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14 Blades
錦衣衛
2010 114 min Hong Kong, China, Singapore R 16+
★6.5
Drama, Action, Thriller
Director: Daniel Lee
Trailers
Description
Commander Qinglong is the loyal leader of the assassin group that serves the emperor. But when his allies plan a rebellion against the ruler, he finds himself in danger.
Budget:
$20M
Starring
Donnie Yen
Actor
Wei Zhao
Actor
Chun Wu
Actor
Awards
4 wins & 4 nominations total
Key opinion
14 Blades is a visually stylish action film that primarily serves as a vehicle for Donnie Yen's martial arts expertise. While fans of the genre appreciate its aesthetic and choreography, critics are divided over the thin narrative and the execution of its technical elements.
| Acting | Donnie Yen delivers a strong, physically commanding performance that anchors the action sequences. | |
| Production | The film features beautiful cinematography and high-quality production design that successfully captures a sense of historical adventure. | |
| Screenplay | The plot is widely regarded as simplistic, which some viewers find refreshing while others dismiss as underdeveloped and hollow. | |
| Direction | Reliance on CGI and wire-work is polarizing, with some praising the modern aesthetic and others criticizing the visual effects for appearing artificial and unpolished. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split; some find the film watchable and engaging throughout, while others feel the first half is a struggle and the action sequences become over-extended. |