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Set
against the incredible backgrounds of Southern China, Bichunmoo
tells the immortal story of Jinha, an apprentice of the all-powerful
Bichun sword style, who, separated from his soulmate Sullie by
a cruel twist of fate, embarks on an amazing quest to become a
true master swordsman, before finally fulfilling his destiny in
an incredible battle which will change his life forever.
This
is it, the start of the Premier Asia lineup. From what I've seen
in Bichunmoo, Premier Asia looks like it's going to be a highly
successful label. I'm not trying to be a kiss-ass here but I am
genuinely excited about the whole thing. After this we've got
classics like Bang Rajan, Ichi the Killer and Ju-On to look forward
to. I'm quivering just from the thought of it. But that's not
what this review is about. It's about Bichunmoo.
I think
I'll start the review off by saying it's one of the few martial
arts movies that's made me get all misty. It's all down to the
fact I'm a real sucker for a good love story and that's what this
is. Like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Once Upon A Time In
China before that, it's the plot that makes it so enjoyable. The
fights are merely a tasty bonus. Alright it'd suck without the
fights but the point is that a touching plot is what raises it
above the ordinary martial arts flick.
The
plot is a convoluted one about love, betrayal and revenge. Obviously
it's the love one that takes centre stage. When Jinha is a boy
he rescues Sullie from a potential mauling by a wild dog. After
that the pair become close and the friendship blossoms into love.
Unfortunately for them Sullie's father moves her away to another
city. Left alone, Jinha is forced to perfect the Bichun sword
art before he can find his true love. But why not go straight
after her? Why stay at home and practice your sword work? I'll
tell you why. The Bichun style is the most powerful of the sword
styles and one particular family will do anything, and I mean
anything, to get the manual. It doesn't matter who they have to
kill to get it. And that's all I'm gonna say on the plot. I could
reveal the whole thing but that would spoil the film. You've gotta
have some surprises.
Now
that I've done my traditional brief and not very informative plot
summary I'll go onto describe the other aspects of the film. I'll
start off on the action and say it's pretty darn good. Watching
Jinha fight was like watching a live action version of Ninja Scroll.
Jinha does the same trick used by Jubei; that of swiping with
the sword and sending out a big wave that cuts through anything
in it's path be it sword or bone. It's great. The first time I
saw it used I felt a bit disappointed that there wasn't a bit
more blood to go with the limbs flying everywhere. Later on in
the film I realised that it was a great decision on the creator's
part not to be heavy on the claret. Considering the amount of
people that fall victim to Jinha's sword, if they'd have put blood
in there I have no doubt the film would've received an 18 certificate.
It would also have cheapened the thing and ruined the romantic
nature of the film. Would the bar scene in Crouching Tiger, Hidden
Dragon been better if Jen hacked the patrons to bits? No it wouldn't.
And like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Bichunmoo is made all
the better for its conservative use of blood. Instead we get to
see body parts explode with a loud thud and a mass of powder.
It may sound a bit rubbish but it works really well.
As
I said earlier, the plot is full of twists and turns but I'm thankful
to say that I wasn't bored during a single moment. Not once did
I look at my clock, waiting for the next fight to kick in. What
we have here is an excellent martial arts film with a plot that
comes close to being as emotional as that of Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon. I know I keep mentioning the film but the fact
of the matter is that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has set the
bar for all martial arts films to come. Bichunmoo doesn't beat
it but it comes exceptionally close. A truly great start for Premier
Asia.
- Charles
T. Awesome
DVD
EXTRAS
· Interview Gallery with director Kim Young-jun and
leading man Shin Hyun-june
· Promotional Archive featuring campaign trailers and music
video concept
· An insider look at the 'Action of Bichunmoo' with acclaimed
Hong Kong fight choreographer Ma Yuk-sheng
· Out-takes and behind-the-scenes footage
· Candid camera featurette with director and leading cast
members
· Isolated sound track (14 tracks)
· Feature length audio commentary with Asia Film Experts
Bey Logan and Mike Leeder
· Photo Gallery with original lobby cards and poster artwork
· 'From Conception to Realization' CGI Montage
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