Heroes of the East embodies the very best of the kung fu movie genre, yet remains unique among its peers. It is a superb example of Lau Kar-leung's ability to draw the viewer into his meticulous fight choreography with compelling storytelling seamlessly woven into the action. It also stands as perhaps the greatest match up of Japanese and Chinese fighters. It's all the more impressive that he's able to pull this all off so well without resorting to any real bloodshed, death or dismemberment. There is a place for that as I'm sure Chang Cheh and Sonny Chiba would argue, but Lau rises above this and just gives us great martial arts action packaged in a very accessible story for even non-fu fans.

Remixed 5.1

New synth music and foley.

Much of the original foley has been left, unlike certain titles, but is often augmented with new sounds. This is not as distracting for the most part as, say, The Spiritual Boxer, but will disappoint purists nonetheless. See when Yuka Mizuko kicks down a garden wall for example: it now sounds like she did it with dynamite. But weapons effects are not too bad.

The film is noted for the exhibitions of various martial-arts styles and weapons:

· Japanese Katana vs Chinese Jian (double-edged long sword)
· Japanese Karate vs Chinese Drunken Kung Fu
· Japanese Nunchaku and Tonfa vs Chinese Three Sectional Staff (melee weapons)
· Japanese Yari vs Chinese Qiang (spears)
· Japanese Sai vs Chinese Butterfly Sword (short swords)
· Japanese Judo vs Peanut Oil (a comedic duel)
· Japanese ninja skills Hensojutsu, Shinobi-iri vs Peanut Shells (another comedic duel)
· Japanese Shuriken, Darts vs Chinese Needles, Sleeve Arrows (throwing weapons)
· Japanese Kusarigama as compared to Chinese Rope Dart (chained/roped weapons)
· Japanese Ninjato vs Chinese Dao (single-edged broadsword/saber)
· Japanese Crab-Style vs Chinese Crane Kung Fu