Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain is a 1983 Hong Kong fantasy film directed by Tsui Hark. The film is based on the 64-volume Epic of the Mountains and Seas, a Chinese literary classic written during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE).
The story follows Ti, a young warrior who stumbles upon a world of magic and ancient gods when he seeks refuge in the Zu mountains. He teams up with Ting Yin, a powerful swordsman and spiritual master, and the two set out on a dangerous quest to find two magical swords that can defeat the Blood Demon, a malevolent force that threatens to destroy the world.
Along the way, they meet Hsiao Yu, a reclusive monk who is also seeking the swords, and his assistant Yi Chen. Despite their mutual goal, Ting and Hsiao are at odds with each other, and it falls to Ti and Yi Chen to work together to obtain the swords.
As they journey through the mystical realm of Zu, Ti and Yi Chen encounter a host of magical beings, including Long Brows, a winged creature who becomes their guide. They must also contend with the machinations of the Blood Demon, who employs a number of powerful minions to stop them.
Meanwhile, Ting falls in love with a countess named Nieh Hsiao-Tsing, who is caught up in the midst of a civil war that rages across China. As the battle between good and evil intensifies, Ti and Yi Chen face impossible odds to save their world from destruction.
Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain is notable for its groundbreaking special effects, innovative use of wirework and stunts, and stunning visual style. The film was a critical and commercial success in Hong Kong, and went on to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and fantasy genre enthusiasts.