Golden Harvest roped in Hark and a bunch of Hollywood effects guys to create this impressive spectacle of a fantasy flick, boasting a great cast and groundbreaking visuals for HK circa 1983. But somewhere between the flying fairies, fireballs, lightsabre duels, and all the other bells and whistles, the story and the characters got lost.

I mean, the actors are fine, and all do a good job--Yuen Biao, Meng Hoi, Moon Lee, etc.--but I feel that they are kinda' pushed into the background by all the special effects stuff, stifling their otherwise fine performances. And the already complicated story drowns in there as well. I've watched this movie a number of times and still have absolutely no idea what it's about. Sure, it keeps throwing crazy, flashy stuff at you, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

For the international version, a whole new plotline, involving Yuen Biao as a modern day fencing champion who goes into a coma and lands in an alternate reality, was shot and tacked on. The original fantasy stuff, being that reality, was recut, and the whole thing was sold as a slightly different movie. The modern day stuff is pretty fun. And I would like to see that full version some day.

I think the movie is a bit of a letdown in the action department as well. It is certainly competent. But I'm just not a big fan of fantastique wire fu. And the fact that there is so much visual effects stuff going on around it also distracts from the physical stuff.

In the end, I can enjoy this film as more of a curiosity than a fully fledged piece of cinema. To me, this is a good example of the dangers of big effects movies: if you lose the story and the characters, then all you are left with is bright lights and big bangs. And that in itself is not filmmaking.

This is yet another Tsui Hark original masterpiece, but one could understand why some people may not find this film appealing. The story is hard to follow, some, the special effects maybe too much, it's lacking in traditional kung fu action because most of the action is people flying around and shooting lasers at each other--but then again this was meant to be a fantasy film, period, so crying about it devoids logic because, after all, feelings are not facts.

I liked this film for its originality and the fact it feels different from most Chinese films. It's hard to explain, but it's just--I've seen a shitload of Chinese films and when I see "Zu", it just has a different feel. I also liked a lot of the action, the cinematography, the characters and costuming was alluring.

The only thing I found wrong with "Zu" was its pacing. I fell asleep to this film the first time I watched it, because it felt like it was going nowhere--a bit too inconsistent and sometimes slow. But after the third time (yes I'm a masochist for trying to find goodness in a boring shit) I found a means to like it. God, somebody shoot me.

I can understand why some would hate this film, but I just like weird stuff. Not recommended to those who hate Chinese fantasy films like "Battle Wizard" or "Kung Fu Cult Master".

Hence 'Zu' and many of his movies flash before the eyes before the impact can sink into the emotions - a comic, cartoony effect like a Chaplin silent movie moving on fast forward. Its a 'good vs. evil' movie, and a couple of bungling youths get to save the world, but one ends the films saying wow - what happened?

Nevertheless, this flawed genius has produced a technically superb (at that time) movie with help from the 'Star Wars' fx team, an expensive extravaganza more tuned to children than adults. A pity, but it has its moments.

Thank goodness he made the 'Once Upon a Time in China' Quadrology. Watch, clap and groan - Tsui Harks' 'Zu' will give you all this, and more.

It was a major box office hit in Hong Kong Cinema because it provided an innovative way of making Hong Kong action movies.

If you didn't see this flick around its time of release or around 1982-1990, then you'll definitely won't be too happy or pleased with the special effects; because it looks old and outdated if you watch it today in the 21st century (2000). However the most exciting thing is Tsui Hark returned with "The Legend Of Zu" for the sequel to Zu part 1. It was released recently as well, and in my opinion is the best special effects action movie ever made! Anyway, back to Zu part 1 again.

It's surely worth buying if you're a fan of Tsui Hark movies or a Yuen Biao fan or a fan of special effects action-fantasy movies made back in the 80's. Despite the special effects, the action still looks great to watch even today! There running on side of walls and flying in the air, swordplay, weapons fighting etc. There's good cinematography as well as a good story. The acting is realistic for its setting and storyline. And Yuen Biao shows off his amazing acrobatic skills again.

Overall this movie is recommended for all the fans!