Boba_Fett1138
Like so many genre movies, this is a typical revenge flick that features all of the usual ingredients and aspect you would expect from a movie like this.It has a well layered story, involving multiple characters and motivations. It's not just a one way revenge flick. I mean, cutting off the arm of the main character isn't enough, there happens and has happened a lot more to him that forms him and leads up to his decision of seeking revenge, which is also aimed at multiple different people. It's a well build up story that doesn't just only rely on its action. It has also got some great characters in it, of course especially the villains.The violence within the movie is quite graphic. Expect seeing blood and limbs flying around. During the action sequences some great and innovative cinematography and editing is being used, which truly uplifts some of the action and the movie as whole. The action and fight sequences themselves are of course also greatly choreographed, as you would expect from a genre movie such as this one. It makes this a movie that will mostly please the genre fans for sure. Especially the end fight does not disappoint!The many flashback sequences in the movie feel and look sort of surreal, which works magical in the movie.It's a good and professional looking movie with good looking sets, makeup and costumes. The movie looks like it spend its money well and also had obviously more than average to spend on its total budget.A great and typical genre example!8/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Snowman_Mcknives
i unfortunately could not enjoy this film as it could have been thanks to the great enemy of kung fu fans: dodgy subtitles. thus the characters spouted lines that translated as "why did father my die so sad". i know, but anyhow the rest of the film is jaw dropping. little to no wire work, and some of the most inventive martial art choreography ever seen make this a special treat. worlds away from the graceful, but impact-less fighting of CTHD and HOFD, this is nasty, characters are surrounded and chopped to pieces heroes get beaten in all sorts of nasty ways. the editing and camera-work seems to have influenced gladiator, with choppy nasty hits.the plot is rudimentary, something about sword-makers, evil bald men who probably eat little children and have swords with more gadgets than 4 James bond movies, and two badass friends who kick said guys bald ass. this has no political subtext, no unnecessary complications, just good old fashioned fighting, worth checking out
dibach70
This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. It's supposed to be a remake or update of "The One-armed Swordsman", by Chang Cheh. The ham-fisted direction and crappy fight choreography mean that the fight scenes aren't even worth watching. The script tries desperately hard to seem serious, but is full of cliches like, "And I knew then that nothing would ever be the same again..." or "If only I'd known what a heavy price I would have to pay." Ugh! And who is that girl who plays Sing? Someone find her and have her eliminated!! She's awful. If you like Chinese martial arts movies, you'd be better off with Lau Gar Leung. This stinks.
rbverhoef
There is almost always something amusing, entertaining or something good in movies like this. I was not disappointed watching 'Dao' ('The Blade'), a dark movie with great visuals. It is about a one armed swordsman who seeks revenge. We see how he loses his limb, how he trains in martial art and will seek that revenge.Like I said this is a dark movie, with dark themes as well. Light is something hard to find in 'Dao'. There is a lot of violence and blood, and sometimes the movie goes over the top. This will be stupid for some, totally in its place for others. I like these kind of sequences when they have a certain effect for the movie, and here I think it was the right choice. The cinematography and editing help creating a certain atmosphere and they help to make the action look amazing.May be this is not the best movie in the genre, I prefer a John Woo movie, but it is pretty good. Not for all audiences but if you like the genre there is a good chance you will like 'Dao'.
AD
