The Warrior's Way

Far better known in his native South Korea than in the U.S., writer and director Sngmoo Lee is behind the violent fantasy The Warrior's Way. It's a good first feature as director, even if there is a flaw in the presentation.

Yang (Jang Dong-gun) is a swordsman who has just killed off all of his rival clan except for its baby girl. Just as he prepares to draw his sword on her, he has a change of heart and instead goes, baby in tow, to a California mining town. There, he gets acquainted with the locals, including town drunk Ron (Geoffrey Rush) and the feisty Lynne (Kate Bosworth).

And all that happens within the first 20 minutes.

The rest of the movie deals with Yang forced to draw the sword he swore never to draw again against the evil colonel (Danny Huston) who personally slew Lynne's family, and his band of desperadoes. Yang's ex-master, Saddest Flute (Ti Lung) also has a score to settle, and he's brought his warriors.

The film's strongest suit is its visuals. Stylish, and over-stylish fights populate the screen. It's even more amazing since the film cost $42 million to make, while most blockbusters cost $100 million to make these days. And its makeup effects, including the colonel's face, are also great. If the film was to get an Oscar nomination, it should be for makeup.

Speaking of Oscar, Geoffrey Rush is a possible contender for that award for his role in The King's Speech. Here, he gives the film its best performance as the hilarious town drunk who also has a serious side. As the colonel, Danny Huston is effectively vile. So much so that when Yang slaughters his goons wholesale, it's extra satisfactory.

The only drawback was Saddest Flute's part in the story. We know from the beginning that he's after Yang, but when he and his warriors arrive, in the middle of the climactic fight with the colonel, it appears to be an afterthought. The resulting three way fight between the desperadoes, the warriors and the townspeople are amazing, but some more buildup would've been appreciated.

This film needs a strong suspension of disbelief, and a tolerance for bloody battles, to enjoy. And if one can manage that, they're in for some fun.