Geochilmaru

I enjoyed this one; a simple concept: get enough cash together to make a low budget flick, shoot it in digital to save expenses on film (or, it looks like it's shot in digital), then hire a handful of genuine martial artists, put them in a van and drive them all up to a remote setting where they'll duke it out on camera for the honour of meeting - and challenging - the "Geochilmaru" - the Grandmaster of Korea's internet-jive-talking martial artists.

Of course, what I've just partly mentioned is the plot for the film and not a malicious crew tricking unwitting warriors into brawling for our entertainment, but what I've not mentioned is that the fight sequences are well choreographed, the action and story both flow along together nicely (more than can be said about the majority of action pic's, with either the plot fitting in around set pieces or the action scenes not living up to the story/budget/performers' capabilities), and good, realistic portrayals from all characters, make this film one to watch if you're a serious fan of fighting films.

It also has philosophical underlines of the world of martial arts and an almost feel-good code of honour, which makes anybody viewing who practises themselves, glad to both do so and to have seen the film.

Oh, and don't let my mentioning its "digi cam" look turn you off - it suits perfectly the realistic - almost gritty - feel the film has.

Now track down a copy and give this great little independent picture a go!

Geochilmaru is, essentially, a low budget martial arts film. There is very little plot - eight martial artists from around Korea gather to decide which one of them is strong enough to take on Geochilmaru, the current grandmaster of their internet-based organization. While the plot is mostly just a vehicle for the martial arts fighting, there is also a lot of commentary on the philosophy of martial arts, as well as the honor code of the warrior. There are no cheesy special effects, only well-choreographed fighting scenes displaying a variety of fighting styles. Most of the excitement comes from trying to guess who will win in each match of the contest. One of the strong points of the film is that when the characters fight, it really looks like they're fighting.

If you are a martial arts enthusiast, you will most likely enjoy this film for its philosophy and realism. Even if you are not, you may enjoy the film anyway, just don't expect anything too flashy or extreme.