| Lively and creative Wuxia spectacle from Tsui Hark's Film Workshop. The Magic Crane itself made an appearance in Tsui's Green Snake the same year and yes, effects-wise it wasn't much of a stunner there either. Neither were the snakes in that picture which didn't stop it from becoming an enchanting experience.
While no great shakes in the visuals department, The Magic Crane goes about its business in efficient ways. Meaning great, big doses of broad comedy, gore and high flying acrobatics all in one. While obviously undercranked to the max, the choreography is great fun and offers plenty of entertaining flying bouts. With solid and endearing performances by Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Anita Mui and Rosamund Kwan, The Magic Crane turns out to be a worthy entry in the new wave craze of martial arts cinema in the 90s. Also with Damian Lau, Norman Tsui, Lawrence Ng and Kelvin Wong... |
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