Reviews (374)

Aliens and bees and corn fields, oh my!
"The X-Files: Fight the Future" is an endlessly fascinating and complicated movie that ties together all the mythology pieces from the popular series upon which it's based. Although I think that people who never watch the show can enjoy this movie, I doubt they can understand it very well. Heck, I watch the show religiously and I still don't think I understand everything.

However, it succeeds in introducing the audience to the characters of Agents Mulder and Scully, without rehashing the things that are familiar to the fans of the show. When we are first introduced to our favorite duo, their conversation on their cell phones is enjoyable to both old audiences and new ones alike.

The film also makes clear the deep affection and love Mulder and Scully feel for each other--something regular viewers already know--which comes to a head in the famous hallway scene outside of Mulder's apartment.

The film is top quality, as we've come to expect no less from "The X-Files," with an intelligent story-line, great action sequences and special effects, and plenty of aliens to satisfy the sci-fi junkie in all of us. But don't get me wrong--you don't have to be a sci-fi junkie to enjoy this film. You have to like a good suspense/thriller, with some action, intelligent story-telling, and yes, a little bit of hinted-at romance. I mean, for "The X-Files," any 'Shipper will tell you that this is a pretty romantic movie. As one of those so-called 'Shippers, I was very angry at that darn bee, which was my biggest disappointment.

The DVD itself is nicely presented, with all the theatrical trailers, an informative commentary track by Rob Bowman and Chris Carter, and an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. Best of all, it has added footage not originally in the theatrical version.

This DVD is sure to please all forms of movie-goers. =)

FIGHT THE FUTURE made me a fan
I watched this movie without ever watching an episode of the series before. I came into the movie only knowing that the main characters were FBI agents Mulder and Scully who sought the truth about aliens and government conspiracies that tried to cover up their existance. That was all I knew, I didn't know anything about the black oil, or the bees, or even who the Smoking Man was. This movie did a good job presenting the basics so a first timer (like myself) wouldn't feel totally lost while watching it. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson were superb in their big screen roles of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. The hallway (I think you know what I'm talking about!) scene was one of the best scenes of the movie. Now if only there was no bee.... Overall, this movie was X-cellent. The acting was great, the special effects were cool, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this movie to anyone who has ever watched The X-Files and loved it, and also to anyone who hasn't seen an episode before but likes sci-fi movies. And I'd just like to say thanks to Chris Carter and crew for a really good season 6 - here's onto season 7, unfortunately the very last one. I'll be looking forward to the next X-Files movie, I can't wait until it comes out!

Solid X-Files adventure
"The X-Files: Fight the Future" doesn't answer a lot of the questions that fans were waiting for from the movie. The only difference between this movie and, say, a two or three part X-Files story arc is the size of the budget, effects and the guest stars. The writing, unfortunately, doesn't measure up to the best the series offered. Nevertheless, it's a fine theatrical episode of the series.

Thousands of years ago an alien species ruled this planet. Humanity was just an afterthought. It's clear that these aliens want to regain control of the planet and members of the government have made a pact with the devil; humanity will become a slave race to these aliens (and other things you don't want to know about if you haven't seen the movie otherwise it'll spoil plot points).

Somehow all of this is tied into two little boys that discover an ancient underground cavern. One of the boys is infected with some sort of virus as are several rescue workers. In another part of the US, Mulder and Scully are checking out terrorist threat against the US. The building that Mulder and Scully and the rest of the team believe to be the target is a decoy. Mulder and Scully accidently discover the real target. The mystery at the heart of the film is why the terrorist targeted a building that had the agency FEMA in it when there were more vital government agencies they could have hit. Also, the building was evacuated. So how come there were two victims discovered in the rubble?

All of this remains at the heart of the mystery and it does, indeed, play into the alien conspiracy story arc than began to be undcovered in season one of the series. If you're interested in "The X-Files" but haven't seen the entire series, this movie is still comprehensible to the average moviegoer. The ramifications of the plot, however, will be much more important if you've seen the bulk of seasons 2-6 first (season 1 just sets up the conspiracy angle and is important but not a central part of the conspiracy arc).

