Kung Fu Cult Master (1993) User Reviews

Madcap wire fu historical adventure

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 4 September 2015]

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.

A long story with many versions

[ckormos1 · 6/10 · 9 July 2017]

The ending of "Kung Fu Cult Master" sets up a sequel. Jet Li has made promises and still must chase Sharla Cheung Man. I have read that the movie flopped at the Hong Kong box office and no sequel was ever made. I have also read that the sequel was filmed at the same time, in other words one long movie was filmed and it was supposed to be cut into part one and part two. The sequel was then never edited or put together because the first part flopped. That would be interesting if the film actually existed and if it still exists, though making and releasing another movie some 25 years later falls into the realm of unicorns.

I have even read another version. "Legend of the Liquid Sword" (without Jet Li) is supposedly first of a four film sequence followed by Holy Weapon (Michelle Yeoh) then Kung Fu Cult Master and finally Last Hero in China (both Jet Li). That doesn't really fit simply for continuity.

There are also many different titles for this movie. I have found a general rules that the more titles a movie has then the more edits or versions. Personally, I have but one with a run time of 1:38:56 and there is no on screen movie title. It begins with confusion by naming many kung fu cults. I took this as a spoof – so many cults yet all basically the same, each one thinks they are the best, each thinks the other guys are evil but they all do bad things and rationalize.

The main fact is that all this stuff is based on Jin Yong's novel "Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre". It was first made into a movie in two parts by Shaw Brothers in the 1980s. The novel was also serialized on Hong Kong television and that was the most complete version compared to the novel.

Whatever the truth is, only what remains on film matters, so pick your favorite story.

"Kung Fu Cult Master" has many reviews and they seem to fall into hate it/love it and nothing in the middle. My opinion is similar – I hated some parts and loved other parts. The wire work and beams of power shooting out of the palms of hands is easy to hate particularly when it takes away from the real fighting. On the other hand, most of this wire work is as technical as rocket science calculus and was executed flawlessly. There was also plenty of real fight action too. I point particularly to the final sequence and the use of tai chi fighting elements.

So do I recommend this movie to other fans of the genre? Yes. I base that decision on the fact that when the final scene ended (setting up a sequel), I would have cued up the sequel to watch immediately.

It left me confused and a little unsatisfied.

[Mick-55 · 6/10 · 14 February 2000]

This movie is confusing! The heros parents are friends with "the bad guys???" and are killed by "the good guys". The hero then seeks revenge and a cure to the fatal wound he received as a child. To do this he must learn two stance, one of which he learns from a Shaolin monk trapped in a large rock. Just a little different to MY martial arts teachers!

I found that the plot was hard to follow, the two women in the heroe life being secretive and mysterious - and neither secrets are resolved. The wife-fu is good, but no better than movies like Iron Monkey or the Swordsman. I have to say I was a little disappointed with this film, but if you like HK fantasy, still have a look at it.

This movie is loads of fun!

[jetjunkie · 28 November 2001]

This is currently one of my favorite Jet Li movies. Most, if not all, of the fight scenes are enhanced, but it is such a fast moving, whacky movie, I really enjoy it.You'll need to watch it more than once because it has a lot of characters and the plot is somewhat confusing, not too mention you need to be a speed-reader to catch all the subtitles. I recommend this movie because it is loads of fun.

You Will Either Like It Or Dislike It...there Is No Okay About This Whackyness!

[silicontourist · 7/10 · 9 December 2022]

Jet Li is great to watch in wuxia/Kung-Fu films but this is directed in the style of Hong Kong films made 20 years earlier. That's why it seems a bit odd at first; until you see what is going on. Back in the 1970's much of the Kung-Fu films made had no real story line to them and many were just absolutely crazy to ridiculous in their ideas presentation. The thing was, it did not matter much back then because it was the Martial Arts fighting/styles the audiences wanted to see. Its what I loved, as both a practicing Martial Artist (Karate was my first study) and a Hong Kong Kung-Fu film fan; I loved going to the weekend all-nighters at my local cinema and watching 5 films in a row.

Its the usual wrongly done to character, Jet Li in this case, having to find the means and the skills to overcome the bad guys; which of course is what happens. Its not a very strong script or story-line but it makes up for it in outrageous fantasy and Kung-Fu moves. It took until 2022 for the sequel to be made/released but unfortunately we don't get any of the original cast, including Jet Li who is suffering a sickness that has taken a big toll on his health status.

multi-layered,frenetic and fast paced

[muichimotsu · 6/10 · 18 July 2000]

jet Li is still his marvelous self..however i have seen him in much better performances(a la Tai Chi Master).There are many sects and factions and it does come together..however it does so in a round about way.I love Sammo Hung in this one..he is unbeatable.Fights are well staged..that boulder theme was interesting.

