Daring Departure From Traditional Wuxi

Read Time:4 Minute, 8 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Kung Fu Cult Master (Yi tin to lung gei: Moh gaau gaau jue)
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Genre: Action, Fantasy, History
Year Released: 1993, 2024 Eureka Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Wong Jing
Writer(s): Louis Cha, Wong Jing
Cast: Jet Li, Chingmy Yau, Sharla Cheung, Gigi Lai, Sammo Hung, Collin Chou, Leung Kar-yan, Zhang Chunzhong
Where To Watch: available January 29, 2024; pre-order here www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: KUNG FU CULT MASTER, directed by the renowned Wong Jing, stands out as a significant, though lesser-known, entry in his vast repertoire. This cinematic journey into the Yuen Dynasty showcases a masterful blend of martial arts and high fantasy. Jet Li is at the core of this visual extravaganza, whose portrayal of Chang Mo Kei brings a thrilling depth to the film.

Jing's unique directorial style shines in KUNG FU CULT MASTER, a film that takes us on a whirlwind ride through the Yuen Dynasty. Jing's penchant for tackling intricate narratives is displayed as he balances a sprawling cast of characters and a complex storyline. The film revolves around the enigmatic Chang Mo Kei, played by the inimitable Jet Li, whose quest crosses paths with the saga of two mythical golden swords, symbols of unparalleled power in the martial arts world.

KUNG FU CULT MASTER, while staying true to the spirit of Louis Cha's renowned novel "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," takes some creative liberties in its adaptation. These deviations, particularly in character development, present a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they add a unique flavor to the film; on the other, they might have contributed to its less-than-stellar box office performance. The film shines in this gorgeous restoration and brings the movie to another generation of film enthusiasts.

Jing's storytelling approach, characterized by a blend of spontaneity and non-conformity, infuses the film with an unpredictable energy. It leads the movie to a narrative labyrinth that could challenge even the most seasoned film buffs. While the film dazzles with its visual artistry and action sequences, its plot can sometimes feel like a puzzle, although in the end, your patience pays off with the story's conclusion.

Sammo Hung's choreography in KUNG FU CULT MASTER is exhilarating. The fight scenes blend elegance and raw power, pushing the boundaries of physics and bringing each battle to life with a visceral intensity. These sequences, enhanced by vibrant color palettes, incredible costume design, and dramatic lighting, testify to Jing's flair for creating visually arresting moments.

KUNG FU CULT MASTER encapsulates the essence of Wong Jing's cinematic craftsmanship. While it may not have reached the heights of commercial success of some of his other works, it is a testament to his ability to craft visually stunning and action-packed films. The movie's rich plot, character development, and impressive martial arts sequences make it a noteworthy addition to the wuxia genre and Hong Kong cinema. For general audiences and genre enthusiasts alike, KUNG FU CULT MASTER offers a unique experience, showcasing the talents of Jet Li, Sammo Hung, and the rest of its cast and crew in a film that's as much a visual spectacle as it is a narrative adventure.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling [2000 copies]
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original Hong Kong theatrical cut from a new restoration of the original film elements
Original Cantonese mono audio
Optional English dubbed mono audio
Optional English Subtitles
Brand new feature-length audio commentary by Asian film expert Frank Djeng
Archival Interview with Sammo Hung from 2004 by Frédéric Ambroisine
Trailer
A Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Simon Abrams [2000 copies]

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO]

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