The picture quality is pretty good considering this came out close to the beginning of the DVD craze. It could be improved with an anamorphic widescreen transfer (higher picture quality)and with a separate disc of extras. The extras aren't bad here they're just not as indepth as they should be. My guess is that Fox plans on re-releasing this on DVD when the new X-Files movie comes out in 2006 and/or within the next year or two because they've finally got the entire series on DVD.

Well worth picking up for fans but for casual new viewers, I'd suggest starting with seasons 2-6 to fully understand the consequences of this film's plot line. Carter's script isn't his best but there are enough gems in the script to make it worthwhile for fans of the series.

An enjoyable move to the "big screen"
The X-Files "Fight the Future" takes place after the end of season five when the X-Files have been shut down. FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully ( Gillian Anderson) are assigned to a Federal building in Dallas to locate a bomb. Unfortunately, the bomb goes off before it can be defused, and an FBI agent as well as three fireman and a boy are killed in the explosion. The FBI needs someone to blame for what happened and look to Mulder and Scully. Wanting to find out what really happened to save their careers, Mulder starts searching for clues. He soon encounters a paranoid doctor ( Martin Landau) who reveals to Mulder a conspiracy dealing with a deadly virus that could be alien in origin - and capable of destroying all life on earth. Mulder and Scully are soon forced to put their careers and lives on the line, when they are pitted against a powerful group of men known as the Syndicate, who are somehow connected with the virus and willing to kill to keep their secrets safe.

The X-Files film "Fight the Future" offers a very enjoyable transition from the television series to the big screen. I first saw the film, back when it was released in theaters. I had never seen a single episode from the show, and even though there were some things I did not understand, like who the Lone Gunmen were, the Syndicate's role in the overall conspiracy, etc., the film managed to entertain me. Now that the prices on the DVD sets for the show have been reduced, I was able to go back and finally watch the first five seasons. I recently watched the film again, and I really enjoyed it because I was finally able to understand all the smaller details that eluded me the first time around. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are in fine form once again as Mulder and Scully. Martin Landau was very good as well. Fans of the show will be happy with the film, because it does a very good job expanding on the overall mythology, as well as bringing in characters from the show like Assitant Director Skinner played by Mitch Pillegi, the Lone Gunmen, and the Cigarette Smoking Man played by William Davis. The special effects, action sequences, and suspense this film brings will entertain people who have never seen the show.

In my opinion, "Fight the Future" can be enjoyed by hardcore fans of the show, as well as a person who has never seen the show. I know this from experience because I was able to watch the film from both points of view. In fact, it was seeing the film the first time around that made me want to watch the show in the first place. The DVD itself offers top notch picture and sound quality, as well as commentary from Chris Carter, and an in-depth featurette on the making of the movie and the transition from the show to the big screen.

A solid 5 stars...

Good series, bad movie
On the commentary track of this movie, someone says that this movie tried to appeal to both the die hard fans of the movie and to potential new fans. Unfortunately, doing an extended 'myth arc' episode as a movie ends up short for both groups. The X Files movie came along at a time where the series's mythology was already, overly complicated and convoluted, so it was hard for newbies to follow the story without having to do extended research about the back story. Die hard fans, on the other hand, would find the story progresses too slowly, compared to the series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The definitive American television series of the '90s comes to the big screen with an anticlimactic whimper. And how could it be otherwise? Why should material so perfectly realized in one medium necessarily translate well into another? The series is crisply and thoughtfully executed in just about every detail, but the heart of its appeal lies in the elegant handling of complicated and evolving ongoing story lines, which is not something movies are especially good at. The big-screen drive for closure cramps the creative style, though it may also help nonfans get a grip on the proceedings. We do get some invigorating thrills and chills, however, and a more satisfying sense of the scale of an all-enveloping human-alien conspiracy than ever before, but there's no more plot development here than in an average two-part season-ending. FBI black sheep Mulder and Scully have been temporarily transferred from the X-Files project to an anti-terrorist unit to investigate an Oklahoma City-style bombing. They uncover a new wrinkle in the Syndicate/Cancer Man conspiracy--basically an attempt to help one bunch of (benign?) aliens fight off another bunch who want to colonize Earth. A spectacular, ice-bound finale thrillingly staged by series-veteran director Rob Bowman offers Mulder (but not a conveniently unconscious Scully) his first clear look at a You Know What, which in some quarters qualifies as an epochal event. Martin Landau offers the agents some crucial clues, and several familiar TV faces (including the Lone Gunmen and Mitch Pileggi's indispensable Assistant Director Skinner) turn up briefly to wink knowingly at faithful fans.--David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (374)

