BLADES OF BLOOD is a South Korean historical action flick, made with a smaller budget than many but with the same level of slick efficiency and care going into its storyline. The Joseon period being depicted here is a complex one, with Japan invading to the east and various political factions battling it out in the west. A simple story of a rise to power, a coup and one man's desire for revenge come together in a tale which is occasionally confusing - especially early on - but never boring. The action scenes are plentiful and fun, with good sword fights, and the swaggering characters are typically larger than life, including a great blind swordsman. The climax is more contemplative than you might expect, leaving this one on an existential note.
Review of Blades of Blood
