The Sorcerer and
the White Snake (2011)
the White Snake (2011)
Brief review: Based on an old Chinese legend, Ching Siu-Tung's latest CGI-driven kung fu fantasy "The Sorcerer and the White Snake" suffers from a weak narrative and silly script, and tries to blend too many different genres unsuccessfully, but it still manages to entertain the viewer, thanks to some spectacular set-pieces and a bunch of quirky characters. Jet Li is a bit bland and emotionless as Abott Fahai, but he proves yet again what an amazing martial artist he truly is. Shengyi Huangand is a bit over-dramatic, and yet she delivers as the White Snake, and the rest of the cast do an okay job. Ching Siu-Tung is undoubtedly one of the best and most creative fight choreographers on the planet, but his directing skills are rather questionable. He tries to achieve a bigger effect by throwing too many things on the screen, and jumping too much from one camera angle to another, and as a result his direction ends up being a bit of a mess. The action sequences are CGI-laden and too over-the-top, yet nicely-choreographed and exciting to watch, and the special effects range from impressive to lame. Some of the settings are absolutely stunning, and the cinematography is sharp, vivid and colorful, which makes the film very appealing, visually.
Overall summary: Goofy, plotless and overly-sentimental, yet visually-fascinating and filled with thrilling action sequences, "The Sorcerer and the White Snake" falls flat on its face in terms of storytelling, but still succeeds as an entertaining and enjoyable martial arts fantasy flick.
Overall summary: Goofy, plotless and overly-sentimental, yet visually-fascinating and filled with thrilling action sequences, "The Sorcerer and the White Snake" falls flat on its face in terms of storytelling, but still succeeds as an entertaining and enjoyable martial arts fantasy flick.
10 comments:
When it comes to films like this, as long as the visuals are stunning, I'll five it a watch.
Alex, if you don't have issues with CGI heavy visuals, you're gonna enjoy this one.
Too much CGI tends to ruin a film for me. I may give this a shot on a weekend when I've got some time to kill.
Mel, well that was the case here. I expected it to be spectacular from start to finish, but what I got was a special effects-driven flick. And I had really high hopes about this one.
This sounds like it would be visually pleasing but I honestly have never got into Kung Fu movies for some reason. I may give it a shot anyhow, why not? : )
Nicole, it looks pretty good, and the action is great, but apart form that, it's not worth it. As much as I remember, your little brother loves kung fu movies, so he might enjoy this one. :)
Visiting from Dave's Noughties Blogfest
OMG, I almost forgot about this blogfest. I'm gonna post my picks later on today. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh my goodness you are amazing!! Yes, my little brother does love Kung Fu films!! I will definitely tell him about this one. You're right he will probably enjoy this. I can't believe you remembered-you're awesome seriously! : )
Nicole, thanks, you're make me blushing. I do remember many details, so I you don't have to be surprised I remember about your brother being a martial arts fan. :)
Post a Comment