Aliens and bees and corn fields, oh my!
"The X-Files: Fight the Future" is an endlessly fascinating and complicated movie that ties together all the mythology pieces from the popular series upon which it's based. Although I think that people who never watch the show can enjoy this movie, I doubt they can understand it very well. Heck, I watch the show religiously and I still don't think I understand everything.

However, it succeeds in introducing the audience to the characters of Agents Mulder and Scully, without rehashing the things that are familiar to the fans of the show. When we are first introduced to our favorite duo, their conversation on their cell phones is enjoyable to both old audiences and new ones alike.

The film also makes clear the deep affection and love Mulder and Scully feel for each other--something regular viewers already know--which comes to a head in the famous hallway scene outside of Mulder's apartment.

The film is top quality, as we've come to expect no less from "The X-Files," with an intelligent story-line, great action sequences and special effects, and plenty of aliens to satisfy the sci-fi junkie in all of us. But don't get me wrong--you don't have to be a sci-fi junkie to enjoy this film. You have to like a good suspense/thriller, with some action, intelligent story-telling, and yes, a little bit of hinted-at romance. I mean, for "The X-Files," any 'Shipper will tell you that this is a pretty romantic movie. As one of those so-called 'Shippers, I was very angry at that darn bee, which was my biggest disappointment.

The DVD itself is nicely presented, with all the theatrical trailers, an informative commentary track by Rob Bowman and Chris Carter, and an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. Best of all, it has added footage not originally in the theatrical version.

This DVD is sure to please all forms of movie-goers. =)

FIGHT THE FUTURE made me a fan
I watched this movie without ever watching an episode of the series before. I came into the movie only knowing that the main characters were FBI agents Mulder and Scully who sought the truth about aliens and government conspiracies that tried to cover up their existance. That was all I knew, I didn't know anything about the black oil, or the bees, or even who the Smoking Man was. This movie did a good job presenting the basics so a first timer (like myself) wouldn't feel totally lost while watching it. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson were superb in their big screen roles of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. The hallway (I think you know what I'm talking about!) scene was one of the best scenes of the movie. Now if only there was no bee.... Overall, this movie was X-cellent. The acting was great, the special effects were cool, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this movie to anyone who has ever watched The X-Files and loved it, and also to anyone who hasn't seen an episode before but likes sci-fi movies. And I'd just like to say thanks to Chris Carter and crew for a really good season 6 - here's onto season 7, unfortunately the very last one. I'll be looking forward to the next X-Files movie, I can't wait until it comes out!

Solid X-Files adventure
"The X-Files: Fight the Future" doesn't answer a lot of the questions that fans were waiting for from the movie. The only difference between this movie and, say, a two or three part X-Files story arc is the size of the budget, effects and the guest stars. The writing, unfortunately, doesn't measure up to the best the series offered. Nevertheless, it's a fine theatrical episode of the series.

Thousands of years ago an alien species ruled this planet. Humanity was just an afterthought. It's clear that these aliens want to regain control of the planet and members of the government have made a pact with the devil; humanity will become a slave race to these aliens (and other things you don't want to know about if you haven't seen the movie otherwise it'll spoil plot points).

