The opening titles to Dragon Tiger Gate (DTG from here on in) make it apparent that this is a very eastern take on a very western genre. The comic-book panels whisk by alongside the basic premise of two kung-fu brothers separated by fate but sure to be re-united by clichéd destiny. It also becomes apparent that Donnie Yen is heavily involved, staking claim as action-director, co-producer and star. It comes as a shock soon after to find that DTG is a good, possibly great, romp through the gold fields of action and shallowness – striking a knowing imbalance that has much more beauty than brains.

What shocks further is Yen's lack of ego in the project. If this were a western caper with a similar star-vehicle pedigree, Yen would be in every other frame – possibly in subliminal strobe in the scenes he doesn't participate in. Instead Yen takes the backing track, playing the low-key tortured nemesis to a tee and giving his younger co-stars the chance to win over the Chinese youth audience the film already has a stake in from the source material.

The meat of the meal, of course, are the martial arts showdowns and whilst easily ruined by the coffin nails of CG and stunt men, DTG has the good sense to value wire-work over pixels and Donnie Yen's kicks over… anything. What oils the engine of DTG's colouring book looks is the willingness by the creators to take risks. There's very little point-and-shoot about this film and it is undoubtedly to its strength. A restaurant battle is shaded with a David Fincher wall-breaking tint, a flood-lit midnight skirmish is as beautiful as brutal and the final boss-battle is a Casshern fan's dream.

After a heavy period of Chinese cross-over hits being largely criminal affairs – see SPL, Infernal Affairs and Mr. Johnny To – it's a joy to find a film that embraces creative freedom with all the bravery and greed of a child in a candy shop. Genre head-cases looking for a thrill-ride may find this more adventure park than thunderdome, but for anyone in search of a bubblegum flavoured backhand to the eyeballs; DTG is the ticket.

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