14 Blades - Contains Spoilers

wolfe_mac5

This Martial Arts Ming Dynasty thriller 14 Blades(2010) launches into full swing with help from kung fu specialist Donnie Yen (Qing Long). The action packed story is based around the exploits of Qing Long, the commander general of the Jin Yi Wei elite assassin force. These specialized Ming Dynasty King bodyguards were originally orphan children trained to serve and protect the emperor. Qing Long faces espionage, corruption and also romantic (non-physical) elements with sprinklings of humor chucked in. However, the kung fu weaponry displays are the main attraction. Other impacting characters include female actors Wei Zhao(Qiao Hua) and personal favorite Kate Tsui (Tuo Tuo). Qing Long is forced to carry out a false and corrupted high ranking order which involves seizing the emperor's treasure box (Imperial Seal). The mission backfires badly on Qing Long and causes confusion among Ming Dynasty officials as to who can be trusted. The Imperial Seal gets surprisingly re-snatched from Qing Long during the mission, which suggests an inside job. Speculation and scare-mongering surrounds the legendary elite forces commander (Qing Long) putting his reputation in jeopardy. He also suffers some severe stab wounds during the botched treasure box fiasco, but finds a resting haven to recover and meets the attractive Qiao Hua. These two characters create an ever present romantic underbelly for the duration of the movie that never really develops. And even though Qing Long develops a soft-spot for Qiao Hua, the steely cold killing professional will always live and die by the sword (short path). A portrayal of commitment and honor comes through strongly as Qing Long fully focuses on regaining his much respected Jin Yi Wei dignity and restores Ming Dynasty order after seeds of distrust are planted. The solid chiseled frame of Donnie Yen covered in colorful tattoos produces some fine fast action which complements his cool as ice persona adding a character knockout combination. The fourteen blades title refers to Qing Long's dangerous killing arsenal involving fourteen blades of mass destruction that all have a specific function and application. The blades fit neatly inside a compartmental rectangular portable box that can be carried over your back like a golf bag. Also attached to this futuristic advanced weaponry is some kind of cable system which can rapidly fire a two hook-device into solid surfaces, which makes Qing Long man-oeuvre quickly in any direction possible. Once this power house box of blades is unleashed by Qing Long it is highly entertaining and comes in handy when he's being hunted by the many attackers. Wuxia elements get ramped up quickly when Tuo Tuo's character is introduced showcasing dazzling displays of super-human power and fiction. Her speed is so superior (and exaggerated) that she has an invisible aura when fighting, making it almost impossible to strike her. This makes for an ultimate showdown between her and killing machine Qing Long. Tuo Tuo's buttery gorgeous face and sweet little voice couldn't be further away from the unbeatable hell-cat hit-woman she portrays, but the mix works seemingly well together. The special effects are impressive especially when the sounds of opposing blades are swung and clash together, giving a sense of reality amid the fantasia. The cute, but extremely lethal Tuo Tuo unleashes hell with her special weapon which appears to be some kind of unique cut-throat chain. It has a rattlesnake exterior and when waved about in action sounds like a panther and rattlesnake fighting. When combined with Tuo Tuo's aggressive high pitch grunts adds more weight to the dramatic settings. These audio elements accentuate the ferocity of the combat scenes. Tuo Tuo's character also demonstrates some highly effective visuals, as she glides in and out of her magical glistening (Teflon looking) combat coat. She spins around making it hard work for her would be attackers. But before the final showdown with Qing Long, Tuo Tuo takes on the super slick 'Judge Of The Desert (Chun- Wu) from the Sky Eagle Clan. Judge first appears as a Robin Hood type of character, but keeps the riches for himself. However, he comes good in the end and tries his attacking hand against Tuo Tuo while coming to the rescue of damsel in distress, Qiao Hun. The Judge also pulls out a unique sword with slightly curved blades at both ends and grip handle in the middle. He throws this sword like a boomerang slicing up a storm, then catches it on its return. One of the many funny lines in the movie also involves, Judge. Before heading in battle, Judge would yell out with echo effect 'here come the Sky Eagles…' not unlike how Tarzan would rally-roar to signal the jungle animals. In the end, Qing Long always had his dignity but needed to complete his final mission. The special effects and kung fu displays are worth a look.

score 6/10

wolfe_mac5 8 September 2010

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2307847/