This movie has some really bad reviews here in IMDb, I guess because of Nicolas Cage, a praised actor in the past, who, because of his recent choices, has become a target of hate. (You can easily identify these reviews of personal hate, when you read comments like "The worst movie ever made" etc.)
First of all the star in this is Hayden Christensen (not Cage), who does a good job overall. Cage has a minor role, not as significant as you might think at first. To tell you the truth they could have assign his part to another actor or scrap the character off the story all together. Cage's acting is sub-par but he gives a "dying" performance (pun intended!) in the end.
This is a rather classic tale. It resembles the plot of many westerns: The master warrior who tries to escape his previous cruel life, drinks to forget, he hits rock bottom... until someday unexpectedly he finds a noble cause to serve and redeem himself.
The direction is very stylish. Some people might don't like it but I personally did. The movie was filmed in China and you get a few nice landscape along the way.
There are some really dramatic scenes in the film. In my opinion are well filmed and effective. Certainly not laughable as in some other movies with similar plot. First time director Nicholas Powell does a good job.
An interesting fact: Despite the bad reviews a SEQUEL is on the works. I don't mind watching it when it's out. The ending, although clear, leaves something to be desired.
Overall: Ignore the hate and watch it if you have the chance.
First of all the star in this is Hayden Christensen (not Cage), who does a good job overall. Cage has a minor role, not as significant as you might think at first. To tell you the truth they could have assign his part to another actor or scrap the character off the story all together. Cage's acting is sub-par but he gives a "dying" performance (pun intended!) in the end.
This is a rather classic tale. It resembles the plot of many westerns: The master warrior who tries to escape his previous cruel life, drinks to forget, he hits rock bottom... until someday unexpectedly he finds a noble cause to serve and redeem himself.
The direction is very stylish. Some people might don't like it but I personally did. The movie was filmed in China and you get a few nice landscape along the way.
There are some really dramatic scenes in the film. In my opinion are well filmed and effective. Certainly not laughable as in some other movies with similar plot. First time director Nicholas Powell does a good job.
An interesting fact: Despite the bad reviews a SEQUEL is on the works. I don't mind watching it when it's out. The ending, although clear, leaves something to be desired.
Overall: Ignore the hate and watch it if you have the chance.