Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Holy Flame of the Martial World Blu-ray Movie Review

Holy Flame of the Martial World is a remarkable fantasy-action classic. Presented by Run Run Shaw (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Disciples of the 36th Chamber), Holy Flame of the Martial World is based on a story by Sang Siu. Produced by Mona Fong (Lifeline, Painted Faces), Holy Flame of the Martial World is beloved as a classic in the Shaw Brothers cinematic legacy. Featuring an impressive cast including the likes of Leanne Lau, Mok Siu-Chung, Jason Piao Pai, and Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok.

The story centers on a brother and sister who team up to seek revenge for the murders of their beloved parents. After losing their parents, the siblings decide it is up to them to seek vengeance and get justice the old-fashioned way. Bloody revenge seems to be the only option to find catharsis.

The tale takes the siblings on an expectedly dangerous mission. The pair must utilize the powers of the legendary Holy Flame technique in order to try and defeat their opponents. Can the Holy Flame technique prove to be the perfect method to achieve vengeance served cold?

The ensemble cast of characters in Holy Flame of the Martial World includes Omei Sect Chief Tsing Yin (Leanne Lau), Yin Tien-chou (Mok Siu-Chung), Monster Yu (Jason Piao Pai), You-ming Elder (Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok), Tuan Yun-hsiu (Siu-Kwan Lau), Tu Chuan-erh (Jing-Jing Yung), Yin Tan-Feng (Ching-Ching Yeung), Sun Yu-fung (Li-Ling Liao), Yuan Chieh-Feng (Tsui-Ling Yu), and Kid Golden Snake (Hsueh-Erh Wen). The cast has a lot of fun with their respective roles. The leads play well alongside the supporting cast members. The end result is an engaging and fun time with the actors delving into the fantasy and action aspects of the production in good measure.

The production features impressive design elements. Holy Flame of the Martial World features art direction by Ching-Shen Chen (The Tiger and the Widow, How to Choose a Royal Bride) and set decoration by Chien Sheng Ho (Brothers from the Walled City). The production is so well done. Everything about the designs fit the film perfectly and there is so much to appreciate.

The costumes by Yuen-Yee Ho (Love with the Perfect Stranger, The Flying Mr. B) and Chi-Yu Liu (Tiger Killer, The Lady Assassin) are excellent. The designs add a lot to the production. Each character – the leads and supporting – have an elegance the costumes help showcase. In Holy Flame of the Martial World, the costumes help contrast to the fantasy elements and the bright and vivid colors used are noteworthy against the visual effects.

The stunts coordinated by Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok (The Sword Stained with Royal Blood, Two Champions of Death) and Tak Yuen (The Lady Assassin, The Master Strikes Back) impress. An outstanding, engaging, and fun action spectacle. The action is creative and thrilling. There is an experimental style to some of the scenes and the choreographers have fun mixing the action well alongside these visual flourishes.

The score composed by Chin-Yung Shing (Perils of the Sentimental Swordsman, Mercenaries from Hong Kong) and Chen-Hou Su (Hong Kong Godfather, Bastard Swordsman) is engaging and full of charm. The score brings gravitas to the action. The music elevates the tempo and brings the action to the forefront of the filmmaking.

The cinematography by Chin-Chiang Ma (Banana Spirit, Bastard Swordsman) is one of the most valuable elements of the production. Ma is a gifted cinematographer. The cinematography has elegant style and there is so much vibrancy to the visual effects. The cinematographer used the visuals to highlight these engaging, colorful, and warm elements of the film. The end result is something visually unique.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (The Love Eterne, The Avenging Eagle), Shao Kuang Liu (New Tales of the Flying Fox, Bastard Swordsman), and Chen-Kuo Su (Bastard Swordsman, Return of the Bastard Swordsman), Holy Flame of the Martial World is well-paced action-packed entertainment. A production matched with good cuts, the editing aids the filmmaking, and helps to highlight the spectacle of the film in spades. A sharp editorial eye aids the action.

Written by Kwok-Yuen Cheung (Body Weapon, Fist of Fury) and Chun-Ku Lu (Dreaming the Reality, The Lady Assassin), Holy Flame of the Martial World is a blast of a script. The script has a lot of fun with an experimental style inherit in the story. The fantasy elements go well alongside the action. A fun and engaging cast of characters.

Directed by Chun-Ku Lu (The Dragon Fighter, Bastard Swordsman), Holy Flame of the Martial World is a wonderful creative achievement. Holy Flame of the Martial World is a bit trippy with outstanding and engaging visuals. The visual showcase ebbs and flows between martial arts action and the fantastical. Holy Flame of the Martial World is all the better because of it. Shaw Brothers fans won’t want to miss Holy Flame of the Martial World.

Holy Flame of the Martial World Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Holy Flame of the Martial World is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The high-definition presentation features a quality transfer of the feature-film. The largely filmic presentation looks crisp and engaging.

Colors "pop" on the release and the visuals are robust during the high-definition presentation. The cinematography shines on the release. The encoding capably preserves the action sequencing. The image is free from egregious problems with dirt, debris, and other similar imperfections. The visual fidelity is impressive throughout.

Holy Flame of the Martial World Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Cantonese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. The lossless audio quality adds something special to the presentation. The audio quality is crisp and clear throughout. The audio presentation capably preserves the soundtrack. The score is a nice highlight of the release. The English subtitles are well-done and free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

Holy Flame of the Martial World Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Film Critic James Mudge

Fire and Slice – Interview with Veteran Shaw Actor Chu Ke (HD, 8:31)

Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 5:17) presented with video only. The trailer is missing the original audio reel.

Celestial Trailer (HD, 1:06)

Holy Flame of the Martial World Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Holy Flame of the Martial World is a thrilling spectacle from Shaw Brothers. The classic martial arts gem is a must-see for genre fans. The production has a lot of whimsy with the fantastical. The cast is terrific. Well worth seeing. The Blu-ray includes an audio commentary, an interview with actor Chu Ke, and a selection of trailers. Highly recommended.