Fun enough film with great 3D
4
By Just another movie review
This review is specifically looking at the 3D effects on the 3D Blu Ray of Flying Swords of the Dragon Gate. However, to prevent the iTunes algorithm from being messed up, I will start off with what I thought of the film itself. It was not my favorite film. The story sometimes felt overlong and a bit convoluted, and the characters were difficult to get invested in (maybe it was the strange dubbing, but who knows). That being said, I did end up enjoying it. The story doesn’t always deliver. But when it does, it is very entertaining. On top of that, the visuals made what would’ve been a slightly difficult at times story pill to swallow go down easier. Although I can’t see myself watching this film again for a long time, for me and anyone else who enjoys nice martial arts films and 3D, I can recommend watching this one at least once. I give it 3.5 stars. I would’ve rounded it to a 3, but the 3D being the way it is, I’ll be generous and round it to a 4.
Now, for the 3D part of the review. Chances are, if you’ve heard of this film at all (outside of China that is), you’ve probably at least heard that is was in 3D. In fact, it’s limited release in the U.S. was (last I checked) exclusively in IMAX 3D. But is the 3D good? Well, as other people have said, yes it is. But just how good and is it worth putting in your collection is the question we’ll answer today. So sit back as we dive into the nitty gritty of the films 3D Cinemablend style. Enjoy.
Does it fit? 5/5
I think a better question is how can it not fit. With the wide sweeping vistas, the martial arts action sequences, and the big sandstorm filled climax, not to mention the surreal land of ancient China, there isn’t hardly a moment in the film that shouldn’t benefit from the 3D, if done right that is.
Planning and effort 5/5
Obviously, with how much the 3D was being promoted with this film, you can tell it made with 3D in mind from the very start. Virtually every opportunity for the 3D to shine is taken advantage of in beautiful stereoscopic 3D. There are a couple of minor nitpicks I could point out. But to give this category anything less than a 5 would be severely underestimating how much 3D p & e was involved with making the film.
Before the window 4/5
Obviously, the creators of the film knew what they were doing here as things protruding the screen are almost all over the place. I say almost because during some of the slower moments, objects in the foreground are usually right behind the screen instead of on top of it or in front of it. But those parts aside, this category is used to full advantage. During the fight sequences, we get everything from swords to ropes to throwing knives to sand to wood to whatever else is in the scene. And even during some of the talking scenes, peoples heads protrude the screen a good way, along with other objects present such as teacups, fog, dust, and even the opening credits. Once again, this category isn’t used all the time like is other movies. But it will certainly not leave you disappointed.
Beyond the window 5/5
While Flying Swords knows how to throw stuff out at you, it’s just as (if not more) amazing at creating a 3D environment inside the screen that is mesmerizing to look at. The 3D choreographers here did a stunning job of taking nearly every opportunity to make the world of the film take you in visually. In fact, I believe I read somewhere that one of the 3D choreographers even worked on Avatar. As I mentioned above, there are long vistas, cityscapes, sandstorms, and views of Chinese culture back in the day. And pretty much all of these scenes are designed to take full 3D advantage. I could take all day describing exactly how they do so. But still, you get the idea. And even the more modest scenes still contain lifelike depth and dimension. That how you know this is a top notch 3D film.
Brightness 5/5
I’m happy to say that throughout Flying Swords, everything is finely lit throughout and the glasses do not at all put a damper on it.
Glasses off test 4/5
This test basically states that the more of a double image there is of a 3D movie with the glasses off, the more depth your getting with the glasses on. While Flying Swords does fantastic with double imaging throughout, there are a few slow moments where the 3D gets toned down and some depth gets lost and the ability to watch the film without the glasses comes in. But don’t worry. When the double imaging comes back in, there’s more than enough depth for everyone.
Audience Health 4/5
During some moments of great 3D action scenes, I experienced a bit of mild eye strain. But it was nothing totally eye frying. And I’m pretty sure it might’ve been just me.
Conclusion 32/35
Flying Swords is undoubtedly a terrific 3D film. If you are even considering seeing the film at all, go for the 3D version. See it the way it was intended. And if you are a 3D fanatic, then I still recommend getting this movie. It’s not entirely flawless. But when it kicks up, the 3D is How To Train You Dragon, The Walk, or Life of Pi levels of good. Now, I’d still recommend those films over this one as they have great enough stories themselves to go along with the 3D. But even then, if you’re looking to expand your 3D collection with films that know how to do 3D right, you won’t be disappointed with this one.
A slightly unrelated P.S.
For those who might be giving the film a bit of second thought due to the R rating, let me at least let you know what your getting into. This is one of the milder Rs. The only thing that really goes into that kind of territory is the violence as there is some stabbing and occasional blood. But of all the violence in the film, about 85% falls into the PG-13 category. And the 15% that doesn’t only has enough blood to barely cross the R threshold. As far as sex and nudity goes, there’s none here, besides a few references related to a pregnant lady as part of the plot. And the language is is pretty PG. Overall, for kids 14+
