Review of The Grandmaster (2013) by E L — 25 Jun 2013
Gorgeously and sumptuously filmed, the costumes and set design (especially in the first part of the film) create a sensual mood characteristic of WKW's direction. The fight scenes are pretty good themselves, with a balletic quality that flows, in spite of some of the blood and gore.
However, the film disappoints with its cohesion and storyline - there are glimpses of what was intended - a tribute to the old world of martial arts and its place in the modern era, a love story for example, that are fascinating and enchanting, but never dwelt on.
Characters come and go with no explanation, so it feels like two plots struggling to break out but forced into one film. WKW needs someone to give him discipline and clarity of vision and purpose to his work - otherwise all this beauty and talent just goes to waste.
This review of The Grandmaster (2013) was written by E L on 25 Jun 2013.
The Grandmaster has generally received positive reviews.
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