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Seven Warriors Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Sammo Hung, Jacky Cheung
  • Director: Sammo Hung
  • Format: Blu-ray, NTSC, Widescreen, Color, Dolby, THX
  • Language: Cantonese
  • Subtitles: English
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: Unrated
  • Studio: Well Go USA
  • Release Date: April 22, 2014
  • Run Time: 92 minutes


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            Akira Kurosawa’s films have been adapted many times, which is fitting considering how many classic narratives he also adapted into his own unique features. Seven Samurai must be the most popular of these narratives, remade several times in new settings and the same storyline. Seven Warriors sets the classic story of outnumbered noble fighters in The Warlord Era of China, with former soldiers choosing sides between defending the weak and becoming thieves and bandits. Taking on the style of Hong Kong’s New Wave Movement with the legendary Sammo Hung at the helm, Seven Warriors is an energetically updated version of Kurosawa’s narrative, now dated in the most spectacular of ways.

     


            Not much needs altering from Kurosawa’s original tale, although guns have been included into the fight choreography along with some classic kung-fu choreography. Seven former soldiers are hired by the villagers of Guangxi to protect them from the marauding gang of former soldiers relying on the small villages to take what they want. Outnumbered and unlikely to survive, these seven risk their lives for no pay of any kind, choosing honor over wealth. It is simplistic storytelling, leaving the action to speak for the alterations made.

     

            The soundtrack alone sets this apart as a classic 1980s kung-fu film, as does the high octane speed of the fight sequences. Despite being a bit more modern and utilizing firearms in the action, the choreography fits with many Chinese martial arts movies of the era. There is not much that looks significantly improved by the high definition presentation, but the aged look of the film is yet another indicator of the classic kung-fu style.    

     

    Entertainment Value: 7.5/10

    Quality of Filmmaking: 6.5/10

    Historical Significance: 6.5/10

    Special Features: 0/10

     



     
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