Circle of Iron
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Bruce Lee, James Coburn, Stirling Silliphant (original screenplay creators) |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Martial arts fantasy film |
Circle of Iron is a 1978 martial arts fantasy film helmed by director Richard Moore. The screenplay was co-developed by Bruce Lee, who initially planned to play the lead role but withdrew due to complications during pre-production. Also referred to as The Silent Flute, the narrative was originally created in 1969 by Lee, James Coburn, and Stirling Silliphant. Following Lee's passing in 1973, the script was finalized by Silliphant alongside Stanley Mann, with the lead role recast to Kung Fu actor David Carradine. Principal photography took place between October and December 1977, featuring prominent performers including Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, and Christopher Lee.
Plot
During a martial arts competition, combatants vie for the opportunity to face Zetan, a mystical wizard who protects a tome of enlightenment believed to hold all knowledge. Cord, a boastful barbarian warrior, dominates the contest but is disqualified due to unsportsmanlike behavior. Determined, he trails the victor, Morthond, aiming to reach Zetan himself.
Cord encounters a blind flute player who effortlessly overcomes assailants. Fascinated, Cord requests tutelage from him; initially declining, the blind man eventually consents after presenting several lessons through enigmatic riddles and experiential challenges.
Cord assists an injured Morthond and undergoes various ordeals including battles against a tribe led by the Monkeyman and interactions with ascetics seeking enlightenment through extreme practices. He resists numerous temptations, notably from Chang-Sha, leader of a festival, and his wife Tara, whose later crucifixion fuels Cord’s determination.
After confronting visions of Death and enduring further trials with the blind man—who imparts essential wisdom—Cord duels Chang-Sha in a match that ends without a clear victor but receives guidance on locating Zetan.
Upon arriving at Zetan’s island, Cord discovers that the book of enlightenment contains only mirrors, symbolizing that genuine wisdom resides within oneself. Offered the responsibility of guardian, Cord declines and leaves with newfound tranquility, inheriting the blind man’s flute and assuming the role of teacher.
Bruce Lee's inspiration
Bruce Lee intended this film as an engaging introduction to Eastern philosophy combined with martial arts. In an introduction to the script, he stated:
The narrative highlights a fundamental contrast between Eastern and Western perspectives. The average Westerner might be captivated by someone catching flies with chopsticks yet dismiss it as unrelated to combat skill. In contrast, the Eastern viewpoint recognizes that mastery of such an art reflects presence of mind in every action...True mastery transcends any single discipline.
Following Lee’s departure from the project, the original screenplay was revised to replace certain violent scenes with elements of humor.
Cast
- David Carradine as The Blind Man / The Monkeyman / Death / Chang-Sha
- Christopher Lee as Zetan
- Jeff Cooper as Cord
- Roddy McDowall as White Robe
- Eli Wallach as The Man-In-Oil
- Anthony De Longis as Morthond
- Earl Maynard as Black Giant
- Erica Creer as Tara
Box office
Within the United States market, the movie generated theatrical rental revenues amounting to , which corresponds to an estimated total box office intake of roughly .
Critical response
Critics predominantly expressed unfavorable opinions about the film, highlighting substandard performances and martial arts sequences; however, it has since garnered a dedicated cult audience. Currently, it holds a 38% "rotten" score on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from seven critic reviews.
Regarding its Blu-ray edition, reviewer Dave Kehr commented: "(...) this film is a somewhat entertaining martial arts tale filmed in Israel, where the desert scenery imparts an oddly biblical tone to the Eastern philosophical themes. (...) Under the lackluster direction of cinematographer Richard Moore (“The Wild Angels”), “Circle of Iron” fails to impress as a cinematic work but serves as a nostalgic reminder of the modest enjoyments (emphasis on modest) characteristic of pre-blockbuster action films, when production budgets were more closely aligned with creative aspirations."
Home media
The movie became available on DVD on September 28, 2004, followed by a Blu-ray release on May 19, 2009, through Blue Underground. The DVD edition includes special features such as audio commentary by director Richard Moore, an interview with lead actor David Carradine titled "Playing The Silent Flute," a retrospective on the project by Davis Miller & Klae Moore, and the original screenplay draft authored by Bruce Lee, James Coburn & Stirling Silliphant (accessible via DVD-ROM). The Blu-ray release offers additional content including interviews with co-producer Paul Maslansky, martial arts coordinator Joe Lewis, and an audio discussion featuring co-writer Stirling Silliphant.