The Fantasy of the Deer Warrior [Blu-ray]

The Fantasy of the Deer Warrior Blu-ray presents Chang Ying’s extraordinary 1961 Taiwanese-language fantasy in a restored Region Free release from Klubb Super 8. Performed entirely by live-action actors in animal costumes, the film blends fable, fantasy, forest adventure and political allegory into one of the strangest and most distinctive works of Taiwanese cinema.

In a peaceful forest community, the animals live in harmony until a pack of wolves launches a violent attack. Uncle Deer sacrifices himself defending the others and sends word to his son, the Deer Warrior, who must put aside his rivalry with Elk and confront the threat facing the forest.

Incorporating elements of Aesop’s Fables and shot in the mountains of Beitou, The Fantasy of the Deer Warrior has often been read as an allegory of Taiwan under martial law. Restored in 2K by the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute from a 35mm duplicate negative, this Blu-ray edition includes commentary, video essay, gallery, essay and limited edition slipcover.

directed by: Chang Ying
starring: Ling Yun, Pai Hung, Lin Lin, Li Min-Lang, Chin-Shui Chen, Wang Ge, Hsu Yu
1961 / 87 min / Taiwanese DTS-HD MA 1.0 / 1-Disc Region Free Blu-ray with Limited Edition Slipcover