A Touch of Zen lives up to billing. The movie seems to have been released as two movies originally. There's a upper and bottom half (上, 下). The DVD from Netflix had them as a complete movie. The movie quality was not the best and the shades of black made it hard to figure out what was on screen. Especially since about half the movie seems to have taken place at night, I had to watch in the dark and really pay attention.
I've actually been watching some Shaw Bro. movies from around the 1969 and 1970 time frame. After seeing those and then A Touch of Zen, you can tell the difference. Symbolism, scenery, and build up of anticipation is key.
As a wuxia movie from 1971, my guess is that it was a genre defining movie.
If your a fan of martial arts movie and the wuxia genre, you'll want to see a slice of history. Much like Come Drink with Me, it is about the build up of anticipation. Don't expect action like Hero or House of Flying Daggers.
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