Bodyguards and Assassins (2009)

Too much of everything

Don't Believe the Hype

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Now this is more like it! BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS is an expertly-crafted and detailed martial arts odyssey that comes close to the high quality of the two IP MAN films. It's carefully made, intelligent and intriguing, and it tells a little-known story (outside of Asia, at least) in such a way that is both educational and entertaining. A difficult mix, to be sure, but one that really works here.I'll make no bones about it: this movie is slow paced and long, but it really rewards the viewer who allows himself to fully immerse in the cinematic world. The first half or so is the set-up, which is lengthy and detailed, with lots of supporting characters; the last hour really ups the ante in terms of on-screen action, running together a series of martial arts battles that just get better and better as we near the end.And the fight scenes are truly spectacular, sure to delight any fan of the genre. They're of the scenery-smashing, bone-breaking, wirework-assisted variety, with Donnie Yen and his companions battling a series of exceptional villains to the death in scenes that are exciting as they are technically proficient. Despite Yen's presence, this is far from a star vehicle; the famed actor is content to take a back seat for the most part and allows his peers to shine, which they do. Tony Leung is very good in a non-action role, but the real surprise is Nicholas Tse, playing against type and exceptionally good with it. Leon Lai, Cung Le and Bingbing Fan all contribute effective turns too.I know that Chinese films are often criticised for being too melodramatic, and this is no exception to that rule; nevertheless, the film works, tugging at the heartstrings as well as getting the adrenaline flowing. It really is one of those films that offers it all, from action and excitement to detailed characters and pathos, and I look forward to revisiting it in the future.

Well now I've heard (and seen) it all. I saw the great reviews of this movie, and after watching the amazing "The Man From Nowhere" last night, thought I'd go 2 for 2.Not so!Other reviewers are saying this made you care for the characters. I can't believe that! I was laughing more than anything. How many times can you be reminded over and over and over of the same things... the man trying to protect his son, the man trying to overcome the death of the woman he loved, the man trying to fight for the daughter he almost had... blah blah blah.If it were done with great acting, then maybe, but this is far from it. This is by far the cheesiest movie I've seen in many years. Overacted, over-dramatized, over-directed, over-edited, and even the score was overdone."Over The Top." If Stallone hadn't made a movie with that title, this one should be called that for sure.At least I was hoping for some great action and fighting... but alas no... If it wasn't for the fight scenes starting at about 38 minutes left in the film, I would have given this movie one star.I can't believe I sat through the whole movie until that last part. But at least them I got to see some cool action, even if every time someone "important" to the plot died, they would flash their obituary on the screen... like I was going to cry or something?Honestly, don't believe the hype you're reading about this movie. I'm a HUGE fan of action, drama, and martial arts films. Finding one that has great action, drama, plot, fights, and acting is about impossible (unless it's "The Man From Nowhere"). This movie succeeds in having NONE of those great elements.It's boring. It's supremely cheesy. It's unsatisfying. And now I can't get my Saturday night back. Oh, well... I'll call it an experiment in movie watching and try something else tomorrow. The least I could do is to warn others to NOT waste their valuable time on this cheese-fest.Don't make me say I told you so... Watch something else.

This is NOT Hollywood type Kick-Ass. This is NOT an Arty House of Daggeers.This is a historical drama with some neat kung-fu thrown in. Beautiful to look at. From the elegance of the costumes to the dirty streets in the ghetto. Bodyguards and Assassins has charm, tragedy, drama, loyalty, respect, ignorance and more going for it. Slightly long but thoroughly enjoyable.I was unaware of this part of Chinas history (boy do the English come off bad yet again) and I'm glad I watched it.

I had the pleasure (but discomfort) of watching this on the plane from Taipei to Bangkok and have never been so engrossed in an in-flight movie. It was heartbreaking and exciting and, although perhaps slightly out of place, the action sequences were excellent. The acting was great and this may well be my favorite film so far this year. I am unaware as to how accurate the story is but I would bet it is much closer to reality than most "Based on a True Story"-type films. Another reviewer said they were expecting a Hong Kong "Gangs of New York" and I think it does fall somewhere near this but I would rewatch this film 100 times before watching "Gangs" again... this is mostly due to Cameron Diaz's atrocious performance. I hope this film receives a subtitled release on DVD as I will definitely want to add it to my collection.