13 reviews
I couldn't disagree more with the first two reviews. I give it 7/10. I mean I liked it and I watched it 3 times, there is no shame in that and I'm truthful with myself. There is a lot of wisdom in the movie. Of course it's a Chinese movie and there is a lot of beautiful choreography, but if you listen carefully and you practice martial art, you may like it. The movie is about Kung fu, it's an art but it's also about life about philosophy. Of course, I don't agree with all that said in the movie, but most of the time I agree. But again, it'a Chinese movie, if you don't like IPman, Jet li, Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee don't watch it. Nevertheless, if you don't like them but you like philosophy and wisdom, you may love it anyway.
- george-swg
- Jun 18, 2016
- Permalink
A young monk embarks on an adventurous journey after being expelled from his monastery. As he faces the trials, tribulations and seduction of the real world for the first time, he encounters many masters along the way. Boss Zha, an opera singer with a knack for spears, as well as Zhou Xiyu, a Taoist who knows how to wield a stick.
Boring, however, cool and sometimes even funny, the first half was more pleasant, the drama more involving, the second half lost the dramatic content, became less captivating, focused on the action scenes, the photography and impeccable costumes, it pleases the allegory too, from ancient China, regular, almost cool...
Boring, however, cool and sometimes even funny, the first half was more pleasant, the drama more involving, the second half lost the dramatic content, became less captivating, focused on the action scenes, the photography and impeccable costumes, it pleases the allegory too, from ancient China, regular, almost cool...
- RosanaBotafogo
- Oct 12, 2022
- Permalink
Life after Shaolin school-the movie gives us a look at this. From someone who got kicked out and actually might not be qualified to be called a Shaolin. But apart from technicalities, this is about an individual who tries to make a living. One way or the other, but always dishing out respect to others. Doesn't change the fact, that he has some major flaws (what Shaolin would steal really?).
But that's why the movie has kind of a unique flavor. It's a bit of a mix of things, that make this weird and not as accessible as other martial arts movies, but it still has a lot going for it. Like the fight scenes, which arguably are not the best ever put on film, but are still entertaining enough, if you are into that kind of thing. Which is a statement that rings true for the entire movie
But that's why the movie has kind of a unique flavor. It's a bit of a mix of things, that make this weird and not as accessible as other martial arts movies, but it still has a lot going for it. Like the fight scenes, which arguably are not the best ever put on film, but are still entertaining enough, if you are into that kind of thing. Which is a statement that rings true for the entire movie
A really average movie. Story was really lame. Action ok but CGI heavy mist of which was of a poor standard. Disappointing watch. Bit boring. Young guy who was a monk who tries to find a master. Main character was actually quite annoying and definitely behaved as monk should not which I found really frustrating.
- MickeyTheConstant
- Dec 9, 2021
- Permalink
- Leofwine_draca
- Jan 6, 2017
- Permalink
... TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE.
I watch a lot of movies ... so many that the IMDb once tagged me and released me into the wild to see what theatre I would pick.
After reading the other member reviews (thanks guys) I think the reason I enjoyed it so much is that I never read the novel nor did I bring any preconceptions.
What I found was a beautifully filmed, acted, and directed movie which was just daffy and unpredictable enough to hold my attention.
You say PO-TAE-TOE. I say PA-TAT-O.
What others see as a mishmash and fighting among writers and directors I see as a puzzle that the viewer needs to put together.
Recommended.
I watch a lot of movies ... so many that the IMDb once tagged me and released me into the wild to see what theatre I would pick.
After reading the other member reviews (thanks guys) I think the reason I enjoyed it so much is that I never read the novel nor did I bring any preconceptions.
What I found was a beautifully filmed, acted, and directed movie which was just daffy and unpredictable enough to hold my attention.
You say PO-TAE-TOE. I say PA-TAT-O.
What others see as a mishmash and fighting among writers and directors I see as a puzzle that the viewer needs to put together.
Recommended.
- A_Different_Drummer
- Oct 3, 2016
- Permalink
The only thing that deserves a bit of praise are some of the effects and kung fu scenes, but even those are a stretch to say the least.
This movie is absolutely awful, and its awfulness increases as the so called "plot" progresses. JUST KIDDING, there is no plot, even a child can write such a horrendous story. The relations between characters are almost non existing. The movie does not follow the audience's pace at all, for some times the pace is so off that you feel completely cheated to even pay for this movie. Although advertised as a comedy, the only funny thing was how bad the movie is. Although I cannot give examples, imagine a lower school level story line with sci fi effects made by Michael Bay, add in some really weird elements of homosexuality, adultery, and kungfu and tadaaaaa.
Do not watch, as the saying goes "if people tell you something looks and smells like poop so many times, you seriously don't need to eat it", so DO NOT WATCH IT.
This movie is absolutely awful, and its awfulness increases as the so called "plot" progresses. JUST KIDDING, there is no plot, even a child can write such a horrendous story. The relations between characters are almost non existing. The movie does not follow the audience's pace at all, for some times the pace is so off that you feel completely cheated to even pay for this movie. Although advertised as a comedy, the only funny thing was how bad the movie is. Although I cannot give examples, imagine a lower school level story line with sci fi effects made by Michael Bay, add in some really weird elements of homosexuality, adultery, and kungfu and tadaaaaa.
