Kung Fu: The Movie

'Kung Fu' was the ultimate martial arts television series that had evolved into a few movies and other adaptions. This movie starred David Carradine, and I saw it on television originally in the 1980s when it was first broadcast. I remember that this film was a little dry and it lacked a really coherent story and the charm that the television series offered. This seemed more modernised and more like a movie that was all about the action and the martial arts. I just thought it did not work very well. Maybe I was prejudiced because I enjoyed the television series a lot more, and I expected something different. This film just did not do it for me, and it was more involved with the action than anything else, so it suffered from a storyline, and I just did not care for the story. I think it had something to do with finding a long lost brother or son or something. Unengaging. Not as good as the series. Watch the series instead!

You know one of those movies that no one talks about... it's beyond indie. It's practically unknown... but you see it in the back of some video store, wipe the dust off of it, and it's one of the most well-made movies you've ever seen? That's the case here. This is a classic example of an American adaptation of kung-fu movies. Carradine is the main star, who already had a long run in kung fu movies. He's a great actor, and is one of the top caucasian martial artists of the time. He brings an aura to his character that is consistent with earlier films such as Return of the Dragon and Kung-Fu Vengeance. If you've watched this for Carradine, look at some of his earlier stuff. If you knew him before Kill Bill, then kudos to you.

Another reason you might watch this film is Brandon Lee. Who, if you may not know, is the son of Bruce Lee. This isn't his first appearance on the silver screen, but he tries not to let it show. Brandon is still pretty fresh in Hollywood, so his acting skills need a bit of development. (As seen in The Crow) Yet the aspiration used to live up to his father's standards of acting as well as martial arts punctuality makes him a perfect part for the antagonist.

This film is pretty well-made... nice cinematography, writing, directing... The director is Richard Lang, who retired in 1997. he was already into directing by the time of Kung-Fu, and was already rooted in film due to his mother being an actress in the 20's and 30's. Lang was also a director for Melrose Place and Beverly Hills: 90210. So maybe Kung-Fu was his acme... maybe Melrose Place. Whatever you like. Either way, it's a nice film.

Watch it if you're a kung-fu fan or in the least bit interested in martial arts.

This appears to have been the first calculated step taken towards diminishing the legacy of the incredible Kung Fu TV series. Look at the writer's credits. The Shaolin order has been destroyed! (says you). How much more awful can you get? No more spring of wisdom and center of peace, while the carrier of the flame is wrapped up in family affairs with the man we don't give two farts about (the father of the nephew), and an illegitimate son intent to kill him. Caine was a role model for many that grew up with the TV show. It is such a pleasure to observe the regular folks interact with the thoughtful and humble one. (ok IMDb here's your 10th line)

You are on the right path young grasshopper, but still much to learn if you want to hear the grasshopper at your feet. David Carradine a decade later returns to the role of the fugitive Shaolin priest Kwai Chang Caine made famous in the mid 1970's American TV series "Kung Fu". Bringing the ways of ancient east to the old Wild West, his past transgressions comes back to put him a dangerous predicament. He becomes a prime suspect of a murder, which he believes a vindictive Chinese warlord (Mako) is behind. His now-grown up son he left behind years ago (Brandon Lee in his debut) is after his blood, as an assassin under the mysterious trance of this warlord.

This made-for-TV film tries to rekindle the spirit of the TV series (that I saw bits and pieces in reruns), but comes off being a sloppy, and at times dull extended episode. Western and Eastern cultures clash, where it's not only the bounty hunters Caine must confront on his inner quest, but also themes of racism and prejudice. The story is plot focus, a murder mystery with dilemma solving, set-ups, opium smuggling and a few moments of sudden, cheesy kung-fu. Although nothing to write home about. The fun comes from the philosophy laced dialogues of wisdom, footage of Keye Luje as Master Po the venerable blind teacher, window-dressing visual mystic tricks of mind over matter, Mako's flame throwing rifle(?!) and Carradine in slow-motion effortlessly throwing people through glass windows making it into an art-form. Lalo Schifrin's majestic score probably deserved better and Kerrie Kean, Benson Fong, Luke Askew and Martin Landau also appear.

This was Brandon Lee's first role (he was 21) and is a decent movie. If you like the show then you will like this. I personally think David Carridine is a disgrace to martial arts because well, he sucks. He also once claimed to be possessed by Bruce Lee's spirit. Ummm, yeah O.K. I only watched this to see Brandon Lee. You can tell he had really just started in the martial arts but he was still better than Carridine. Brandon did a good job acting too in kind of a villain role at first who changes his ways in the end. If you're a Brandon Lee fan, check it out grasshopper!