films seen
14
average score
3.18*
nationality
Hong Kong - 64 years old
status
Alive and kicking
more info

One of Hong Kong's prime action directors. He isn't as prolific as most of his peers, which allows him to give his films some extra polish. Lee doesn't have the most consistent oeuvre, but action fans are sure to find some great films there.

Movies


14 Blades

Jin Yi Wei
2010 / 108m - Hong Kong
Fantasy
14 Blades poster

Donnie Yen is perfect in his role, the choreography is splendid and creative. Add some neat visuals and the result is a perfect update of the martial arts genre


Song of the Assassins

Qing Mian Xiuluo
2022 / 118m - China
Fantasy, Action
Song of the Assassins poster

Daniel Lee repeats his 14 Blades trick. From out of nowhere he revives a niche that was seemingly dead. The large-scale Chinese martial arts epics have been struggling to reach their former glory, Lee revitalizes a genre that has been in dire need of an energy injection. He doesn't bring anything new to the table, but Song of the Assassins thrives on skill and enthusiasm. It doesn't go overboard on bad CG, the action scenes are spectacular, the cinematography is bold, the steampunk influences are very cool and the plot is solid enough. I had a blast with Song of the Assassins, long overdue.

White Vengeance

Hong Men Yan
2011 / 137m - China
Action, War
White Vengeance poster

A slice of tactical warfare that, at least to me, is a lot more challenging and interesting to follow. The climax is both exciting and emotional, the ending is smart and a small punch in the gut.


Time Raiders

Daomu Biji
2016 / 124m - China
Fantasy, Adventure
3.5*/5.0*
Time Raiders poster

Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon

Saam Gwok Dzi Gin Lung Se Gap
2008 / 102m - Hong Kong
Action
3.5*/5.0*
Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon poster

Dragon Squad

Maang Lung
2005 / 110m - Hong Kong
Action, Crime
3.5*/5.0*
Dragon Squad poster

What Price Survival

'94 Du Bi Dao Zhi Qing
1994 / 96m - Hong Kong
Drama, Romance, Action
3.5*/5.0*
What Price Survival poster

A good indication of Lee's talent that would signal a fruitful career. A film with character, sadly the drama can get a little excessive, but otherwise I haven't anything bad to say about this one. It may deviate a little too much from the norm for those expecting a basic martial arts film, but that's hardly a negative.

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The plot is simple and feels like it was taken right out of a Shaw Bros production. Lee takes it a little too serious though, especially near the middle of the film, which slows things down unnecessarily. Luckily the fights look pretty cool. The editing and visual flourish may detract from the action a little, but it's all very cinematic. It reminded me a little of Ashes of Time, though I actually preferred the use of color here.

What Price Survival is the start of an impressive oeuvre, it's a shame Lee's latest films haven't been really up to par. If you're in the mood for some solid Hong Kong action, this one comes warmly recommended.


Moonlight Express

Sing Yuet Tung Wa
1999 / 101m - Hong Kong
Drama, Romance, Crime
3.0*/5.0*
Moonlight Express poster

Black Mask

Hak Hap
1996 / 99m - Hong Kong
Comedy, Sci-fi, Action
3.0*/5.0*
Black Mask poster

The Climbers

Pan Deng Zhe
2019 / 125m - China
Adventure
2.5*/5.0*
The Climbers poster

At times a decent blockbuster, but some scenes are so sentimental and over the top that it's closer to a genre parody than an actual bona fide adventure flick. Daniel Lee has the skills, but he needs to show a little more restraint if he wants to get back on top. This was borderline entertaining, but much more than that.

Dragon Blade

Tian Jiang Xiong Shi
2015 / 127m - China
Fantasy, Action
2.5*/5.0*
Dragon Blade poster

A Fighter's Blues

A Fu
2000 / 105m - Hong Kong
Drama, Romance, Sport
2.5*/5.0*
A Fighter's Blues poster

Till Death Do Us Part

Ngoh Oi Nei
1998 / 99m - Hong Kong
Drama, Thriller
2.5*/5.0*
Till Death Do Us Part poster

Star Runner

Siu Nin A Fu
2003 / 103m - Hong Kong
Romance, Action
2.0*/5.0*
Star Runner poster