Seven Swords - Qi Jian

*yawns* ........I'm still recovering from the 3AM shift the other day.

Been feeling so shag that I was sleeping like a dead log even when my alarm clock was ringing on and on and on and on......you get the picture.

My whole schedule is so messed up that my internal clock can't tell the difference between day and night. Sheesh...

Anyway, despite of my fluctuating schedules, I manage to sqeeze in some time to catch the new movie; Seven Swords last night. And all I can say is......KICK ASS!!!!

I don't know, but it must be a guy thing. From the first minute till the last it was pure fun! There was gore, violence, drama, romance, sex and betrayal. And the fight scenes were simply superb! It really restore my faith in chinese movies again.

Inspired by the novel written by Liang Yu Sheng, the movie follows seven swordsmen and their exploits. Each having been bestowed an exquisite sword forged painstakingly by the martial arts doyen Reverend Hui Ming residing on Mt. Tianshan.

Each of these swordsmen all carry swords with even cooler names. There was the Heaven's Fall, the Dragon, the Star-Chasers, the Unlearnt, the Transient, the Deity and the Celestial Beam; all with its own unique design and speciality. Talk about creative names!!!!

While watching the movie, I can help to notice that the story line bears a similarity to the Akira Kurosawa classic, Seven Samurai. Its about these bunch of swordsmen saving a dilapidated village from the slaughter of the big bad military cum power/gold hungry maniacs. And from there on, then the movie takes a turn ala Lord of the Rings by the villagers evacuating their homes to find safe hiding in the mountain caves. Does Helm's Deep ring a bell?

Still, what adds the to glamour of the show is that it was helmed by director Tsui Hark. Futher, there was heavy weight actors such as Leon Lai, Charlie Young and one of my all time martial arts fav Donnie Yen.

Also, one of the best bits about the show, is that it showcase a Korean actress Kim So Yeon. Some of you might remember her from the Korean drama All About Eve. It was really a pleasant surprise to see her acting in the movie and of course, while watching the movie.....I find myself looking forward to the Korean dialogue between her and Donnie Yen. Can anyone say sarang heyo? hana seyo? shi-bai!!!!!!!!

All I can say is......for all you pop-corn-movie lovers out there, go watch this show. It might not appeal to everyone, but it sure damn appealed to me. And if you think anyone can come out with a fight scene? Check out the fight scene between Donnie Yen and big-bad-boss in a narrow corridor at the end of the movie.

Just remember to close your jaw after you see it. Fuuuuuuuarrrrrh!!!!!!!!