Blu-Ray Review: Sword Of The Assassin (a.k.a. Blood Letter)

By Brad Henderson

What do you say about a film that is a landmark success in another country that you disliked? Well, I’m not exactly sure but I’m going to give it a shot.

Sword Of The Assassin is the most expensive Vietnamese film ever made. It was a hit overseas and has received positive feedback here in the States. In the past I’ve seen films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and Iron Monkey so when I saw that this film was coming out I was intrigued. I like those eye-candy fantasy swordplay films. I know the CGI is a little wonky in these films during the action scenes but I can deal with it and move on because the story and characters flow together and the effects can be forgiven.

Sword Of The Assassin is another story. Not only are we plagued with the bad CGI of a stone lion in the beginning we are swarmed with bad CGI all through the film. We also have what sounds like celery sticks added in post for every punch and kick that is delivered, only it’s the same damn celery stick every time . . . I know that these are minor flaws to some; however, when action scenes look worse than Mortal Kombat: Annihilation you have a problem. The film does look incredible and you can tell from the locations and set dressing that it was well made.

The picture quality is fantastic and the sound (aside from the buffet of celery) is bombastic and fun, but all that doesn’t save Sword Of The Assassin. I think hardcore fans of films like this will be pleased but the regular folks that only view these films periodically will pass. Or I’m an idiot and didn’t see what others did. I did see the stone lion statue come to life and some Mortal Kombat moves performed to take it down; there is no denying that.

Sword Of The Assassin was released on Blu-Ray on February 25 through Epic Pictures.