The Swordsman OR Moon Warriors - Are they any good?

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 09 Dec 2006, 15:55

Which is better? And Why?

I'm trying to decide which to get along with Yes Madam at HKL. Is The Swordsman as convoluted as I hear and does Moon Warriors have a weak romance as I also hear?

Cheers

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:02

Swordsman is more Tsui Hark-esque (more lyrical, more complex, better paced, and overall a better film IMO).

Moon Warriors is more Sammo Hung-esque (fast paced, easy to follow, and emotionally empty).

If you're into stuff like Eastern Condors / Millionaire's Express / My Lucky Stars, go for Moon Warriors.

If you prefer stuff like The Lovers / Green Snake / A Chinese Ghost Story, you're better off with Swordsman.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:10

hey,

Moon Warriors is more Sammo Hung-esque (fast paced, easy to follow, and emotionally empty).

Don't agree on the emotional empty part. Found it satisfying on that level and no wonder, Mabel Cheung and Alex Law worked on those sections.

Not seen the first Swordsman.

romerojpg · Post by **romerojpg** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:21

Swordsman has THE WORST asian star in film history as the star of the film, he is awful to look at, acts awful and just grates one me, avoid it just for his ugly mug alone.

Or just splash trhe hell out and pay £5.99 for both them

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:28

Who is that Romero? With such a large cast I'm not sure who you mean.

From a money point of view I'd do just that but there are only so many hours in a day and I already have stacks and stacks of unwatched DVDs (I've placed 12 separate orders already recently). Oh and it is Christmas time too so money is more precious than normal.

tom2681 wrote:If you're into stuff like Eastern Condors / Millionaire's Express / My Lucky Stars, go for Moon Warriors.

If you prefer stuff like The Lovers / Green Snake / A Chinese Ghost Story, you're better off with Swordsman.

I've not seen any of those

. I do like Tsui's work though but find Sammo (and JC's) often silly.

I've heard from some The Swordsman though has plots going off at all angles, which sounds annoying. I've also heard from others Moon Warriors is emotionally vapid (I've read your comment though Knetan).

Hmmm still not sure yet.

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:30

@Romero:
Why do you hate Sam Hui ?

@Ken:
What I don't like about Moon Warriors is the editing. This movie is like a puzzle in which none of the pieces match.
That's why I can't feel anything for the characters.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:34

What else has he been in?

Is the Swordsman as convoluted/all over the place as New Gate Dragon Inn? That one was a mess, and only an average film to boot. That would probably sum up which to get for me.

The thing is when you say "more lyrical, more complex" in a HK film I'm always dubious as so few are anything remotely that. The most we seem to get is a bit of complex thrown in for good measure but nothing seriously coming close to lyrical and complex.

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:35

Is the Swordsman as convoluted/all over the place as New Gate Dragon Inn?

Much much more.

Compared to Swordsman, Dragon Inn is easy to follow.

What else has he been in?

Aces go Places, Dragon from Russia.

romerojpg · Post by **romerojpg** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:38

Sam Hui look at that bloody mug! evil looking moppet. I am sure he is a loverly guy, but his on screen persona sucks to me, he is the ONLY star of the film by the way so it has to be him.

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:40

The best thing about Moon Warriors was the cool MIHK trailer with the superb Morricone music

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:44

Thanks Tom that sums it up really. I'll let this one run for a while though.

One more: on the action stakes which is better?

tom2681 · Post by **tom2681** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:47

Swordsman's got Ching Siu-Tung.
Moon Warriors' got Ching Siu-Tung, Sammo Hung and Corey Yuen.

I'd say Swordsman has the edge, because the action in Moon Warriors is so undercranked it becomes ridiculous at times.

But there are more fights in Moon Warriors (I think).

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 09 Dec 2006, 16:50

He was the action director on New Gate Dragon Inn too. I actually like undercranking (Iron Monkey uses undercranking right?).

I think I'll go with Moon Warriors. It also has Maggie Cheung which is a plus. I've got a feeling I'd like The Swordsman but wouldn't think it was better than fairly enjoyable.

I'd like to hear a second opinion though, Knetan hasn't said much and Romero just thinks The Swordsman lead is evil.

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:02

Hard choice tbh, Moon Warriors is more of an action film and features some wonderfully insane moments (the killer whale anyone?). Swordsman on the other hand is more plot-driven also has a lot of insanity and plays out like a Yuen Chor film with the pacing cranked up to 11. I enjoyed both and don't recall either film being difficult to follow.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:28

hey,

I'll say more on Moon Warriors then.

http://www.sogoodreviews.com/reviews/m4.htm#moon

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:34

That's exactly where I went after reading Brad's comment, surprised you ain't reviewed Swordsman actually Ken.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:37

hey,

not seen it yet. I'll get to most movies sometime....meanwhile I'm happily stuck with flms like I Love Miss Fox and Best Friend Of The Cops!

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:39

I have check out lots of reviews of each at DVD Basen btw but like to hear what you guys think too. Your review Knetan wasn't found

I also like to read reviews from non-HK aficionados too as that's more where I'm coming from.

Thanks for the review Knetan it's just the right length to give an idea of the film. I find sometimes long reviews to long and I'm getting bored half way through, and your comments above Shingster too of course.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:45

hey,

dvd basen doesn't list my quick-takes as they're not dvd reviews.

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:46

Knetan wrote:Best Friend Of The Cops!

Sounds like a film Jackie Chan should be starring in.

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:48

hey,

cheap Alex Man film. He did a lot of those.

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:55

So Jackie doesn't at least get to turn up and ride a police motorbike at all?

Knetan · Post by **Knetan** » 09 Dec 2006, 17:59

hey,

it still wouldn't have beat Paul Chun urinating on Man's shoes during the climactic card game!

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 09 Dec 2006, 19:23

hehe, now i'm interested in the film

Killer Meteor · Post by **Killer Meteor** » 09 Dec 2006, 21:03

Both Swordsman and Moon Warriors are excellent but I'll give the edge to Swordsman. It's an astonisingly beautiful work, with a fantastic music score, sensual cinematography and good fights. Officially, it's directed by my favourite HK director King Hu but I'm not sure how much of his footage made it into the final cut - he was replaced during shooting.

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