To Kill a Mastermind
directed by Chung Sun
starring Wei-Hao Teng, Sheng Lo
Martial arts movies sometimes get a bad rap for not having much in the way of a plot. In many cases this is a feature, not a bug, but other times you want something more complex than rudimentary revenge plots. If that’s what you’re looking for, you have found it in To Kill a Mastermind. While far from a deep story, it is nonetheless a pulpy pot-boiler with plenty of intrigue, subterfuge, and secret identities to keep you engaged and entertained between the fight scenes.
The mysterious and evil Qi Sha clan has risen from the ashes and is again at full strength following the induction of three new members. These new acolytes are tested in combat in the clan’s secret underground lair adorned with banners laying out the clan’s commandments, all of which are punishable by death. From the opening titles you know these are not people to be taken lightly. The clan is run by a leader whose identity is secret even to his most loyal followers. Unbeknownst to the Qi Sha clan, the government has managed to infiltrate their ranks with three spies. One would assume the three new inductees were the spies, but that would be far too easy. The identities of the spies are as closely guarded as the identity of the supreme leader, but once things start going awry in the clan paranoia runs rampant, tearing the gang apart as they destroy each other trying to figure out who has betrayed them.
Of course all the plot in the world is secondary to the fights in a kung fu movie, and To Kill a Mastermind does not disappoint in that department. The fights are well choreographed and shot with no shortage of weird and wonderful weapons, including swords, razor discs, steel wrist rings, and even a dart shooting backpack! The film, directed by Sun Chung, often feels less like a standard Shaw Brothers film and more like a Western pulp story with all the subterfuge, secret societies, and subterranean lairs complete with explosive booby traps. The whole affair is presented with a great deal of panache and flair and is an absolute blast to watch.
For decades To Kill a Mastermind has been a top wish list film for kung fu fans, and the wait is finally over. The film does not disappoint, proving to be a deliriously fun martial arts movie that has for far too long been hidden from view.
