Aneesa Wardle
The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.
Derek Childs (totalovrdose)
Shadowless Sword, otherwise referred to as Legend of the Shadowless Sword, is a poignant action drama set in 926 AD, the film efficaciously blending the two separate genres together.So-ha (So-yi Yoon) is the greatest soldier in all Balhae, her skills with a sword, not to mention her training in martial arts, making her an unmatched expert on the battlefield. The Dongdam kingdom, with the strength of the Killer Blade Army at their disposal, is responsible for killing the Balhae royal family, in their quest for total control.A final heir to the throne, Jung-hyun (Seo-jin Lee) lives, and under order from the prime minister, So-ha ventures forth to find him, and bring him back to the capital. Essentially a story of comradery between these two characters as they traverse the dangerous environments, Shadowless Sword develops an emotionally poignant story of love, friendship, honor, remembrance, restoration and growth.Alongside So-ha, Jung-hyun, originally care-free, self-centered and hapless, remembers his former capabilities, and begins to grow beside her into the man he is destined to become. But the journey is far from easy, fraught continuously with peril, as Hwa-pyung (Hyeon-jun Shin), a man consumed by hatred, and Yung-OK (Ki-yong Lee), a woman who is almost as equally efficient as So-ha, hunt them at every turn. The focus on the heroes characterization unfortunately leaves little room for the villains, and though they are developed, it lacks the sense of completion the audience feels for the protagonists by the end of the feature.Some of the abilities and military techniques used during the combat scenarios require a certain amount of suspension of disbelief, which is also true for the moments when characters are able to soar across the air currents with ease, traveling from one part of the field to another in record time. Initially, a number of the fights are executed at an incredible pace, and it can prove difficult to concentrate on what is happening during the flurry of battle, although viewers will quickly adjust. Later, the film includes stunts that are either executed slower, or in slow motion, which really allows the audience to truly appreciate the beauty of the stylized acrobatic combat.The fights are wondrously executed, the violence and beauty of battle remaining steadfast throughout, the same going for the dialogue, which is as intelligent as it is engrossing. The score, including the final song accompanying the end credits, conveys underlining meaning, that draws the audience further into the plot, all of these features combined, not to mention the brilliant acting by the cast, making for tremendous entertainment.
smokem-1
Sometimes, films are just about color and movement- action and thrills. SHADOWLESS SWORD will not change your life, it won't make you think about the meaning of existence- but if you enjoy great fights and gorgeous actresses- then this film is for you ! Yun Soy is wonderful as the cool headed bodyguard - a much better role for her than ARAHAN- whilst she is beautiful, I found her to be very convincing in this film. So sit back , relax and just be entertained by the two lead actresses, the ultra cool underwater fight scene and the superb fight with the long mace inside the hut . Three words can easily describe this film- FIGHTS, FEMMES and FUN !!
gwailo247
So you're the last heir to an usurped throne in 10th century Korea, you got one hot chick out to protect you, an equally hot chick out to kill you, and all the men around you look like Captain Jack Sparrow (apparently the eyeliner/dreadlocks look is older then previously thought). The plot isn't much, but this movie is great eye candy. The film quality is very good, the sets and costumes are very colorful, and the fight scenes are excellent. The CGI effects are nice and enhance a lot of the scenes without being overbearing. The acting is pretty good, with a mix of drama and comedy, not too melodramatic. The villains of the Killer Blade Army get extra style points for sinister appearance and for being generally evil, with the monk earning best of show for his tattoos. Overall not an earth shattering movie, but very enjoyable visually as well as full of action. Recommended for fans of the genre.
