Watch Legend of the Mountain

Legend of the Mountain is a 1979 film directed by the legendary filmmaker, King Hu. The movie is an epic tale of fantasy and adventure set in the lush green mountains of China. The film stars Chun Shih as Ho Qingyun, a young scholar who is commissioned to copy a Buddhist sutra by his boss. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in a strange and supernatural world where reality and fantasy merge together in the mysterious temples of the mountains.

The movie begins with Ho Qingyun arriving in a small mountain village where he is to begin his journey towards the remote temple of the Golden Peak. The village is full of colorful characters, each with their own stories and agendas. Here, he meets the beautiful Melody (Sylvia Chang), a mysterious woman who seems to be attracted to him. Her true nature and intentions remain a mystery, adding to the intrigue of the story.

As Ho Qingyun sets out on his journey, he encounters many challenges and obstacles which he must overcome to reach his destination. The journey itself is fraught with peril, as the treacherous terrain and dangerous animals threaten his existence at every turn. However, he manages to overcome these challenges through his intelligence, wit, and strength.

When he arrives at the temple, he finds himself in the middle of a centuries-old conflict between two factions of Taoist sorcerers, each vying to gain control of a sacred artifact that has the power to grant immortality. The artifact is hidden in the temple, and the sorcerers need Ho Qingyun's skills as a copyist to decipher its location.

As the story unfolds, Ho Qingyun must navigate his way through a world of deceptions, illusions, and magical powers. He must use his wit and intelligence to unravel the secrets of the temple and the artifact before it falls into the wrong hands. Along the way, he meets the beautiful and enigmatic Mountain Spirit (Feng Hsu), a powerful supernatural being who aids him in his quest.

The film is a perfect blend of fantasy and adventure, featuring stunning visual effects and breathtaking cinematography. The story is driven by the fantastic creations of King Hu, who creates a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. The film's haunting soundtrack adds to the eerie atmosphere and immerses the viewer in the world of the film.

The characters in the movie are complex and multi-dimensional, adding depth and richness to the story. Chun Shih's portrayal of Ho Qingyun is a standout performance, capturing the scholar's curiosity, determination and bravery. Sylvia Chang's role as Melody is equally impressive, as she brings an alluring and mysterious quality to the character.

Overall, Legend of the Mountain is a masterpiece of filmmaking that seamlessly blends fantasy, adventure, and drama into a beautiful and haunting tale. King Hu's direction is exquisite, showcasing his talents as a filmmaker and storyteller. This film is a must-see for anyone who loves fantasy and adventure stories that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.

Legend of the Mountain is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 67.