Action Scenes strung together....

The only redeeming quality of this movie, are the action sequences and production value.
Watch it once if you can pay attention for that long and move on.

I have no prior knowledge of the novel this is based on, nor watched any of the previous adaptions.

These series of novels are famous and very popular supposedly. Based on this and another adaption of a different novel from same author, they just seem like badly written webtoons. Makes sense if these are what inspired all the badly written webtoons... lol. I am a fan of Wuxia, but so far these adaptions of these popular novels are not it.

The way the story is told, pacing and unlikeable characters presented you left with the feeling of indifference and confusion. The way ML is setup/found multiple times in the same way, was almost comical. The romance seemed forced, and many of the characters introduced are rushed and thrown in from out of nowhere.

The ending is rushed with a few flashbacks causing more confusion rather than completing the plot holes. You don't make a standalone movie expecting your audience to have knowledge to fill in half the story.

It just feels like this movie was just to showcase Donnie Yen directed action sequences. Which was great! Except the final fight, too much telekinesis ki power maybe? Every time ML fired off his ultimate move, i heard the T-Rex from Jurassic Park. lol.

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Great Story Ruined by Un-likeable Characters.

Don't bother. Save your binge time on something else.

I have not read the novel this is based on. The only other adaption i have watched was the incomplete Jet Li movie - "Kung Fu Cult Master". Which was lots of fun. Sad there was no sequel with same cast.

Everyone likes an underdog story. It what makes shonen manga so popular. You have a weak character who goes through hardship, grows, powers up to become strong. You can't help but feel, relate and cheer on these characters.

This one however, by the halfway mark, felt like punching the ML in the face. lol. He is SOOOO very un-likeable.

He becomes powerful through lucky encounters only to show no growth or character development. In some cases, forgetting he was that powerful. Naive to the end of days, never learning a lesson or listening to his supposed trusted companions or parents. Only listening to the antagonist who happens to be a pretty girl. Before you can you blink, she has him eating out of her palms. Proper whipped. Out of nowhere lol. It's not even a fun time, as they are unlikeable.

There are other un-reasonably frustrating characters and developments, (omg head nun) but we won't go into them.

Be it, the original story, adaption, acting, cast or a combination of all, this is a wuxia story that i imagine inspired countless others, that just disappoints with un-likeable characters.

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