Although the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history is a popular subject in East Asian media, most epic dramas suffer from being overly melodramatic or underwhelming as actioners. Starring Donnie Yen, arguably the finest martial artist in films today, I wanted to give a shout out to an under appreciated historical action flick that deftly avoids both problems, The Lost Bladesman:
In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, few heroes loom as large as the legendary warrior Guan Yu. Not only is he a peerless fighter, armed with an imposing signature weapon (The Green Dragon Crescent Blade (青龍偃月刀), though this may be anachronistic since there's no proof of that the guandao was invented prior to the 11th century), he's also seen as a paragon of loyalty and righteousness. In fact, the dude is actually worshipped in many parts of East Asia (e.g., there's a shrine to him in every police station in Hong Kong)!
Thus, it it unsurprising that he has been celebrated in numerous books, films, video games and other media for two millennia.
Although Guan Yu is a historical figure, since he was popularized in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which is a mix of fact and fiction, many of his most famous tales of derring-do are myths. Such is the case with The Lost Bladesman: Based on the fictional story of Guan Yu crossing five passes and slaying six generals, the film actually begins with the great warrior's funeral in 220 and is told by his frenemy Cao Cao, the prime minister of the Han Dynasty.
Quickly, the action reverts back 20 years to the Battle of Baima (白馬之戰), where Guan Yu temporarily allies with Cao Cao and defeats a common enemy. The prime minister showers the warrior with title and treasure to try to win the latter's loyalty. However Guan Yu stays true to his sworn brother, the rebel warlord Liu Bei.
Thereafter, Guan Yu battles his way back to rejoin Liu Bei's army, facing both deadly foes and cunning treachery. However, it is treachery that ultimately defeats the undefeatable warrior, as Cao Cao muses at the end of the film that such a hero is ultimately a tool to be sacrificed by his sworn brother in such chaotic times.
As a period piece, The Lost Bladesman is a finely crafted reimaging of the source material, with lush cinematography, and avoids being ponderous or overly serious. Donnie Yen proves his dramatic chops and carries the show admirably. The feel of the movie is realistic and lived in. Also, like a good Greek tragedy, the characters are driven by their strengths (duty and honor) into conflict, and Guan Yu's opponents are more than just 2D cutouts.
As an action film, this movie kicks ass, a lot of it:
As action director, Messr Yen is equally strong. Each combat features different fighting styles and signature weapons. Guan Yu is clearly a badass, but his feats never break the viewer's verisimilitude or cross the line into cartoonishness.
If you like Iron Age action films, The Lost Bladesman is at the top of the heap. Plus, it's worth it just to see someone able to wield a guandao with such aplomb!
In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, few heroes loom as large as the legendary warrior Guan Yu. Not only is he a peerless fighter, armed with an imposing signature weapon (The Green Dragon Crescent Blade (青龍偃月刀), though this may be anachronistic since there's no proof of that the guandao was invented prior to the 11th century), he's also seen as a paragon of loyalty and righteousness. In fact, the dude is actually worshipped in many parts of East Asia (e.g., there's a shrine to him in every police station in Hong Kong)!
Thus, it it unsurprising that he has been celebrated in numerous books, films, video games and other media for two millennia.
Although Guan Yu is a historical figure, since he was popularized in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which is a mix of fact and fiction, many of his most famous tales of derring-do are myths. Such is the case with The Lost Bladesman: Based on the fictional story of Guan Yu crossing five passes and slaying six generals, the film actually begins with the great warrior's funeral in 220 and is told by his frenemy Cao Cao, the prime minister of the Han Dynasty.
Quickly, the action reverts back 20 years to the Battle of Baima (白馬之戰), where Guan Yu temporarily allies with Cao Cao and defeats a common enemy. The prime minister showers the warrior with title and treasure to try to win the latter's loyalty. However Guan Yu stays true to his sworn brother, the rebel warlord Liu Bei.
Thereafter, Guan Yu battles his way back to rejoin Liu Bei's army, facing both deadly foes and cunning treachery. However, it is treachery that ultimately defeats the undefeatable warrior, as Cao Cao muses at the end of the film that such a hero is ultimately a tool to be sacrificed by his sworn brother in such chaotic times.
As a period piece, The Lost Bladesman is a finely crafted reimaging of the source material, with lush cinematography, and avoids being ponderous or overly serious. Donnie Yen proves his dramatic chops and carries the show admirably. The feel of the movie is realistic and lived in. Also, like a good Greek tragedy, the characters are driven by their strengths (duty and honor) into conflict, and Guan Yu's opponents are more than just 2D cutouts.
As an action film, this movie kicks ass, a lot of it:
As action director, Messr Yen is equally strong. Each combat features different fighting styles and signature weapons. Guan Yu is clearly a badass, but his feats never break the viewer's verisimilitude or cross the line into cartoonishness.
If you like Iron Age action films, The Lost Bladesman is at the top of the heap. Plus, it's worth it just to see someone able to wield a guandao with such aplomb!
SC's Parting Shot: 9 of 10
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