Heavenly Legend (1999)

Directed by
Genre
Need to be in the mood to fully appreciate
Reviewed by Simon on 2001-12-15

Seems to be a children's movie, based loosely on the Monkey King legend, but set before he was sent to languish under a mountain for 500 years. The movie mainly focuses on two kids, a young Piggie (played by a fat kid with quite good makeup and a deadly fart weapon) and a young martial art master whose identity I didn't quite recognise. They get caught up in the affairs of The Dragon Princess Of The West Sea who rebels against her father by refusing to marry the Dragon Prince of The East Sea (or something like that!), and along with the Monkey King they have to fight various "fairies" (immortals) to ensure that justice is done.

The movie is a hallucinogenic mixture of special effects, wire fu and terrible humour (aimed at young kids, who probably would be amused). At first I was just like "Oh dear, what have I bought?", but as I got into the spirit of the thing I ended up finding it a lot of fun! It's quite stupid and feels like a Children's TV production, but does actually have some nice and effects and creative wirework sequences. The story is kind of engaging too, though I probably shouldn't admit it! The acting of the young kids is absolutely dreadful, though the martial arts kid actually has very good kung fu... happily holding his own in spear fights against the grown ups, and showing some real knowledge of the forms.

I'm unsure whether to recommend the movie or not... if you're in the mood for something different and goofy fun, (or you've taken the right kind of drugs perhaps), then maybe you'll enjoy it too :D.

Crew

Director
Action Director