The Master of kung-fu

Director Chen is prominent in the business in greater China and not a total stranger in Western film buffs circle. He is somewhat like the legendary Tsui Hark of Hong Kong. Both used to have great moments in the early stage of their career but followed up with commercial-oriented lousy stuff, to the point that both critics and audience know there shouldn't be any expectation before watching their new works.

If "preaching too hard (say, 3 or 4 in a scale of 10)" is considered a flaw of a movie, MONK COMES DOWN THE MOUNTAIN (2015) easily reaches 9 on that scale. What makes it even worse is that such preaching is a weird mixture of Taoism, Buddhism and self-asserting doctrine/mentality of Kung Fu world. Our protagonist, the one who comes down the mountain, is absolutely a Taoism practitioner. Yet this movie title ridiculously calls him a (Buddhism) monk. Would you label a victim of plane crash has died of car accident? Or, describe a dog-walker is having a good time with kitten?

There are too many laughable (not because of the humor) plot, arrangement, performance and dialogue. MCDTM is poorly rendered into something you simply cannot take it seriously. During the long 123 minutes I almost felt like watching a Monty Python flick from 1970s - despite some modern cinematography, choreography and editing.

... TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE.

I watch a lot of movies ... so many that the IMDb once tagged me and released me into the wild to see what theatre I would pick.

After reading the other member reviews (thanks guys) I think the reason I enjoyed it so much is that I never read the novel nor did I bring any preconceptions.

What I found was a beautifully filmed, acted, and directed movie which was just daffy and unpredictable enough to hold my attention.

You say PO-TAE-TOE. I say PA-TAT-O.

What others see as a mishmash and fighting among writers and directors I see as a puzzle that the viewer needs to put together.

Recommended.

Life after Shaolin school-the movie gives us a look at this. From someone who got kicked out and actually might not be qualified to be called a Shaolin. But apart from technicalities, this is about an individual who tries to make a living. One way or the other, but always dishing out respect to others. Doesn't change the fact, that he has some major flaws (what Shaolin would steal really?).

But that's why the movie has kind of a unique flavor. It's a bit of a mix of things, that make this weird and not as accessible as other martial arts movies, but it still has a lot going for it. Like the fight scenes, which arguably are not the best ever put on film, but are still entertaining enough, if you are into that kind of thing. Which is a statement that rings true for the entire movie

Heck, I read all the reviews and thought I really needed to see this one.

Everyone waiting for a typical Kung Fu movie isn't going to get one. If that's what you want, go home.

However, if you think Kung Fu + Fairytale + The Matrix sounds good, this is one for you.

In almost each review all I read was whiny, whingey, unimaginative dross. Lighten up folks, indulge in that wonderful whimsy called imagination and you might come to truly love and appreciate superlative brilliance for a change, instead of the usual crap that comes of movie theatres.

One thing that even the unimaginative will enjoy is the incredible beauty and the stunning cinematography.

Totally captivating. Even ape strike, which I think I actually understood!

A really average movie. Story was really lame. Action ok but CGI heavy mist of which was of a poor standard. Disappointing watch. Bit boring. Young guy who was a monk who tries to find a master. Main character was actually quite annoying and definitely behaved as monk should not which I found really frustrating.