Review of War of the Arrows (2011) by Quincy T — 09 Apr 2012

Much like a real arrow, this Korean movie takes quite some time to draw you in, but as it shoots into the halfway point, it gets an intense and exhilarating push. The question is can you put up with its slow start as the action later on is good. Think of it like Apocalypto or 10.000 BC, the main protagonist's land is being invaded by a ruthless force. He's alone escapes their capture and then plots his way to get his sister back in one piece. It's all very familiar with lone liberator plot and the start is dubiously similar to soap opera TV show.

The hero, Nam Yi, and his sister, Ja- In, are children of a rebel, they ran away and hid in their father's friend's care until they reach maturity. Back then, the government had no tolerance to rebels, thus guaranteeing his life would forever be suck. This came to a change as his sister wass proposed by a rich young man on said household. However as the wedding day approaches, they are miraculously coincidentally invaded by another country. It has undeniable similarity to your regular soap opera with forced characterization, slow pace and needless attempt in humor.

It does get better halfway as the Nam Yi, being only one person, fights a guerrilla war against the opposing force. He is very skilled in archery, able to shoot arrow with precision and even bends its path. I kid you not, it's like Wanted with Angelina Jolie. Almost all the fighting is done with cat and mouse style, and it's quite entertaining. The villain, a general and his elite team chase Nam Yi with great blood lust, a hybrid between the villain in Apocalypto and those Hun fellows Mulan. They are skilled, though Nam Yi outwits them in every turn, they are getting closer.

It's such a shame that it doesn't fully realize its full potential. The tale of one lone hero gradually liberating its people can be interesting, but Nam Yi is only interested in saving his sister. He's a very bitter man. At some points the movie tries to tell the suffering of these people, but it's unpolished and feels rushed. They are nothing more than fodder, even at times when the people find power to grasp their freedom, because those who were captured and taken away were considered as traitors by their own country. The movie doesn't tell much of the continuity. If only it invested more on these parts, it could've been more engaging to see how they adjusted to this condition.

The technical could be better, with some of the scenes seem out of focus. Although it shows genuine tactical warfare and brutal usage of it at few dramatic moments, it's also a bit one dimensional on the story telling. If you can survive the slow opening, you might find some thrilling action, which ironically would be better incorporated into The Hunger Games' stunts. 6.5/10.