Evil Cult [DVD] [1993]
The Evil Cult (aka “Lord of the Wu Tang”) is a wildly and wacky supernatural epic in which Jet Li masquerades as Mo-kei, a weakling warrior orphaned as a child when his parents are killed by two evil Jinx warlords. Chased out of the Wu Tang compound by a leader who considers him a liability, Mo-kei (and his female protectress) find themselves trapped in a dark abyss where they stumble upon a “cooking monk” trapped in a massive boulder who holds the secret to a lost form of Shaolin kung fu. They trick him into teaching Mo-kei the secret of his “solar stance”. Newly empowered, Mo-kei sets off to find his maternal grandfather, King of the Gold Lion (de facto leader of the Evil Cult), to rally his clan with the Wu Tang in order to defeat the stifling government forces and exact revenge on the terrible Jinxes. Martial Law‘s Sammo Hung appears as Chang San Fung, Tai Chi Master of the Wu Tang clan (Hung also choreographed the action sequences for this film). Director Wong Jing (who also helmed the God of Gamblers series, Hard Boiled 2, and Return to a Better Tomorrow) just about keeps a handle on the plot and ably directs the stunning action sequences, some of which occur on battlefields swarming with soldiers.
On the DVD: the main feature is presented in letterboxed format with original Cantonese dialogue and English subtitles. The print is generally of good quality but afflicted with blemishes and white flecks throughout. The subtitles are clear but their awkward translation and speed of transition serve at times to make an already convoluted plot harder to understand. It’s a shame that an option to listen to a dubbed soundtrack wasn’t added as the dubbed theatrical trailer (included here) enhances the daffiness of the movie. Other extras include comprehensive cast and crew filmographies and a small selection of stills. –Chris Campion
Review by for Evil Cult [DVD] [1993]
(4 / 5)
Rating:
Just bought this film on the cheap. With fantasy kung fu being my favourite style of kung fu movie, and Jet Li being my favourite kung fu star, this film looked too good to be true. The plot is barely graspable, subtitles unreadable, and the fact that the sequal was NEVER made should mean that this film is terrible. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. All the high flying wire action you’d come to expect from a fantasy kung fu flick with added fireballs and blood and gore, incredible charachters and more Fu-Manchu facial hair than usual, this film will make you laugh your head off and gasp at the loony moves. If your looking for a serious kung fu film, go elsewhere, if you want Once Apon A Time In China on LSD, you won’t find better!
Review by K. P. Harrison for Evil Cult [DVD] [1993]
(4 / 5)
Rating:
As you will have gathered from the reviews elsewhere, you will be watching a film with old-fashioned subtitles in small script that strain your eyes and your comprehension; the story itself leaps and bounds to keep up with its characters; and it is incomplete!The film was made at a time when the market was tiring of the flying fantasy kung fu, so only a few minutes of the planned sequel were made. This means that you will never know exactly why the main character has to save the evil lords from poisoning in order to access the magic sword from his uncle who is responsible for putting manacles on the woman who mysteriously appeared and saved him temporarily from the maniac chef in the gorge who is trapped in a rock but taught him the magic kung fu … you get the picture?Just enjoy. Don’t bother about the detail. After all, there are versions available called Evil Colt because they didn’t check the original packaging!
Review by for Evil Cult [DVD] [1993]
(4 / 5)
Rating:
If you’re a fan of Hong Kong fantasy you’ll like this movie. Lots of fighting, lots of magic and a story that is very hard to follow and understand. What more do you need?I’ve watched this movie only once so far. Perhaps I need to see it a couple of more times. I never really understood who is good and who is evil. Or in what ways different people are connected to each other. Or why people do the things they do. But that doesn’t matter. It’s a really good movie. So far one of my favourites in this genre. Action, beauty and humour.
So don’t put to much energy in trying to understand the plot. Just enjoy this great movie!
Review by A. J. Harrison for Evil Cult [DVD] [1993]
(2 / 5)
Rating:
First things first I have no idea what this film is about! The only thing I could gather from the rather muddled story is that Jet Li is out for revenge against the people that where responsible for his parents death. The film is a more of a fantasy film with alot of flying about and magical powers shooting from peoples parms, than actual one on one fighting.
The subtitles indicate the script was very poorly written and it will actualy make you laugh at times. Jet Li as usual makes this film worth watching but its nothing special and only for people who like the fantasy martial arts films. Even though all I have done is complain about this film I was still able to enjoy it and its a perfect time killer.
If you like other Jet Li films such as Swordsman 2 and Hero (which I didnt) then this is a must see for you.
Review by for Evil Cult [DVD] [1993]
(4 / 5)
Rating:
I’m not really up to much when is comes to reviewing subtitled movies, I know its the exact same as dubbed, but its just me. On the opening credits the narrator explains this complicated piece. Mo-Kei’s parents both die in front of Mo-Kei and the young Mo-Kei soon receives ‘The Jinx’s Palm’ as deadly move which disables the receive to ever use kung fu. Yet family friend and Tai Chi Master (Sammo Hung) takes Mo-Kei under his wing and treats him as a son, in his Kung Fu school. All Mo-Kei could do is sit and watch. Apart from telling you the entire film, it has its equal shares in comedy, martial arts. I wasn’t bothered about the use of wires in this movie (unlike some of my other reviews) I felt they brought movi to life, showing a good close up to Jet Li as he glides down to Sammo’s rescue. Also the shot of Jet Li’s concentration as he binds together all the swords. Some people are unfamiliar with Jet Li’s earlier work, not being offensive to his fans. Also I was suprised to Richard Ng appearing as ‘The King Of The Green Bat’ where Ng plays a Vampire, always looking for his next meal. Yet another deadly duo, the two black haired men, obesesed with raping young women. Their attinics are very amusing after every sentence they finish they suggest an act of Rape or going out for Hookers. Being directed by Wong Jing was different…I’ve only really been a fan of City Hunter, Last Hero In China and some others. I’ve not really got a Wong Jing collection. But I’ve heard about some films are taking the piss from other movies or even actors / actresses. I did notice one scene where ‘The Cook’ who learned the Great Solar Stance and attempted to take out Sammo, after being defeated by Sammo, the cook then dives off of the cliff. Then 10 Years later its the same cliff where Jet Li and Chingmy Yau fall from and they end up meeting ‘The Cook’ tied to a giant boulder, flying about. VERY VERY VERY similar to Zu: Warriors From The Magic Mountain where Yuen Biao comes across a character looking exactly identical to him… I thought it was just the same character used in the film, like some directors do to their movies, but Zu was directed by Tsui Hark in mid 80’s and The Evil Cult was filmed by Wong Jing in 1993.My final thoughts is This film are strong, with such a great cast. Though the story is very complicated It all binds together in the end and suddenly leaves you stumped with its awkward ending. I have heard rumours of a sequal to be made, yet funding fell through and plans were with drawn, but still Jet Li is now in his early 40’s and is still pulling out some new tricks. Lets hope a sequel is made one day and I hope its a good film.