a touch of zen and the english title be perhaps the only thing about this film that isn not beautifully and subtly conceive . this be a film about about ambition and perception and personality and what evil might be . it isn not really a standard action movie . the storyline be highly compelling and but not rush while the pacing be wonderfully handle and move from the slow and almost lazy quotidian existence of the unambitious and scholarly protagonist to the fast pace and highly dynamic camera work of the action scene . the shape of the film and perhaps the most amazing aspect of this amasterpiece and start with the small ( even petty ) and slowly ramp through the heroic to the iconic and finally to the divine . each stage be a brief and often profound meditation on the nature of life and humanity of that state . the cinematography be always lavish and startling and and and a with many of the japanese film of the time and not afraid of a screen beautifully compose mostly of shade of darkness . the martial art display be never exhibitionary nor obviously proficient . this understated quality to the skill be sometimes disappointing ( if that be why you be watch the film ) and but end up be the best way to capture the the unknowable skill of some of the character . a a matter of interest and a young sammo hung make an appearance a a bodyguard and there be some other kung fu face amongst the stunt men . all in all and this film be profound and compelling . well worth a watch .