This movie is a fan-movie, f standing for fanatic about martial arts and Bruce Lee. Yes, anyone interested in the craftsmanship of Bruce Lee and his perspective on filmmaking and the interaction between martial arts and zen spirituality should see this picture. Not because it is a good movie, alas it is not. There are many reasons for shunning this picture, f.e. the cardboard acting, but to keep an optimistic view of things, it is still a great movie for a a juvenile afternoon. Thirteen to sixteen years old will be enchanted as there is battling, philosophy, sex, a hint of nudity and there are bad and good guys. The acting is taken care of by seventies types who still have more hair than style and character. Good old boring days, rampant with clichés. Carradine is a blind sage. A Homer of Kung Fu, seeing without seeing, so to say. Is that all/ Well, I could really enjoy watching Star Trek in the seventies, when I was an innocent youngster, and I still do enjoy old shows and pictures. Sometimes. Let us call that nostalgia. The silent flute or Circle of Iron is a video show for adolescents. Anyone seriously interested in Zen should leave this film where it is. That is to say rest it on the shelves of the video-shop or the library, or where you might find it. Those that really go for Kung Fu and Martial arts should look for the latest Hong Kong movies, such as judge Dee, a surprisingly good movie for Asian cinema. It is a better deal and will bring enjoyment.
Review of Circle of Iron
