With a cast of martial-thespians, a sprawling replica of turn-of-the-century Kowloon, and subject matter that sits deep in China’s patriotic heart, it would be a shame if Bodyguards and Assassins failed to deliver the goods.

The film tells the story of Dr Sun Yat-Sen’s return to Hong Kong in 1905, and the efforts of a band of bodyguards to prevent his assassination. Director Teddy Chan attempts no delicate balancing act of historical drama and martial arts action; he simply splits the film right in two. The first half is politics, the second half is fighting.

The story’s patriotic spirit is likely to have both foreigners and Chinese welling up with tears of revolutionary joy. All 12 stars put aside ego in the name of accurate telling of historical events, but Wang Xueqi stands out with his portrayal of businessman-turned-revolutionary Li Yutang (his angry refusal to respect the authority of the British-led Hong Kong police is one of the film’s most stirring moments). Media-superstar du jour Li Yuchun is also notable for a confident yet modest performance in her big screen debut.

Amid a handful of big name New Year turkeys (Jay Chou’s Treasure Hunter, Zhang Yimou’s Simple Noodle Story et al.), only Chan’s movie has been successful both commercially and critically. A political-action-blockbuster may be a tall order, but Bodyguards and Assassins does not disappoint. Four stars.

- Alex Taggart