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David Carradine, Jeff Cooper, Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, Erica Creer ... see more see more... , Christopher Lee , Anthony De Longis , Earl Maynard , Zipora Peled , Jeremy Kaplan , Michael M. Vendrell , Dov Friedman

This symbol-laden drama explores the inner mythology of martial arts practice and is based on a Bruce Lee story idea. The original screenplay was written by Bruce Lee, with help from actor James Cobur... read more read more...n and screenwriter Stirling Silliphant. Lee was to take on the four-in-one role of guide in his film, leaving the hero's role to someone else. Following Bruce Lee's tragic death, the film was rewritten. David Carradine stepped in to play the mysterious guides to aspiring martial arts master Cord (Jeff Cooper). Cord lives in a desert-like world where nearly everyone he meets practices or has practised a martial art. He seeks to find the place where the true inner spirit of the martial arts is being taught. In a story which is imbued with Zen maxims and Asian philosophy, when Cord finally arrives, he finds less (and more) than he hoped for. While there are many combat and fight scenes, the general tone of the film is meditative. Cameo appearances by Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, and Christopher Lee supply many of the film's highlights. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Flixster Users

50% liked it

2,774 ratings

Critics

43% liked it

7 critics

R, 1 hr. 42 min.

Directed by: Richard Moore

Release Date: January 19, 1979

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DVD Release Date: September 28, 2004

Stats: 123 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (123)

  • ythelastman89
    March 2, 2010
    ythelastman89
    One of the most bizarre, silly and amazing kung-fu movies. Much like with Enter The Dragon, this is another influence of Mortal Kombat. To say that Bruce Lee would have been better in David Carradine's role(s) is a completely crazy. Carradine is less about the actual skill and mo... read morere about creating a character and is certainly a better actor. Some of the actions in this movie are downright disturbing, the character of Cord is always laughing and running around like a complete madman. However, this is a must see movie that should be viewed in the context of when it came out.
  • Beefy
    September 24, 2006
    Beefy
    Cheeserific!
  • leathermines
    July 30, 2007
    leathermines
    One of the movies that I will always have in my collection. It is a teaching movie as well as entertainment.
  • mattakunobaka
    June 15, 2007
    mattakunobaka
    Bruce Lee wrote the story. He died. His followers, including David Carradine and James Coburn, put the story on film for him.

    All the best stories are mythological. This is one of them.
  • rune081624
    June 3, 2007
    rune081624
    One of the best martial arts films of the 1970's, this film was written by Bruce Lee, Stirling Siliphant, and James Coburn, and features David Carradine in multiple roles. The only zen sword-and-sorcery film!

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Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson
July 6, 2007
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

Without Lee's charisma or guidance, the movie never sparks to life. Full Review

Ryan Cracknell
June 10, 2007
Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views

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

Bill Gibron
May 24, 2007
Bill Gibron, PopMatters

By downplaying the physical and emphasizing the cerebral (or in some cases, the spiritual) Lee was looking to take the genre to another level. For that alone (Circle of Iron) is very important. Full Review

Shane Burridge
January 1, 2000
Shane Burridge, rec.arts.movies.reviews

(The) total lack of unity, while seen as CIRCLE OF IRON's greatest liability, could also, however, be its biggest asset

Janet Maslin
May 9, 2005
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
October 8, 2005
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
August 21, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Michael Szymanski
April 27, 2003
Michael Szymanski, Zap2it.com

No review available.

Derek Adams
February 9, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

May 24, 2003
Film4

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Circle of Iron Trivia

  • What Actor wrote "Circle of Iron" AKA. "The Silent Flute" with Bruce Lee?  Answer »
  • This one is for hardcore martial arts fans. Who wrote the screenplay 'The Silent Flute' with Stirling Siliphant, which was later made into a film called 'Circle of Iron' starring David Carradine?  Answer »
  • Which actor played the lead role in Circle of Iron?  Answer »
  • The movie "Circle Of Iron" (1978) was written by James Coburn, Stirling Silliphant and which martial arts hero ?   Answer »
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