Do not watch, as the saying goes "if people tell you something looks and smells like poop so many times, you seriously don't need to eat it", so DO NOT WATCH IT.
- adamliang41
- Jul 4, 2015
- Permalink
Director Chen is prominent in the business in greater China and not a total stranger in Western film buffs circle. He is somewhat like the legendary Tsui Hark of Hong Kong. Both used to have great moments in the early stage of their career but followed up with commercial-oriented lousy stuff, to the point that both critics and audience know there shouldn't be any expectation before watching their new works.
If "preaching too hard (say, 3 or 4 in a scale of 10)" is considered a flaw of a movie, MONK COMES DOWN THE MOUNTAIN (2015) easily reaches 9 on that scale. What makes it even worse is that such preaching is a weird mixture of Taoism, Buddhism and self-asserting doctrine/mentality of Kung Fu world. Our protagonist, the one who comes down the mountain, is absolutely a Taoism practitioner. Yet this movie title ridiculously calls him a (Buddhism) monk. Would you label a victim of plane crash has died of car accident? Or, describe a dog-walker is having a good time with kitten?
There are too many laughable (not because of the humor) plot, arrangement, performance and dialogue. MCDTM is poorly rendered into something you simply cannot take it seriously. During the long 123 minutes I almost felt like watching a Monty Python flick from 1970s - despite some modern cinematography, choreography and editing.
If "preaching too hard (say, 3 or 4 in a scale of 10)" is considered a flaw of a movie, MONK COMES DOWN THE MOUNTAIN (2015) easily reaches 9 on that scale. What makes it even worse is that such preaching is a weird mixture of Taoism, Buddhism and self-asserting doctrine/mentality of Kung Fu world. Our protagonist, the one who comes down the mountain, is absolutely a Taoism practitioner. Yet this movie title ridiculously calls him a (Buddhism) monk. Would you label a victim of plane crash has died of car accident? Or, describe a dog-walker is having a good time with kitten?
There are too many laughable (not because of the humor) plot, arrangement, performance and dialogue. MCDTM is poorly rendered into something you simply cannot take it seriously. During the long 123 minutes I almost felt like watching a Monty Python flick from 1970s - despite some modern cinematography, choreography and editing.
- THEgongoozler
- Jul 24, 2022
- Permalink
It's neither fish nor fowl. The combination of Conan's aura of death, Brokeback Mountain's friendship and a generation of master's pretense and coercion made this wonderful work possible. What does the first 30 minutes have to do with the rest? Daoist monks go to the monk temple every day to ask for people to be enlightened. You simply have to convert to it.
This movie is filled with wonderful characters, a compelling journey, and a strong positive message with a point at the end. I was entertained and moved emotionally. Most of the reviews I've added are negative. Why comment unless you're compelled to, right? This should indicate it isn't just a film you'll watch and forget. In a week, I watched this five times. I could watch it five more. It's very much like Pinocchio in the way the hero enters the world knowing nothing and then his mistakes lead to a great adventure. Highly recommended.
- funismyname
- Apr 7, 2019
- Permalink
A benevolent monk is sent to the world of saints and sinners.
While trying to survive, he meets different people with different motives. It's up to him to perceive whom to trust.
Black is sometimes white and white is sometimes black: there's no person completely good or completely bad. Behind the weird circumstances there's always a good reason why someone's on your way.
Anyway, great intro, was really promising. The flow was kinda confusing and sometimes seemed excessive but at the end it made sense.
A heart of a saint will find its way to survive in the world of sinners.
While trying to survive, he meets different people with different motives. It's up to him to perceive whom to trust.
Black is sometimes white and white is sometimes black: there's no person completely good or completely bad. Behind the weird circumstances there's always a good reason why someone's on your way.
Anyway, great intro, was really promising. The flow was kinda confusing and sometimes seemed excessive but at the end it made sense.
A heart of a saint will find its way to survive in the world of sinners.
Heck, I read all the reviews and thought I really needed to see this one.
Everyone waiting for a typical Kung Fu movie isn't going to get one. If that's what you want, go home.
However, if you think Kung Fu + Fairytale + The Matrix sounds good, this is one for you.
In almost each review all I read was whiny, whingey, unimaginative dross. Lighten up folks, indulge in that wonderful whimsy called imagination and you might come to truly love and appreciate superlative brilliance for a change, instead of the usual crap that comes of movie theatres.
One thing that even the unimaginative will enjoy is the incredible beauty and the stunning cinematography.
Totally captivating. Even ape strike, which I think I actually understood!
Everyone waiting for a typical Kung Fu movie isn't going to get one. If that's what you want, go home.
However, if you think Kung Fu + Fairytale + The Matrix sounds good, this is one for you.
In almost each review all I read was whiny, whingey, unimaginative dross. Lighten up folks, indulge in that wonderful whimsy called imagination and you might come to truly love and appreciate superlative brilliance for a change, instead of the usual crap that comes of movie theatres.
One thing that even the unimaginative will enjoy is the incredible beauty and the stunning cinematography.
Totally captivating. Even ape strike, which I think I actually understood!
- eyeintrees
- Aug 25, 2017
- Permalink