What the story is about

[tenzing · 7/10 · 15 February 2002]

This movie of Jet Li is certainly not the best movie he has appeared in (Fist of legend) but nevertheless it is a very good one. The downpoint of this movie lies in the fact that many un(der)schooled people (Soelin) will have trouble with the storyline (basically evolving around the intrigues of the Manchu government and 8 schools (7 + King of Green Bat sect)). But let's be honest, not many of us are fan of Jet because of his great acting skills are we now? If you want to see a good movie then you'd be better of with Citizen Kane, Casablanca or The godfather. The true fans of Jet are watching him for what he's best in, being martial arts. Rating this movie considering I can only conclude that The Evil Cult has very entertaining fighting sequences choreographed by the legendary Sammo Hung Kam-Bo who can only be compared to the likes of Yuen Wo Ping, etc. True, most sequences are wired, but considering the time of making (1993) this movie was striving to continue the modern style which started with the pioneering Once Upon a Time in China and the groundbreaking Dragon Inn. All in all I must stress again that this movie is only for the fans of old school KungFu - modern style and for the real fans of Jet who can't live without having seen all his movies.

Not the best, but I liked it

[GraeS · 7/10 · 29 April 2001]

Is this the best film Jet Li has appeared in? Hardly, but it still has lots going for it. The action is good and occurs frequently enough that I never got bored. The most impressive bit is a battle scene midway through the film which features a huge cast and *tons* of explosions. Jet Li and Sammo Hung both shine in their fight scenes, though both have turned in much better performances elsewhere

The plot is fairly comprehensible. The story makes sense so long as you pay attention to the dialogue (especially in the first scene.) I probably had an easier time understanding this movie than I did many other, similar films- the Swordsman series comes to mind.

Overall, its an entertaining film. In the US, its usually marketed under the title "Lord of the Wu Tang", though at no point do I recall seeing Ol Dirty B***ard in the film.

Bizarre movie from Wong Jing and company.

[Captain_Couth · 9/10 · 18 February 2005]

Kung-Fu Cult Master (1993) is a strange film based upon a series of fantasy novels. This was to be the first of the films. Sadly, the movie didn't make enough money to warrant a conclusion. But don't let that keep you from watching this action packed fantasy film from the lens and pen of Wong Jing.

The movie follows the exploits of Chang Mo Kei (Jet Li). He's out to avenge the deaths of his parents and reclaim his rightful imperial title. Despite being afflicted by a deadly poison and his lack of fighting skills, he's determined to destroy all of those who ruined his life. During his travels, he encounters many strange individuals and characters whom he assembles into a group of fighters who join him in defeating the evil cult who swore to wipe out his royal lineage forever. Can Chang Mo Kei and his motley crew eliminate the Evil Cult before the can do the honors upon him?

A very strange but highly entertaining film. I don't know how much this is based upon the fantasy novels but a lot of the dialog and situations are pure Wong Jing. The fight scenes )directed by Sammo Hung) are a sight to behold. This film has so many memorable characters that you'd wish they had finished the series.

Highly recommended just for the sheer madness.

I'd say this is a "just for fun" comedy film.

[INFPBAE · 5/10 · 27 July 2022]

I was exposed to this film as a child & re-watched it a lot.

As I got older, I learned that it is from a fictional novel; a huge, popular Chinese series that I never got into.

Like another user review said, it is a bunch of chapters of a section of the novel being squeezed together into one whole movie, that is why many find it confusing.

Bizarre, yet intriguing kung fu flick

[InzyWimzy · 8/10 · 20 June 2002]

OK people, ever ride on a fast roller coaster and the g-forces pin you back to the seat?? Then, you know how watching this film: it's a non-stop, fast paced adventure!!

Interestingly enough, Jet Li's character doesn't know kung fu, which is a big disadvantage for him. It's really cool (and strange) how he learns martial arts. Soon, Jet's shooting fireballs like Ryu and battling all the different clans. There are a lot of people and fight scenes sometimes have fifty or more people at once on screen! This movie also gets high marks for the beautiful ladies who do try to seduce Jet Li (love that awkward look!!). Man Cheung is visually appealing as the "cunning" Chao Min. Chingmy Yau plays Jet's love interest (lucky guy!!) and she can kick some butt!

Whether it's Wu Tang, Shaolin, Green Bat, or the Jinxes, this was one kung fu fantasy that has to be seen to be believed. On a side note, I was saddened that no sequel was made since things get very interesting towards the end.

Incomprehensible kung fu madness.

