This blog entry is part of my “movie year countdown”. To read more about that check out my first Spout filmblog entry.
Hsia nu (A Touch of Zen)
So this is amongst the origins of the modern wave of big luscious Chinese action movies that have swept over the west over the last decade. Wikipedia says that A Touch of Zen was the first Chinese action film ever to win a prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
This is a gorgeous movie and very long. It took me a while to really get into the movie. By the end you feel like you have experienced something quite spiritual. That intention was obvious, but there is something satisfying about it.
I would say that if your favorite movies is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (and I know many people I have spoken with online hold that movie in such high regard) then you should check this out if you haven't heard of it. You may have a new favorite.
Time to realize how supremely badass Buddhist monks really are!
Now only if King Hu's other films were more readily available....
Rating: 9/10