The film opens in a quiet rural village in early 20th century China, where a humble paper mill worker named Liu Jinxi (Donnie Yen) lives with his wife Ayu (Tang Wei) and their two young sons. Their life is peaceful and seemingly idyllic. However, everything changes one fateful day when two dangerous criminals arrive at the mill and attempt to rob it.
Jinxi is present during the robbery and, seemingly by sheer luck, manages to fend off and kill both criminals in a chaotic struggle. The villagers hail him as a hero, marveling at his courage and quick thinking. However, Xu Baijiu (Takeshi Kaneshiro), a meticulous and skeptical detective from a nearby town, is assigned to investigate the incident. Xu specializes in forensic techniques and is known for his analytical mind and dedication to the law.
When Xu examines the crime scene, he becomes suspicious. The precision and effectiveness of Jinxi’s actions suggest that he is far more than the simple, unassuming man he claims to be. Using advanced forensic techniques and martial arts knowledge, Xu reconstructs the fight in his mind, uncovering subtle evidence that points to Jinxi being a highly skilled martial artist. Xu becomes convinced that Jinxi is hiding something about his past.
As Xu continues his investigation, he discovers that one of the criminals Jinxi killed was a notorious fugitive with a bounty on his head. This revelation raises further questions about how an ordinary paper mill worker could defeat such a dangerous man. Xu’s probing begins to unsettle Jinxi and Ayu, who grow increasingly fearful that their peaceful life may be disrupted.
Determined to uncover the truth, Xu delves deeper into Jinxi’s background. His investigation leads him to suspect that Jinxi is actually Tang Long, a former member of the 72 Demons, a notorious criminal organization led by the ruthless Master (Jimmy Wang Yu). The organization is infamous for its brutality and strict code of loyalty, making it nearly impossible for members to leave. If Jinxi is indeed Tang Long, it means he is a man with a violent past, possibly seeking redemption.
Meanwhile, the 72 Demons learn of Jinxi’s whereabouts after the death of their fugitive member. The Master, outraged by Jinxi’s betrayal and the death of one of his men, orders his followers to track him down and exact vengeance. Jinxi’s past and present collide, putting his family and the entire village in grave danger.
As the tension escalates, Xu confronts Jinxi with his findings. Jinxi confesses that he is indeed Tang Long but insists that he has renounced his violent past and started a new life to atone for his sins. He explains that he left the 72 Demons after a moment of clarity about the futility of their violence and the harm it caused. Jinxi pleads for Xu’s understanding, emphasizing his desire to protect his family and live peacefully.
Xu is torn between his duty as a lawman and his growing empathy for Jinxi. While he admires Jinxi’s efforts to change, Xu’s unwavering commitment to justice prevents him from fully trusting him. Xu wrestles with the moral ambiguity of the situation, questioning whether a person can truly escape their past and whether redemption is possible for someone who has committed heinous acts.
The film’s climax begins when the 72 Demons arrive at the village, led by the 13th Madam, the Master’s wife. They launch a brutal assault, forcing Jinxi to reveal his martial arts prowess to protect his family and the villagers.
In a series of intense and visually stunning fight sequences, Jinxi confronts the demons of his past, both literally and figuratively. With Xu’s reluctant assistance, he battles the 72 Demons, ultimately facing the Master in a final, dramatic showdown. Jinxi’s skill and determination allow him to defeat the Master, but not without significant cost.
The film concludes with Jinxi returning to his family, vowing to rebuild their lives and move forward. While his past will always be a part of him, his actions demonstrate his commitment to living a life of peace and integrity.
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