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Xiu Chun Dao
Brotherhood of Blades
China 2014
produced by Wang Donghui, Hong Ling, Zhao Haicheng, Terence Chang (executive), Han Xiaoli (executive), Zhang Shusheng (executive) for Beijing Dachu Changge Film And TV Culture, Central Newsreel and Documentary Film Studio, China Film, Combo Drive Pictures
directed by Lu Yang
starring Chang Chen, Liu Shi Shi, Wang Qianyuan, Li Dong-xue (= Ethan Li), Nie Yuan, Chin Shih-Chieh, Ye Qing, Zhao Lixin, Zhou Yiwei, Zhu Dan
written by Lu Yang, Shu Chen, music by Nathan Wang, fight choreography by Gao Ruigang, Lei Zhiqang
review by Mike Haberfelner
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China, the late Ming Dynasty: Shen (Chang Chen), Lu (Wang Qianyuan) and
Yichuan (Ethan Li) are bloodbrothers and at the very top of the Imperial
assassins, at a time when the Empire is threatened, and by none more so
but eunuch Wei (Chin Shi-Chieh), and since all three are in desperate need
of more money - Shen to buy out prostitute Miaotong (Liu Shi Shi), a woman
he feels responsible for, Lu to bribe his superiors into promoting him,
Yichuan to blackmail his former student (Zhou Yiwei) to not give away a
terrible secret about his past -, they volunteer to lead a raid to Wei's
castle ... and notice too late that they have been tricked by their
associates and been led into a death trap - which they manage to escape.
But now they are caught between loyalty to the Emperor, their associates
who want to get rid of them, and eunuch Wei, who offers a hefty sum to
everyone who'll save his life - and this can only result in much bloodshed
... Now one thing has to be said up front: This film doesn't
exactly break ground in any way, the story, as confusing as it might be
(and it is very confusing) only uses familiar elements of the rich
tradition of period martial arts dramas/historicals, and has certainly
been told better, the action might be breakneck and expertly staged, but
one has certainly seen better, and the visuals are nice and atmospheric to
boot, but not exactly visionary or at least inventive. That said, Brotherhood
of Blades is by no means a shipwreck, far from it, it's extremely
fast-moving and action rich, and while the story's confusing, one at least
gets a clear feel for what's going on. Basically a fun watch, but probably
a film that doesn't stay with one for long.
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review © by Mike Haberfelner
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