the storm riders is a big budget, special effects laden, martial arts fantasy adventure. based on a popular comic book by ma wing-sing, the film proved a massive hit in the hong-kong box office.
set in a mythical chinese past, this fantasy epic is a classic tale of prophetic young heroes and a megalomaniacal warlord (played by sonny chiba) who strives to become the undisputed leader of the martial arts world. chiba excels in this movie and gives an enormously entertaining performance as 'conquer', who frequently comes across as something of a pantomime villain.
critics will argue that the film relies too heavily on visual effects, but the extensive use of cgi conjures a stunning overall look and feel which is somewhere between comic book, video game and live action movie. besides, when the special effects look this good, who cares?
packed full of swordplay, magic, stunning locations, ridiculous costumes and some quite incredible hair, the storm riders is arguably andrew lau's most accomplished movie to date.
set in a mythical chinese past, this fantasy epic is a classic tale of prophetic young heroes and a megalomaniacal warlord (played by sonny chiba) who strives to become the undisputed leader of the martial arts world. chiba excels in this movie and gives an enormously entertaining performance as 'conquer', who frequently comes across as something of a pantomime villain.
critics will argue that the film relies too heavily on visual effects, but the extensive use of cgi conjures a stunning overall look and feel which is somewhere between comic book, video game and live action movie. besides, when the special effects look this good, who cares?
packed full of swordplay, magic, stunning locations, ridiculous costumes and some quite incredible hair, the storm riders is arguably andrew lau's most accomplished movie to date.