Kung Fu Cult Master (1993)
Kung Fu Cult Master is a 1993 Hong Kong wuxia film adapted from Louis Cha’s novel The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber. Directed by Wong Jing, it featured fight choreography by Sammo Hung and starred Jet Li, Sharla Cheung, Chingmy Yau, and Gigi Lai in the lead roles. The controversy of the film was changing the protagonist’s character from a righteous hero to a power-hungry and vengeful hypocrite, and thus not faithful to the novel. As the film performed poorly at the box office, plans for its sequels were cancelled, hence its cliffhanger ending was left unresolved. Film Earned HK$10,437,757 – (US $1,336,520)
Plot
Zhang Wuji and his parents return from an isolated island and travel to Mount Wudang to celebrate his grandteacher’s Zhang Sanfeng 100th birthday. Several martial artists attempt to force Zhang Wuji’s parents to reveal the whereabouts of his godfather, Xie Xun, but they refuse and commit suicide in defiance. Zhang Wuji has been seriously injured by the Xuanming Elders and almost dies, but Zhang Sanfeng shows special care towards him and attempts to preserve his life. However, that incurs the jealousy of his senior, Song Qingshu, who collaborates with Zhou Zhiruo of the Emei School to harm him. One day, Zhang Wuji is bullied by Song Qingshu and falls off a cliff together with Xiaozhao, a girl who helped him.
They meet Huogong Toutuo by coincidence and Zhang recovers from his wounds completely and learns the powerful “Nine Yang Skill” in the process. Zhang discovers later that the Shaolin School is plotting with five other martial arts schools to attack Bright Peak, the headquarters of the Ming Cult, where Zhang’s maternal grandfather, Yin Tianzheng, is. Zhang ventures into a forbidden place on the peak and finds the “Heaven and Earth Great Shift” manual, mastering another powerful skill, and he helps the Ming Cult defeat the six schools. The cult members are grateful to Zhang and choose him to be their leader.
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Cast:
- Jet Li as Chang Mo-Gei Â
- Sharla Cheung as Chao Min Â
- Gigi Lai as Chow Chi-yuÂ
- Chingmy Yau as Tsu Chu Â
- Sammo Hung as Chang San-fung Â
- Francis Ng as Chang Tsui SanÂ
- Sun Mengquan as No-mercy Â
- Bryan Leung as Jinx / Luk Sin-sang Â
- Collin Chou as Sung Ching Su Â
- Richard Ng as Wai Yat-siu Â
- Yan Huaili as Xie Xun
- Cho Wing as Shaolin monk fighter
- Tenky Tin as Mount Hua priest
- Ekin Cheng
- Lam Ching-ying
- John Ching
- Chow Yee-fan