A group of eight wicked villains converge on a gorgeous, dangerous snow capped mountain in a race to recover a long lost hidden treasure they have schemed and murdered for. The almost mythical hidden fox is said to guard the treasure. Young disciples Gui Yi and Qing Wen find danger and intrigue around every corner. In addition to this shadowy hidden nemesis, they find themselves pitted against their masters and even each other.

I wouldn't call The Hidden Fox an adaptation of Jin Yong's "Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain" (雪山飞狐). It is more like wickedly good fan fiction inspired by the original wuxia masterpiece. This has resulted in very polarising reactions to this movie. Critics lament the loss of the spirit of chivalry and that the complex conflict between the main opponents is dumbed down just another revenge story. I am a huge fan of the original work that is defined by the sheer perfection in the way the story ends at the absolute peak of emotions and suspense. To me, it is Jin Yong's most brilliant and unforgettable ending. At the same time, the after openly invites invites speculation and innovation. That is what the writer intended. This production takes up that challenge and while it falls short of exceeding the original masterpiece, the storytelling is still very, very good. It is very suspenseful, action packed and thrilling with a few dazzling twists that delivers an innovative and cohesive alternate take on original story. Is it ultimately hollow because it comes at the cost of the spirit of the original? Yes, perhaps. But it is still a very entertaining way to pass a few hours.

The other great thing about this is that it is a Lu Yang production. I am a huge fan of his gripping and stylish visual storytelling that is heavily laced with action oriented fight scenes. Naturally as a web movie, it is not at the same level (or budget) of his famed Brotherhood of Blades series. Nonetheless the well choreographed action sequences don't disappoint and are as gripping, brutal and violent as expected of a true blue martial arts movie. Each of the eight villains' hidden secret martial arts technique lends an extra layer of imminent danger and uncertainty in outcome to each deadly encounter. Yes there is some use of slow motion but such well designed and viscerally satisfying fight scenes are an increasingly rare treat these days.

This movie may enjoy a higher rating if they had changed the Chinese title from Jin Yong's original 雪山飞狐 although that may have risked accusations of plagiarism considering how easily recognizable the setting, characters and main plot points are. Even if you love the original, watch it with an open mind and allow yourself to embark on a thrilling hunt for treasure that is hiding in plain sight. 8/10.