[BA_Harrison · 4/10 · 29 July 2008]

I've seen a lot of films in my time that don't make an awful lot of sense, but very few have left me quite as confused as The Evil Cult, a crazy wuxia martial arts flick starring Jet Li (plus a host of other genre stars). Part of the problem would undoubtedly be down to the awful subtitles on my DVD (it said they were English on the box, but I'm not so sure), but even if they had been perfect, I have no doubts that I still wouldn't have had a clue what was going on.

Jet plays Mo Kei, a young man out to get revenge on those responsible for his parents' deaths. And that's about all I can tell you regarding the plot: there's so much waffle about different warring factions and powerful sects that it all becomes extremely difficult to follow, and even harder to try and recount. So I'm not going to bother.

What I can tell you, however, is that this film features some pretty mad scenes that should please those who enjoy crazy Asian martial arts cinema: Mo Kei's father commits suicide by making his own heart explode from his chest; Mo Kei learns magical kung fu from a monk who is embedded in a huge, rotating, flying boulder; horses are skewered by drills that emerge from under the ground; there is a subterranean battle that results in severed body parts being strewn everywhere; and some of the characters battle with what looks like fire-extinguishers hidden up their sleeves!! And these are only the bits that I can remember.

Also, there is the usual quota of flying kung fu (loads of wire work: some good, some lousy); lots of characters with silly hairstyles and huge eyebrows, and some cute women (including HK hotties Chingamy Yau and Gigi Lai).

If incomprehensible wire-fu wuxia is your thing and you love films such as 'New Dragon Inn' and 'Swordsman', then you'll probably love this film, but as much as I appreciated the silliness of the whole thing, I just didn't find it that enjoyable overall.

Great fun ... and yes, you can even see how it ends!

[mouseracing · 9/10 · 20 January 2010]

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).

Good only if you know the series

[don-132 · 22 January 2001]

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.

just another clan vs. clan tale

[winner55 · 5/10 · 6 August 2006]

this is definitely a film for those who like wire-works 'fu. i do, to some extent, so i enjoyed it; if you don't mind wire-works, the martial arts are actually fairly well done.

jet Li's character is interesting, and he performs it well; most of the other characters are not well-developed, so the actors go through their paces as professionally as possible.

some of the photography is quite good, and so is the editing.

the serious flaw of the film is the story; director Wong jing doesn't seem to know exactly where he wants it to go. i allow that this is the first film of an uncompleted trilogy, and so we are supposed to be left dangling at the end. but the fact is that Li's character is supposedly bent on revenge against all the clans for their participation in his parents' deaths, but this gets lost about half-way through the film. Wong jing tries to re-coup this issue with a couple flash-backs, but there's nothing in the immediate story as it rolls along to keep us aware of it. and if Li's character isn't acting out his revenge-quest, what he doing here becomes unclear. consequently, there's no thematic thread to hold these characters together; it becomes just another clan vs. clan tale, and not much of one at that.

occasionally fun, but i'm not holding my breath waiting for the sequel.

Perfect for those seeking the fantastical in Jet Li films

[sisteray · 8/10 · 8 May 1999]

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.

Utterly awful.

[gridoon · 1/10 · 22 July 2004]

I had heard that this movie was bad, but I foolishly thought "well, it has Jet Li and Chingmy Yau, how bad can it be?". Answer: so bad that it makes you want to turn it off after only the first 5 minutes. Jet Li's fighting - everyone's fighting, actually - is ridiculously overdone and overedited; Yau's charming presence and smile is the only thing this awful, unwatchable movie has going for it. The plot doesn't make a lick of sense (as even those who liked the film have admitted) and the dubbing (of the "Evil Cult" version) is incomprehensible.

0 out of 4 stars.

Absolute kung fu madness.

[guydiborneo-2 · 10/10 · 1 September 2000]

This is some kind of movie! While fans of intricately detailed, clearly performed, "realistic" fighting in films might be disappointed, anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of high-flying, hand-blasting, heart-exploding, old-kung-fu-master-embedded-in-a-rock-with-only-the-flimsiest-of-explanatio ns movie insanity will be blown away. The plot is very tricky to actually follow, but the movie can be enjoyed without. Top Drawer!

check this out, a fun movie with intriguing plot

[Riddlert · 24 March 2002]

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.

Confusing! 2/10

[leonblackwood · 2/10 · 18 December 2014]

Review: This movie started off promising, even though it had speedy subtitles, but it gets way to confusing. Like a lot of the Oriental movies that I have seen lately, I didn't know what clan was what and there was way too many characters. Some of the scenes were really bad, like the caped Batman character and the Buddha monk who had massive eyebrows. The action scenes also want way to far because they were flying like they had Superman powers. Once the plot started to get out of hand, I lost interest in the movie and I got fed up with reading the subtitles. Disappointing!

