Rise of the Scythian

Short review today: This movie is generally about two guys traveling together from point A to point B, having a few fighting moments "en passant". The story is simple, honor-packed ending ... acceptable. As far, nothing convincing. Yet there's something interesting in this movie, lets start from the smallest things to the best:

Good fight scenes, especially sword fights of. Lyutobor.

Great choreography and camera.

Awesome sceneries and overall "mediaval" look including costumes (in my opinion just the music was little ... monochromatic). Plus for believable portrait of uneasy coexistence of multiple religions, yet with no deep thoughts or hidden aims, just as it should be.

What this movie shines with are two main characters, Lyutobor and Konitsa. Perfect choice of actors for these two, Aleksandr Kuznetsov really fits and shines. Together they make the movie very enjoyable..

Closing though: Should their journey be longer with less words told and honor and nobility intrigues suppressed, this movie could become a legend.

But it is still worth watching.

This is actually a pretty good movie. It does suffer a few clichés but most movies do. The story is ok, the characters are better than average.

The real winner is the presentation of the different tribes or cultures, a lot of effort has gone into developing different looks and behaviours etc that really stand out as some of the best examples I have seen.

The mistake: I watched an English dubbed version and it was horrible, it really detracted from the overall movie to the point where I nearly stopped watching it. I'm so glad I didn't. Definitely go for the Russian version.

There are only two negative reviews for this film. It's a shame really to have any but you will always get one person moved to write a review who thinks every movie has to be high art. Then yet another paranoid soul who is convinced every good review of a B grade independent movie must be associated with the production.

Thankfully neither of these things is true and if you want a solid Conan style action flick set in a dark ages type period this lives up to that wish.

The movie has a good feel and moves along nicely after the first twenty minutes. It takes a while to fit all the players into there places but once the action starts you will know who's who and enjoy watching their story arcs play out.

I also see other reviews criticising the costuming, weaponry etc used. I thought they did a good job but I guess there is no accounting for taste.

This movie is great for one reason, the action. Camera movement is really good, minimum amounts of quick cuts, and amazing action. The choreography is some of the best I've seen, with really smooth fighting without having to use doubles or cgi. The story is ok, doesnt really pull you in, but it works for what the movie is trying to focus on it.

I had no idea what to expect from this movie but the good reviews made me give it a shot. An enjoyable ride from start to finish with great action and a decently moving story. This movie has achieved things which huge Hollywood movies can't even do. It's not perfect but for what it was trying to do it did very well. One of the better action movies I've seen in a long time. Give it a watch! If you like epic bloody action, this movie is for you!