Original subtitles

Even Mr Sun Yat-sen has put forth the slogan: Sound physique, strong country

If our people are fit in physique our country will be strong

But for our people to be fit in physique

We cannot count on the Beiyang bureaucrats

or selfish warlords up north

We have to count on you gentlemen present

You are our hope

Pass your cultivations to the people

Only then can our country be strong

I hereby thank you, gentlemen

Do something for our ravaged country For our ailing country

Bravo...

Young man, the future of our country

rests with the talented young like you and Ching-shan

Marshal Chu, how can I live up to such a high expectation?

A man with true capabilities will rise to the occasion

Only the mediocre will bite off more than they can chew

Of course, a martial arts practitioner is cultivated, not just in martial arts

But in wisdom and learning as well

Like you gentlemen here

You are learned in books as well as martial arts and military teachings

Our country is blessed because of you

Ching-shan is mocking you You aren't angry about it?

Different people talk in different ways

I only pick out the gems that will make me a better man

Moreover, Brother Ching-shan is right

I should read more books to gain more knowledge

The Canton Martial Arts Arena was set up to show

the determination of the provincial Government in promoting martial arts

That no efforts or money will be spared in supporting growth of your arts

You are asked to do your part in passing on your cultivation

Salvage this ravaged and ailing country

Salvage our 400 million fellow countrymen

Bravo! Well said!

Go inside to see what's on the table

We guys own nothing but the clothes on our backs

We slave for them but what do we get in return?

That Cheung Yam-tong's niece

She's out of your league

Just forget about it

I know, you all see me as a rascal warlord

You are calling me names in your heart

But I don't care

I have the big picture in mind

I'll draw ire from others

Only the mediocre don't make others burn with jealousy, right?

Let me be honest with you

I've long known who you are

A commander of mine once told me about a boy who cut off his queue

Commander Fu?

How is he doing?

Something happened to him?

Take it easy, he's fine

But he's no longer in my troop

Where has he gone?

The setting up of the Canton Martial Arts Arena

has not just attracted your interest

but has also drawn the attention of respectable people overseas

Like the renowned diplomat Mr Cheung Yam-tong

He and over a dozen overseas Chinese entrepreneurs are here with us

May I ask Mr Cheung to say a few words

Bravo...

Gentlemen, I haven't had a good night's sleep since seeing my motherland again

Gentlemen, you are here to do your part for the country with martial arts

I too will do my part through different means

I didn't come back alone

The ten wealthiest Chinese entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are with me

They are willing to help steer the country back onto its right course with their money

Bravo...

Mr Cheung, with your financial support

The northern expedition will succeed

Revolution will succeed

Right, Mr Cheung

Invest your money on me

I will conquer the country

Marshal Lo, but I have no ambitions to be a conqueror

Whatever, once we've conquered the country

If you want revolution you will have revolution

If you insist that I speak in a foreign tongue and eat western food

I'll do as you say

I am uncouth

Just make me grand counsellor or something

Who's snickering?

Cut it out

He who pays the piper calls the tune

Canton is your turf

You call the shots

I'll give you face

Get lost

Mr Cheung, we military men are not refined men

Please cut him some slack

lp Man, come on over

Mr Cheung, let me introduce

This fine young man is the Foshan Young Hero, lp Man

Marshal, now this is funny

No introduction necessary

The lp and Cheung families have known each other for generations

How embarrassing

Master Mok

We who live by the sword die by the sword

Who are you to show up here?

Mok Yan-chiu, who are you to stir up trouble under my nose?

Marshal, we martial arts practitioners have our own rules

I want a man-to-man combat with him

lp Man, you make your own decision

Some mere nobody, crawl back to Foshan

As you wish

lp Man of the Foshan Crane School

You will be down in three moves

Ching-shan Yes?

Could you tell me what's going on?

What do you mean?

Why are you doing it behind my back?

You have not asked me if I am willing

Have you spared a thought for my feelings?

Wing-shing, you are mistaken

About what?

Do you see the way people are looking at me?

They keep congratulating me

Is it about you asking for my hand?

Master Mok, call it quits

Come again

I admit I love discussing the revolution with you

But it doesn't mean I want to marry you

Lam Ching-shan, you see yourself as the most eligible man

If you ask, all the girls will trip over one another to marry you

But let me tell you

I, Cheung Wing-shing, am not one of them

Master Mok, you are not his par

Call it quits...

You are not his par

Alright, let's call it a day

Mok Yan-chiu, you have not embarrassed yourself enough?

Lp Man, awesome

Really awesome, bravo...

Gentlemen, allow me to use this occasion to break you the good news

Ching-shan

Mei-tung

Not my sis?

Ching-shan, she's my only daughter

Now I'm giving you her hand

Be good to her

Marshal, rest assured of that

I thought it's Miss Cheung

There go her marriage prospects

I am honoured and overjoyed

That you will bear witness to my engagement to Mei-tung

Thank you

Let's go

Sis, come on

Wing-shing...

This is the Cheung Wing-shing I've been telling you about

She is a good friend

Sis Wing-shing, Ching-shan mentions about you all the time

says that he loves you like his sister

He hasn't been lying

He bought you an identical outfit that I have chosen

Congratulations to you two

Thank you

Excuse me

lp Man, keep an eye on her

I'll go get Dad

Ching-shan, is she in love with you?

Mei-tung, you are the one that I love

Dad

Forget it, it's a good outcome

But, you... Just shut up

Old Chu, you really can bear to marry your daughter to this nobody?

What? You don't mean to congratulate me?

Marshal Chu, congrats... Thank you

Miss Cheung, you want a ride?

Wing-shing

Proceed

Wing-shing...

Wing-shing

Zi, wait, slow down

Wing-shing

Wing-shing, don't be upset

You don't get it

I do, why not?

I know it was supposed to be your engagement to Brother Ching-shan

It's not the case

I understand, your heart is now broken

I know, I got it

I can feel your pain

It's like your internal organs have been ripped apart

Please, cut it out

Then stop and make it clear to me

It's not your business

Proceed, don't bother with him

Stop... let's take a break here

I overtook you, you lost

So you can smile

Wipe your brows

Thank you

Wing-shing, you alright?

You are all mistaken

Mistaken?

I was not upset at all

Then you...

I never meant to marry Lam Ching-shan

I knew nothing about the proposal

But why did you run away?

I...

I got it...

It's not what you wanted

But since everyone thought it was the case

And Brother Ching-shan suddenly proposed to Marshal Chu's daughter

You were humiliated all the same

Yes, take it as the vanity of a girl

But... you never loved Brother Ching-shan?

I loved to discuss the revolution with him

I cared for the realisation of his revolutionary ideals

That's it?

What else?

And I never thought he could resort to any means to his ends

Oh yes, why are you following me?

I have no choice I have to take care of you

Why?

Because you are my...

What?

Because... you are my buddy Cheung Wing-sing's sister

That's rather far-fetched

Now you are smiling

Miss Wing-shing, you're home

Sis

Where's Uncle?

Over there

Take care of lp Man Yes

What now?

Uncle, why did you side with the warlords?

What kind of attitude is this?

I thought you were a committed revolutionary

But you are just an opportunist that bends to the political wind

What opportunist?

Now the southern warlords are set for the northern expedition

You throw monetary backing behind them

When the time comes for the dividends

You will at least be made a financial secretary

Wing-shing, not everyone is unscrupulous as Lam Ching-shan

What Lam Ching-shan?

He has got nothing to do with it

Uncle, you believe man like Marshal Chu will fight for the revolutionary cause?

Wing-shing, you tell me

You want the northern expedition or not?

Yes, but not by men like Marshal Chu

Then you tell me, if not Marshal Chu

Then who else? Marshal Lo?

Between Marshal Chu and Marshal Lo

I can only pick Marshal Chu

Wing-shing, we don't mean to turn such warlords into saints

They are fellow travellers on our road to revolution

Wing-shing, we can count on them We have to count on them

But we can't become them

When the northern expedition is accomplished

We will try to change them

Those who fail to make the leap will be discarded by history

This is just political rhetoric

It's what Lam Ching-shan says

But I don't agree with it

Revolution shouldn't be adulterated

This is undermining revolution at the core

We'll never talk each other over

It's late. I have to go to bed

Wing-shing, you really can't see why I have to marry her?

I am a man of ideals talent and aspirations

I am still young

But so what?

They don't add up to a word or a gesture from Marshal Chu

A wave from him, not to say the revolution

Even my life can't be kept

I am where I am because of a word from Marshal Chu

Right, for your future

It sure is worthwhile to marry his daughter

Without a future I am in no position to talk about revolution

You are insulting the revolution

Lash out at me if you like

But my conscience is clear

Wing-shing, we have always had our ideals in mind

We are committed to our ideals

But let me tell you

Now that I have chosen this path I have to persist

I can't lose, I have to make it to the destination

I may have to resort to some unscrupulous means along the way

I still have to persist

I respect your choice

You prefer an untainted revolutionary path

But I don't see it that way

The revolutionary path is full of thorns

I may have to dirty my hands

But I will persist

And it won't change my ideals

Even if it will lead to misunderstanding and accusations

Even if it means an unhappy marriage

I'll still persevere

You really don't love your fiancee?

You should know whom I really love

Then why marry her?

I have no choice

It's for the revolution?

Yes

I despise your attitude towards love

But I appreciate your zeal for the revolution

So we are still revolutionary comrades?

Sir, a table for how many?

I am meeting my friend here

lp Man, over here

I have asked lp Man to come

I hope you don't mind

Not at all

Sir, what can I get you?

What they are having Yes

Man, you should try to pick up English

Yes, you are right

Sir, your coffee, enjoy

Thank you

You don't know how to use the knife and fork?

Yes

I am wanted in the office

Excuse me

Work first

Charge it to my account

No, like this...

