Evil Cult

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.

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.

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.

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).

This is definitely my favorite Jet Li film. This movie has it all: truly original characters for the genre (the guy in the boulder and the vampire bat kung fu master are the two which come to mind most prominently), unusual Kung Fu styles and abilities, decent stylized production value, kick ass wire stunts, and even more guignol than "Duel to the Death" . The version I saw was called "Lord of Wu Tang" from a company whose releases are renamed with "Wu Tang" attempting to cash in with the urban hip hop video market. The plot in this film isn't that confusing,( I like grey area when it comes to heroes and villans) it's simply a souped up version of the swordsman genre flick. Don't let any of the preceding negative reviews sway a decision to search this one out. If you're a Hong Kongophile you'll LOVE IT!!