Circle of Iron (1979)
The Silent Flute
Nomination Year: 1994
SYNOPSIS: It is rumored that somewhere in a far-off land, a powerful martial-artist holds a book in which is answered all of life's mysteries. Each year, the tribes of the land send out their most adept warrior to face the gauntlet of grueling Tests which lead eventually to this great Keeper of the Book. Thus far, none have returned. Skilled but inexperienced Cord narrowly loses the "best warrior" contest, and he's none too happy about it. He follows the winner and, when the winner is defeated by the first Test, Cord claims the winner's medallion and continues the Tests himself. Early on, he encounters a blind, flute-toting beggar who seems to possess far greater skill than even Cord himself. Cord faces challenge after bizarre challenge, eventually confronting the Keeper of the Book himself. What does Cord learn is the Ultimate Secret? Himself. Big flipping deal. All we learn is that the whole film is really Zen. This was meant to be a Bruce Lee film, but he died before making it and David Carridine took over.
Bryan Cassidy
Richard Moore
Christopher Lee
