Zhang Dao Ling was a Chinese religious leader and the founder of the “Way of the Celestial Masters” movement of Taoism, who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty. In essence, his followers were attracted to his faith-healing method which led them to believe in the purification of the body and the cure of illness caused by sinful-mindedness. However, Zhang Tian Shi (Celestial Master Zhang) was also a name given to him by many Taoists because of his magical skills as a healer and an exorcist. At times he was affectionately pictured as an old scholar wearing a Taoist crown and riding on a tiger.
The population of China love watching video on the go and video streaming is a huge business there. Therefore it is no surprise that they watch all kinds of TV series, films, games, music videos and so on on any device and anywhere they choose. Nonetheless, “Taoist Master” was one of the numerous online productions to stream on their local giant video-on-demand platforms like Tencent Video, iQIYI and Youku back in 2020.
Loosely adapted from an incident as recorded in the ancient books, the plot concerns Taoist Zhang Dao Ling (Fan Siu Wong) and his disciple Wang Chang (Li Lu Bing) and a conspiracy involving the powerful grand sorcerer Gu Ma (Su Mao) during their trip to Bushu state. Instead of focusing on the teachings of Taoism, Wu is more interested in how the evil Gu manipulates the local people into worshiping him, and his obsession with the longevity blood sacrifice of the Eight Ghost Generals which will make him immortal. In addition, assisting Zhang in his quest to take down Gu's cult are two kung fu experts, a woman warrior Hong Ying (Zhang Dong) and beggar Wa Xian (Yue Dong Feng) since they all share a common goal.
Wu's fantasy wuxia definitely scores points on its visual approach, shot with well designed lighting and foggy effects, as exhibited in the opening scene of a moonlit forest, which is rich in atmosphere besides being both creepy and beautiful. The other outdoor locations like the bamboo forest and the imposing mountains are equally impressive, while the grand looking interior shots plus the detailed costumes, especially those Taoist gowns worn by Zhang, are equally astonishing.
The forever underrated Louis Fan Siu Wong ( “Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky”, “Ip Man”) is the son of Shaw Brothers veteran Fan Mei Sheng and he is perfect and convincing as Zhang Dao Ling. Moreover, he shows amazing depth in portraying a flesh and blood character who is both a wise heavenly master and someone with hidden weaknesses. As usual, Fan does not disappoint in the action department too, especially when wielding a sword.
Apart from the simple plot, the film certainly has a great collection of colorful characters, like Hong Ying (played by the wonderful Zhang Dong), the lady warrior who is looking for her lost brother. She sure brightens up the screen with her resilient performance and her fighting skills. Portrayed by Yue Dong Feng, Wu Xian is another standout, a wandering beggar with a dark history who uses the drunken style of kung fu and provides the film's funny moments. Then there is the grand sorcerer Gu Ma (Su Mao), a well-dressed evil man who exploits to gain power.
The fight sequences designed by Luo Jie are a mixture of quick cuts, freeze frames, slow and accelerated motion. Unfortunately, they are filmed mostly in closeups which makes the overall scenario a bit hard to appreciate and less impactful. But we do see lots of sparks flying as the weapons clash against each other and on the facial expressions of the combatants. At times, the camera moves rather frantically as it twirls around in different directions, thereby making it a rather dizzy watch.
Although “Taoist Master” has nothing to do with Taoism in general, it is a highly enjoyable wuxia fantasy adventure with rich characters, impactful story and creative action. The overall production is solid and focused, and above all, it feels like a throwback of those wuxia fantasy Hong Kong films of the 80s and 90s.
