Flying Swords of Dragon Gate

2012

122 minutes

Mandarin, good subtitles

5 Stars

For the story, it doesn't rate many stars, but for the photography, the marvelous fight scenes, the costumes, and the laughs, oh yes, the laughs, it's a 5 Star movie. As one reviewer said, it's a "high octane, wuxia free for all" – there are NO laws of physics or gravity in this. The plot (I think there was a plot) had a few holes, but the fight scenes, the costumes, and the laughs. Oh, yeah, this is a terrific and fun movie. Did I mention it stars Jet Li? I watched this movie the other day, and I'm still chuckling. 

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War of the Arrows

2011

122 minutes

Korean, excellent English subtitles

5 Stars

This is an epic story. It is violent, dark, and a story of the hunt. The Manchurians/Mongols invade the Korean town on Ja-In's wedding day. Her brother and guardian, Nam-Yi is out hunting, and the town is decimated, with many killed, and many taken as slaves. Ja-In is taken, and the hunt is on as Nam-Yi and a few cohorts he finds go to the rescue. What makes this movie different from many is the actual humanness of the characters. Their fear and panic shows. Personally, I think I would have knocked Ja-In out to shut her up, but in her culture she was probably quite normal. The beginning is a bit long and I nearly stopped watching at 30 minutes, but came back later and finished the movie. I'm glad I did.

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Battle of the Warriors

2006

133 minutes

Mandarin, excellent English subtitles

5 Stars

Rainy Day has a confession to make: Just about anything with Andy Lau will get a five star rating, and just about any movie that takes place during the Warring States Period that she can find will be watched. This movie has both. Some great battle scenes, aerial battles (yes!), thousands of horses and extras, and some excellent swordfights. The Zhau army, on their way to invade another state, decide to conquer the city state of Liang, which stands in the way. Enter Ge Li, our hero, who comes a Mohist and turns the tide battle, only to be betrayed by the king whose kingdom he just saved.  Directed by JCL Cheung, who also directed Hero. Lots of fun.

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Movie

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame

2010

119 minutes

5 Stars

Well, color me embarrassed. I thought I was ordering a Judge Dee movie (there aren't any) but ordered Detective Dee instead. What a marvelous mistrake! Yes, there are times when you will have to suspend your disbelief, but, oh what a ride this movie will give you. It is based on the Chinese folk hero Di Renjie, though I'm sure this was a situation he never faced. Lots of great special effects, a fun plot, good fight scenes, I watched it in Mandarin with English subtitles, and had no problem reading and following the movie. Great fight scenes, good plot, great costumes and sets, a fun movie.

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Blades of Blood

2010
108 minutes
4 Stars
R for violence

I think a little knowledge of Korean history would have been a help to following parts of this movie. There were times when I felt the director assumed I was Korean, and knew how to fill in the plot holes. However, I thought it a well-acted movie, and I loved the costuming and photography. Some great comedy, whether intentional or not, and some pretty good fight scenes. The fight scenes were well choreographed and photographed. If you like Asian martial arts movies, you'll probably like this one. The characters are likable, and some downright cute.  This is also a coming of age movie, in the best sense thereof. The music wonderful. For those of you who enjoy the Zatoichi movies, there is even a blind fighter.

Trailer