A Touch of Zen (1971) Review in 2025
A Touch of Zen is a 1971 Taiwanese wuxia film that tells the story of a young man who becomes embroiled in a world of martial arts and supernatural events.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to some violent scenes and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
A Touch of Zen is a must-see for fans of martial arts and fantasy films. It's a beautifully shot and engagingly told story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film follows the story of Hsia Kuo, a young man who becomes involved in a battle between good and evil forces, led by the powerful and mysterious Immortal Master Golden Swallow.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique blend of martial arts and supernatural elements. However, some viewers may find the plot to be somewhat convoluted and difficult to follow at times.
acting8.50/10
The acting is generally strong, with Hsia Hsiang delivering a particularly memorable performance as Hsia Kuo. However, some viewers may find the supporting actors to be somewhat wooden at times.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Hsia Kuo being a particularly compelling protagonist. However, some viewers may find the supporting characters to be somewhat one-dimensional.
direction9.50/10
King Hu's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for composition and a deep understanding of the martial arts genre. The film's pacing is well-balanced, with a perfect blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful landscapes and intricate fight choreography. However, some viewers may find the color palette to be somewhat muted at times.
Pros and Cons
Pros
A Touch of Zen is a beautifully shot and engagingly told story with a unique blend of martial arts and supernatural elements. The direction is masterful, and the cinematography is stunning.
Cons
Some viewers may find the plot to be somewhat convoluted and difficult to follow at times, and the supporting characters may be somewhat one-dimensional.
Notable Quotes
"A true warrior must be willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good."
"The world is a battlefield, and we are all just pawns in the game of life."