Somehow all of this is tied into two little boys that discover an ancient underground cavern. One of the boys is infected with some sort of virus as are several rescue workers. In another part of the US, Mulder and Scully are checking out terrorist threat against the US. The building that Mulder and Scully and the rest of the team believe to be the target is a decoy. Mulder and Scully accidently discover the real target. The mystery at the heart of the film is why the terrorist targeted a building that had the agency FEMA in it when there were more vital government agencies they could have hit. Also, the building was evacuated. So how come there were two victims discovered in the rubble?

All of this remains at the heart of the mystery and it does, indeed, play into the alien conspiracy story arc than began to be undcovered in season one of the series. If you're interested in "The X-Files" but haven't seen the entire series, this movie is still comprehensible to the average moviegoer. The ramifications of the plot, however, will be much more important if you've seen the bulk of seasons 2-6 first (season 1 just sets up the conspiracy angle and is important but not a central part of the conspiracy arc).

The picture quality is pretty good considering this came out close to the beginning of the DVD craze. It could be improved with an anamorphic widescreen transfer (higher picture quality)and with a separate disc of extras. The extras aren't bad here they're just not as indepth as they should be. My guess is that Fox plans on re-releasing this on DVD when the new X-Files movie comes out in 2006 and/or within the next year or two because they've finally got the entire series on DVD.

Well worth picking up for fans but for casual new viewers, I'd suggest starting with seasons 2-6 to fully understand the consequences of this film's plot line. Carter's script isn't his best but there are enough gems in the script to make it worthwhile for fans of the series.

An enjoyable move to the "big screen"
The X-Files "Fight the Future" takes place after the end of season five when the X-Files have been shut down. FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully ( Gillian Anderson) are assigned to a Federal building in Dallas to locate a bomb. Unfortunately, the bomb goes off before it can be defused, and an FBI agent as well as three fireman and a boy are killed in the explosion. The FBI needs someone to blame for what happened and look to Mulder and Scully. Wanting to find out what really happened to save their careers, Mulder starts searching for clues. He soon encounters a paranoid doctor ( Martin Landau) who reveals to Mulder a conspiracy dealing with a deadly virus that could be alien in origin - and capable of destroying all life on earth. Mulder and Scully are soon forced to put their careers and lives on the line, when they are pitted against a powerful group of men known as the Syndicate, who are somehow connected with the virus and willing to kill to keep their secrets safe.

The X-Files film "Fight the Future" offers a very enjoyable transition from the television series to the big screen. I first saw the film, back when it was released in theaters. I had never seen a single episode from the show, and even though there were some things I did not understand, like who the Lone Gunmen were, the Syndicate's role in the overall conspiracy, etc., the film managed to entertain me. Now that the prices on the DVD sets for the show have been reduced, I was able to go back and finally watch the first five seasons. I recently watched the film again, and I really enjoyed it because I was finally able to understand all the smaller details that eluded me the first time around. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are in fine form once again as Mulder and Scully. Martin Landau was very good as well. Fans of the show will be happy with the film, because it does a very good job expanding on the overall mythology, as well as bringing in characters from the show like Assitant Director Skinner played by Mitch Pillegi, the Lone Gunmen, and the Cigarette Smoking Man played by William Davis. The special effects, action sequences, and suspense this film brings will entertain people who have never seen the show.

In my opinion, "Fight the Future" can be enjoyed by hardcore fans of the show, as well as a person who has never seen the show. I know this from experience because I was able to watch the film from both points of view. In fact, it was seeing the film the first time around that made me want to watch the show in the first place. The DVD itself offers top notch picture and sound quality, as well as commentary from Chris Carter, and an in-depth featurette on the making of the movie and the transition from the show to the big screen.

A solid 5 stars...

