The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter

What started as the masterful kung-fu filmmaker’s homage to the heroic Sung Dynasty Yang family becomes a furious rumination on heroic sacrifice when international idol Alexander Fu Sheng died in a car accident midway through production. Wanting to immortalize Fu’s final, unfinished performance, Liu carried on. The result is unique in the director’s extraordinary filmography in its emotional intensity and kung-fu power. There are heartbreaking references to the tragedy throughout, but the stunning climax is truly unforgettable. It must be seen to be believed….