The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch Review

The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch

Imagine you’re a rich individual in your late years, but for some reason you don’t have a wife, relatives or children. Would you adopt to pass on your wealth and business? That’s exactly what happens in this French movie ‘The Heir Apparent: Largo Wench’. This movie was released in 2008, but recently made its way to the US in December 2011 and was nominated for Best International Film at the 2012 Saturn Awards.

Billionaire Nerio Winch lived a reclusive life style, but ends up being murdered. The board members of the corporation he built believe he was not murdered and left no heirs. Little did they realize Nerio adopted a child named Largo played by Tomer Sisley. Things unfold and Largo investigates the murder of his father and uncovers a conspiracy that threats his life and everything he holds dear while he proves he is truly the heir to the Winch dynasty.

Largo played by Tomer Sisley is amazing, presenting an over-confident, street wise, but well-educated character who can brawl. I was surprised to see this much action, for I was expecting more of a drama story, but I was thrilled. Tomer could almost be considered a martial artist for he delivers some amazing fight scenes I wasn’t expecting. The way he presents his character is truly entertaining, displaying a likeable and seasoned actor. The supporting cast also presented noteworthy performances, especially the character Ann Ferguson played Kristin Scott Thomas and a few others who made this movie even more enjoyable to watch.

I truly enjoyed the acting. The amount of action scenes was not something I expecting, for I went in thinking this was a drama story, but no complaints for the fight scenes were awesome. I also didn’t have any issues with the subtitles for it was presented well enough to not be distracting.

Overall, I was very entertained by this movie. I was expecting a drama story, but received a drama action movie full of twists that kept me interested.

I give The Heir Apparent: Largo Wench’ 4 out 4 smiles! A must see!

The Raid: Redemption Review

The Raid: Redemption (2012)

I grew up watching martial arts films with poor dubbing, so when a foreign movie is released that I am interested in, I prefer to watch it with subtitles. Thankfully, most of my favorite martial artists are mainly in the US now, so subtitles are not required to often. But every now and then, some new martial arts actor appears making noise outside North America, and one did. I heard a buzz about this new martial arts actor named Iko Uwais. I hit the web and YouTube to find out more, which led me to the movie ‘The Raid: Redemption’.

A few things on why I was curious and excited to watch this movie; first, the movie introduces the Indonesian martial art ‘Pencak Silat’. How many movies have you seen use that style? Second, Iko Uwais is a true practitioner, studying for over 10 years, and is an exhibition champion of the style, so we can expect a great performance, which many already compare him Jet Li and Tony Jaa. Exciting!

The Raid: Redemption is the story about a crime lord that has bunkered down in an apartment building, who has been defending the building from gang rivals and cops for years making the place a no-go zone. Eventually, a rookie cop named Rama played by Iko Uwais and a 20 man SWAT team lead by Sergeant Jaka played by Joe Taslim is ordered and guided by Lieutenant Wahyu to take out the crime lord. Things end up badly where it turns into a fight for survival full of action, gunplay and body counts.

Iko Uwais delivers an outstanding performance. His presents a creative fighting style that can remind you of Jackie Chan’s stunts and antics, but graceful and quick to the eyes like Jet Li (The Expendables). He can easily turn up the heat, resembling a ferocious and brutal style like Tony Jaa (Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior), but has a unique enough style that can distinguish himself from other martial artists, especially when he is using a knife and police stick.

Don’t watch this movie for a story, for its nothing ground breaking or new. What makes this movie amazing is in the action and fight scenes. With the help of the supporting cast, they deliver a well-rounded performance of intense fight and gunplay scenes that is an accelerating ride full of non-stop action.

Overall, this movie was awesome and entertaining! To see the Indonesian martial art ‘Pencak Silat’ in action was inspiring. It resembled a number of styles, but had a unique enough style that I am curious to learn it. Also, watching the movie with subtitles didn’t really bother me, for there is very little dialogue during the action scenes to distract you from enjoying.

I give ‘The Raid: Redemption’ 4 out of 4 smiles. A must see!

Legend of the Shadowless Sword Review

Do you ever get tired of watching martial arts movies with males being the main heroes? I don't, but I do love to see more movies with female martial artists being the main heroes. And that is the presentation of the Legend of the Shadowless Sword.

The bodyguard played by So Yi Soon

Prince played by Seo-jin Lee

The story takes place in ancient times of Korea surrounding the last prince of Balhae Kingdom. Balhae was invaded by Khitan also called the Killer Blade army and executes the entire royal family to prevent further resistance, except one exiled prince still lives.

The Killer Blade army is sent to kill the last potential resistance. While a bodyguard named Yeon So-ha played by So Yi Soon is sent to find the exiled prince at all costs. Soon after a confrontation begins with the bodyguard, the local gang and the Killer army in a small village where a reluctant prince named Day Jung-hyun played by Seo-jinn Lee tries every means to avoid his destiny.

After being introduced to So Yi Soon’s martial arts talents in the TV show 'Warrior Baek Dong Soo', I expected this movie to be spectacular. And I got say her talents did not disappoint for her Martial Arts chorography, action scenes and acting was breathtaking to watch. It’s always inspiring to see women of great talent in the world of Martial Arts presenting entertainment with grace, beauty and skill leaving a final thought of never wanting to meet this lady in a back ally.

Overall, I truly enjoyed watching this movie. It had great action scenes, visuals and portrayed the setting of ancient Korea very well.  The Martials Arts chorography was awesome; that I don’t feel adding the supernatural effects to the action scenes was necessary for the movie was already entertaining. One other note,  If you are not into watching subtitles then you may not find this movie to be entertaining to watch.

I give 'The Legend of the Shadowless Sword' an Imp Score of 3 out of 4 smiles. Great entertainment worth watching.