The ‘they don’t make ’em like the used to’ sentiment in cinema can be a gift and a curse. There’s plenty of genre types and streaming fodder that try and fail to capture that nostalgic longing for a simpler time in movies. But then there are others that nail it and scratch the exact itch your eyes have been searching for, a real treat for cinephiles that harkens back to a time when we fell in love with the silver screen.
Enter “Blades of the Guardian,” a big, loud, maximalist martial arts historical epic and a return of wuxia cinema in dazzling form. Stunning choreography, larger than life characters, and quite literally non stop action, the latest marital arts import has it all. One of those films I didn’t know how much I missed seeing until I was in the thick of it, and “Blades of the Guardian” is the exact kind of ‘all gas no breaks’ cinematic experience I’ve craved for quite some time.
Yuen Woo-ping’s Action Legacy on Full Display
There’s no point in hoping to understand what “Blades” is actually about. In true wuxia fashion, it requires a vast knowledge of ancient Chinese history and an immersion in the genre itself to fully put all the pieces of the narrative together properly. But for the first time in a long time, plot comprehension doesn’t really matter. That’s largely because of two things: Yuen Woo-ping’s long, successful history as a martial arts choreographer including (but not limited to) “The Matrix” trilogy, “Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2,” “Kung Fu Hustle,” “Fearless,” “Man of Tai Chi,” and that’s just the list of major crossovers.
If you’ve seen any Jet Li film during the 90s, they were probably choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping. But that’s the level of dazzling action you should expect from “Blades of the Guardian,” and if you like any of the action in the aforementioned films, THIS is the film for you.
The second is just how damn likeable – or unlikeable in the villain’s case – the characters are. They all fully embrace their archetypes – the lone ex soldier turned solitary bounty hunter, the young apprentice, the unwilling sword master turned friend from enemy, the comic relief, the man from hero’s past, the dastardly villain and more – and are more than dialed into Woo-ping’s wavelength and signature style. Wu Jing is quite excellent as the leading man in “Blades of the Guardian,” playing bounty hunter Doa Ma with a sort of jaded wit and go with the flow wanderer quality that is nearly impossible not to root for immediately. He is the embodiment of a wuxia hero, and even when I wasn’t quite sure what was happening around him I found myself unable to look away and wholly invested in his journey.
Supporting Cast Adds Humor, Heart, and Energy
He’s also surrounded by a few companions who are all equally as good. They all know how to switch gears from fantasy adventure silliness to deeply emotional drama whenever “Blades” needs them to do so. Opera singer turned supporting martial arts sidekick Chen Lijun (who was tapped late and required reshoots after the firing of the original actress in post production) is full of life and naivety, a great pairing for Doa Ma and his adoptive father figure vibes. Yu Shi as a rival bounty hunter turned partner crime imbues a stoic, assassin with a soft spot nature to the role and rag tag group, and Kara Wai is hilarious as Madame Yuchi, a prisoner of Shu (Shi) who spends most of her time cracking mild innuendos in prison chains.
There’s no need to parse out how all these characters work in the story, nor should we dwell on the limitedJet Li screentime. “Blades of the Guardian” is pure, unadulterated martial arts action cinema that never lets up as soon as it begins. The choreography is stunning, with each battle feeling unique and exciting and constant, the clanging of swords and high wire flying so enthralling you forget why we’re here in the first place.
It’s beautiful carnage, a true throwback to wuxia roots with a westernized lens for broad appeal. It’s rare a film that leaves no room to catch your breath. As our heroes traverse the dangerous desert, we are given maybe 5 minutes between battles and violent encounters. Woo-ping refuses to let things rest or settle. Usually this is a deterrent, but Woo-ping is so well studied in this genre and style “Blades of the Guardian” actually excels in relentlessness.
Martial Arts Cinema Is Thriving Again
Like “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” last year, martial arts cinema is alive and well. If you’re willing to seek it out that is. “Blades of the Guardian” may not have been on your radar here stateside, but if you’re in the mood for relentless swordfights and battles and chases on horseback and a pretty visually excellent fight scene in a sandstorm (yes, really), then THIS is the movie for you. Sometimes movies just need to be entertaining, and if they can do that while also being one you remember, you’ve got something special on your hands.
“Blades of the Guardian” is a reminder that great, exciting cinema exists around the globe, and if you’re willing to break free from your own cinematic borders, the discoveries can be a treasure trove of excellence.
I hope this movie makes a gazillion RMB (due to reshoots the film cost 850 million) so I can be seated for “Blades of the Guardian 2: Martial Arts Boogalo.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
“Blades of the Guardian” is now playing in theaters. You can watch the trailer below.
