Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

To Kill with Intrigue Blu-ray Movie Review

To Kill with Intrigue is an exciting and adventurous historical action epic. The film was a co-production between South Korea and Hong Kong production studios. To Kill with Intrigue was filmed entirely in South Korea. In addition to a lead performance by Jackie Chan, the film features a prominent role by Taiwanese actress Feng Hsu and actress Jeong Hee (of South Korea).

Lei Shao-feng (Jackie Chan) struggles with the inner torment of his burdened mind when he loses his close family to a brutal attack where everyone is killed during an assault by a ruthless gang led by Ding Can-ren (Feng Hsu). The gang goes by the name of Killer Bees. Lei Shao-feng must fight for the future as well as a chance to be reunited with his beloved lover – who he has been separated from because of the gang leader.

Lei Shao-feng even loses his best friend when his ally becomes a villain because of the temptation of the gang. Yet despite the tragic and horrifying circumstances, Ding Can-ren eventually falls in love with Lei Shao-feng. Will Lei Shao-feng find solace or vengeance?

The performances in To Kill with Intrigue are outstanding. Jackie Chan delivers one of his best performances as Lei Shao-feng. The performance showcased a nice range for the actor. There are a lot of great moments with Chan. Outstanding.

Feng Hsu also delivers a top-notch performance in To Kill with Intrigue. Hsu also gave her all with To Kill with Intrigue. The film wouldn’t be the same without her.

The production design by Shih-Mei Chu (Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin) are exquisite. There is a lot to appreciate about the designs. These elements are also highlighted alongside the art direction by Chih-Liang Chou (Jade Love, Love in Chilly Spring). To Kill with Intrigue is all the more beautiful as a result.

The costumes by Yen Yuan Li (Li San Niang) are impressive. Some of the most beautiful I have seen in a Jackie Chan production. The designs are excellent throughout the film and especially the designs for actress Feng Hsu.

Edited by Ting-Hung Kuo (The New One-Armed Swordsman, The Singing Killer), To Kill with Intrigue is a well-paced action film. The editing is tight and focused. There is clear ambition throughout the film. A testament to good editing.

The cinematography by Chung-Yuan Chen (Fighting Ace, The Golden Lotus: Love and Desire) is exquisite and captivating. The cinematography provides a stunning vista for the production. The visuals are lush, rewarding, and intoxicating.

The score composed by Fang Chi Chen (The Buddhist Fist) is energetic and full of excitement. The score adds to the charm of the filmmaking. A quality score by Fang Chi Chen.

The stunts by Jackie Chan are not only impressive – the stunts are remarkable for their sense of scale and ambition. Chan is one of the best action choreographers of all time and the work here is truly exceptional. Masterful.

Written by Lung Ku (Legend of Lu Xiao Fong, Magnificent Bodyguards), To Kill with Intrigue has a beautiful script. The dialogue is compelling and the story in the film is well-told. To Kill with Intrigue has a strong screenplay and it certainly helped the film feel all the more rewarding and fun to watch.

Directed by Wei Lo (The Big Boss, Dragon Fist), To Kill with Intrigue is a thrill-ride and there is never a boring moment. The action and spectacle make To Kill with Intrigue a must-see. The artistry of the production is enormously compelling. Jackie Chan fans certainly won’t want to miss out on this classic.

To Kill with Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, To Kill with Intrigue is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.33:1 widescreen. This was a gorgeous looking transfer and the presentation is first-rate. The encode quality was excellent during this presentation and the print quality looks superb. Color reproduction is outstanding.

To Kill with Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio is provided in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1, and English Dolby Digital 5.1. The audio sounds quite pleasing during the presentation. The lossless audio adds to the enveloping experience of the film.

To Kill with Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Critic and Author David West

Intriguingly Jackie – Interview with Rick Baker (HD, 19:57)

Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 4:53)

Japanese Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:07)

Japanese Teaser Trailer (HD, 00:49)

Japanese TV Spot (HD, 00:14)

Still Gallery (HD, 1:29)

To Kill with Intrigue Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

To Kill with Intrigue is an essential Jackie Chan film with an epic sense of scale. The production is lavishly mounted and there are a lot of compelling components to the film. The cinematography is outstanding. Jackie Chan delivers a superb performance and the fight choreography is first-rate. The Blu-ray release features a strong high-definition presentation. Highly recommended.