影片讲述了一代名将戚继光南征倭寇还沿海太平的传奇故事,明中期嘉靖年间,地方官府腐败、明兵军心不整,倭寇趁虚而入,屡次进犯东南沿海。正值内忧外患之际,戚继光(赵文卓 饰)临危受命,与俞大猷(洪金宝 饰)自行招募三千义乌村民,在短短数日之内,以严明军纪、非常手段操练新兵,以先进武器 、精绝阵法武装部队,成为史上首支“特种部队”、闻名中外的“戚家军”。During the 16th century, Japanese pirates proliferate along the Chinese coastline. In 1557, the pirates take over Cengang in Zhejiang. After months of futile advances, Commander Yu (Sammo Hung) finally defeats them under the leadership of newly promoted General Qi (Vincent Zhao). The Pirates, however, manage to escape.