Blades of Blood (2010, directed by Lee Joon-ik) fulfills its promise of masterfully swordplay action in this history
epic but it also leaves a lot to be desired. Albeit entertaining, the
film seemed to favour momentary encounters at the expense of character
development and contextualisation.
The Story and Characters
The movie is based on a popular Korean manga and is set in the 16th
century during the Chosun dynasty. Japanese forces are preparing an
invasion from the South and inter-Korean political factions are
indecisive and in opposition. Unable to become united before the
Japanese are upon them, a revolutionary force called the "Grand
Alliance" makes its play for conquest and power under the leadership of
Lee Mong-hak (Cha Seung-won), a skilled swordsmen with the dream of become king himself.
Mong-hak's friend, the legendary blind swordsman, Hwang (Hwang Jeong-min)
opposes him after Mong-hak decimates the noble Han family in service of
his revolt. In the aftermath of this slaughter, Hwang takes in the
serious injured Gyeon-ja (Baek Seong-hyeon) and, with his acupuncture skills nurses him back to health.
Gyeon-ja is the bastard son of the Han
family and, having witnesses his father death at the hands of Mong-hak,
now seeks revenge. Without any sword skills or goal in life, Gyeon-ja is
ill equipped for an encounter with the revolutions adept and driven
leader. He accompanies Hwang on his quest to put an end to Mong-hak's
self-serving crusade to power. Upon realising Hwang's deadly sword
skill, Gyeon-ja begs him to teach him the skill he will surely need to
confront Mong-hak. A plea Hwang indirectly accepts and, through a series
of comic encounters, helps Gyeon-ja prepare for his eventual showdown
with Mong-hak.
Final Thoughts
Blades of Blood
success is centered on Hwang and Gyeon's comical encounters. There are
some truly hilarious moments between them but, unfortunately, this is
the films only real plus. The kinetic swordplay sequences are what you
would expect from this genre but without the necessary character
building, the climactic fight scenes lack purpose. Except for Hwang, the
character presentation is lacklustre and unpolished. Baek-ji inclusion
didn't hold enough weight and our protagonist was pathetically weak for
the most part. Mong-hak was a menacing figure but, again, there just
wasn't enough substance in his character to warrant praise. "Blades of Blood"
was entertaining but as the films climax approached I just didn't
believe there was true purpose or momentum in its conclusion.
-Christopher J. Wheeler
*After I watched the film I couldn't help
but think that our eventual hero (Gyeon-ja) was just a little too weak
throughout the film. Maybe it was the scene when he started crying in
frount of Baek-ji that pushed me, but I just don't think he was ever
built-up enough. What do you think? Did Gyeon-ja transform enough to
became a believable hero in the end?
Please feel free to comment on this review. Discussions are welcomed!
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