Jeri Jacquin
Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray Combo Pack & DVD from director Yuen Woo-ping, Well Go USA comes an epic adventure of unlikely heroes with BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS: Wind Rises in the Desert.
Dao Ma (Wu Jing) and the young Xiao Qi (Ju Qianlang) are bounty hunters looking for a payday. After they extort money from a wanted man, everyone takes notice. That’s when Dao Ma is summoned by Lord Chang (Jet Li), who wants him to train his people. Dao Ma turns him down flat. Walking away isn’t going to be so easy. After resting for the night, Dao Ma and Xiao Qi witness the Lord’s men expose another well-known fighter: the Two-Headed Snake.
Making their escape, Dao Ma heads for the Mojia Village where Ayuya (Chen Lijun) waits to have a little fun of her own with the soldiers chasing. Once safely in the village, the Chieftain calls in a favor from Dao Ma. He wants two things: one, to take the leader of the Flower Rebellion, Zhishilang (Sun Yizhou), to safety, and two, take Ayuya because she wants to see Chang’an along with her friend Ani (Xiong Jinyi).
Not everything is as it seems. The Flower Rebellion still has many who are loyal. With Di Ting (Nicholas Tse) and Shu (Yu Shi) hot on the group's trail, it doesn’t take long before the Imperial Marksman finds them. The Western Five clans meet to discuss the plans by the emperor, but they are in it to capture Zhishilang. Now, the race is on, and Dao Ma isn’t about to let anyone or anything stop him from keeping his promise.
Jing as Dao Ma is a man who just wants to go about his business, making money and moving on. His nature is one that doesn’t want to get involved in anyone’s problems. That means he’s going to be involved in everyone's problems anyway! Jing has his moments of spectacular fight scenes, and once he isn’t fighting, his two main goals are his nephew and staying away from other people's beefs. I loved his role. It isn’t flashy’ it isn’t trying to take up the whole story, yet, from the beginning, it is easy to see who the leader is. Young Qianlang as Xiao Qi is going along to get along. It’s clear he has learned when to step in and when to hide behind a post. He may be small, but his presence is definitely felt.
Lijun as Ayuya is an amazingly strong character. A young woman who knows what she wants, and if you get in her way, well, be prepared for pain to come your way. Lijun gives her character confidence, ability, and the character to defend anyone she cares about. I’d definitely want her on my side in a fight. Jinyi as Ani is Ayuya’s silent backup partner. A little rough around the edges, a little angry, but if you are going to have a sidekick who knows how to use that anger well, then Ani is your girl.
Yizhou as Zhishilang is the masked leader of the Flower Rebellion. His presence is almost like a Buddhist monk. Not wanting to fight, but also won’t be taken advantage of. He may not say a lot, but it’s clear he is a good man worth saving. Yizhou is tall! Yizhou gives his character compassion and understanding in the midst of the chaos surrounding him.
Shout out to Jet Li! His role makes its mark on the film, and honestly, it was amazing to see him back in action.
Other cast include Zhang Jin as Two-headed Snake, Song Sicheng as Da Lai, He Yixuan as Ci Sha, Tony Leung Ka-fai as Lao Mo, Zhang Yi as Pei Shiju, Li Yunxiao as Yan Ziniang, Wen Junhui as Yuji Niuluo, Liu Yaowen as Pei Zingyan, and Kara Wai as Madam Yuchi.
Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more, please visit www.wellgousa.com.
This Chinese film has a full 126-minute running time is just that: time enough to become invested in the characters and time to see how they get out of the mess they find themselves in. With the wide scope of storytelling in the film, it needs every minute to follow the pieces on this desert chessboard. Each character is so well defined and has a place in the story that is set up to challenge us. We learn slowly who to trust, what their motives are, and what our anti-heroes will do to stop the trouble.
The action sequences are brilliant, with moments of jaw-dropping as well. What impresses me the most is the actors making the fight scenes look so easy and fluid. The film basically takes place outside in the desert, which means the outdoors also becomes a character in the film. There is also humor in just the right places, offering a moment to take a breath from the action. This is an action, adventure, and martial arts film worth spending time with.
In the end – heroes can be found in the most unlikely places!
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