Round-Up: When Jet Li gets his amazing powers, I was hoping that he was going to revenge his parents death like a proper hero, but the director really over complicated the storyline. I liked some of the old fighters with the big beards, but the action scenes wasn't that impressive. Although it was made in the early 90's it seemed to have an old look which made the movie seem authentic but I just couldn't keep up with who was good and who was bad. On the plus side, I liked the costumes and some of the scenery but that was about it.

Budget: N/A Worldwide Gross: HK$10.4million

I recommend this movie to people who are into their Jet Li movies about a man who learns a unique martial arts style so he can revenge the death of his parents. 2/10

Fantastic Fantasy Kung Fu Masterpiece!

[teknoraven · 10/10 · 13 June 2006]

I love this movie so much. It's my absolute favorite Martial Arts movie and I'll tell you why! The Story and the characters are so much fun! The Directing is brilliant. The Women can fight and are gorgeous! Jet Li and Sammo Hung are the best aren't they? This movie I heard was not very popular in China, however, every American whose seen it loves it passionately. I think this movie works better for Westerners than Easterners. This is unfortunate because the movie was supposed to have a sequel, but because it wasn't popular in China we didn't get one! If you enjoy great fantasy with great fun and extremely entertaining characters then watch this movie. It's fast-paced and mesmerizing. Its one of those movies I can watch over and over! I totally want a sequel! If anyone knows a movie comparable to this then let me know, because I love it!

Jet Li signed for that? OK .... ouch

[destroyerwod · 2/10 · 4 September 2010]

Seriously, i LOVE martial arts, but i never understood the way of the Asian of always putting weird sci fi stuff in there martial arts movies. Kung Fu come from China, and its so a beautiful art, why dirt it with crappy not possible stuff that to be honest look so freaking dumb...

Not the first time i see dumb stuff like human flying or stuff like that, i saw a couple of these Asian movie like crouching tiger hidden dragon, and i can handle a few(and i mean a few) wired shot like in Romeo must Die(also with Jet Li) but when its full of dumb stuff like in this movie(a dude moving with a rolling rock, Jet Li throwing energy ball Ryu style in street fighter...) If i watch mortal kombat i expect Liu Kang to do a Bicycle kick, its a trade mark move, and i expect sub zero to throw ice... But when i watch a movie like this one, i would expect a nice real Asian martial arts movie.

The best Kung Fu movie ever!

[backfeed · 10/10 · 22 August 2001]

This is absolutely fabulous - the best Kung Fu movie I've ever seen! Tons of typical-of-the-genre highly unrealistic fighting scenes with aerial stunts, magic-flinging, perilous palms and everything you could ever ask for in a movie such as this!

Whether the story is supposed to be taken seriously or not is of no importance - it's extremely funny, and the things the characters say are totally hilarious!

Everything in it is highly exaggerated in all ways possible - something I really like in this genre.

A must see!

Jet Li's best kung fu fantasy flick.

[FATLOSER · 24 April 2000]

This is definitely my favorite Jet Li film. This movie has it all: truly original characters for the genre (the guy in the boulder and the vampire bat kung fu master are the two which come to mind most prominently), unusual Kung Fu styles and abilities, decent stylized production value, kick ass wire stunts, and even more guignol than "Duel to the Death" . The version I saw was called "Lord of Wu Tang" from a company whose releases are renamed with "Wu Tang" attempting to cash in with the urban hip hop video market. The plot in this film isn't that confusing,( I like grey area when it comes to heroes and villans) it's simply a souped up version of the swordsman genre flick. Don't let any of the preceding negative reviews sway a decision to search this one out. If you're a Hong Kongophile you'll LOVE IT!!

Epic fail

[Eunus · 3/10 · 9 January 2010]

This will sure make fans of grotesque children's shows like X-Men happy but it is guaranteed to be a source of disappointment if not anger to viewers familiar with the atmosphere present in Jin Yong's writing. The film's basic handicap is its effort to shrink a lengthy epic (at least partially) to a standard theatrical run. In the course of the film, you can never know what genre it strives to be in. A regular MA film, period drama or straight slapstick comedy? Sexual jokes and especially the absurd depiction of Huashan (Wah San) cult members serve nothing but to dilute the effect of the setting. The character played by Sammo Hung would fit to any grey-haired, eccentric kung fu master but when it poses to be the portrayal of a mythical Chinese sage like Zhang Sanfeng (Chang San-fung), it becomes too light even to be taken seriously. Few reasons to see this one may be the distinguished acting of Jet Li and mesmerising beauty of Sharla Cheung. In a film with a little from everything, it is doubtful that you'll find anything. Wong Jing would have done better if he kept in waters he knows well. I'd prefer a "Naked Killer" Chingmy Yau for sure.