Good series, bad movie
On the commentary track of this movie, someone says that this movie tried to appeal to both the die hard fans of the movie and to potential new fans. Unfortunately, doing an extended 'myth arc' episode as a movie ends up short for both groups. The X Files movie came along at a time where the series's mythology was already, overly complicated and convoluted, so it was hard for newbies to follow the story without having to do extended research about the back story. Die hard fans, on the other hand, would find the story progresses too slowly, compared to the series. ... Read more

Description

Kelly, a 16-year-old suicide survivor, and Laura Lee, her workaholic mother, attempt to mend their fractured relationship by renting a cottage for the summer.Upon arriving, strange occurrences in the house cause Laura Lee to consult a psychiatrist who in turn brings in a psychic.Soon they come to a conclusion that it’s not the house that’s haunted but Kelly herself.It’s now up to them to rescue Kelly’s conflicted soul from its dark past. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

'Could've' been but wasn't.
I had really looked forward to this movie, but for the first half hour or so I was lost, whafted back and forth in confusion, until it started to reveal the story for what it was. It tried, oh it tried, it could've been a winner, but it wasn't.
I think they should have given 'William' the ghost more of a part than a piano playing ghost who had about 10 lines in the movie near the end. And the premise of William could have been a story in itself...but no, he simply tried to explain all the ghosts haunting the place as being one soul...really dumb.
Don't get me wrong, I like all the talent in this movie. Well acted, by all, but the story, oh the story, if only, if only, if only....

INTERSTING MOVIE
HEY IT IS AN INTERESTING MOVIEI AM FRENCH THERE IS NO SUBTITTLES BUT I ANDERSTAND ALMOST EVERYTHINGSO IT LOOK LIKE A TELE MOVIE BUT WITH VERY ATTRACTINGS TRACKSI DON T WANT TO TELL WHAT HAPPEN HEREBUT IF YOU LIKEGHOST STORYS AND MOVIES WITH GOOD CARACTERS AS MOVIES LIKE VIRGIN SUICIDEOR GHOST STORYSYOU MAYLIKE THIS ONE IT WAS NOT BORING AT ALL BUT IS NOT ALSO THE MOVIE OF THE YEARALL RIGHT FOLKS???
... Read more

Reviews (12)

An excellent animated version of an American Classic.
The animation itself is very well done, being on a par with1993's "Once Upon a Forest", and nicely conveys the variousmoods and emotions of the plot and characters. About the only real problem I noticed throughout was a slight continuity problem: sometimes Tom is barefoot in scenes where, a second before, he'd been wearing shoes. But this is just a minor thing.

While I'm not a "Pop-Country" fan, the music in this effort is, if not show-stopping, then at least pleasant to the ear without detracting from the plot and children will probably like some of the bouncier rhythms.

As a previous reviewer notes, the plot mostly follows the book with; as noted; certain concessions made to political correctness. But this does not detract from any of the characterizations or the "romance" of Tom's puppy-love-at-first-sight attraction to Becky Thatcher (and Amy Lawrence's transition from "woman-scorned" anger to resigned semi-acceptance of it is tastefully handled too) and the drama of Deputy Bean's murder by Injurin' Joe and his pursuit of Tom and Becky through Deadman's Cave.

So if you're a parent looking for a Video that both you and the kids might enjoy watching on a rainy afternoon, this is one that I can definitely recommend. (And if it gets the viewer [especially kids] interested in reading Twain's American Classics "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" too [as it did me!], then chalk that up as an added bonus!)

AWESOME ANIMATED MOVIE!
As a huge fan of American animation, I give this Disney-esque version of TOM SAWYER an "A." The backgrounds in the film are so beautiful & the characters are well drawn, too; reminded me "so" much of Disney's older films (Robin Hood, Fox & the Hound, Jungle Book, etc).

The music is awesome; the songs are very well written and a pure joy to listen to!

I still love cartoons & animation. And this version of TOM SAWYER is an awesome film that both children & adults can enjoy together.

Tom Sawyer is Great!
This movie is wonderful! I cannot believe that you can buy it new for as little as $4! It is full of great music, action packed animation and it just totally rocks.

