Directed by:
Sam FirstenbergScreenplay:
John CorcoranCinematography:
David GurfinkelCast:
Mark Dacascos, David Bradley, John Fujioka, Valarie Trapp, Rex Ryon, Melissa Hellman, Antony Szeto, Euthymios Logothetis, Rocky McDonaldPlots(1)
Raised from birth by a Samurai Master, two stepbrothers are torn apart by jealousy and rage when the family's sacred Samurai sword is bestowed upon the adopted son. When the two are played by David Bradley and - in his dynamic movie debut - Mark Dacascos, only one result is possible: awesome action. Vowing revenge, Kenjiro (Dacascos) becomes a Yakuza gangster drawn to the dangerous world of "live blade" fighting. The other son Drew (Bradley) becomes a journalist and travels halfway around the world to investigate the bizarre death of a fellow reporter - a search leading him into the Yakuza underworld - and into the sights of his murderous brother. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (1)
I thought I would have a good time with this action-packed slasher movie. Now I feel as if I was robbed by a pickpocket at a Christmas market. The only thing that sort of works about the film are the fights in the arena (that is, if you don't have high expectations). I'm not counting the final showdown which reminded me of a Picasso painting. Either the director and editor got high on something, or part of the fight took place on the astral plane. Thank God I don't have to write about pathetic acting performances since the movie didn't include any acting at all (just a lot of interesting grimaces). Some of the arena shots were downright comical – a fighter gets hit and has a slash wound across his forehead while his fancy headband somehow remains unscathed. It was so hilarious I had to replay the scene three times. Two stars mostly out of nostalgia and for the comedic moments.
()
Gallery (24)
Photo © Cannon Pictures
