The Face Behind the Mask
When the three most feared fighters in the land are defeated by The First Family and leader Chen Tien Wei is elected Chief of the Martial World, the treachery that follows will find the noble leader attempting to uncover the traitor that has poisoned the clan from the inside in a dazzling martial arts epic from Chen Chi Hua. "Militant Dragon and Tiger," "Devil Stars," and "Three Horrid Mice" have tormented the countryside for far too long. Upon their defeat at the hands of the First Family, Wei is elected Chief of the Martial World by the grateful population of the Chinese countryside. His house subsequently beset upon by a malevolent band of anonymous fighters and vengeful wizards who seek to destabilize Wei's reign, Wei must now seek out the betrayer who lurks in his midst and restore his honor before his rule collapses under the weight of disloyalty
Insights
Plot Summary
A hardened criminal, serving a lengthy prison sentence, harbors a secret desire to become a television personality. He believes his unique perspective and past experiences could make for compelling television. As his release date approaches, he begins to devise a plan to achieve his dream, navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry while confronting his own demons and the prejudices of society.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to negative reception upon its release, with critics largely divided on its premise and execution. While some appreciated the unconventional subject matter and Robert Lansing's performance, many found the plot contrived and the pacing uneven. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, failing to capture a significant following.
What Reviewers Say
- Robert Lansing delivers a committed performance as a criminal seeking fame.
- The film's exploration of celebrity and redemption is considered underdeveloped.
- Pacing issues and an unrealistic premise hindered its overall impact.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available indicate a general lack of engagement with the film's narrative and characters.
Fun Fact
Theodore J. Flicker, known for his work on 'The Andy Griffith Show,' directed this less successful foray into darker dramatic territory.
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