Entertaining!
I bought this for my nephews and niece (3, 8 & 11) last Christmas. I don't care to review the animation, direction, voices or anything technical...this is just great entertainment for kids! My 3 year old nephew calls it "his movie" and we watch it 2-3 times a day. He knows the dialog, the songs and the sound effects, he LOVES IT and that is what counts!

Worth a look
Not an animated classic but a cut above a lot of the stuff that's out there. Nice animation and at least one good song (One Dream). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not too good, but not COMPLETELY horrible
In this passable action flick, a Los Angeles detective goes to Barcelona to find his sister, a model there whom he has not heard from in some time.His search for her brings him face to face with terrorists and arms merchants.

The main draw here will be the cast.Rick Schroder stars as the detective, Nick Harper.His performance is unremarkable, and the character isn't well-developed.Eric Balfour, as terrorist Saleem Haddad, tries a little harder and manages at least a little menace.Kadeem Hardison (of television's "A Different World") plays Harper's partner back in L.A., but he doesn't do much besides talk on the phone.And Dean Haglund, known to X-Files fans as Langly of the Lone Gunmen, shows up as a "sleazy photographer."

The real gem, at least for me (and most other males, I would think) is Marta Nieto, who plays Lola, another model mixed up in the craziness.It's a minor role but Nieto is simply gorgeous.It doesn't hurt that she (as Lola) is occasionally allowed to show actual emotional depth, rather than being just a one-dimensional sexpot.

There's little else worth commenting on.The story is serviceable but the dialogue is pretty bad.The movie was filmed in Barcelona, and the director wisely shot most of the scenes in the daylight, so there's some great scenery.Some of the action scenes are fair.

The main problem with the movie is that it's not good enough to really enjoy but not bad enough to laugh at.Unless you're a huge fan of Schroder or Hardison, or you want to check out Marta Nieto (who's certainly worth checking out), you'll probably want to ignore this. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Murder mystery with kung fu in old China
MASK OF DEATH (aka SHAOLIN DEVIL AND SHAOLIN ANGEL, 1979) is a well-made costume tale about a series of murders that offers just enough fighting to barely qualify as a kung fu film. Detailing the fate of a family decimated by the murders, it follows the efforts of a brother and sister to identify the murderers and avenge their family. They are helped by a secret agent, masquerading as an assassin (Wong Tao), and encounter numerous surprises along the way, culminating in a final battle with an unlikely enemy. It's packed with characters, incident, subplots and flashbacks, but, while never boring, is never very exciting either. No one bothered to string the incidents together in any cohesive order. Key people disappear for long stretches and we're not always sure who the main characters are supposed to be. When we learn finally who the villain is and why the murders occurred, it's too late to develop any dramatic tension or suspense.

Tung Wei is credited as co-fight director and also plays a young scholar who goes off, after his father's murder, to learn kung fu from a Buddhist monk. When he finally reappears to join the heroes, his kung fu doesn't help much. Overall, the fight scenes lack the vigor, imagination and relentlessness such scenes require. Wong Tao, normally quite a firebrand in his films, including THE HOT, THE COOL AND THE VICIOUS, in which he played a vaguely similar character, is too restrained here, trapped in a wig and period costume, spending too much time brooding and lamenting a childhood spent working in a brothel (seen in flashbacks). There's far more melodrama than a film like this is generally comfortable with.

All that said, however, the film is beautifully photographed, designed and costumed. It's a consistent visual treat, even when the narrative sags. The Crash Cinema DVD offers a very good letter-boxed transfer of an original print with sharp imagery and striking color. However, the print is extremely scratchy in parts, with occasional speckles and scratch lines streaking vertically through the film. Some parts, however, are not so bad and look almost pristine. The DVD case features a picture of Yasuaki Kurata, a Japanese actor/fighter who often starred in Hong Kong movies (SHAOLIN CHALLENGES NINJA), but doesn't appear in this one.

