Taoist Master: Kylin (2020)

"Truth and falsity mix in this world"

Taoist Master: Kylin was a sequel in the telling of Zhang Dao Ling’s story, the founder of the Way of the Celestial Masters sect of Taoism. In this direct to video film Zhang was not only searching for the root of the Tao, but also the mountain god credited with scaring two hunters to death.

The cinematography of the mountains and river where the story takes place was lovely. Disappointingly, the story lacked the same care. Zhang and his disciple Wang come to Mount Yun Jing during their travels. Two men were found dead on the mystical mountain. Determining they were scared to death, Zhang promises the mother of one of the men that he will find what killed them. From there he meets a corrupt official, the Drug Master and his crew, the Elder, a man driven insane by the mountain god, and a strangely wise beggar. Zhang Dao Ling sets to discovering the secrets of the mountain and the Tao.

Taoist Master felt more like a very special episode of Scooby Doo about the dangers of magic mushrooms. Aside from Louis Fan’s ZDL, few of the other characters were memorable. There were a couple of fights but they were ruined by slow motion and stop motion shots, or overcranked shots, and way too close of close-ups. What could have proved to be an interesting fantasy tale was brought crashing down to earth in Scooby Doo fashion. The villagers at one point all but said, "meddling kids/priest!" Full disclosure, I love spiritual dramas whether they are about my faith or not. I’m fascinated by early pioneers who walked the earth or sat on mountaintops or meditated under a tree and would have relished this short film if it had been more about Zhang’s spiritual enlightenment. The writers tacked on that element after the underwhelming mystery was solved:

“As long as you have a heart for the Tao, you understand the world.
The mountains and rivers are not under your feet but inside your heart.”

10/11/23

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