Watch Circle of Iron

Circle of Iron is a martial arts film from 1978 directed by Richard Moore and written by Bruce Lee. It stars David Carradine, Jeff Cooper, Christopher Lee, and Roddy McDowall, among others. The movie follows the journey of a martial artist named Cord, who seeks to learn the secret of the Book of Enlightenment. The quest takes him through various challenges and encounters with different characters, each of whom embodies a different aspect of the Book's teachings.

At the heart of the film lies the question of what it truly means to be a master of martial arts. The answer, the movie suggests, is not simply about physical prowess, but also about spiritual and moral values. As Cord travels from one encounter to another, he realizes that he has much to learn about humility, compassion, and purpose. He meets a blind man who teaches him the value of seeing beyond appearances, a seductive warrior who tests his resolve, a mad philosopher who challenges his assumptions, and a mystical figure who reveals the ultimate truth.

The movie's action scenes are impressive, with Carradine showcasing his skills in various martial arts styles, from Shaolin Kung Fu to Jiu Jitsu. However, the fights are not just about flashy moves, but also about the characters' inner struggles. Cord's conflicts with himself and others are mirrored in the physical battles he engages in, making them more than simple demonstrations of martial arts techniques.

Another strength of the movie is its visual design. The landscapes, costumes, and props all create a vivid and mythical atmosphere. The characters' appearances also reflect their personalities and roles in the story. For instance, Cord wears a simple tunic and pants, symbolizing his humble beginnings and his desire to strip away materialistic distractions. In contrast, the seductive warrior wears a revealing outfit that highlights her sensuality and cunning.

The cast is also notable, with Carradine delivering a nuanced performance as Cord, capturing both his physical and emotional struggles. Jeff Cooper as The Man in the Red Cape is a charismatic antagonist, while Christopher Lee brings gravitas and humor to his role as the mad philosopher. Roddy McDowall as White Robe Conductor, a character who guides Cord through his journey, is also noteworthy, providing some of the movie's most memorable moments.

The movie's soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it is composed by the legendary rock musician and producer, Billy Preston, with additional music by Carl Douglas. The music adds an extra layer of energy and emotion to the action scenes and helps to establish the movie's timeless quality.

Overall, Circle of Iron is a classic martial arts movie that transcends its genre by focusing on philosophical and spiritual themes. It explores what it means to be a master of martial arts and how that mastery relates to one's inner life. With great performances, stunning visuals, and memorable music, the movie remains a timeless masterpiece of the genre.

Circle of Iron is a 1978 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.