Kung Fu Cult Master

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.

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.

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.

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.