The Swordsman

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Sarfaraz A Choi Jae-hoon directed the South Korean period drama. Jang Hyuk stars in the title role, with Joe Taslim, Kim Hyun-soo, and Jeong Man-sik. The film is set in the 17th century, and revolves around Tae-yul, a faithful swordsman to the deposed king, Gwanghaegun, who is gradually going blind while simultaneously caring for his smart and bright teenage daughter, Tae-ok. Tae-ok is willing to become the foster daughter of a nobleman in order to assist her father get expensive herbs. However, the foreign invasion of the small territory resulted in the slavery of women, particularly young girls, and brutality against resistant husbands and fathers. Tae-ok becomes a victim of this human trade, and her father must now use force against the evil men and traitors to rescue her. It is distinguished by sword fight choreography and a tender story with a hint of mystery. The audience learns the truth about the father sacrificing everything to save his daughter while also experiencing visual loss. I lately watched Jang Hyuk's "The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die (2022)", which was released two years later and likewise has Jang rescuing a teenage girl from sex traffickers. Jang had strong performances in both of these movies. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/02/25 Full Review Gaming N joe taslim the goat no cap Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/16/24 Full Review Marc Z This is a Phenomenal Martial Arts Movie based in part on the political and military struggles around the time of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. While it is all that it is more significantly the personal story of a gifted Swordsman trying to live his life quietly, and raise his daughter, as he goes blind. However, in true martial arts movie fashion he gets dragged in to the fight to save his daughter. The acting and Direction are great. The fight and weapon choreography as good as you will see. The cinematography is great. This is an instant classic. I can't believe I never saw this earlier. Jang Hyun is great in the lead. Joe Taslim night be one of the top martial arts movie and action stars in the world. He is great in this. This is from Well Go USA and in Korean with English subtitles. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/07/23 Full Review isla s This is a gritty film set in the Ming-Qing dynasty. There isn't too much action at the start of the film but there's plenty once the pace quickens, perhaps half way, or just after half way, through. I liked the whole film as I felt the start did ok at highlighting the cultural context of the film. There are some nice landscape shots - the cinematography certainly isn't bad. The film does become really quite bloody once the sword based fighting/battles commence, which is to be expected, given the films rating (15) and the title alone. The story is somewhat compelling - a young daughter wanting to help her father see again - who couldn't feel for her in that position?. The choreography of the fight scenes is quick and frantic - its pretty engrossing, if your ok with the somewhat high quantity of bloody injury depicted, if in passing. The fighting becomes somewhat relentless in the last quarter of the film, it's fair to say. Also, I've just read that this film is apparently based on true historical events. If so, that makes this film even more compelling. I felt there's something a little tacky and uncomfortable about how some of the female characters are treated and some plot details - some aspects aren't entirely believable but its still an interesting and fairly engrossing film and I'd still recommend it regardless, as the plot is interesting and the fight scenes quite well done. I suppose, at the heart of it, it's a film about masculinity and showmanship - duelling in a show of defiance of sorts. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member very good tho it has a bit of a slow start the ending sorta makes up for it Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Great asian movie, slowish build but definitely worth the action. Common plot but well done. Improvements could've been more development in side characters but for 100mins can't complain. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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