True Legend

During the late Qing era, a wealthy merchant named Su Qi-Er enjoys privilege and influence until a cunning conspiracy torpedoes his fortune and shatters his reputation. Stripped of status and left to survive on the streets, he learns to read people, map danger, and endure hardship. He turns to martial arts not just as self defense but as a discipline that rebuilds his identity from the ground up. Training in secrecy, he hones speed, balance, and technique, turning personal loss into a steady rebirth centered on resolve and skill. As years pass, Su reemerges not just as a formidable fighter but as a symbol of resilience and national pride, adopting the moniker King of Beggars. His transformation mirrors the era's turmoil and the redemptive power of craft and self mastery.

Released in 2010, True Legend is directed by Yuen Woo-Ping, with story by Christine To Chi-Long. The film foregrounds Zhao Wenzhuo, Zhou Xun, Andy On, Guo Xiaodong, and Jay Chou in a mythic martial arts saga that blends history with fantasy.

Critics noted the movie's bold fight choreography and strong performances, especially Zhao and Zhou Xun, while some found the pacing uneven. The film considers wealth loss, loyalty, and the tension between personal ambition and the obligation to a larger good, wrapped in lavish wuxia spectacle.

Jay Chou's portrayal of the God of Wushu and the Drunken God sparked fan chatter and media buzz, while Vincent Zhao's turn as the chief beggar hero drew praise for grounded ferocity. The film contributed to a late 2000s wave of high end wuxia productions and influenced action directors with its gravity defying stunts and elaborate wire work.

The worldwide gross of about 6.82 million came against a 20 million budget, marking a modest performance relative to big budget wuxia releases of the period, despite strong action sequences.