| Tsui Hark is a mad genius (or was if you talk to fans today) and his very loose remake of Chang Cheh's One Armed Swordsman is the movie to support that claim. Even without having seen the original Shaw Brother's movie, one can safely say it wasn't this dirty, dark, violent or as visually daring as The Blade. Tsui is one of those directors that will not think of putting the camera everywhere. He is the one who will put it everywhere and in the case of The Blade it creates a dazzling, wild ride that does work with the mood of the film. The martial arts sequences are shot with the same free for all camera style but the reason it's not up for criticism in Tsui's movie is that we know there is quality choreography on display. As opposed to most American efforts where a shaky camera style is choosen and the choreography is very poor to begin with.
Outside of the story of Ling and her looking at the world (heard much in voiceover) The Blade is a familiar revenge tale brought to greater heights thanks to the design of the film. To the best of my knowledge only Ringo Lam's Burning Paradise (which Tsui Hark also produced) attempted this look and feel to a 90s martial arts production. Both are true stand outs because of it. Chiu Man Cheuk gives an intense, charismatic performance while also displaying terrific moves with his blade. Hung Yan Yan and him go at it during the ultra intense finale that is unlike anything I've ever seen. Not Hark's best movie from a storytelling point (some slow passages occur) but visually I would regard it as his most memorable. |
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