New Kung Fu Cult Master

It's definitely a big challenge to squeeze such a long story into one movie, as a result it's made into Part 1 & 2. This movie (Part 1) focuses mainly on introducing the characters and the different sects (e.g. Shaolin, Wu Dang, ErMei...), as well as the complicated conflicts among them; while Part 2... NOT sure yet, as it's NOT yet released (hee...).

The pace is good and it flows well from the beginning to the end! It kept me going on and I could hardly feel bored!

The role selection is a bit off! E.g. Getting 42-year-old Raymond Lam to play the role of an early 20's Zhang WuJi is NOT convincing at times. Besides, Donnie Yen is NOT old or 'there' enough to play the role of Zhang SanFeng. Instead, they shall consider Sammo Hung.

Basically, it's a very RUSHING movie, with the first 30 minutes introducing Zhang Wuji's background info (including his parents, grand-father, step-grand-father...); then it goes straight to the fight among the various sects. Due to time constraint, there is NO CHANCE for character development within each sect. Therefore, having known the storyline of this Jin Yong's novel in advanced is definitely an advantage.

The actions are ok - typical HK + China style - where they fly here and there while fighting, NO more NO less, at acceptable level.

Overall, it's an ok movie. I enjoyed watching it, and it's pretty entertaining! Despite the role selection issue + rushing pace, I am good with it! And I look forward to watching the Part 2 in the coming weeks.

New Kung Fu Cult Master 1 didn't really leave a sour taste in my mouth after finishing watching it. But, must admit this one feels slightly underwhelming. Story-wise, the film basically covered the same ground as Jet Li's version in 1993. The thing is, the CGI-laden fight scenes didn't have the same excitement and thrills, while most of its solid cast was practically wasted. Safe to say, Donnie Yen, Xing Yu, Fan Siu-Wong, or Xiong Xin-Xin came only for the easy paycheck.

For wuxia movies' fans, especially the old school Shaw Brothers era, this 2022's Yi Tien To Lung Qi is the romantic reminder of such era. Minimalistic visual effects, clever editings, physical stunt works and dance-like choreograph fight scenes are the strongest features of this film. Because it allows the director and actors to showcase the poetic story of Yi Tien To Lung Qi: the ironic world where chaos rules, the righteous justify sinister cruelty and the unlawful minorities show their heroic deeds by actions. Yi Tien To Lung Qi is Cin Yong's third saga of the Condor Heroes Saga which tells a story that span through 5 generations heroes who defend China from invasion through righteous unification.

If you are looking for extravaganza of special effects fights movie, skip this. For those who enjoys a social commentary story and old school wuxia fans, you need to watch this

By the way, this is 2-hour film is the first installment of Yi Tien To Lung Qi, I can't wait to see the 2nd installment.

Great story but ruined by the director, again.

The special effects are too blunt and it doesn't go smoothly.

The episode does not have a climax, and the different scene cannot closely catch the audience's eyes

Actors are not embarrassed, but the people watching are.

I am a big fan of the original Kung Fu Cult Master with Jet Li so was excited to hear of this movie.

Plenty of famous movie stars in this movie.

They even have Donnie Yen but unfortunately he didn't do much.

Overall the movie felt kinda rushed. Don't really connect with the leads and the fight scenes were far better in Jet Li's version.