From Warner Home Video:
927 A.D. The Killer-Blade Army has toppled the ruling dynasty, plunging the kingdom into chaos. The only remaining heir, Prince Jung-Hyun (Lee Seo Jin) is living in exile, unaware of his family's dark fate. Still loyal to the dynasty, the beautiful and deadly warrior Soha (Yoon Soy) sets out to find Jung-Hyun and guide him to become the great leader he was born to be. But with the Army's greatest assassins and the criminal underworld hunting them, Soha and Jung-Hyun are swept into an explosive, nonstop battle of swords, wits and bloodshed as they fight to reclaim the fallen throne.
The Legend of the Shadowless Sword is a "wire-fu" martial arts film from Korea although it was filmed in Chinese locations. The film is yet another attempt to duplicate Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in as much as being a historical epic. The plot is fairly straight-forward with everything heading to the inevitable showdown. However, the film is a pleasantly surprising ride along the way. The pacing keeps the film moving along with action pieces separated by quiet moments that develop the characters. Each of the action pieces are unique and interesting.
Though it turns serious, early on the film has a comedic feel including a brief appearance by a character that reminded us of Pirates of the Caribbean Captain Jack Sparrow. As the film settles in, it's left to the four leading characters to the four leads to carry the film, which they do. Although we would have liked to see more development of the relationship between the villain and his "companion," we were otherwise satisfied with the character development. The film is a little gory thanks to its chosen depiction of several deaths. Though not quite at the same level as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, it was well done and moved along at a brisk pace unlike House of Flying Daggers.
The DVD:
The DVD has approximately thirty minutes worth of extras. Most of that comes in the form of three interviews with the actors that potrayed "The Villain, "The King" and "The Companion." We would have liked to have seen an interview with the Villain's Companion as well. Also included is a short featurette that seems to feature only some of the film's story and its locations. Also included is an English language international trailer and a Korean-language music video.
The Legend of the Shadowless Sword DVD Extras:
— Character Introductions: The Villain (Interview with Seo-jin Lee)
— Character Introductions: The Companion (Interview with So-yi Yoon)
— Character Introductions: The King (Interview with Hyeon-jun Shin)
— Behind The Scenes: Featurette on Making of Film and Special Effects
— Music Video With Film Footage
— Picture Gallery Buy The Legend of the Shadowless Sword DVD Now!
