Prolific trendsetter Tsui Hark produced this 1993 period fantasy, directed by comedy ace Benny Chan Muk-sing. The film displays more imagination in a matter of minutes than many can manage in two hours. Starring Hard-Boiled’s Tony Leung Chiu-wah and Heroic Trio’s Anita Mui Yim-fong, Magic Crane’s plot — an epic tale following the exploits of a bumbling martial artist and the heroic, mystical crane rider that helps him bring down a number of convoluted conspiracies and traitorous villains that threaten the so-called “world of martial arts” — is far too complex to fully describe here, but, rest assured, it boasts jaw-dropping set-pieces aplenty. Among the film’s many crazed highlights: a fight with woks to obtain the burning hot gallbladder of the mythical Fire Tortoise; a massive, mind-blowing sword battle between hundreds of opponents; and numerous sonic attacks with magical musical instruments. The budget clearly isn’t big enough to support this kind of mayhem, but the filmmakers compensate with loads of inventive editing, charming miniatures, and nifty computer effects. The style here is pure Hark, but Chan’s knack for silliness adds a healthy sense of camp to the proceedings — crucial to a film like this, where disbelief needs not only to be suspended, but viciously beaten into the dirt.
This article appears in July 7 • 1995 (Cover).