Sword of Doom

Anyone reading more than one of my opinions might glean that I have an interest in asian and other foreign films. Much as western films, most are based in cultural precepts and traditional tales. Because American writers seem to lack the ability to do anything but update old stories I’ve already heard or seen too many times, I find myself depending on indies and foreign films for new ideas. I think that sentiment is reflected in many audiences as we see huge success in films based in comics and graphic novels. My dissertation aside, this film’s originality can’t save anyone from boredom.

The story here is that a samurai warrior carries his comrade, injured in battle, to a temple for respite from battle. The might-be-priest that welcomes this protagonist actually is a very introspective demon awaiting an opponent that can defeat him in battle. There is a good bit of philosophy dispersed throughout the film in conversational fashion, and the fight scenes are choreographed well when they too infrequently appear. But the story, simple as it is, requires a great deal of time to develop. Plus the ending arrives per a “dues ex machina” mechanism, which leaves you with mouth agape while thinking incredulously, “I waited for this?”

Naturally ,this film was better suited as a short-act drama, where the audience could be prepared to learn the backstories of the characters from mere dialogue. As well, the pace was burdening, so I give it a 4.5 outta 10.