Is The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

📖 The Core Premise

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu returns to the screen in 1980, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy, Horror, Crime genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Fu Manchu's 168th birthday celebration is dampened when a hapless flunky spills Fu's age-regressing elixir vitae. Fu sends his lackeys to round up ingredients for a new batch of elixir, starting with the Star of Leningrad diamond, nabbed from a Soviet exhibition in Washington. The FBI sends agents Capone and Williams to England to confer with Nayland Smith, an expert on Fu."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Peter Sellers feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Horror, Crime films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 108 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.