Of all the martial arts film that I’ve seen, this Korean movie has got to be the one that employs swordplay that doesn’t seem like the usual sword fight at all. It’s amazing how they’ve made it seem like dangerous waltzes, a graceful dance of elegant stances and swerving moves.
The story hovers around the main theme of a man, Jeong-Hyeon (Seo-jin Lee), coming into terms with a larger-than-life responsibility after living a carefree life. For 15 years after being sent away from the Kingdom of Balhae for safety’s sake, he is suddenly to be king being last member of the royal court and the rightful heir to the throne. A prince, as female warrior Soha (So-yi Yoon) puts it. She is placed in charge of searching for him being the best fighter of the remaining members of the resistance against the current malicious power holders
Out to destroy the final ascendant is the hired hitman Kun (Hyeong-jun Shin) and his loyal femme fatale “lady-in-waiting” Mae (Ki-yong Lee).
The movie progresses in its polished pace, seeking to deliver the inner quest of the rightful king. The journey is not without difficulties, and his issues are presented along the way. Soon, as with almost every road taken dually by an eligible man and woman, the pair of destined king and his vicious protector find themselves on a romantic note.
But with each day the enemies are getting closer and closer. What price will there be to pay to get to that elusive throne?
So-yi Yoon once again shines in her top notch athletic performance as she brings to life another warrior heroine after seeing her in “Arahan.” Ki-yong Lee is brilliant in her out-to-kill-you fanaticism for her burning love, and the cat fight between the two babes is one of the scenes to look out for in the film.
Seo-jin Lee earns the empathy of viewers as a flawed man who seeks the attributes hidden in him for so long and searching for what could make him worthy of a woman’s, and a kingdom’s hope. Hyeong-jun Shin is creative in his ways of spelling trouble and confidence as his character did not show any interest in mercy.
The film offers several memorable action scenes that is sure to catch everyone’s attention. The storyline is well-intended, but a little roundabout here and there could have been nicer to expose a little more of the supporting characters.
All in all, this movie is an entertaining flick, with all the elements of action, romance and drama nicely put. It serves its purpose of bringing together a typical couple of an action goer man and a romance lover woman out there to spend some time together in a comfy couch with a movie.
