I went to see this movie, expecting to get Kung Fu style action in Chinese settings. I was also enthusiastic to see Finnish people to have put their best into this one, and see what they have accomplished. Well, in all honesty, I was disappointed. There were no meaningful fights. The few included had no connection to the plot and were shown only in the show style. Most of the movie consisted of shallow Sampo lore, which was repeated over and over again. I was even expecting one nice end-fight, but there was not one (1 sword swing does not count!). What a disappointment! I had a feeling that the creators had centered on a few good lore ideas that could have made a 15-minute short film, but it was extended to a full length movie. The movie had too little flesh on the skeleton. In the end, it left an empty and shallow feeling.
I would say that this was the first Finnish "Hollywood" movie, with beautiful coating, good marketing, but little inside. The jade warrior was a striking name, but it was totally made up for the film. It could have been anything else as well. Well, these shortcomings could have been forgiven, had they included a few good, meaningful fight scenes. But alas! In the end, the movie became the second movie I've ever wanted to leave the cinema in the middle (the first one was Master and Commander), but I was seated in so middle in the theater that I dared not disturb other people. Some people in the audience did leave prematurily (it's pretty rare in Finland).
I give the movie 4/10, which I consider a good rating for this one. Some people may like this movie, but I certainly did not. Finally, I want to warn other people who are expecting this to be an action movie. It is not one.
I would say that this was the first Finnish "Hollywood" movie, with beautiful coating, good marketing, but little inside. The jade warrior was a striking name, but it was totally made up for the film. It could have been anything else as well. Well, these shortcomings could have been forgiven, had they included a few good, meaningful fight scenes. But alas! In the end, the movie became the second movie I've ever wanted to leave the cinema in the middle (the first one was Master and Commander), but I was seated in so middle in the theater that I dared not disturb other people. Some people in the audience did leave prematurily (it's pretty rare in Finland).
I give the movie 4/10, which I consider a good rating for this one. Some people may like this movie, but I certainly did not. Finally, I want to warn other people who are expecting this to be an action movie. It is not one.