14 Blades (2010)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

"14 Blades" represents the best M.A. movie I have even watched. Thanks to Daniel Lee who wrote this gorgeous piece of art work which portrays some positive human qualities lacking in so many M.A. movies. Qing Long (played by Donnie Yen) possesses some noble qualities of integrity, loyalty, commitment & courage, though a bit ruthless & cunning at times. Qiao Hua (played by Vicky Zhao) is faithful, gentle & optimistic. Another thing I like about this movie is that there are relatively few violent or bloody scenes. Not a professional action scenes reviewer, I'd rather concentrate on talking about the movie's "Romance". On the surface, Qing Long seems to be using Qiao Hua for completing his own mission, but the trust between them makes their romantic connection very convincing. Qiao Hua, though a bit naive & ignorant of certain personality darkness of her hero, is actually fully committed to him for completing his course of action, thus demonstrating full customer service (we have to bear in mind that Qing Long is a big customer of Qiao Hua's father). Implication for modern day romance is:- Be fully devoted to your lover (rather than being over calculating) when you still have a chance & accept life as it is when you have none.Qiao Hua shows a cheerful personality & maintains her serenity throughout the whole story, without the slightest resentment towards Tuo Tuo, who brings an end to her romantic journey. This makes her adjust better to the lonely life afterwards. Though the ending is a bit sad, it demonstrates how single women can still lead a meaningful life with the pure memory of delightful experience. This kind of attitude may sound a bit "classical" but forms a great example for people in turmoil situations.I sincerely hope that Daniel Lee can produce more wonderful M.A. movies in the future, but with a happy ending next time. Donnie Yen & Vicky Zhao do create a perfect match on the screen ("Painted Skin" is a good example). Really looking forward to seeing them again soon in another great movie. Just to copy from Qiao Hua, "When there is hope, life is still inspiring!"

14 Blades is a good martial arts movie however I felt much of the charm or magic was dampened by the constant use of technology. As felt by many viewers here in IMDb, the effects used to make our characters jump around with ease or gravity-defying stunts or even throwing darts at ridiculously long distances at pin-point accuracy & strength overshadowed raw action that could have made this movie more thrilling.Donnie Yen as Qinglong(ex-leader of government's secret police) is a seriously cool fighter, so is Wu Chun, as head of some desert bandits. Then, we also have Kate Tsui who plays the lethal female character Tuotuo with ease. Amidst all these action characters, the very pretty Zhao Wei as Qiao Hua(the only lead role who doesn't really fight) alleviates the mood of the movie with her calm & peaceful presence.Verdict: Despite the too many special effects, I still recommend the movie for at least one viewing for all the action, especially the racy, exciting sword fights.

What a great look at how the Chinese days of old used to be. A prince who was using his position of power tries to buy three districts which are of value in a strategic sense. Buying these sectors gives the prince even more power to harness the people and use them as he sees fit. In the middle is one man who found out this coo and decides to stop it at all costs even if it costs him his life. Donnie yen plays an elite guard who are trained from childhood on up to adulthood to become the most feared warrior since the ming dynasty started. Yet before this can happen, in his early years as a child, he had to kill his own brother and emerge from a prison cell where they fought. His life then became a constant turmoil of emotions as he tries to cope with his brothers death by his own hand. In the middle are a host of other bystanders who help him achieve his goal of bringing back the emperors seal which could have made the district deal legal. Other bandits, mercenaries, cut throats, and a lone woman named Tuo Tuo. Her ability is using a technique of speed and deception, along with her arsenal of gifts, she also uses a unique tool which can spear anyone from any position. Plus another woman (Wei Zaho) who falls in love with the hero (Donnie Yen), does what ever her hero demands. It's a blend of a love story mixing with hard action at its best. Donnie Yen gives a brilliant performance as the ex Jinyiwei guard. A man who has nothing to lose, except his dignity. Wonderful acting all around, great music score, and beautiful fight sequences. Recommended viewing for this one.

The film started rather promising, but it ended by being a fiasco. The characters and fights look like coming directly from a game like Final Fantasy - with fancy looks, supernatural powers and exotic weapons - but unfortunately out of time and place. While some fights are entertaining and Donnie Yen is good during the short display of kung fu, the most part of the fights consist in a display of CG scenes and wire fu. All that would have been a little entertaining movie to enjoy and forget at the end of the week, but it's culminating with another tragic ending in the purest Asian style (in the same vein of Tiger and Dragon, Hero, etc...)