wolfe_mac5 This Martial Arts Ming Dynasty thriller 14 Blades(2010) launches into full swing with help from kung fu specialist Donnie Yen (Qing Long). The action packed story is based around the exploits of Qing Long, the commander general of the Jin Yi Wei elite assassin force. These specialized Ming Dynasty King bodyguards were originally orphan children trained to serve and protect the emperor. Qing Long faces espionage, corruption and also romantic (non-physical) elements with sprinklings of humor chucked in. However, the kung fu weaponry displays are the main attraction. Other impacting characters include female actors Wei Zhao(Qiao Hua) and personal favorite Kate Tsui (Tuo Tuo). Qing Long is forced to carry out a false and corrupted high ranking order which involves seizing the emperor's treasure box (Imperial Seal). The mission backfires badly on Qing Long and causes confusion among Ming Dynasty officials as to who can be trusted. The Imperial Seal gets surprisingly re-snatched from Qing Long during the mission, which suggests an inside job. Speculation and scare-mongering surrounds the legendary elite forces commander (Qing Long) putting his reputation in jeopardy. He also suffers some severe stab wounds during the botched treasure box fiasco, but finds a resting haven to recover and meets the attractive Qiao Hua. These two characters create an ever present romantic underbelly for the duration of the movie that never really develops. And even though Qing Long develops a soft-spot for Qiao Hua, the steely cold killing professional will always live and die by the sword (short path). A portrayal of commitment and honor comes through strongly as Qing Long fully focuses on regaining his much respected Jin Yi Wei dignity and restores Ming Dynasty order after seeds of distrust are planted. The solid chiseled frame of Donnie Yen covered in colorful tattoos produces some fine fast action which complements his cool as ice persona adding a character knockout combination. The fourteen blades title refers to Qing Long's dangerous killing arsenal involving fourteen blades of mass destruction that all have a specific function and application. The blades fit neatly inside a compartmental rectangular portable box that can be carried over your back like a golf bag. Also attached to this futuristic advanced weaponry is some kind of cable system which can rapidly fire a two hook-device into solid surfaces, which makes Qing Long man-oeuvre quickly in any direction possible. Once this power house box of blades is unleashed by Qing Long it is highly entertaining and comes in handy when he's being hunted by the many attackers. Wuxia elements get ramped up quickly when Tuo Tuo's character is introduced showcasing dazzling displays of super-human power and fiction. Her speed is so superior (and exaggerated) that she has an invisible aura when fighting, making it almost impossible to strike her. This makes for an ultimate showdown between her and killing machine Qing Long. Tuo Tuo's buttery gorgeous face and sweet little voice couldn't be further away from the unbeatable hell-cat hit-woman she portrays, but the mix works seemingly well together. The special effects are impressive especially when the sounds of opposing blades are swung and clash together, giving a sense of reality amid the fantasia. The cute, but extremely lethal Tuo Tuo unleashes hell with her special weapon which appears to be some kind of unique cut-throat chain. It has a rattlesnake exterior and when waved about in action sounds like a panther and rattlesnake fighting. When combined with Tuo Tuo's aggressive high pitch grunts adds more weight to the dramatic settings. These audio elements accentuate the ferocity of the combat scenes. Tuo Tuo's character also demonstrates some highly effective visuals, as she glides in and out of her magical glistening (Teflon looking) combat coat. She spins around making it hard work for her would be attackers. But before the final showdown with Qing Long, Tuo Tuo takes on the super slick 'Judge Of The Desert (Chun- Wu) from the Sky Eagle Clan. Judge first appears as a Robin Hood type of character, but keeps the riches for himself. However, he comes good in the end and tries his attacking hand against Tuo Tuo while coming to the rescue of damsel in distress, Qiao Hun. The Judge also pulls out a unique sword with slightly curved blades at both ends and grip handle in the middle. He throws this sword like a boomerang slicing up a storm, then catches it on its return. One of the many funny lines in the movie also involves, Judge. Before heading in battle, Judge would yell out with echo effect 'here come the Sky Eagles…' not unlike how Tarzan would rally-roar to signal the jungle animals. In the end, Qing Long always had his dignity but needed to complete his final mission. The special effects and kung fu displays are worth a look.