Very Good Cung fu classic, but....
This is an entertaining Kung fu flick, but it has allot of scratches and lines throughout the movie. I've seen older kung fu flicks in better condition. There was no effort in remastering it. This is the only copy of MASK OF DEATH on DVD right now so if you really want it just be aware of the condition of it.
Nuff said.

excellent film
i bought this one on a whim because it was cheap
i was not dissapointed
i'll watch again and again and again
really fun

a flick so dope it has an alias
aka "Shaolin devil, Shaolin angel", this movie is worth at least 2 titles and 5 stars. The cinematography in this movie is masterful, especially for being so old ('76), and depicts wong tao and chen sing (not my favorite of actors, but perhaps the finest work of his career)in many confrontations and battles. dvd is of great clarity and quality, except for some non-invasive, but visable verticle lines. And there is actually a descent storyline with some almost tarantino-style flashbacks. why is shoji kurata on the cover though? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Murder mystery with kung fu in old China
MASK OF DEATH (aka SHAOLIN DEVIL AND SHAOLIN ANGEL, 1979) is a well-made costume tale about a series of murders that offers just enough fighting to barely qualify as a kung fu film. Detailing the fate of a family decimated by the murders, it follows the efforts of a brother and sister to identify the murderers and avenge their family. They are helped by a secret agent, masquerading as an assassin (Wong Tao), and encounter numerous surprises along the way, culminating in a final battle with an unlikely enemy. It's packed with characters, incident, subplots and flashbacks, but, while never boring, is never very exciting either. No one bothered to string the incidents together in any cohesive order. Key people disappear for long stretches and we're not always sure who the main characters are supposed to be. When we learn finally who the villain is and why the murders occurred, it's too late to develop any dramatic tension or suspense.

Tung Wei is credited as co-fight director and also plays a young scholar who goes off, after his father's murder, to learn kung fu from a Buddhist monk. When he finally reappears to join the heroes, his kung fu doesn't help much. Overall, the fight scenes lack the vigor, imagination and relentlessness such scenes require. Wong Tao, normally quite a firebrand in his films, including THE HOT, THE COOL AND THE VICIOUS, in which he played a vaguely similar character, is too restrained here, trapped in a wig and period costume, spending too much time brooding and lamenting a childhood spent working in a brothel (seen in flashbacks). There's far more melodrama than a film like this is generally comfortable with.

All that said, however, the film is beautifully photographed, designed and costumed. It's a consistent visual treat, even when the narrative sags. The Crash Cinema DVD offers a very good letter-boxed transfer of an original print with sharp imagery and striking color. However, the print is extremely scratchy in parts, with occasional speckles and scratch lines streaking vertically through the film. Some parts, however, are not so bad and look almost pristine. The DVD case features a picture of Yasuaki Kurata, a Japanese actor/fighter who often starred in Hong Kong movies (SHAOLIN CHALLENGES NINJA), but doesn't appear in this one.

Very Good Cung fu classic, but....
This is an entertaining Kung fu flick, but it has allot of scratches and lines throughout the movie. I've seen older kung fu flicks in better condition. There was no effort in remastering it. This is the only copy of MASK OF DEATH on DVD right now so if you really want it just be aware of the condition of it.
Nuff said.

excellent film
i bought this one on a whim because it was cheap
i was not dissapointed
i'll watch again and again and again
really fun

a flick so dope it has an alias
aka "Shaolin devil, Shaolin angel", this movie is worth at least 2 titles and 5 stars. The cinematography in this movie is masterful, especially for being so old ('76), and depicts wong tao and chen sing (not my favorite of actors, but perhaps the finest work of his career)in many confrontations and battles. dvd is of great clarity and quality, except for some non-invasive, but visable verticle lines. And there is actually a descent storyline with some almost tarantino-style flashbacks. why is shoji kurata on the cover though? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Destined to be a cult classic
Cheryl Monk is outstanding playing a wanna-be actress leading her through a bizarre chain of humors events. Rice Girl is destined to become a cult classic!

