Zhang: O Bárbaro

This is currently one of my favorite Jet Li movies. Most, if not all, of the fight scenes are enhanced, but it is such a fast moving, whacky movie, I really enjoy it.You'll need to watch it more than once because it has a lot of characters and the plot is somewhat confusing, not too mention you need to be a speed-reader to catch all the subtitles. I recommend this movie because it is loads of fun.

Jet Li is great to watch in wuxia/Kung-Fu films but this is directed in the style of Hong Kong films made 20 years earlier. That's why it seems a bit odd at first; until you see what is going on. Back in the 1970's much of the Kung-Fu films made had no real story line to them and many were just absolutely crazy to ridiculous in their ideas presentation. The thing was, it did not matter much back then because it was the Martial Arts fighting/styles the audiences wanted to see. Its what I loved, as both a practicing Martial Artist (Karate was my first study) and a Hong Kong Kung-Fu film fan; I loved going to the weekend all-nighters at my local cinema and watching 5 films in a row.

Its the usual wrongly done to character, Jet Li in this case, having to find the means and the skills to overcome the bad guys; which of course is what happens. Its not a very strong script or story-line but it makes up for it in outrageous fantasy and Kung-Fu moves. It took until 2022 for the sequel to be made/released but unfortunately we don't get any of the original cast, including Jet Li who is suffering a sickness that has taken a big toll on his health status.

Kung-Fu Cult Master (1993) is a strange film based upon a series of fantasy novels. This was to be the first of the films. Sadly, the movie didn't make enough money to warrant a conclusion. But don't let that keep you from watching this action packed fantasy film from the lens and pen of Wong Jing.

The movie follows the exploits of Chang Mo Kei (Jet Li). He's out to avenge the deaths of his parents and reclaim his rightful imperial title. Despite being afflicted by a deadly poison and his lack of fighting skills, he's determined to destroy all of those who ruined his life. During his travels, he encounters many strange individuals and characters whom he assembles into a group of fighters who join him in defeating the evil cult who swore to wipe out his royal lineage forever. Can Chang Mo Kei and his motley crew eliminate the Evil Cult before the can do the honors upon him?

A very strange but highly entertaining film. I don't know how much this is based upon the fantasy novels but a lot of the dialog and situations are pure Wong Jing. The fight scenes )directed by Sammo Hung) are a sight to behold. This film has so many memorable characters that you'd wish they had finished the series.

Highly recommended just for the sheer madness.

OK people, ever ride on a fast roller coaster and the g-forces pin you back to the seat?? Then, you know how watching this film: it's a non-stop, fast paced adventure!!

Interestingly enough, Jet Li's character doesn't know kung fu, which is a big disadvantage for him. It's really cool (and strange) how he learns martial arts. Soon, Jet's shooting fireballs like Ryu and battling all the different clans. There are a lot of people and fight scenes sometimes have fifty or more people at once on screen! This movie also gets high marks for the beautiful ladies who do try to seduce Jet Li (love that awkward look!!). Man Cheung is visually appealing as the "cunning" Chao Min. Chingmy Yau plays Jet's love interest (lucky guy!!) and she can kick some butt!

Whether it's Wu Tang, Shaolin, Green Bat, or the Jinxes, this was one kung fu fantasy that has to be seen to be believed. On a side note, I was saddened that no sequel was made since things get very interesting towards the end.

THE EVIL CULT is a typically over the top effort from director Wong Jing. What this guy's films lack in precision and technical merit they certainly make up for in endless madcap action sequences which are invariably heavy on the wirework. The plots tend to make little sense and yet it's all so bizarre and hilarious that you can't help but be caught up in the journey.

Apparently this is based on a historical novel of some kind which may account for the complex and confusing nature of the storyline. There are various warring cults in search of a mystical sword, but Jet Li is the central character, searching for the villains who killed his parents and orphaned him as a child thanks to some mystic palm technique. He joins forces with fellow questers and must strive to put an end to the endless treachery and war around him.

Li isn't bad here but his presence is overshadowed by the supporting actors. Chingmy Yau is a particular pleasure as the beautiful young warrior woman who accompanies him on his journey, while Sammo Hung bookends the production as a fatherly monk. Francis Ng and Collin Chou have supporting roles, there are cameos from Ekin Cheng and Lam Ching-ying, but most apparent of the bunch is Richard Ng who to my delight is playing a vampire master. As usual, goofy comedy ensues.

With Wong Jing at the helm there are the usual scenes of questionable taste, such as the sub-plot involving the two rapists whose perverted desires are played for laughs. But for the most part this is about the action, which is loud, mad, and scenery-destroying. Watch out for the other bizarre moments sprinkled throughout the production, like the guy with the broken spine who's strapped himself to a massive boulder as a way of getting around. Novel, to say the least.