Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• CalmKeira

  Overall 5.5

  Story 5,  Acting 5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 5

  This highly anticipated adaptation falls short of expectations. Despite being directed by the same director as the beloved previous version, the result is ultimately forgettable. The glimpses of s Hong Kong are overshadowed by a bland CGI and a "current" mainland Chinese film look that lacks authenticity. Additionally, the actor portraying Mokei lacks charisma, which further diminishes the overall impact of the series. While it shares similarities with the more enjoyable Kung Fu Cult Master, it fails to capture the same level of excitement and...

  enjoyment.

• quickgodzilla8

  Overall 9

  Story 10,  Acting 9,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 8

  I was completely blown away by this epic adventure! I decided to watch it in Cantonese because I knew it would add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. And let me tell you, it was totally worth it! While it's hard not to compare it to the original, this movie stands on its own as a seriously entertaining flick. I couldn't help but get a wave of nostalgia when I saw Louis Koo rocking those ancient Chinese outfits, reminding me of his TVB...

  days. And Donnie Yen as Zhang San Feng? Simply epic! It's not often we get to see Donnie as a wise and invincible martial artist.
  
  Now, I don't understand why some people are whining about Raymond Lam being "too old" for his character. The film clearly establishes that his character is in his thirties, and Raymond easily pulls it off! I mean, come on, let's not nitpick here. This is a movie, not a TV drama, so a little bit of creative freedom is expected. And let me tell you, it works!
  
  While I had a blast watching this film, there was one small hiccup that bothered me. The voice actor for Zhou Zhi Ruo sounded like she had sucked on a helium balloon or something. It really took away from the experience. But on the flip side, I was completely enchanted by Janice Man as Zhao Min. She is a fierce and stunning beauty who had me captivated every time she shared a scene with Raymond Lam. And her voice actor did an amazing job too, bringing authority and power to her character.
  
  Overall, I can't recommend this movie enough! It's a thrilling and action-packed ride that will transport you to ancient China in the most exhilarating way. So grab your popcorn, get cozy on the couch, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

• bitterhe

  Overall 4

  Story 5,  Acting 5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 2

  Once upon a time, there was a legendary film called Kung Fu Cult Master, directed by Wong Jing and starring Jet Li. Despite its initial failure, the film eventually gained a cult following. Now, many years later, Wong Jing teams up with Hong Kong DP Keung Kwok Man to bring us a remake of this classic tale, titled New Kung Fu Cult Master.
  
  The story revolves around the martial arts world, where various schools are eager to eliminate the so-called evil faction. Amidst this power struggle,...

  we meet Zhang Wuji, portrayed by Raymond Lam. Wuji is the offspring of a father from the good martial society and a mother from the evil martial society. After years of seclusion, Wuji's parents decide to reenter the martial arts world, but tragedy strikes when Wuji's father is killed. As an adult, Wuji discovers a secret conspiracy orchestrated by the government and led by a woman named Zhao Min, played by Janice Man. Determined to stop the impending attack, Wuji embarks on a thrilling journey, where alliances are formed and battles are fought.
  
  Unfortunately, this remake fails to live up to the original film. The complexity of the story and the multitude of characters make it difficult for the film to effectively capture all the details. The rushed pacing and lack of character development leave the audience feeling disconnected from the narrative.
  
  The cast, predominantly made up of TVB actors, falls short of expectations. Raymond Lam, in the lead role, lacks the charisma and charm necessary to bring Wuji to life. Cameos by Donnie Yen and Louis Koo add little value, with their characters feeling underutilized. Janice Man and Yun Qianqian also struggle to embody the essence of their respective roles, leaving a void when compared to the performances of their predecessors.
  
  Visually, the film is marred by budget constraints. The sets and costumes resemble those of a TV series, lacking the grandeur and attention to detail expected from a feature film. Lighting feels flat and uninspired, failing to elevate the aesthetic. Even the fight scenes, which should be a highlight, disappoint with their lack of creativity and reliance on CGI and wire work.
  
  Comparisons to the original Kung Fu Cult Master are inevitable, and unfortunately, this remake falls short. The fights lack the intensity and skill displayed in the original film, feeling rushed and uninteresting. The climactic ending, filled with excessive CGI and explosions, fails to capture the essence of the story and instead feels overwhelming.
  
  Despite its flaws, the remake does manage to avoid the crass humor that plagued the original version. Additionally, spotting familiar faces from the Hong Kong entertainment industry adds a small sense of enjoyment, but it is not enough to salvage the overall viewing experience.
  
  In the end, New Kung Fu Cult Master is a disappointing attempt to recreate the magic of its predecessor. It fails to capture the essence of the original film, relying on cheap CGI and lackluster fight choreography. While there may be some nostalgic enjoyment in seeing familiar faces, it is not enough to justify sitting through this lackluster remake.

• softunforgiven30

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8.5,  Acting 8,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7

  Loved it! Just finished watching both parts of this movie and I really enjoyed it. In my opinion, this movie feels more complete and doesn't drag on. I really like how it has more story and action compared to the previous version. And let me tell you, the fight scenes are amazing! It's not just some "Force" stuff like in Star Wars, you actually get to see them fighting it out. The combination of fast and slow motion fights is really well done too. As...

  for the acting, it's all pretty okay. Raymond Lam's age doesn't bother me at all, in my opinion. A Cantonese song for the Cantonese version would be great, but even the Mandarin one is really good! Will I watch it again? Well, yes, I definitely will when I feel like it's time. Okay, that's all from me. This review might not be too deep or detailed because, hey, I'm a lazy guy!