The Warrior's Way

'THE WARRIOR'S WAY': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

First time filmmaker Sngmoo Lee writes and directs this martial arts East meets West western fantasy ninja comedy epic. It stars Asian superstar Dong-gun Jang and co-stars Kate Bosworth, Geoffrey Rush, Danny Huston, Lung Ti and Tony Cox. The film is very odd and kind of a mess but it's also very beautiful and packed with stylized battle scenes. I have mixed feelings about the film going experience as a whole but there's definitely a lot to like here!

The film is set in the 19th century and tells the story of a ninja assassin named Yang (Jang), who's recently taken over the title of greatest swordsman ever, who's on the run from his clan after refusing to kill a baby, the last member of their enemy. He hides out, with the baby, in a run down town in the American West where a new circus group is starting up. There he befriends an assortment of odd characters including a drunk gunman (Rush) and a beautiful young knives thrower (Bosworth), who he of course develops feelings for. He learns to love his new life until his past tracks him down.

Dong-gun Jang is a fantastic leading man action hero and Lee's directing style is interesting. The supporting cast is all adequate, with Huston and Rush chewing up the scenery (Bosworth, one of my favorites, is a little oddly cast). The film is breathtakingly beautiful at times with a classic epic old film style look to it and there's some great homage played to Sergio Leone of course. The film is a little too all over the place for me though and a tad too goofy. It reminds me in a lot of ways to the type of films Stephen Chow has put out but not quite as good. It is entertaining in a lot of ways though and has at least something pleasing to offer almost any viewer. It's the type of film that most people will either love or hate, unless you're like me. This is the type of movie I can appreciate and enjoy in parts.

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://youtu.be/Kq2wN7LTcuo

I haven't heard anything about this movie prior to watching it. I saw Mr. Rush on the casting list and decided that I wanted to see it. I found this movie to be very interesting and different.

I am a sucker for beautiful visual effects, therefore I found this movie to be worthy of a high rating. Everything seemed very different because of the combination of various genres (western, action, martial arts, comedy & romance). I have also got a new found respect for Kate Bosworth because she pulled the part of so beautifully. This is a major accomplishment for director Sngmoo Lee, as this is his first movie ever.

But my all time favorite thing about this movie was the adorable little baby. I loved her cute facial expressions.

Never ceases to amaze me how a movie can move an audience in polar opposite ways. It's probably the expectations - so if you go in to have some escapist fun, action and swordplay, you won't be disappointed.

So, why will I be happy to rewatch this grossly underrated movie that's avoided me for the first four years of its life tsk tsk: a simple story combining the Seven Samurai and Silas Marner (kinda), intoxicating mix of humor, gorgeous grotesqueness and visual splendour . . . and a love story that did not force itself on the surreal action thread.

One of the hallmarks of a good film has to be how much love a writer director puts into the details and in this, it is clear Lee Sngmoo has nurtured this baby for a while: superb production, lovely setups and payoffs.

Oh, make my decade and give us a sequel already!

Amazing for a first time director. Bravo! Bravo!

This English-language Korean film certainly is pleasing to the eye. It is visually stunning with great photography. Unconventional and a bit weird also comes to mind, but oh-so enjoyable and a lot of fun (despite some slapstick humor).

The film combines so many different elements and genres: action, adventure, humor, fantasy, brutality, gore, and even sensuality. It's hard to put my finger on what exactly attracts me to the film. Maybe the unusual combination of everything. Definitely the film's look! And it has a great score.

I didn't find the hero, Yang, a strong enough character. Lynne (Kate Bosworth) was a far more interesting character with a much better back story - and story altogether. At times Danny Huston didn't seem believable - or terrifying - enough as Colonel, the antagonist, but the showdown between Lynne and Colonel was a great moment.

In general, this is an awesome production and a great watch - just don't take it too seriously.

Would I watch it again? Yes.

'The Warrior's Way' is A Fair Entertainer, that works best as a lazy Sunday afternoon watch.

'The Warrior's Way' Synopsis: A warrior-assassin is forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands after refusing a mission.

'The Warrior's Way' is a time-pass entertainer, that doesn't even attempt to be legendary. Its a watchable action fare, that offers some very good action & crisp editing. The Screenplays is written ably. Sngmoo Lee's Direction is efficient. Cinematography & Art Design are passable. Graphics leave a lot to be desired.

Performance-Wise: Geoffrey Rush does well, as usual. Jang Dong Gun plays the protagonist nicely. Kate Bosworth is fabulous, while Danny Huston has a blast playing the notorious villain.

On the whole, 'The Warrior's Way' works till it lasts.