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Arts & Culture

King Hu's 'Dragon Inn' Gets Gorgeous 4K Restoration

King Hu's wuxia action masterpiece gets a glorious 4K restoration that will screen at the Ken Cinema.
Janus Films
King Hu's wuxia action masterpiece gets a glorious 4K restoration that will screen at the Ken Cinema.

The classic 1967 wuxia action film had major influence on the martial arts genre

Film Review: 'Dragon Inn' (1967)
KPBS film critic Beth Accomando reviews "Dragon Inn" (1967).

The 1967 Tawainese film Dragon Inn just received a 4K restoration. KPBS film critic Beth Accomando tells you why it’s important to see it at the Ken Cinema this week. If you don’t know the name King Hu, now’s the perfect opportunity to remedy that. Chinese filmmaker King Hu hit his prime in the 1960s and 70s making wuxia style action films in Taiwan. Dragon Inn, made in 1967, sums up everything that made Hu’s films such breathtaking delights – wandering heroes, kick-ass heroines, imperial guards, intrigue, and of course constant action. CLIP Swordplay and music A gorgeous 4K restoration opens this weekend at the Ken Cinema. It showcases Hu and Taiwanese cinema in all their glory. If you love martial arts films then you owe it to yourself to see one of the films that was a major influence on the genre. Beth Accomando KPBS News.

Companion viewing

"Come Drink With Me" (1966)

"A Touch of Zen" (1971)

"Legend of the Mountain" (1979)

The 1967 Tawainese film "Dragon Inn" just received a gorgeous 4K restoration and opens May 20 at Landmark's Ken Cinema for a week.

If you don’t know the name King Hu, now’s the perfect opportunity to remedy that.

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Chinese filmmaker King Hu hit his prime in the 1960s and '70s making wuxia style action films in Taiwan. "Dragon Inn," made in 1967, sums up everything that made Hu’s films such delirious delights — wandering heroes, kick-ass heroines, imperial guards, intrigue and of course, constant action.

The stunning restoration showcases Hu and Taiwanese cinema in all their glory. If you love martial arts films, then you owe it to yourself to see one of the works that had major influence on the genre.