A Touch of Zen
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.
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A Touch of Zen
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...
Extras
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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.
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Ang Lee on A TOUCH OF ZEN
In this 2016 interview, Academy Award–winning filmmaker Ang Lee describes his appreciation for A TOUCH OF ZEN and the influence it had on his own acclaimed martial arts film CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2000).
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Tony Rayns on A TOUCH OF ZEN
Made in 2016, this piece features film critic Tony Rayns discussing director King Hu and A TOUCH OF ZEN.
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Greg Ruth Studio Visit
Meet the artist behind a variety of Criterion covers.
