Cast
View All
David Carradine
as The Blind Man / Monkeyman / Death / Changsha
Jeff Cooper
as Cord
Christopher Lee
as Zetan
Roddy McDowall
as White Robe
Eli Wallach
as Man-in-Oil
Anthony De Longis
as Morthond
Earl Maynard
as Black Giant
Erica Creer
as Tara
Michael M. Vendrell
as Martial Artist
Leo Whang
as Martial Artist
Donnie Williams
as Martial Artist
Robert Gardner
as Martial Artist
Tom Ascensio
as Martial Artist
Heinz Bernard
as Ferryman (uncredited)
Vincent Di Paolo
as Warrior (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Richard Moore
Producer
- Sandy Howard
- Paul Maslansky
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Fantasy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Circle of Iron distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Richard Moore brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Circle of Iron took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Circle of Iron shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu - Day of the Departed, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Circle of Iron subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Joe Bullet and Resident Evil: Apocalypse explore similar territory, Circle of Iron stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 25, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 42m
Where to Watch
