Seven Swords (2005)

[The film] leaves itself open in the end for sequelization, which would be a good thing. There's enough worth appreciating in Seven Swords to think that a second try could easily find its comfort zone.

The problem is that Seven Swords' narrative is so cluttered with briefly sketched characters and subplots as to be almost impossible to follow.

Looks gorgeous, but ultimately collapses under its own weight, as if it were a Chinese Kingdom of Heaven.

Every now and then, I’d like to watch a movie that could give me thrills, an engaging story, and not force me to think actively about ideology in order to enjoy it.

Tsui's strengths lie mostly in martial arts mayhem ... but unfortunately it's the film's ponderousness that stays with you after it's done.

Your enjoyment will be limited by your capacity to watch people try to carve each other up. Some of the plot is a little familiar and borrowed from better films including THE GUNS OF NAVARONE. Still, there is some nearly majestic photography.