Circle of Iron (Widescreen)
- Starring: David Carradine, Jeff Cooper, Roddy McDowall
- Director: Richard Moore
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Description
This symbol-laden drama explores the inner mythology of martial arts practice and is based on a Bruce Lee story idea. The original screenplay was written by Bruce Lee, with help from actor James Coburn and screenwriter Stirling Silliphant. Lee was to take on the four-in-one role of guide in his film, leaving the hero's role to someone else. Following Bruce Lee's tragic death, the film was rewritten. David Carradine stepped in to play the mysterious guides to aspiring martial arts master Cord (Jeff Cooper). Cord lives in a desert-like world where nearly everyone he meets practices or has practised a martial art. He seeks to find the place where the true inner spirit of the martial arts is being taught. In a story which is imbued with Zen maxims and Asian philosophy, when Cord finally arrives, he finds less (and more) than he hoped for. While there are many combat and fight scenes, the general tone of the film is meditative. Cameo appearances by Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, and Christopher Lee supply many of the film's highlights. Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
Features
- Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Category: Martial Arts
- Theme: Wizards and Magicians
- Release Date: May 29, 2007
- Rating: R (Restricted)Rating Opens in New Window - Adult Language, Adult Situations, Graphic Violence, Not For Children, Violence
- Studio: Blue Underground
- Lead Actors: David Carradine, Jeff Cooper, Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, Erica Creer
- Supporting Actors: Dov Friedman, Jeremy Kaplan, Zipora Peled, Michael M. Vendrell, Christopher Lee, Anthony de Longis, Earl Maynard
- Director: Richard Moore
- Picture Format: Widescreen
- Run Time: 1 hr 37 min
- Subtitle Language: Spanish
- Format: DVD
Additional Information
- DPCI: 246-01-7121
- ASIN: B002ITA4FM
- Catalog #: 11363187
- Item can not be gift wrapped.
Shipping & Policies
- You may return this item to any Target store.Opens in New Window
- Shipping & Delivery InformationOpens in New Window
- Estimated Ship Dimensions : 7.54 inches length x 5.52 inches width x 0.66 inches height
- Estimated Ship Weight: 0.37 pound.
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Expert Reviews
As a glance at the plot synopsis should reveal, Circle of Iron is far from typical kung fu film fare. The amount of fighting is limited (and handled in a rather matter-of-fact style when it occurs), with a greater emphasis being placed on thoughtful dialogue exchanges that have a pronounced philosophical bent. Circle of Iron is not a perfect film -- Jeff Cooper is sometimes wooden in the lead role despite putting forth a strong effort, and the action isn't as impressive as it might have been had Bruce Lee (who helped write the original screenplay) still been around to choreograph it. However, Circle of Iron is still worthwhile for those who can get into its eccentric style because it is genuinely ambitious and thoughtful in a way that many kung fu-oriented films seldom are. The script is laced with many memorable bits of Zen wisdom and David Carradine turns in his most memorable screen work, tackling a quartet of different roles with wit and charisma to spare. Circle of Iron is also gorgeous to look at: it was shot on a series of stunning locations in Israel and photographer Ronnie Taylor captures them in a moody, atmospheric style that genuinely makes the film feel like a window into another world. Director Richard Moore handles the material with respect, allowing it to move at its own thoughtful pace and giving the actors room to breathe life into it (Eli Wallach's cameo is a particularly memorable bit of scene-stealing). In short, Circle of Iron is a flawed but likeably ambitious piece of work. It probably won't appease viewers used to high-octane martial arts fare but anyone who enjoyed the Kung Fu TV series is likely to appreciate this mystical, philosophy-oriented take on the genre. Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide