Zhang: O Bárbaro

Excellent martial arts/fantasy film, with crazy action, lots of likable characters, endearing humor, and a complicated but involving plot. Jet Li, Sammo Hung, Man Cheung, Chingmy Yau and Richard Ng head an all-star cast.

I suppose that the anger expressed by some reviewers is understandable, if one's main interest in watching these films is actual martial arts technique -- without the aid of wires. But my love of these films is based on their fantasy elements. I also enjoy the sense of camaraderie, where kung-fu masters will risk their lives, for virtual strangers. Add in many bizarre characters, unexplained mystical powers, and gorgeous women -- and you have a very entertaining film. And Sammo is always tremendous fun.

As mentioned by several reviewers, this film was planned as the first of a two-film series. And it is true that due to a disappointing box-office performance, part two was never filmed. But does this mean that you cannot see how it all ends? Not necessarily! Kung Fu Cult Master was a pretty faithful remake of the 1978 Shaw Brothers classic, Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre – which was also broken down into a two-part series. (Actually, there was also a part three, but it is only loosely related to the first two films.) If you want to learn what happens to the characters in Kung Fu Cult Master – and there are some real twists and surprises -- just locate a copy of Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre 2 (also, 1978).

Ok, I understand the large amounts of confusion surrounding this movie. Yes, the plot as is (especially the cut versions) is completely incomprehensible. However, this is another one of those movies that is adapted from a series (book and tv) called Dragon Sword and Heaven Sabre. Thus, 60 or so hours of tv show are crammed into 90 minutes doing no justice to the plot. That being said, if you are familiar with the plot (from the book or tv shows) you'll have a fun time watching all the over the top action and filling in the plot holes by yourself. One of the viewers before did a pretty good job giving a general outline of the story line. I do have to quarrel with the ending. On my version, it ends with Mo Kei having to go after the princess. They could have added another 20 minutes and wrapped it all up instead of leaving an incomplete film. Oh well, I'm not expecting a sequel.

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.

This movie feels like the second part of a trilogy. After the first ten minutes of confusion, the viewer is quickly pulled into the plot. It starts recapping an epic story with SO many characters your head starts spinning. As the story progresses the characters become relevant.

It's a fun movie with cheesy special effects that make the film endearing rather than ostracizing. For those looking for your standard Kung Fu movie it may be a disappointment as it is more of an epic/adventure; giving the feeling of an RPG. There is so much story that is packed into this film that you wonder how they are going to wrap it up. Well they don't. It is complete in the fact that the immediate story is finished, but their are many loose ends. This leaves you wanting more. Unfortunately there is no more. What is there though are great characters, wonderful interaction, and Jet Li in some over the top action sequences.

I believe this movie is based on an old chineese story. it has been made as a tv series too. the first time you watch it you dont understand a thing. Who is he? is a question you will ask a lot. I have seen it many times, and the more you see it the more you like it, as you come to understand the plot eventually. there are great fight scenes in it and Sammo Hung has truly done a great job as an action choreographer. I particularly like the scene where sammo teaches tai chi to Jet li. there are good babes in this movie too. and they are good at kung fu. you should watch this and enjoy it.