Monday, June 17, 2013
MARTIAL FARTS
Today's film was
I got it because it has my fave Takeshi Kaneshiro in it.
Here he plays a "detective" who tries to figure out who the avenging hero is and when he finds out, joins him in his chase to the end.
There is a great opening sequence where, after a battle, he "detects" how it came about, step by step. Great set piece. Beautifully realized. I have never seen anything like this before.
It turns out to be a remake of David Kronenberg's History of Violence which was pretty good and starred Vigo Mortensen.
The adaptation is loose as this town is in China and the medium of violence is often martial arts.
Disconcerting is the unnecessary addition of magic into it. And a bit of a horror element.
I liked the film but not enough to see it again.
I had hoped for something different so it is possible that my expectations clashed with the reality.
Nevertheless, I am glad I saw it and look forward to Mr. Kaneshiro's next outing.
A 3 out of Netflix5.
Labels: films
