Comment

Jul 21, 2015
I have never heard of the The Grandmaster and I was a little hesitant to watch it mainly because of the title and thought it would simply be another 'standard' martial arts movie. Whoa, was I wrong. Within five minutes, I knew I was in a for a visual treat and I was right. This film may not be for all viewers - there are just people out there who cannot sit through artistic, visually demanding movies - and that's okay. This movie is similar in style to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, Curse of the Golden Flower and The House of Flying Daggers; visually stunning, exceptional choreography and story lines that intertwine romance, drama and martial arts. If you're a fan of stylized, artistic visuals then you won't be disappointed. And if you appreciate the stylized choreography of those movies, also choreographed by the amazing Yeun Wo Ping, then you're in for a treat here. All five of these movies are similar, not only on their production values, but that they all intertwine three elements: Action, Romance and a touch of Fantasy. Without all three elements being present or without all three elements done just perfectly right, the films would suffer. I am sad to admit in never having heard of the director, Wong Kar-Wai before, but I will be searching for more of his films going forward. He has a way of creating action-packed scenes and tender, dramatic moments, sometimes within the same scene; something not easily accomplished and altogether rare. The Grandmaster was nominated for two Academy Awards (cinematography and Costumes) and if it weren't for the film, Gravity, The Grandmaster would have surely won for cinematography. It has been nominated or won countless other honors from various Award or Critic societies. Not that awards mean that much but it does lend a bit of credibility and can help elevate its status.