Sukhitha Jayathilake At first glance "14 blades" seem like one of those kung – fu movies that tell an ancient story of the Chinese dynasty, how a hero with awesome moves kick butt and all. But out of all the movies with the same kind of background story, this one seems kind of special coz this one is kind of new age-y. I bet everyone has seen cool hypnotic movies like Evil Cult starring Jet li and the once upon a time in china series. Compared to those legendary masterpieces, has the modernization been that good an effect. I have to say no.Watched IP man recently and was really impressed by it. (It's in my best movies list too ) And it gave me the feeling that the kung fu movie industry won't die after Jackie Chan or jet li. Coz there's a new guy in town, Dannie Yen. Doesn't seem like a hot shot action star but as far as moves go he is as good as any. Dannie yen stars in this one too and I gotta say I'm back where I was. Coz this movie certainly seems like a big budget movie than IP man but this one SUCKS A**. First of all the story is just a little bit effed up. Eventually you can figure out what the heck is happening and all, but initially, it's all just a big puddle of goo. You can't tell who's who and what's what. Like they expect us to know everything about the ancient Chinese history. Duh! Then again if I say that this is totally based on Chinese history I would give the wrong idea again. Because to me this seems like more of a fantasy flick. You know like something out of Final fantasy series. Coz the characters certainly doesn't seem like ancient Chinese to me with their more than modern clothes, funny mechanical contraptions and, get this, rocket launchers, for crying out loud!. When I say modern clothes you'll see how much the wardrobe of this resembles like something out of a manga. Overall this movie resembles a bollywood piece of crap than an actual Chinese masterpiece, (except from the little bit of kung fu it got of course) That's another thing that bummed me most, the lack of martial arts. I could see the potential of Dannie Yen in Ip man but here, they seem to have totally lost it. It's just a bunch of swords and stuff flying around. You can hardly pick out any actual thrilling kung fu. I thought people can do lot more these days when it comes to fight scenes but this Is disappointing. But please don't lose all your hopes. Compared to any other Hollywood action flick this is GOOD as far as the fighting goes. But in comparing with legendary kung fu movie like the Drunken Master this just . bites the dust.By now If you are really up to still try this movie out I say go for it because of Wai zhao. Her sweet and innocent face always is something to behold. And Don't forget to see the old Sammo Hung in action. You know, the fatso from martial law. But when i say action, basically all he does is stand up and just keep staring!!!XD

kiie06 This MA drove me into writing my first movie review in IMDb. Yet another one of Donnie Yen's best, I would say. Less meaningful impact than 'Ip Man' and 'Bodyguards and Assassins' in terms of overall storyline but for original ancient MA screenplay, this was a very good one. It's a martial art movie with a non-cheesy love story (I could remember The Myth for MA+cheesy love story).Character developments were mainly focused on the protagonists (Donnie and Vicky), especially their attraction to each other. What I personally like most about this movie were their love story, creative martial art moves(as usual in most Donnie Yen's movie) and some comical relief from Donnie Yen. A much improved pairing since 'Painted Skin' where they both lack of connection to each other. Just like in recent movies, Donnie Yen never failed his viewers and this time gave even more, by showing off his tattooed six pack torso. And this was by far my favourite character from him, as the anti-hero Green Dragon on his deadly pursue for redemption. And not forgetting his 14 blades, even thought it's the title of the movie but not really the highlight throughout the movie, unlike 'Seven Swords'. Disappointingly, except that we knew the name and functionality of each blade, we never really see them in action, and when they did, I was not sure which blade was being used.As for the nemesis acted by a promising young TVB star, Kate Tsui, personally I am not a fans of her, and I think she looks too young for a great assassin. I would prefer if they could cast some really talented martial art actor with convincing moves and not just some lifeless and 'pretty' stances from young stars, and heavily CG-ed MA move from Tuo Tuo, especially her disrobing move. Same goes to the other anti-hero Wu Chun's Judge. I did not recognize him instantly as I was not into Taiwan boyband scene but I know right away he is some sort of young model or prettyboy actor. A lot of cool and pretty pose from him but his character serves no purpose, well, maybe his character will earn my acknowledgement if he looked older and less prettyboy. Their acting skill? Don't expect much, just enjoy their costume and weapons, OK.At the end of this movie, I feel that I will watch this movie again but just for Donnie Yen and Vicky Zhou.

