Jet Li proves there is more to him than martial arts prowess in this violent, epic tale of blood-brotherhood, ambition and conflicting loyalties, set against the backdrop of political turmoil in 19th-century China. Li is excellent as General Pang, an idealistic military leader who convinces a group of bandits led by Zhao and Jiang (Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) to fight alongside him to quash a rebellion. But as the conflict continues and worsens, he becomes corrupted by power, which strains his friendship with the other men. Matters are further complicated by Pang's relationship with Zhao's wife (Xu Jinglei). It's not always easy to work out which warlord is doing what to whom, or why, but the underlying theme of betrayal and the spectacular battle scenes more than compensate.

The civil war in China has ruined many lives including General Pang's. A wounded General Pang is saved by a beautiful young woman along with two other men. Together they vow to eradicate the rebels.