John Liu plays the film's hero, a kung fu master named Tien Lang, who becomes the target of the Kang family's (led by Phillip Ko and Stephen Tung) vengeance after Tien kills the Kan's patriarch in a duel. As per usual for this type of movie, Tien is brought down to almost nothing and left on the brink of defeat, until he goes back to train hard so that he can finally defeat the Kang clan.

Perhaps sensing that the script didn't give them much to work with, the film-makers set about to give The Mar's Villa a very epic and sweeping look. Unlike a lot of old-school movies that keep much of the action contained inside of cheaply-made sets, The Mar's Villa uses the Taiwanese countryside and historic buildings to great effect. Combined with some slick cinematography and editing, the production as a whole ends up looking a lot more expensive than it probably was, which really sets it apart from many similar kung fu entries.

Fight-wise, The Mar's Villa doesn't really do anything all that unique or mind-blowing, but the action is good for what it is. John Liu, in particular, looks tough and cool as he gets to show off a lot of fierce-looking kicks. One does get the sense that with the talent involved here, perhaps the film-makers should have tried a bit harder to make something that would end up being truly impressive, but overall, The Mar's Villa is worthy enough to satisfy your old-school jones.

Judging from this film and the rest, it is easy to see why John Liu is one of Hong Kong cinema's top superkickers. This is without the best film he has done since his Secret Rivals films. He would go on to make a better film in my opinion two years later with Fighting Ace. One of the best fights includes Liu against the film's fight choreographer Stephen Tung Wai. The two match kick for kick but it looks as if Stephen is a much more accomplished superkicker than Liu. Philip Ko is our main villain as he takes on two roles, the deadly Fong Kong and his twin brother. The training sequences are great to watch. Your standard chop socky film, but a good one at that!!!

In terms of plot, 'Wu Tang Magic Kick' is certainly a traditional kung fu movie in every sense of the word. Littered with all the attributes we have come to expect from a movie in this genre (Martial Arts school rivalry, training sequences and a revenge scenario) this could easily have been marked down as just another cliche-ridden old school flick if it weren't for the fights. Riddled with examples of why Hong Kong is truly the maestro of kung fu action sequences, John Liu et al take the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of high kicking, intricately choreographed fights that remind you exactly why you enjoyed martial arts movies in the first place.

Forget the suspect dialogue and over-familiar plot, this is a no holds barred fight-fest from start to finish and offers another chance to catch a glimpse of the mesmerising skills of one of the greatest kickers of all time; Mr. John Liu.