The legend behind Circle of Iron (aka The Silent Flute) goes a little something like this: Bruce Lee envisioned a pet project that would symbolically illustrate his zen philosophies and beliefs. It was going to be his greatest achievement, his lasting gift to the world. Collaborating with friend James Coburn, the film was conceived but was passed over by the studios.

Five years after his untimely death, Lee's vision project was finally made. Whether or not it's truely his vision, the world will never know. One thing is for sure though - this is one confusing, self indulgent and often tedious film.

The story revolves around Cord the Seeker (Jeff Cooper) embarking on a vision quest of sorts as he looks for some wizard named Zetan and his Book of All Knowledge. Cord encounters several challenges, all of which include David Carradine throwing moves in bizarre costumes.

In the world of film, bringing a deeply personal vision to the screen usually results in one of two things: universal championing or career-lasting ridicule. Pulp Fiction aside, John Travolta will never get over Battlefield Earth. D.W. Griffith's Intolerance, his response to his critics for The Brith of a Nation, pretty much sealed his fate as a filmmaker. The list could continue on and on with names like Chaplin, Wells and many others. Lee's legacy isn't tarnished a whole lot by Circle of Iron largely because he's not in it. However, had it been made during his lifetime, it makes me think "What if?"

Intentions aside, Cirlce of Iron is confusing and filled with some weak fight scenes. Admittedly, I probably just didn't "get" the philosophy. Does that excuse the film? Not in my books, although I could understand that some people will likely find Circle of Iron profound. Not able to get it, I found my attention turned to the action. Jeff Cooper is not convincing as the mythical hero Cord. Add to that several scenes that are more cartoonish than philosophical and Circle of Iron quickly became and remained a mess.

DVD Features

Although I may not have enjoyed, Circle of Iron, it doesn't mean that the film doesn't have its fans. Like it has with other cult catalog titles, Blue Underground's two-disc "Kick Ass" Ediiton has brought together a nice collection of extras for the DVD's target crowd.

The film is presented in a remastered widescreen format. While there is the occasional scratch and dirt, overall the picture is spectacular. It is clean and sharp with vivid colours.

Depending on your home theatre set-up, there's guaranteed to be an audio track that will suit your needs. There's both a Dolby Digital Surround EX 5.1 and a 6.1 DTS-ES English track as well as a Dolby Surround 2.0 track. For purists, there's also the original mono audio and a dubbed French track. Sutitles are offer in Spanish only.

There's a fascinating commentary track from director Richard Moore. Blue Underground's David Gregory leads the discussion, asking Moore questions. The result is a track that gets into not only the making of the film, but the history and context that was lost to me watching the film initially.

"Playing the Silent Flute" is a 14-minute interview with star David Carradine where he speaks frankly about his work on the film. "The Producer" follows a similar path, only with co-producer Paul Maslansky instead. Finally, there's a third interview featurette with martial arts coordinator Joe Lewis entitled "Karate Master." Both the Maslansky and Lewis interviews run about 30 minutes. Co-writer Stirling Silliphant provides a 25-minute audio interview. Collectively, these interviews provide a little more meaning to the film.

Additional features include an essay on Bruce Lee, both international and U.S. trailers, three TV spots, a poster and stills gallery; and a copy of the first draft of the script written by Bruce Lee, James Coburn and Stirling Silliphant (DVD-ROM).

Buy the DVD.

©Movie Views; May 19, 2007

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