Review of The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman (2011) by Helena ? — 05 Apr 2013

Dao jian xiao is an off-kilter buddhist allegory that combines some fairly strong drama with a good dose of rather vicious sense of humor, tossing in a bunch of genre and popcultural references and spicing it all up with a generous serving of Chinese bawdy slapstick.

All that is wrapped in some pretty stunning visuals (apparently Wuershan's strong point).

The revenge story is the best balanced and best executed bit and it is definitely where most of the emotional appeal of the film springs from.

Second best would be the story of the ambitious Swordsman - a stylish play on wuxia tropes and stereotypes.

Sadly, the one story that frames the whole narrative (Butcher) is the weakest of all and it throws the whole film off balance. It does have its charms (especially if you happen to like Chinese bawdy slapstick or if you at least tolerate it well), but it is plagued by unnecessary popcultural references and it is a bit of an overkill in terms of crude comedy... Also, while the connection and transition between the Chef and the Swordsman stories are quite seamless and organic, the transition from the Butcher to the Chef and back is a lot less convincing.

Wuershan definitely needs to learn some discipline. "I've got lots of insane ideas and I won't hesitate to use them ALL" is not the best narrative strategy.

However, Dao jian xiao is by no means a stupid movie and while its main purpose is to entertain, it's not as hollow or as empty as lots of critics make it out to be.

Swordsman (lobha) - 80%.

Chef (dosa) - 100%.

Butcher (moha) - 60%.

80% total.

Om mani padme hum.