| Mainland Chinese production that attempts to echo much that have been said in martial arts cinema before, including in Shaolin Temple (Jet Li's breakthrough film). What we get here are generally finely lensed landscapes, buddhism vs. violence rationales and what I assume is a bunch of genuine Wushu performers adding authentic skill to the film. Director Wong Sing-Lui manages with a heavy hand examine the theme of the film in a slightly above average way but what's missing in the equation is a constant quality showcase for the action performers. The first real fight stands as the best in the film, combining fast, clear and acrobatic traits but the time subsequently offers up more messy and large scenarios than anything else. There's an art in making an epic immersing. That art isn't fully practiced here but Arhats In Fury earns a minor recommendation for the serious nature it does possess. |
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