Legend of the Mountain

Legend of the Mountain is a Taiwanese film released in 1979, directed by King Hu and stars actors Chun Shih, Feng Hsu, and Sylvia Chang among others. This particular film is highly acknowledged for its magnificent visual storytelling approach, which is perfectly enhanced by the lush cinematic landscape that is gracefully shot, under the able leadership of director King Hu. Interestingly, Legend of the Mountain is a manifestation of Hu’s enchanting, sophisticated aesthetic style, lyrical storytelling, and gripping presentation of martial arts.

The plot revolves around the life of a scholar named Ho Yunqing, played by Chun Shih, who is entrusted with an unusual task – to transcribe a Buddhist sutra believed to hold immense power that could set the dead free from their eternal suffering. As Ho embarks on his fantastic and somewhat mysterious journey, he finds himself in a remote, unfrequented mountain village. This is when he encounters a host of peculiar and intriguing characters, each with their captivating backstory and unusual traits. These range from Feng Hsu's femme fatale to Sylvia Chang's innocent and enchanting widow, amongst many others.

The suspense begins to build as Ho tries to distinguish the genuinely benign beings from the malevolent spirits who take on human form to trick him into defying his duty. The film becomes a visually resplendent exploration of the eternal struggle between good and evil, with a fair share of the supernatural.

Legend of the Mountain stands out for its brilliant shot composition, careful use of atmospheric sounds, and delicious slow-burn pace, which engrossingly displays the director's competence in capturing both the external landscapes and the internal mindscapes of his characters. Hu deftly manages to intertwine supernatural elements into the narrative without making it different from the rest of the plot. The film maintains its suspense and mystery, making the audience bind to their seats from the beginning to the end. The narrative acquires a dream-like quality, further intensified by the breathtaking scenes of the Korean wilderness that become a character on its own, anchoring the film in a melancholic aura.

The spell-binding camera work is equally well-complemented by the actors' stellar performances, particularly Chun Shih, who impeccably depicts a man torn between duty and temptation. Feng Hsu impresses with her enchanting allure while //S’sth' in Chinese// brings to life her sweet yet secretive character. The character depth and development, bolstered by the sublime performances of the actors, make the audience resonate with their dilemmas, tribulations, and triumphs.

Embedded in the film are themes of Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating the cycle of life, karma, and the cosmic law of cause and effect that binds the universal order. Hu portrays these deep philosophies in a simplistic and indirect manner, encouraging the viewer to delve into their interpretation on their terms. The director also uses an evocative, classical music score interspersed with traditional Chinese melodies, thereby creating an ethereal soundscape that heightens the movie's enigmatic ambience.

King Hu’s Legend of the Mountain is a masterpiece of visual splendor and celebrates grandeur, suspense, and the supernatural in equal measures. Viewers find themselves enticed by the sprawling landscapes, the slow yet persistent buildup of intrigue, and the unraveling of a tale steeply embedded in oriental folklore. The film promises an exhilarating experience that transcends mundane cinema viewing and ventures into a realm of enchanting mystique. It essentially explores human emotions intricately entangled with philosophies of life and death. But more than anything, Legend of the Mountain is a journey that penetrates deep into the human psyche while keeping the viewers engrossed in its gripping narrative, creating a magical cinematic experience that endures long after the credits roll.

Legend of the Mountain is not just a film; it is a rich tapestry of cinema and oriental mythology that offers the viewer a mesmerizing journey through an enchanting narrative universe, filled with mystery, suspense, beauty, and profound philosophy. The film beautifully interweaves folklore, supernatural, Buddhism, human emotion, and character drama with every single frame teeming with visual artistry, making it a timeless and essential watch for cinephiles all around the world.