You are here:

Rise of the Legend

Name: Rise of the Legend
Director: Roy Chow Hin-Yeung
Released: 2014
Duration: 131 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2014

Not Rated

Director

Roy Chow Hin-Yeung

Runtime

131 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Rise of the Legend operates primarily as a period martial arts drama centered on systemic critique. Its strength lies in deconstructing traditional power structures, particularly through the Orphans gang which emphasizes chosen communal bonds over biological ties. However, the film's diversity is limited by its heavy reliance on masculine conflict and martial arts clichés, resulting in a lack of visible women's ability to drive the story and no representation of LGBTQ+ identities. While the film offers a meaningful critique of institutional corruption, it falls short in providing the multi-layered breadth necessary for a higher diversity score.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Rise of the Legend have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses on traditional martial arts themes and gang rivalries, offering no visible queer representation.

How does Rise of the Legend portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on masculine conflicts between bosses and fighters. Although the Orphans gang suggests communal bonds over biological ties, women's ability to drive the story is not addressed.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rise of the Legend?

Fair

Set in 1868 China, the film maintains a localized cultural focus. The cast is ethnically uniform, emphasizing internal corruption within the Qing Dynasty.

How does Rise of the Legend represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional institutions by presenting the Imperial Court as corrupt. It highlights a grassroots collective that challenges established social and criminal hierarchies.

Does Rise of the Legend include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional authority by depicting the Imperial Court as corrupt.
Explores the concept of 'chosen family' through the Orphans gang structure.
Provides a localized, culturally specific critique of systemic corruption in the Qing Dynasty.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible female protagonists or significant women's ability to drive the story within leadership roles.
Provides no representation or narrative inclusion for LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not address disability or diverse physical experiences within the character ensemble.

Official Synopsis

In 1868 during the late Qing Dynasty, rampant corruption on the Imperial Court inflicts much suffering in people's lives. For years, the Black Tiger’s fearsome boss Lei Gong has been trying to get rid of the leader of the Northern Sea. One of his latest recruits is Fei, a fearless fighter who takes the Northern Sea leader’s head after a fierce fight. Just as Lei Gong believes he has total control of the port, a new gang called the Orphans rises in power. Led by Fei’s childhood friend Huo, the Orphans are out to eliminate all the criminal power from the port…

How are these scores produced? →