The Warrior’s Way (2010)

Director: Sngmoo Lee

Starring: Dong-Gun Jang, Kate Bosworth, Geoffrey Rush

A warrior-assassin is forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands after refusing a mission.

This English-language Korean film certainly is pleasing to the eye. It is visually stunning with great photography. Unconventional and a bit weird also comes to mind, but oh-so enjoyable and a lot of fun (despite some slapstick humor).

The film combines so many different elements and genres: action, adventure, humor, fantasy, brutality, gore, and even sensuality. It’s hard to put my finger on what exactly attracts me to the film. Maybe the unusual combination of everything. Definitely the film’s look! And it has a great score.

I didn’t find the hero, Yang, a strong enough character. Lynne (Kate Bosworth) was a far more interesting character with a much better back story – and story altogether. At times Danny Huston didn’t seem believable – or terrifying – enough as Colonel, the antagonist, but the showdown between Lynne and Colonel was a great moment.

In general, this is an awesome production and a great watch – just don’t take it too seriously.

Would I watch it again? Yes.