vinsond21 I viewed this movie 25 years ago, when it was screened at the Singapore International Film Festival. Director Shirley Sun was on hand to introduce her film, a beautifully-rendered autobiographical work made more meaningful by having the author Mark Salzman play himself. It's an engaging tale of a young American and a fan of kung fu movies, who goes to China to teach English and learns Wushu (martial arts in Chinese) in the process. The entire cast is charming, and so is the city of Hangzhou where the movie was shot. This movie would be perfect as a double feature with Ang Lee's Pushing Hands, also about Wushu and cultural differences.

youneedsome This is a film about a young man who finds himself visiting China just after China was opened to the west. Mark Salzman plays himself in this autobiographical film about his cross-cultural adventure overseas. 'Teacher Mark' teaches English and wants to study kung-fu under Master Pan, a kung-fu legend even in America, who was immortalized in movies. Master Pan's reluctance to teach him kung-fu drives him even more and the friendship that develops between them provides substance for this movie. A love interest surfaces and together all of these elements don't really add up to a blockbuster but you will find is a story with a lot of heart. The acting is substandard but any kung-fu fan or film enthusiast will appreciate what the movie offers. Don't expect a slick production or big time special effects and you should have fun with this movie about the fulfillment of a dream and one young man's uncommon achievement.

Chris Moran (tsnake) One of my best friends introduced this book to me around 1988 or so. I read it and loved it... 1990 came and I was in NY going to college when this premiered in NYC. I couldn't make it to the city to see it and I was sorely saddened.Eventually I did get a chance to see it in a more "artsy" theater and was happy to go. It's NOT a flashy high production value movie, but still the filming was as good as I'd expect, or even demand for this film.My original interest in the topic had more to do with the kung fu aspect of it, and for that you won't be let down, unless you NEED flash. There aren't fight scenes beyond the typical training and sparring, all of which are impressive and real. Seeing the young boy in the training hall execute such awe inspiring techniques and Master Pan being a hard-ass was excellent.The love interest theme was a draw too. My memory of the book (sitting on my shelf at home unread for a loooong time) is thin, so I don't recall how deep it went.It was short, but I like long movies.I also bought the VHS of this movie.

greenveg This movie was one of the best that I have see in a long time. Provides excellent insight into Chinese culture and life. The main character, Mark, provides exceptional acting and teaching Pan is most definetaly a role model to look up to. Chinese accents just make it more believable. Oscar-worthy material. If you have to see one film, see this one, it won't let you down!