Blu-ray Review – Sword of the Assassin

The Vietnamese production, "Sword of the Assassin" (released as "Blood Letter" in its homeland), is reportedly one of the country's most expensive movies. Budgetary might shows throughout the picture, which submits elaborate costuming, a wide range of locations, and wire-intensive martial arts sequences, supporting an epic tale of destiny and revenge. The feature also represents a flirtation with the wuxia genre, bringing that bag of tricks to a national film scene that hasn't had the practice. Uncertainty comes across clearly during the effort's more elaborate moments of violent engagement and escape, but what's more troubling is the tangled plot, which seems to go out of its way to provide names and motivations without making secure introductions first. There's plenty of narrative business to sort through, but the dramatic claustrophobia does little to dilute the sheer beauty of the film, making "Sword of the Assassin" a feast for the eyes with its dazzling colors, far off locations, and vivid costuming. Just make sure you have a pen and a pad handy to keep characterizations in check. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com