Seven Swords

Seven Swords

Chinese, English subtitles

2005, 154 minutes

5 Stars

Can you say Seven Samurai in Chinese? Can you say Magnificent Seven in Chinese? Rainy Day can (well, sort of) it's Chat Gim or Seven Swords. An edict from the Manchurian Emperor bans all martial arts, and any who practice it are killed and a hefty reward is given the killer. Seven come together to save the village, and unlike the two previously mentioned movies, this one has a somewhat happier ending for all seven. There are lots of great fight scenes, and a few times time seems to disconnect, but not enough to pass. Like Seven Samurai, it starts slow and builds. Do watch it in Chinese with subtitles. Based on the novel, Seven Swordsmen of Mountain Tian by Yusheng Liang, it is an epic journey through northern China and lots of great fight scenes.

Click here for a trailer

Legend of the Black Scorpion (Hamlet in Martial Arts))

Legend of the Black Scorpion

Chinese, English subtitles

2006, 131 minutes

5 Stars

Oh, ye who love Shakespeare, miss not this film! Hamlet with martial arts. It is wonderful! If you don't know Shakespeare, this is a great introduction to same, Rainy Day thinks. If you do know Shakespeare, you are in for a treat. It is not a word for word adaptation, but the broad story is here, and recognizable. Beautifully photographed, great costumes, wonderful fight scenes. A feast for the senses, don't mis it!

There are a few trailers out there, here is one.

An Empress and the Warriors

An Empress and the Warriors

Chinese, English Subtitles

2008, 99 minutes

4 Stars

For story, Rainy Day gives it 3 stars, for cinematography, battle scenes, and costumes, she gives it 5 stars. It's the old story of Daddy/King is killed by a treacherous cousin; daughter takes the throne with the help of a trusted friend and General. The battles are epic, and great fun to watch, she falls in love with someone else, a commoner, and, oh, well, it's a great way to wile away some time. Rainy Day does suggest a glass or two of your favorite libation with this one. 

There are several trailers out there, here is one.