BA_Harrison Martial arts star Donnie Yen plays Qinglong, the toughest of all the Jinyiwei, deadly assassins of the Ming dynasty. For some reason that I can't quite remember, Qinglong finds himself hunted by his fellow Jinyiwei, and is forced to hold hostage a pretty young woman, Qiao Hua (Wei Zhao), to make his escape. While fulfilling his mission of protecting the royal seal, he also teams up with an Asian Jack Sparrow (armed with a boomerang sword!) to steal a load of gold, and does battle with Tuo Tuo (Kate Tsui), daughter of Prince Qing (Sammo Hung), whose ability to move like a wraith makes her almost invincible. Fortunately for Qing, he possesses a very useful mechanical wooden box, which, like a giant Swiss army knife, holds fourteen very sharp implements (but nothing to pick a stone out of a horse's hoof).I don't know… maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for an epic wire-fu filled wuxia movie, or perhaps I was just too tired to concentrate, but 14 Blades, which stars the amazing Donnie Yen, did almost nothing for me: I found the plot hard to follow, and the martial arts scenes left me distinctly unimpressed, the choppy editing and the CGI certainly not aiding my enjoyment. Yen isn't at fault: he puts in another fine performance, but after all these years he really deserves better than this unmemorable kind of dross; I imagine that his exposure in Rogue One next month will finally get him the recognition in the west that he deserves, but I fear that he'll end up co-starring with the latest fast-talking black comedian on the block, or a bloke with a funny shaped nose.A generous 4/10, minus one point for having the clearly female Qiao Hua pose as Qinglong, just another example of that silly kung fu movie trope of women successfully pretending to be men simply by wearing a hat.

Leofwine_draca Although it gets off to a shaky start, after the first half an hour 14 Blades acquits itself well as a perfectly serviceable martial arts romp with all the requisite elements, ranging from hard-hitting kung fu action, weapon play and court intrigue to romance, picturesque locations and heroic endeavours. It's all made better than it has any right to be thanks to the presence of martial arts supreme Donnie Yen, who's quickly established himself as my favourite of the modern-day action stars.14 BLADES sees Yen playing the role of a powerful governmental assassin who finds himself betrayed by a dastardly villain and forced to flee for his life while an endless stream of warriors pursue him. Along the way, he must contend with his growing feelings for a female ally, played by the ravishing Zhao Wei, while at the same time battling a superior warrior women played by Kate Tsui. There's a pointless cameo for Sammo Hung and some decent fight action along the way, although it has to be said that the choreography isn't as superior as I'd expect given Yen's involvement. Still, for martial arts fans this is a fun if disposable outing.

blackmamba99971 What a great look at how the Chinese days of old used to be. A prince who was using his position of power tries to buy three districts which are of value in a strategic sense. Buying these sectors gives the prince even more power to harness the people and use them as he sees fit. In the middle is one man who found out this coo and decides to stop it at all costs even if it costs him his life. Donnie yen plays an elite guard who are trained from childhood on up to adulthood to become the most feared warrior since the ming dynasty started. Yet before this can happen, in his early years as a child, he had to kill his own brother and emerge from a prison cell where they fought. His life then became a constant turmoil of emotions as he tries to cope with his brothers death by his own hand. In the middle are a host of other bystanders who help him achieve his goal of bringing back the emperors seal which could have made the district deal legal. Other bandits, mercenaries, cut throats, and a lone woman named Tuo Tuo. Her ability is using a technique of speed and deception, along with her arsenal of gifts, she also uses a unique tool which can spear anyone from any position. Plus another woman (Wei Zaho) who falls in love with the hero (Donnie Yen), does what ever her hero demands. It's a blend of a love story mixing with hard action at its best. Donnie Yen gives a brilliant performance as the ex Jinyiwei guard. A man who has nothing to lose, except his dignity. Wonderful acting all around, great music score, and beautiful fight sequences. Recommended viewing for this one.

limona_razvan In the beginning, mostly first 30 min, I believed 14 Blades is going to be your usual gong fu flick. Then the bricks started to fall in places as emotions, disguised and shy as usual in good Chinese movies, got out step by step. Donnie Yen let his character's fatigue and pain show more and more, avoiding the old, tired cliché of invincible master of so - many forms. He killed his way inside Jinwey, starting with his brother as young, orphaned children put to test by unforgiven 'official assassins', sponsored by the state. Along the way you meet the Judge of Desert, kind of unidimensional character, but Wei Zhao and Kate Tsui stole most of the scenes they play. Wei, remarkable in Mulan, is here a soon-to-be wife and she uses perfectly her shyness and big eyes to convey more emotions than a sword can do. Not that swords and chains don't mix, as Kate Tsui' Tuo Tuo stealthy killer can prove. The final battle is the best seen in years, especially when Green Dragon and Tuo Tuo die together and HOPE is the real message this movie want to share. Hope, despite loss, pain and solitude.