MOVIE REVIEW - Seven Swords (2005)
aka Chat Gim (cantonese title)
Director: Tsui Hark
Starring: Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Charlie Yeung, Chia-Leung Liu
It is the early 17th century and the Ming Dynasty has been overthrown by the Machurians thus creating the Ching Dynasty. In an attempt to prevent any rebellions the new emperor declares an edict outlawing martial arts and anyone practising them must surrendered their weapons or face death. But soon they face death regardless as the ruthless military commander Fire-wind (Honglei sun) and his small army of mercenaries sweep across the land massacering villages regardless of surrenders to claim bounties on the heads of men, women and children. Then he sets his sights on on one final target, Martial village. Standing in his way is Fu (old school star Chia-Leung Liu), a man who served under him during the last dynasty. He leads two of the villagers to Mount Heaven to request the help of the warriors that reside there. Together with the five swords that join them there they become the Seven who will stand in the way of the tyrany of Fire-wind.
Marvellous flowing sword fighting sequences, in amongst sweeping mountain vistas and some great performances from the varied cast. The love stories of the subplot bring out the heart of the movie and the overall ideal of heroism against great odds is always touching.
This is definately a return to form for Hark. This could be his Once Upon a Time in China for a new decade, the end leaves it open for a continuation of the story.
8/10
Director: Tsui Hark
Starring: Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Charlie Yeung, Chia-Leung Liu
It is the early 17th century and the Ming Dynasty has been overthrown by the Machurians thus creating the Ching Dynasty. In an attempt to prevent any rebellions the new emperor declares an edict outlawing martial arts and anyone practising them must surrendered their weapons or face death. But soon they face death regardless as the ruthless military commander Fire-wind (Honglei sun) and his small army of mercenaries sweep across the land massacering villages regardless of surrenders to claim bounties on the heads of men, women and children. Then he sets his sights on on one final target, Martial village. Standing in his way is Fu (old school star Chia-Leung Liu), a man who served under him during the last dynasty. He leads two of the villagers to Mount Heaven to request the help of the warriors that reside there. Together with the five swords that join them there they become the Seven who will stand in the way of the tyrany of Fire-wind.
Marvellous flowing sword fighting sequences, in amongst sweeping mountain vistas and some great performances from the varied cast. The love stories of the subplot bring out the heart of the movie and the overall ideal of heroism against great odds is always touching.
This is definately a return to form for Hark. This could be his Once Upon a Time in China for a new decade, the end leaves it open for a continuation of the story.
8/10
posted by Ozark at 6:26 PM
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