Yes

No, use the fork

Let's go dance

Dance? I don't know how

I'll teach you, come on

What? Come on

So many people here, behave yourself

You are sometimes radical

Sometimes so old-fashioned

Come on

I... Come on

No, hold me What?

You want to embarrass me?

Dancing is like this, come on

You know martial arts

You are quick on your feet

It's to and fro, to and fro, OK?

Yes, that's it

Come on

You aren't tired?

No, I feel good

Alright, come on... 1, 2, 3, 4...

Sorry It's alright

1,2,3,4

Martial Arts Convention

Bravo...

Bravo...

Excuse us...

Bravo...

Bravo...

Bravo...

Mr Cheung, after you

Marshal Chu, after you...

Alright, I am honoured

Ladies and gentlemen

Northerners call us southerners weaklings saying that we can't fight

They can't be more wrong Wrong...

There's a saying in the martial arts world

Southern fists and Northern kicks

"Southern fists" is put in front of "Northern kicks"

Yes!

So we southerners are martial arts material We are adepts with the pen and the sword

The grand opening of the Canton Martial Arts Arena is proof to the world

That the south is brimming with talents and unsung heroes

Bravo...

From today on, the Canton Martial Arts Arena will be a nurturing ground

for martial arts adepts

They will promote martial arts for the strengthening of the country

and the people's health

And for the promotion of the revolution

Bravo...

We are poised to take off

We just await a good coach

Combat...

Combat... combat...

Combat... combat... combat...

Marshal Chu Hello...

Boss Li of Wing Cheung...

Hello...

Master Yu, lp Man, come up here Come on

Uncle

Mentor Alright

Excuse us...

Mentor, take this seat

Gentlemen, I am Lam Ching-shan

On behalf of Marshal Chu

I am playing host of this contest

Let me brief you on the rules and regulations

Whoever thinks he's good enough to be chief coach can come up here

He's entitled to a break after two wins

The last one standing will be the chief coach

Bravo...

Now I declare the tournament open

Bravo

This sure is fun

Masters, who will be the first?

Bravo...

Take it easy

Bravo... good...

Marshal Wong's coach Wong Tin-ba

Mentor, this move is good

Let me

Get him

Go! Oh... just missed!

Go...

Good!

Marshal Lo's coach Brother Lo beats Marshal Chiu's coach Shek

Marshal Chu's coach Mok Yan-chiu beats Marshal Ma's coach Kwok

Bravo!

Go!

Brother Lo wins

Yes!

Go! Go!

Mok Yan-chiu wins

I want a boat ride

Can you row a boat?

Row a boat?

Boat rowing is easy

Everyone in Foshan can do it

We all grow up by the riverside

Let's go

Sit tight

It's alright, let me try again

See? I told you I can row

It's not hard at all

You sure pick up things fast

I am smart

Blowing your own trumpet

Why look at me like that?

You are the prettiest when you smile

Then I'll smile more

You're smiling from the heart?

Of course

I don't like forced smiles

What makes you think so?

I am worried you are not happy when you are with me

You only care to be with Brother Ching-shan

What are you hinting at?

Oh yes, that day you had a fight with Uncle

But he's your elder after all

I respect him as an elder at home

But when it comes to national issues I won't give in that easily

But Uncle did have a point

I used to know a revolutionary

He was bent on cutting queues

Others found him wrong They said he's mad

Why be a revolutionary and a barber at the same time?

What kind of revolution was that?

I was small, I first thought revolution meant cutting the queue

Years have passed and now no one wears a queue anymore

Things have not changed much but have surely been improved

I don't know what will happen in the future

But one thing is clear to me

That what the revolutionaries did was right

By cutting people's queues off

they forced us to move forward

I know, I should learn from your queue-cutting friend

Looking back many years down the road

We'll see that what we are doing today has contributed to China's progress

I don't know much

But I just feel that revolution is like martial arts cultivation

You have to do it a step at a time

There are no shortcuts for it

If you insist on cultivating the most powerful martial arts on day one

lt'll hasten your downfall

Wing-shing

After the tournament is over

You go back to Foshan with me, let's...

Cut it out, I know what you want to say

You do?

I won't go back with you

My dream is to go see the world

I want to know why our country has had to suffer so much

Why the people are in deep water

I want to learn about the French Revolution

The Russian Revolution

What it means by constitution

What it means by forming a republic

What a senate is, what a congress is

Please welcome Marshal Lo's coach Brother Lo

Marshal Chu's coach Mok Yan-chiu

Just you wait

Combat...

Bravo

Good!

Go! Go!

That's it!

Go for it, a reward awaits you

Bravo!

Old Chu, your men are more shameless than you are

Just a skillful use of tactics

Go...

There isn't a ban on the use of weapons

Brother Lo if you want a weapon

It will be delivered to you

I am a generous man Not as despicable as you are

Bring it on

Be on the alert

Mok Yan-chiu is despicable

If he wins, it will bring shame on the martial arts world

Uncle, indeed

From Mok Yan-chiu

You can tell what kind of a man Marshal Chu is

Take it easy, sit down