Just finished watching the special DVD version of the movie. I love this movie despite its many faults. OK here are the pluses and minus
Plus: Beautifully shot, gorgeous locations, gritty action with wirefu kept to a minimum, AWESOME villains, espicailly the deliciously evil fire-wind, his evil henchmen/woman, all with some of the most original costums, make up and of course weapons (sickles, umbrella that decapitates, spinning shields, 3 katanas at the same time, and of course the 7 swords). Solid acting job by all involved.
Minus:
Due to the cutting form 4hr footage to 2 hr, some of the subplot all totally underdeveloped and should have been cut altogether to make the story flow better, I'm sure with the extra footage it would be more cohesive.
I didn't see all of the bad guys die, there were at least 2 of the 12 henchmen unaccounted for by the end of the movie, again don't know if the 4hr version accounts for them.
I don't mind the different accents but when the supposed characters from the same village speak in wildly different accents that is very annoying. Kind of like trying to make me believe someone with a southern drowl grow up with a guy with a south philly accent, doesn't work no matter how you cut it.
Not enough blood! No seriously! I don't want it like Kill Bill where blood was shotting out like jet stream but when you cut so many necks and limbs with major vessels they got to squirt a little, right?
Despite all its faults, this movie makes me want more stories from its world, know more about the characters, and more sequels. Which is the best and only type of compliment that matters!!
Plus: Beautifully shot, gorgeous locations, gritty action with wirefu kept to a minimum, AWESOME villains, espicailly the deliciously evil fire-wind, his evil henchmen/woman, all with some of the most original costums, make up and of course weapons (sickles, umbrella that decapitates, spinning shields, 3 katanas at the same time, and of course the 7 swords). Solid acting job by all involved.
Minus:
Due to the cutting form 4hr footage to 2 hr, some of the subplot all totally underdeveloped and should have been cut altogether to make the story flow better, I'm sure with the extra footage it would be more cohesive.
I didn't see all of the bad guys die, there were at least 2 of the 12 henchmen unaccounted for by the end of the movie, again don't know if the 4hr version accounts for them.
I don't mind the different accents but when the supposed characters from the same village speak in wildly different accents that is very annoying. Kind of like trying to make me believe someone with a southern drowl grow up with a guy with a south philly accent, doesn't work no matter how you cut it.
Not enough blood! No seriously! I don't want it like Kill Bill where blood was shotting out like jet stream but when you cut so many necks and limbs with major vessels they got to squirt a little, right?
Despite all its faults, this movie makes me want more stories from its world, know more about the characters, and more sequels. Which is the best and only type of compliment that matters!!