It definitely caught me by surprise to some extent. The very name suggests a kung fu action flick, specifically recalling the Shaw Brothers' 'The eight diagram pole fighter' of a few years before. And sure enough, we do get just that, but figuratively and literally it's only half the story. For what martial arts do fill the length, this is precisely measured in its dispensation, and in near equal part the picture is an outright drama. Well removed from the typical contemporary fare out of Hong Kong, this title produced in mainland China makes substantial use of a flashback framing device, dipping back into various points in the characters' past, to tell the story of a woman seeking information about a man who illustrates a technique she thought to have died out years before. 'The lotus palm of the eight diagrams' also employs a much more modern setting (e.g. Motorized vehicles), with the preponderance of the straight drama coming in the present while history is related of the violence that once transpired. Perhaps as a consequence of this approach, it's worth observing that the plot seems to progress more gradually, and ninety minutes arguably feel longer than they are - though in fairness this may simply be in contrast to comparable works that may be overly swift in their pacing. Strictly speaking, one might also say that the tale is a bit wishy-washy in terms of identifying antagonist figures, and in at least that regard the writing is sometimes better in the broad strokes than in the minutiae. These, however, are the only subjective faults that come to mind here, and I'm glad to say this surprise was a pleasant one: as far as I'm concerned, 'The lotus palm of the eight diagrams' is overall great!
Given the overall tenor, the different time period, and the less emphatically action-oriented slant, I can understand how this won't necessarily appeal to all comers. I admit I was thrown at first. However much one may wish to nitpick, though, by and large I think both aspects of the feature are admirably strong. The narrative is generally written very well and is firmly compelling; the flashbacks are perhaps more actively engaging at first than the framing, but as the saga is completed in the last stretch and we see the totality of the course of events, the framing also becomes more satisfying. I do quite like the structure of the plot, for that matter, as it's an approach that is relatively uncommon in cinema. The scene writing is splendid in laying out all the necessary beats, providing a certain emotional center, and laying the groundwork for the action - and while that action is a tad more moderate and calculated in terms of when we get it, and how much, make no mistake that it's terrific. Naturally one would hardly expect any less, but every stunt, effect, and sequence of martial arts violence is marvelously well done, reliably offering the intended invigoration while demonstrating the genuine artistry of the discipline. Whether it's a result of the stunt coordinators' contribution, a subconscious boost that comes from the anticipation of more deliberate employment, or some combination thereof, I wonder if some of the action here doesn't even come off as a little sharper standing next to like films.
And by all means, I think 'The lotus of the eight diagrams' is as well made as we would hope of any of its kin. Sure, it's fair to note that a couple moments to present, including even the opening scene, are very obviously fake, and some sound effects may be too over the top, but under the circumstances I'm willing to overlook the inauthenticity. Otherwise, the production design and art direction are utterly superb, not to mention the costume design, hair, and makeup; every welcome, fantastic detail herein brings the story to vivid life. Acting is usually a less important facet of action-oriented flicks, but for what it's worth I think the cast give appreciable performances commensurate with the overarching quality, and the more sober tone that the movie maintains. The direction, cinematography, and editing belie keen eyes to help shape the whole; the sound design is excellent, and the music ably lends to any given scene. And so on, and so on. The chief strengths of the picture are evident, however, and between the storytelling and the action the result is a fine, satisfying viewing experience, and maybe even one that's a smidgen more polished than some of its contemporaries. As a matter of personal preference this won't meet with equal favor for all, and the variations between how this and most other kung fu features are molded will be enough to rankle the noses of some viewers. For my part, however, I'm delighted by how enjoyable and absorbing it is, hitting all the right notes that I wanted and others that I didn't expect. It may not be so singular as to be an outright must-see, yet in my mind 'The lotus palm of the eight diagrams' deserves more recognition, and I'm happy to give it my high recommendation.
Given the overall tenor, the different time period, and the less emphatically action-oriented slant, I can understand how this won't necessarily appeal to all comers. I admit I was thrown at first. However much one may wish to nitpick, though, by and large I think both aspects of the feature are admirably strong. The narrative is generally written very well and is firmly compelling; the flashbacks are perhaps more actively engaging at first than the framing, but as the saga is completed in the last stretch and we see the totality of the course of events, the framing also becomes more satisfying. I do quite like the structure of the plot, for that matter, as it's an approach that is relatively uncommon in cinema. The scene writing is splendid in laying out all the necessary beats, providing a certain emotional center, and laying the groundwork for the action - and while that action is a tad more moderate and calculated in terms of when we get it, and how much, make no mistake that it's terrific. Naturally one would hardly expect any less, but every stunt, effect, and sequence of martial arts violence is marvelously well done, reliably offering the intended invigoration while demonstrating the genuine artistry of the discipline. Whether it's a result of the stunt coordinators' contribution, a subconscious boost that comes from the anticipation of more deliberate employment, or some combination thereof, I wonder if some of the action here doesn't even come off as a little sharper standing next to like films.
And by all means, I think 'The lotus of the eight diagrams' is as well made as we would hope of any of its kin. Sure, it's fair to note that a couple moments to present, including even the opening scene, are very obviously fake, and some sound effects may be too over the top, but under the circumstances I'm willing to overlook the inauthenticity. Otherwise, the production design and art direction are utterly superb, not to mention the costume design, hair, and makeup; every welcome, fantastic detail herein brings the story to vivid life. Acting is usually a less important facet of action-oriented flicks, but for what it's worth I think the cast give appreciable performances commensurate with the overarching quality, and the more sober tone that the movie maintains. The direction, cinematography, and editing belie keen eyes to help shape the whole; the sound design is excellent, and the music ably lends to any given scene. And so on, and so on. The chief strengths of the picture are evident, however, and between the storytelling and the action the result is a fine, satisfying viewing experience, and maybe even one that's a smidgen more polished than some of its contemporaries. As a matter of personal preference this won't meet with equal favor for all, and the variations between how this and most other kung fu features are molded will be enough to rankle the noses of some viewers. For my part, however, I'm delighted by how enjoyable and absorbing it is, hitting all the right notes that I wanted and others that I didn't expect. It may not be so singular as to be an outright must-see, yet in my mind 'The lotus palm of the eight diagrams' deserves more recognition, and I'm happy to give it my high recommendation.