The Legend of Zu (also known as
Zu Warriors in the
United States) is a
2001 Hong Kong Wuxia-
fantasy film produced and directed by
Tsui Hark. The film starred
Ekin Cheng,
Louis Koo,
Cecilia Cheung,
Patrick Tam,
Zhang Ziyi and
Sammo Hung. It is based on the same source as the
1983 film
Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain.
Plot
The film is set in mythical mountain range called "Zu", which exists between Heaven and Earth. The mountains are populated by immortals from
Omei, who are in charge of keeping peace and eradicating evil. A demon called Insomnia desires to rule Zu and the world below, and starts annihilating several sects before arriving at Omei.
King Sky is in love with his teacher, Dawn, and she has just left him after disintegrating into dust. Before her departure, she gives him her weapon, the Moon Orb, and tells him that the Orb will lead him to her eventually. King Sky joins Omei in their fight against Insomnia. The Omei manage to corner Insomnia using their weapon, the Sky Reflector, but the demon retreats into the legendary Blood Cave after its defeat. The cave is capable of sucking away the powers of those who venture near it and has been highly sought by many masters.
White Brows, leader of Omei, decides to enter a new dimension to search for a new weapon to deal with Insomnia, after the Sky Reflector is lost in the cave. He leaves behind the Flame of Omei, which burns as he lives. Omei's oldest disciple, Red, is placed in charge of guarding the entrance to the Blood Cave and alerting others if Insomnia emerges. King Sky becomes a temporary leader of Omei.
Red meets Amnesia, a little flower demon, and is possessed by her. Amnesia takes control over Red's mind and forces him to move against his will. Enigma of Omei is actually the reincarnation of Dawn, and she has some faint recollections of her past after meeting King Sky. Enigma and Hollow, who wield the two supporting divine swords of Omei respectively, attempt to merge as one, but fail and Omei is severely damaged. Hollow is destroyed but a new human body is formed from the remnants of his soul. However, the new Hollow (renamed to Ying) does not remember his past and has no clue to using his weapon.
Just as Insomnia prepares for another attack to destroy Omei and rule Zu forever, King Sky confronts the possessed Red and attempts to force Amnesia out of Red's body. The forces of good and evil prepare for a final battle in the skies above Zu, which have been overshadowed by Insomnia's Blood Clouds.
Cast
Ekin Cheng as King Sky
Cecilia Cheung as Dawn / Enigma
Louis Koo as Red
Patrick Tam as Thunder
Kelly Lin as Amnesia
Zhang Ziyi as Joy
Sammo Hung as White Brows
Ng Kong as Hollow
Wu Jing as Ying
Lau Shun as Master Trascendential
Reception
Box office
The film grossed HK$10 million in its theatrical release in Hong Kong.
Distribution
Although Miramax Films bought the rights to distribute it in the United States, the film was never released in theaters, despite advertising the American release with movie trailers (which appeared as previews & on the Apple website under Movie Trailers). It was eventually released on DVD on August 19, 2005 under the title of
Zu Warriors.
Critical reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics. Those who praised the film mostly noted its thrilling action scenes and elaborate, computer-generated sets.
References
External links
IMDb entry
Michael Chung, "The Essence of the Movie Legend of Zu Mountain"
HK Cinemagic
Baidu Baike
Category:Cantonese-language films
Category:Mandarin-language films
Category:2001 films
Category:Hong Kong films
Category:Fantasy adventure films
Category:China Star Entertainment Group films
Category:Films directed by Tsui Hark
Category:Wuxia films
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