A Touch of Zen
A Touch of Zen • 2h 59m
Directed by King Hu • 1971 • Hong Kong, Taiwan
Starring Hsu Feng, Shih Chun, Bai Ying
"Visionary" barely begins to describe this masterpiece of Chinese cinema and martial arts moviemaking. A TOUCH OF ZEN (Xia nu) by King Hu depicts the journey of Yang, a fugitive noblewoman in disguise who seeks refuge in a remote, and allegedly haunted, village. The sanctuary she and her three companions find with a shy scholar is shattered when a nefarious swordsman uncovers her identity, pitting the five against legions of blade-wielding opponents. At once a wuxia film, the tale of a spiritual quest, and a study in human nature, A TOUCH OF ZEN is an unparalleled work in Hu's formidable career and an epic of the highest order, characterized by breathtaking action choreography, stunning widescreen landscapes, and innovative editing.
Up Next in A Touch of Zen
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Hsu Feng on A TOUCH OF ZEN
Conducted in 2016, this interview features actor Hsu Feng discussing her iconic role as Yang Hui-zhen in A TOUCH OF ZEN.
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Shih Chun on A TOUCH OF ZEN
In this new piece, actor Shih Chun addresses his longtime collaboration with director King Hu and his performance as Gu Sheng-zhai in A TOUCH OF ZEN.
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King Hu: 1932–1997
This 2012 documentary in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin about the life and career of director King Hu features producer and film historian Peggy Chiao, cinematographer Hua Hui-ying, and actors Shih Chun and Wu Ming-tsai, among others.
