The Magic Crane (1993)
“Cause and Effect - is Kama”
On his way to a congress of kung fu masters, an initiate falls from a high cliff, only to be rescued by lovely Tien Lam (Anita Mui), who rides a huge crane. The rest of the movie features a battle between warring martial arts factions, an equally fierce rivalry between the two daughters of the Crane Master, the accidental empowerment of an unprincipled master after having eaten half of a secret scroll, a battle with an immense tortoise whose spleeny vapors save a group of poisoned swordsmen, lots of great aerial fights against nearly invincible villains, and the usual blood spurting from assorted mouths.
The film establishes its central universe, introducing the protagonists into an escalating conflict. Directed by Benny Chan, this opening movement establishes high visual and thematic stakes that set the narrative journey into motion.
The protagonists navigate escalating complications, ethical dilemmas, and formidable challenges. Starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Anita Mui Yim-Fong, Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam, the middle act intensifies dramatic momentum toward an inevitable turning point.
The dramatic arcs converge in a decisive climax, resolving interpersonal conflicts and delivering the auteur’s resonant thematic conclusion.
Tony Leung Chiu-wai
as Ma Kwun-Mo
Anita Mui Yim-Fong
as Pak Wan-Fai
Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam
as Butterfly Lam
Lawrence Ng
as So Pang Hoi
Damian Lau Chung-Yan
as Yat Yeung-Tze
Norman Tsui Siu-Keung
as Lam Hoi-Ping
Jay Lau Kam-Ling
as Lady Jade Flute
Lau Shun
as Reverend of Tai Kok Temple
Vindy Chan Wai-Yee
as Chun Ngor
Zhang Tielin
as General Tsao HungCinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 93 min |
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