DICK STEEL It's about time Donnie Yen made an impact yet again in the fantasy wuxia-pian genre, given the rather recent dismal films with Painted Skin (where he only had a supporting role), An Empress and the Warriors, and Tsui Hark's Seven Swords back in 2005. Most of us went ballistic with his more modern action roles ranging from SPL to Ip Man, and his 14 Blades character of Qing Long (Green Dragon, thanks to those mean looking tattoos adorned all over his upper torso) here looks quite set to become yet another memorable role similar to his morally ambiguous one in Bodyguards and Assassins.Here, Yen's Qing Long is the General-in-chief bodyguard to, and assassin for a Ming Dynasty king, who had set up the Jin Yi Wei (the Mandarin title), or the Brocaded Robe Guards, a special army known for its dogmatic principles in fulfilling mission objectives, whose loyalty is to the king only, and are at his beck and call to do just about anything the king commands. That of course leaves room for evil eunuchs to manipulate, especially when they can get the king easily distracted with wine, song and plenty of nubile women. The first few minutes of the film introduces us to the background of Qing Long and his army of bodyguards and assassins, the evil that lurks within the royal family and palace from eunuchs to an exiled prince (an extremely short cameo by Sammo Hung), and of course, the fabled 14 Blades. Unfortunately, we are told of the uniqueness and names of each blade, but never see all of them in action, coupled by the fact that they look quite generic. Only Qing Long is assigned this utility box containing the swords and lugs it everywhere ala El Mariachi's guitar case, and at his will can throw up the appropriate weapon to battle adversaries, including a set of grappling hooks!Writer-director Daniel Lee managed to create a film consisting of a successful amalgamation of wuxia-pian elements, with iconic fight action sequences set in tea houses, desert duels, forest brawls with abandoned temples and exotic cities enhanced by CG to play host to a film complete with double crosses, a prized possession that everyone is after, and had time to sneak in unrequited romance. In some ways the film plays out like a Cowboy Western with its one man sheriff and an escort agency up against various bands of outlaws in endless desert filled land, with that theme of hope that they'll make it unscathed against changing odds, save the day and to ride off into the sunset with the damsel.The story though gave way at the midway mark, where it clearly became nothing more than a stringing together of battles and one on one duels, which thankfully were still exciting to sit through, with none of the fast cut edits or crazy closeups that will make you cringe. With the introduction of Wu Chun as Judge, the leader of a brigade of bandits who has this cool boomerang double blade, and Kate Tsui in a role where she only grunts as loud as Maria Sharapova in a return volley, ample time got dedicated for one to mirror QIng Long's transformation and road to redemption, while the other, well, just serves to grunt a lot, in a get up that looks inspired by Medusa, and armed with a serpent sword-like-whip, and powers of CG stealth.But underneath the fights, the flimsy storyline and gorgeous costumes, 14 Blades turns out to have an incredibly strong romance instead, with Vicky Zhao (her umpteenth period role straight) starring as Qiao Hua, daughter of the Justice Escort agency founder (played by veteran Wu Ma), enamoured by the manliness of the legendary leader of the Jin Yi Wei, since she grew up on fairy tales and harbouring the hopes that a fabled swordsman would one day save society from its evils. In a way her Qiao Hua exhibits the Stockholm Syndrome, being held captive against her wishes, but slowly being drawn romantically to her captive, even endangering herself (in a scene to provide comic relief) by willingly becoming his aide and pawn.It's far from being the perfect film, especially with unbelievably incoherent flashbacks and the going overboard with explosions (of the RPG type), but Donnie Yen once again shows that when it comes to the fisticuffs, he still has a lot to offer, despite the story's potential that had it go off the blocks strongly, only to fizzle out before the end in a case of severe narrative burn-out.