Yang Mi & Vincent Zhao in Wu Dang 2012
Wu Dang (2012) Chinese Movie Information
Title in Chinese – 大武当
Title in Pinyin – Da Wu Dang
Genre – Kung Fu and Fantasy
Subject/theme – A kung fu tournament is held in a mountainous temple and competitors search for temple treasures
Language – Cantonese
Region – Hong Kong, China
Release date
Hong Kong – 26 July 2012
Movie Runtime – 98 minutes
Director – Patrick Leung
Cast & Role Played
Yang Mi – Tian Xin, Korean martial artist
Fan Siu-Wong – Shu Heyi, Taoist monk and martial artist
Vincent Zhao – Tang Yunlong, American Chinese thief
Xu Jiao – Tang Ning, martial artist and Yunlong’s daughter
Dennis To Yue-hong – Bai Long
Henry Fong Ping – Chief Abbot
Story
Yunlong’s daughter Ning is slowly dying from an incurable disease so he enrols her in a Kung Fu tournament at a Taoist temple in the mountains. The temple contains a number of treasures that he plans to steal and use to cure Ning. Tian Xin is a Korean kung fu master who is taking part in the tournament so she can rescue her clan sword which is hidden at the temple.
Tian Xin and Yunlong stumble upon each other when searching the temple for the hidden treasures and decide to team up. As the tournament progresses and fighters are eliminated, Ning’s health deteriorates and their search becomes more frantic. The situation is complicated by a growing bond between Ning and a gentle monk Shu Heyi who is representing the temple in the competition. A group of gangsters are also after the missing treasure and arrive before Tian Xin and Yunlong have finished their search.
With Ning’s life rapidly fading, a chief monk who is more than what he appears to be and the gangsters closing in on them, everything hangs in the balance.
Editor’s Review of Wu Dang – 7/10
Wu Dang is a very enjoyable movie with excellent martial arts that is only spoiled by an ending that should only be found in cheesy Hollywood movies. Vincent Zhao is excellent in his first major performance since True Legend (2010) and the on screen chemistry between him and Yang Mi who also puts on a good performance is very good. Xu Jiao is also delightful to watch as the daughter/co conspirator and as a kick arse martial artist. Over all the fighting scenes in the temple are a pleasure to watch and the cast put on a very good performance.