When legendary bandit “Pocky” Zhang violently crosses paths with the con man Tang, Tang offers up an intriguing proposition: he can help Zhang become the county governor of Goose Town, and make more money in a month than a year of train robberies. But neither realizes that Goose Town is already under the iron rule of Master Huang, a ruthless and wealthy crime lord.
When legendary bandit “Pocky” Zhang violently crosses paths with the con man Tang, Tang offers up an intriguing proposition: he can help Zhang become the county governor of Goose Town, and make more money in a month than a year of train robberies. But neither realizes that Goose Town is already under the iron rule of Master Huang, a ruthless and wealthy crime lord.
"Between the kung fu, the gunplay, a gentle romantic subplot and the extreme gastronomy - there's something for everyone."
Guardian
"Jiang directs with great vigor, serving up plenty of blood and a lot of laughs as he turns his picture into a propulsive blast."
Seattle Times
"This period action comedy by Jiang Wen is great fun in the Shakespearean tradition, stuffed with lively characters, dramatic stand-offs, and stolen-identity subplots."
Chicago Reader
Locarno International Film Festival
2011