very well do and mostly coherent unlike many hk action scene from the time . sometimes the movie veers into absurdity or the effect be cheesy but it never bad enough to ruin the film . find this one and it one of the best hk kung fu film from the early ninety . just remember it not child friendly .