Buy It!
A good family movie. Watch as Windy tries to get a part in the upcoming movie "Hooker X" and the adventure that ensues. You'll lagh out loud! Pat Morita is very funny and this is a must for X-Files/Lone Gunmen fans!

hey I want you to buy it and tell me how you like it!!
"Rice Girl" is a recent Comedy film festival winner, NOT AVAILABLE IN STOREs, Limited Edition DVD featuring your favorite actors such as Dean Haglund from the X Files, remember Langley the Lone Gunman? Pat Morita, Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid, Martin Kove is the bad instructor in the Karate kid and a hero in Rambo II. Joe Estevez from the "garbage Man" and Ian Lithgow from Third Rock from the Sun, also myself as the Rice Girl. To see the tagline and reviews go to www.imdb.com key word"rice girl" or my website, www.myricegirl.com to watch a movie trailer.here is your big fat chance to buy this hilarious independent movie, "Rice Girl" You'll love this 90 minute movie as Rice Girl rides through the mean streets of Hollywood. She is mistaken by two undercover cops for a hooker and chased by a 300 lb wrestler named "Meathead" into the DUWG fight of her life. "Rice Girl" is the best underground comedy that's good for the whole family. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Murder mystery with kung fu in old China
MASK OF DEATH (aka SHAOLIN DEVIL AND SHAOLIN ANGEL, 1979) is a well-made costume tale about a series of murders that offers just enough fighting to barely qualify as a kung fu film. Detailing the fate of a family decimated by the murders, it follows the efforts of a brother and sister to identify the murderers and avenge their family. They are helped by a secret agent, masquerading as an assassin (Wong Tao), and encounter numerous surprises along the way, culminating in a final battle with an unlikely enemy. It's packed with characters, incident, subplots and flashbacks, but, while never boring, is never very exciting either. No one bothered to string the incidents together in any cohesive order. Key people disappear for long stretches and we're not always sure who the main characters are supposed to be. When we learn finally who the villain is and why the murders occurred, it's too late to develop any dramatic tension or suspense.

Tung Wei is credited as co-fight director and also plays a young scholar who goes off, after his father's murder, to learn kung fu from a Buddhist monk. When he finally reappears to join the heroes, his kung fu doesn't help much. Overall, the fight scenes lack the vigor, imagination and relentlessness such scenes require. Wong Tao, normally quite a firebrand in his films, including THE HOT, THE COOL AND THE VICIOUS, in which he played a vaguely similar character, is too restrained here, trapped in a wig and period costume, spending too much time brooding and lamenting a childhood spent working in a brothel (seen in flashbacks). There's far more melodrama than a film like this is generally comfortable with.

All that said, however, the film is beautifully photographed, designed and costumed. It's a consistent visual treat, even when the narrative sags. The Crash Cinema DVD offers a very good letter-boxed transfer of an original print with sharp imagery and striking color. However, the print is extremely scratchy in parts, with occasional speckles and scratch lines streaking vertically through the film. Some parts, however, are not so bad and look almost pristine. The DVD case features a picture of Yasuaki Kurata, a Japanese actor/fighter who often starred in Hong Kong movies (SHAOLIN CHALLENGES NINJA), but doesn't appear in this one.

Very Good Cung fu classic, but....
This is an entertaining Kung fu flick, but it has allot of scratches and lines throughout the movie. I've seen older kung fu flicks in better condition. There was no effort in remastering it. This is the only copy of MASK OF DEATH on DVD right now so if you really want it just be aware of the condition of it.
Nuff said.

excellent film
i bought this one on a whim because it was cheap
i was not dissapointed
i'll watch again and again and again
really fun

a flick so dope it has an alias
aka "Shaolin devil, Shaolin angel", this movie is worth at least 2 titles and 5 stars. The cinematography in this movie is masterful, especially for being so old ('76), and depicts wong tao and chen sing (not my favorite of actors, but perhaps the finest work of his career)in many confrontations and battles. dvd is of great clarity and quality, except for some non-invasive, but visable verticle lines. And there is actually a descent storyline with some almost tarantino-style flashbacks. why is shoji kurata on the cover though? ... Read more