One must forgive the indelicacy if the only version of this available to watch is the dub, for the use here is the type of dubbing that gives dubbing a bad name. More substantively, an overload of plot is thrown at us within just the first few minutes - though to the credit of the filmmakers, as messy as it all looks on paper, in execution the rapid-fire exposition is made much more clear. One will also readily observe that this is very much an action-comedy in the truest sense, with both flavors predominant in turn and with the latter mostly garnishing the martial arts sequences, too. This in no way diminishes the value of any action, though for purists expecting a serious kung fu flick, such scenes may not entirely carry the same power as part of the viewing experience. However, all such nitpicking is entirely beside the point, because 'The incredible kung fu master' only wants to have a good time, and it does that very ably. More than that: from top to bottom the silliness belies brilliance, and while it doesn't seem like much at first, ultimately I think it's a must-see for all fans of the genre.
It's hard generally to go wrong with kung fu films out of Hong Kong, and with certain folks like Sammo Hung or Yuen Biao involved, in any capacity, fun is all but guaranteed. Have no doubt, the stunts and fight choreography are utterly outstanding - fast, crisp, fluid, and artful, even at the same time that such moments are bent toward tomfoolery. In fact, while it's broadly true that the martial arts demonstrations and combat take precedence in such features, that might be even more true in this case. The sets, costume design, and props are all terrific, of course, and the cinematography is pretty much just as active, sharp, and vivid as the kung fu, instruction and violence alike. A complete, cohesive, worthy tale is told; the cast give fine performances, even setting aside the physical demands thereof. But all this distinctly pales in comparison to the vibrant discipline of movement that most prominently defines the movie, whether in hand to hand melee or just instances of training and exercise. 'The incredible kung fu master' knows its strength, and doesn't hold back.
With that focus firmly established among otherwise fine craftsmanship, all on hand can just let loose and enjoy themselves. Plot is relatively unimportant, even as it's present, and everything looks and sounds good, but the main thing is for a steady stream to flow of exquisite but mirthful martial arts, filling as much of the runtime as possible. It can all too easy for a title to fall flat if it zeroes in on one concrete, special element without equal care for the otherwise construction, yet the stunts and action sequences we get here are so superb that they really do make this worth watching for that element alone. Just as much to the point, one may enter with expectations that the picture will be balanced, as most any cinematic fare is; I know I did. Yet though it is not balanced, after all, between all its component parts, it's so tremendous in what it does well that I think it's better served that way. How many films can one say that about?! I can understand how this won't appeal to all, but when all is said and done its quality speaks for itself, simply because of the action.
No matter how it might seem from the outside looking in, or the first impressions it might make, long before the finale rolls around this 1979 feature handily proves its worth. At length, to be frank, this quite demands viewership as far as I'm concerned - maybe not for one and all, but absolutely for audiences who appreciate the martial arts. Don't let the frivolity fool you, for underneath that superficial appearance is a veritable wonderland of kung fu mastery that far exceeds our assumptions and many other kindred flicks. If you have the chance to watch 'The incredible kung fu master,' this is an exceptional, invigorating movie that's well worth one's time!
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