Movielogr
A Touch of Zen (1970)
Directed by King Hu
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Overview
Ku Shen Chai, an artist in his early 30s, still lives with his mother, but he is suddenly shaken by the arrival of Yang Hui-ching, a mysterious princess on the run. Yang brings Ku into her circle of protectors, including a nameless monk whose spiritual guidance transforms him into a valiant fighter.
Rated NR | Length 180 minutes
Actors
Hsu Feng | Shih Chun | Pai Ying | Tien Peng | Roy Chiao | Cho Kin | Tien Miao | Melvin Cheung Wan-Man | Hsieh Han | Han Ying-Chieh | Sammo Hung Kam-Bo | Chang Ping-Yu | Jui Wang | Wan Chung-Shan | Yi Kuei Chang | Yao-kun Pan | You Pin Liu | Lam Ching-Ying | Billy Chan | Lung Fei | Shan Mao | Hao Li-Jen | Chu Liu | Kao Ming | Chia Lu-Shih | Chan Ming-Wai | Kei Ho-Chiu | Yeung Sai-Gwan | Jacky Chen Shao-Lung | Chui Hing-Chun | Men Chu-Hua | Ng Ming-Choi | Jackie Chan
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/01/2016 | Movie Screen | Digital | Theater | 7.5 stars |
| (Average) 7.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
I’ve wanted to see this for a long time (since around the time I started my kung fu project last year) reading how this was one of the seminal films of King Hu’s oeuvre. It just hasn’t been easily obtainable with only foreign DVD releases. So I was pretty stoked when I heard two of his movies had been restored and slated for theatrical release (this one and DRAGON INN).
When the schedule was announced I was disappointed that no Chicago theaters were listed esp. when so many second tier markets were getting the screenings. Well I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the July calendar for Siskel Film Center featuring a page highlighting these movies. There was no way I was gonna miss this.
Tonight was the first screening of A TOUCH OF ZEN, a 3-hour epic tale with striking cinematography and wonderful performances. King Hu could be considered the father of arthouse kung fu because that’s what this is. There is so much to enjoy and appreciate even if the core story could have easily been told in half the time. I like that King Hu stretches it out and gives no fucks in doing so. He’s kinda like Terrence Malick of kung fu cinema. Lots of magic hour natural lighting and pausing on moments and images.
Unfortunately doing Friday evening movies are one of the worst times for me to view a film because I’m so exhausted from the week so it was challenging to stay awake and give this the attention it deserves. At 3 hours in Mandarin it was not easy for my tired eyes. I’m looking forward to the home video release so I can soak in more of the beauty and action. There is an amazing fight in a bamboo forest that happens so fast I wanted to rewind it. My rating is likely to go up on subsequent viewings.
Hsu Feng is so great as the female protagonist. She’s got skills but still vulnerable and has a heart. Seeing baby-faced Sammo Hung pre-eye surgery is always a treat.
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