The Phoenix (1978)
8/10
A tantalising bounty of oriental mischief
11 July 2006
This film is alternatively titled as "War of the Wizards". The story is creative, well developed and captivating. Special effects are ambitious for the budget and production era.

This innovative and highly creative fantasy paradigm that has sadly sunk to obscurity. Swimming in the murky depths of a village port, our hero Ty (a budding scholar) stumbles upon a magical vessel lost by the gods. Upon discovering the special properties of the artifact he uses it's powers to improve his lifestyle. From humble fisherman to noble lord in a matter of days, few question how Ty generates a copious amount of wealth. Upsetting the socioeconomic complacency of locals (who know doubt damaged their teeth while chewing on magical silver) robbers soon start pouring out of the rafters to spoil Ty's frivolity. After Ty avoids several assassination attempts, thanks to a handy pair of chopsticks, he decides to marry two ravishing women to act as his bodyguards. This arouses disquiet in the local magic wielding fortune tellers. His vessel subsequently falls into the clutches of a malevolent witch heralding the beginning of the real adventure.
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