A Touch of Zen - 俠女

Originally posted on xanga.



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.

Come Drink with Me - 大醉俠

Originally posted on xanga.



The late King Hu's "Come Drink with Me" is among the best martial arts movies made by many critics account.  I saw it as a little kid in the 80s and recently saw it via Netflix courtesy of Dragon Dynasty.

It lives up to its name.  The action is not like ones of today.  But its very balletic.  Like a well tuned dance.  The action is heighten by the music and pauses.

I remember Cheng Pei Pei in the 80 as this super mom on channel 18 (KSCI).  Cheng Pei Pei had a cooking show and did various things with her daughters.  I didn't really know who she was.  My mom told me that she was a movie star.

The 19-20 Cheng Pei Pei has strong features and shows why she became a movie star during that time period.

From the Dragon Dynasty DVD, there are three interviews that are excellent and give a good context to the importance of the movie.

Highly recommend this movie if you want to see the roots of modern martial art movies.  But if you're expecting Bruce Lee, Jet Li, or Jackie Chan action, look elsewhere.